"SHOWED HIS TEETH.”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19057, 9 July 1924, Page 10

"SHOWED HIS TEETH.”

THE “CRIME” OF VON STROHEIM. Eric Von Stroheim, accompanied by his cane, white gloves, bracelet and wrist watch was fined 50 dollars for contempt in a Los Angeles court, be cause he “showed his teeth” at Thomas Case, councel for the first Mrs. Von Stroheim, who wanted her alimony paid up. Von Stroheim pleaded poverty and said that he was unable to pay the 75 dollars a week the Court had decreed. “Since December, 1922,” he said, “I have earned only 31,000 dollars.” He added plaintively that most of this has gone and that he has been compelled to borrow 4000 dollars on his life insurance. He also still owes 500 dollars on his bungalow. Altogether, the famous director made a very strong case in favour of his being ordered to the poor farm. It was brought out in court that Von Stroheim’s contract provided for a payment to him of 11,000 dollars a year for the production of three pic tures. He also was to receive 25 per cent, of the net proceeds of these pictures, and must star in one of them, receiving an additional 1000 dollars a week for his acting. He testified that he was behind on his contract, that he had not yet completed one picture—presumably “Greed”—although he had been working on it 14 months and had spent on it 650,000 dollars, the original appropriation for it being 380,000 dollars. At this point Attorney Case interrupted him with a question and Von Stroheim broke out: “I’ll smash his face for him. He can’t tell me what’s in my contract.” “Mr. Von Stroheim,” said Judge Keeton, “there’s a place for you in the county gaol. That statement takes a fine of 50 dollars, and if such conduct is repeated, you will not be fined but will be sent to gaol.” “Your Honour,” interpolated Attorney Case, °he just showed His teeth at me.”