February SO, 1931 THE JEWISH CRITERION Three THj T IS difficult, in these days of high- thusiasm. What a versatile actor what pressure press agency, to get a true Ernst Lubitsch Talks About Anti-Semitism in Shadowland resourcefulness " Puffing at his cigar, I close-up of a film celebrity. The Herr Lubitsch leaned back dn his chair, path that leads to his private chambers By JEAN EPPLER presumably thinking1 back to the studio is barricaded by an army of press rep­ A close-up of t!iat man Lubitsch, today considered the days when he directed "The Patriot," resentatives, public relations counselors outstanding director of American motion pictures. This is with Jannings in the leading role. and first, second and third secretaries to not a "success story," but an illuminating description of "What do you consider the most im­ Mr. or Miss Celebrity. But I had made what the Jewish screen genius portant requisite for a successful screen up my mind to have a face-to-face talk thinks about success, anti- career?" I asked. with Ernst Semitism and what is needed to achieve stardom in Sliadow- Lubitsch, showman and di­ land. Lubitsch smiled broadly, so broadly rector extraordinary of Hollywood. I that it giave me an uncomfortable feel­ wanted to get a ireal close-up of the THE EDITOR. ing that the famous star-maker was man who made Pola Negri, Maurice laughing at me. Chevalier, Emil Jannings. I did not strength, energy and enormous vitality. "This reminds me of a story. A very want a second-hand impression of His black hair is parted on one side and Semitic-looking gentleman with a su­ "Talent, of course, liebes Fraulein. Ernst Lubitsch as the efficient publicity combed straight across his forehead. periority or inferiority complex I never Talent, and nothing else. I don't care department of Paramount serves him The inevitable cigar hangs from his hu­ could make out the difference became much for looks or for ambition. All I to you, all ready-made, in stories num­ morous mouth. A distinct German ac­ the friend of a well-known Irish execu­ want is a human being who wias cut out bered from 1923 to 1985, covering the cent adds a condiment to his speech. tive in Hollywood. Their friendship grew to be an actor. Appearance does mean various phases of his phenomenal suc­ His genial salutation at once puts me very close, and they were always seen something, of course. An actress must cess. at my ease. I settle beside a small table. together. The Irish gentleman, incident­ be at least pleasant looking. But first of So here I am, racing through the On it I notice a copy of Feuchtwang- ally, had a hunchback. One day the all she must have a mobile face, a. face long, tortuous corridors of the Long Is­ er's "Success." The sight of the book Semitic-looking gentleman, who had that speaks even without words, a face land Paramount Studios to see Ernst inspires my opening question. never made any mention of his Jewish- that can smile or suffer with a mini­ Lubitsch "by appointment." I meet his "What are your views on success, MJi". ness, leaned forward and whispered mum of contortion. And then, strange secretary, a sweet person with flaming Lubdtsch?" into the ear of his Irish chum: 'I must as it may seem to you, I want intel­ red hair 'and a most gracious manner. The Little Caesar of the screen does tell you something that I want you to ligence in my actors. I want them to A de luxe edition of Clara Bow. Apolo­ not hesitate. He pounces on my ques­ know, though I've never spoken of it. understand a part, to understand it suf­ getically she explains that the director tion like a tiger happy to get something I am a Jew.' His Irish friend looked ficiently to feel it. Then the director will be a few minutes late, and escorts between his jaws. perplexed for a moment. Then he smiled can safely confine himself to his special me to his private office. What a retreat! "Success, my dear young lady, is ev­ and confidentially murmured into the task, that of directing." From the luxurious rugs to the very erything. It's the grandest thing on Jew's ear: 'I too have something to "Why are there so few Jewish stairs?" beautiful paintings all bespeaks perfect earth. All of us are trying to snatch it confess. I want you to know that I I asked, finally. have a hunchback.'" tia^te. Every chair has been carefully the lover, the writer, the business "Your question is wrong. There are chosen, every nick-nack belongs just man, the director, the student, yes, even Herr Lubitsch liked his story so well that he exploded into plenty. In the United States the genius where -it is and nowhere else. Only on« our great Einstein. Of course it doesn't most contagious of the Jews has orientated itself more photograph of a screen luminary hangs always mean the same thing. You, per­ laughter. After we both had recovered he continued, hilarity toward the channels of business. But I on the wall a picture of America's haps, consider me a success because my still sparkling in could name you dozens of nationally new idol, the French chansonnier Maur­ yearly income reaches six figures. I, on his eyes: "So there you are. Some of us still continue to look for the Jewish and internationally famous stars, men ice Chevalier. the other hand, may regard myself as and women, who are Jews, even though a success because I managed to mould problem long after it has ceased to ex­ My thoughts revert to the personal­ ist." the world may not know it. But why ity I am awaiting. A pell-mell of ec­ Chevalier's typically French talent to should I name them? It would be in­ fit American screen purposes. But how­ "Returning to your screen activities, centricities and oddities, as exploited by Mr. Lubitsch what star did you most troducing a subject which might tend the press agents, spring to my mind. ever much we may differ dn our defini­ to draw racial or religious lines of tions of success it always, in the final enjoy directing? I know you've directed demarcation Lubitsch is said to be a skilful pianist. Pola Negri, Werner Kraus, Mary Pick- in a profession that knows He is himself an actor of no mean tal­ analysis, means the same thing no prejudices. In Hollywood we try to achievement. And achievement is the ford, Maurice Chevalier, Jack Buchanan, ent. At the age of thirteen he ran away Emil Jannings. ." eradicate these differences. A person from home because he dreaded the pros­ most worth-while thing I have yet dis­ is judged solely by his achievements; covered." "Stop!" cried the great director, in­ pect of becoming a business man. He is terrupting. "You've named him. Emil and that is as it should be." ian extraordinary linguist, speaking "But are not lots of successful people unhappy, Mr. Lubitsch?" I interjected Jannings he is the greatest actor of And Herr Lubitsch, lighting a fresh German, French, English and Spanish our age. With him it was simply a mat­ cigar and evidently in the best with almost equal fluency. He never meekly, overpowered by his verve and of hu­ enthusiasm. ter of discussing the characterization of mor, bade me a jovial farewell. sleeps more than five hours. And still his part and then restraining his en­ more of these "did-you-know-that" "Aber nein," replied the Herr Direk- (Copyright, 1931) items run through my mind. tor. "Once you're unhappy the desire to Herr Lubitsch walks in abruptly. H« create and the joy of creation have dis­ is small of stature, but somehow his sipated and you're lost in material figure gives you an impression of pleasures. And material pleasures, liebes Fraulein, though you in your youthfulness may doubt it, lose their fascination after a while. Boredom sets "Good-bye 5th Avenue" in, and then you're unhappy." "You will forgive my query, Herr D.i- rektor, and if you do not wish to you SPECIAL LOW need not answer. I want to know wheth­ er you have met with racial or religious We Are Mooing To Our PRICES PREVAIL prejudice in your sphere of activity." Herr Lubitsch does not seem at all embarrassed fay the question. His eyes DURING MONTH grew serious, though, and his manner MAIN became grave. STORE "I shall be very frank with you. You OF FEBRUARY know, of course, that I am a Jew. I don't make a secret of it. All my life 7O5 PENN AVENUE (Ernst Lubitsch is .only thirty-nine On Quality Dry Cleaning years old) I have moved in theatrical circles. I have been an actor and direc­ We have slashed prices right and left. Our tor in Germany. For years I belonged to entire stock must SAVE NOW! f T the Reinhardt group in Berlin. Later I be sold, as nothing will tune time produced on my own. To the best of be moved. Get your share of these to have all wearing apparel and my knowledge and recollection I have never met with anti-Semitism in my wonderful values. household goods cleaned at a profession. Rather a broad statement, you may think. But I stick to it. I have distinct saving which assures very often wondered why this is so, for you of the lowest possible price I by no means want to give you the impression that I deny the existence of for quality workmanship.