The Expressions of William Farnum (1921) 🇬🇧
The strong western hero of the screen
William Farnum has won much praise during his screen career, but the praise of which he is most proud is a letter from the well-known author, Zane Grey, when arrangements were being made to film his novel Riders of the Purple Sage. In this letter Mr. Grey wrote: “I regard William Farnum as the best interpreter of our Western life, and think he will make a wonderful Lassiter in Riders of the Purple Sage.”
It is in strong parts like these that William Farnum excels. You will remember him as Sidney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities, as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, as Ben Hur, and François Villon in If I Were King, as the adventurer in the film of that name, an adaptation of the famous opera Maritana, in The Rainbow Trail, The Lone Star Ranger, and other Zane Grey stories.
Feats of Strength
It is parts like these that have won for William Farnum the title of “the strong hero of the screen,” for William Farnum is strong. You have only to remember his feat in Les Misérables, when Jean Valjean lifts a heavy waggon that had sunk into the mud by raising it on his shoulders.
This was a real feat of strength, and William Farnum did it. It was not camouflaged for the film.
A Lover of Music
William Farnum was born in Boston on July 4th, 1876, so he will be forty-five years of age this July. He is very musical — in fact, he says he doesn’t remember the time when he couldn’t play the piano, though he plays all by ear, and is proud of the fact that his first professional appearance was in a cornet band.
When fourteen years of age he began his theatrical career. His father had a stock company, and William got a part to play. Later he organised his own company, and succeeded so well that at the end of a few years he secured his own theatre in New York City. Now he is one of the best known screen stars.
A Traveller
William Farnum likes change, and moves from New York to California, and then to Florida for the production of his pictures.
When he goes to California, he spends much of his time fishing in the waters of Catalina Island. That is his favourite hobby, and he has several times broken the record for landing the biggest fish in the shortest time, and shows a proud decoration of a little red ribbon which has been given him for accomplishing this feat. Many of his finest fishing expeditions have been taken in company with his brother. Dustin [Dustin Farnum], who is also well known as a film star.
A Great Favourite
William Farnum is known to all his friends as “Big Bill,” but his bigness consists not so much of stature as of spirit, though his strength is prodigious for his height; he is just under six foot.
He is a great favourite with other members of his company. He is so full of good humour, and ready with a helping hand to less fortunate members of the profession — those who are striving for- success.
As you know, William Farnum is married, and his little daughter Olive is the apple of his eye.
—
(Special to the “Picture Show.”)
—
Photo captions:
- His frown.
- Suspicion.
- His winning smile.
- In a dangerous mood.
- Determined.
- Enquiry.
- Doubtful.
- Good-bye.
It you want to write to him, address your letter: —
William Farnum.
c/o Fox Film Co.,
130, West Forty-sixth Street,
New York City, U.S.A.
(Mention the “Picture Show” to ensure an early reply.)
Collection: Picture Show Magazine, March 1921
—