University of Virginia Library

Doty Thought Dotty

Douglas Doty, be-spectacled, scholarly high-brow writer and editor of the Century Magazine, startled the sober and respectable world of which he was a prized ornament by suddenly breaking the chains and shackles that bound him to his editorial chair and home. He shot out for Hollywood. There he appeared with all the bubbling spirits and jazzy clothes of a college youth. What an exhilarating season followed. The former editor dropped ten years of his age, and even acquired height.He no longer indites high-brow editorials, but sparkling scenarios, and, moreover, he has acquired the prettiest little movie wife imaginable and an adorable Doty Junior.

This, however, is only one and an unusually exceptional instance of a professional writer's successful assimilation into the motion picture industry. The average literary man finds himself quite unable to cope with the viewpoint of the film-makers. Too, he is not infrequently aghast at their conception of him and his work.

Was it not Arthur Stringer[7] who submitted “Perils of the Deep” to a well-known producer, and was nearly paralyzed when said producer threw it back at him with:

“Naw! Don't want no more stories about pearls!”

Said an Eminent Author to an Eminent Producer:

“May I have the honor of dedicating my new book to you?”

“Certainly,” replied the flattered producer. “When do you wish me to be ready and where does the ceremony take place?”

The author was young and he had been born in Australia. The supervisor was also young, and he had been born on Ellis Island. Said the supervisor:

“You come from Australia?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Hm. Speak Austrian, heh?”

“Why, no, sir.”

“How long have you been in this country?”

“One month.”

“What! Where you learn to speak English so quick?”