GEORGE ARLISS MAKES HANDS AID PERFORMANCE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19268, 3 January 1931, Page 22 (Supplement)

GEORGE ARLISS MAKES HANDS AID PERFORMANCE

To be able to use one’s hands properly often marks the difference between the ordinary performer and the consummate actor. In every character portrayal in which George Arliss has been seen, his hands have aided greatly in his impressive performance. No words are necessary when he uses his hands to convey an idea. His characterisations are never marked by wild gesticulating, for it is Arliss's opinion that a too free waving of the hands and arms is apt to distract the gaze and thoughts of the audience from the face and body of the actor, and so spoil the effectiveness of the subtle facial expression. It has taken George Arliss years to study and hours of painstaking practice and rehearsals to attain his present effective use of his, hands, for early in his career he realised that an actor is no greater than his ability to use his hands.