Movies Way Back When: Villains and Kids Don’t Mix

Image: Jack Richardson (Reel Life, August 8, 1914)

Dateline: January 1915
Sometimes the folks making silent movies in Santa Barbara had a hard time convincing the kids in the cast that they were only pretending. One day, “Flying A” actor Jack Richardson’s acting was so real, he scared one of the children in a scene from “The Law of the Wilds.”

“The famous villain made a lunge at the youngster, letting out a fine line of choice expletives. The startled child gazed, paralyzed for a moment, into the sinister face of his pseudo parent. Then he gave vent to a terrified shriek, and to another, and yet another, wailing hysterically and refusing to be comforted. . . The small actor had to be returned to headquarters and another less sensitive child taken out to the location.” – Reel Life, January 16, 1915


Betsy’s books are available in local bookstores, and at Amazon.com.
(Shop local if you can.) Learn more at betsyjgreen.com.

bjgreen

Written by bjgreen

Betsy J. Green is a Santa Barbara historian and author. Her books are available in local bookstores, and at Amazon.com. (Shop local if you can.) Learn more at betsyjgreen.com.

What do you think?

Comments

0 Comments deleted by Administrator

Leave a Review or Comment

Police K9 Assists in Arrest of Montecito Strong-Arm Robbery Suspect

High Wind Warning in Effect Through Sunday Evening