Gaston Glass — Blue Book of the Screen (1923) 🇺🇸
Gaston Glass, the youthful screen player who took the picture world by storm, through his interpretation of the role of the young violinist in “Humoresque,” was born in Paris.
The young French player’s introduction to America was not through the agency of the screen, however. When Madame Bernhardt made her final tour of the United States she brought in her company her godson and pupil, Gaston.
When Madame Bernhardt [Sarah Bernhardt] discovered the promising boy actor in Paris, she paid him the highest compliment of which she was capable — that of making him a member of her own company.
Young Glass appeared in support of the famous tragedienne in Phedre, Queen Elizabeth, and many more of her most famous plays.
When Bernhardt, intrigued by the popularity of the new toy — motion pictures — played her only role before the camera, that of Queen Elizabeth, she gave Gaston a part in the film.
Interested in the possibilities of the art which was then ignored by the old school of the stage, Mr. Glass accepted an offer to appear in Gaumont pictures, which were the de luxe features of the period, and often made a full reel feature of some such book as “Les Misérables.”
The freedom and change provided by this medium fascinated the young Parisian who, on the advice of his Divine Sarah, left the stage for the great new field of opportunity.
A contract with Pathé Frères, one of the first motion picture companies to be inaugurated on a businesslike basis, followed his appearance in Gaumont. But the World War made short work of the theatrical profession in France.
Like a true son of his native country, Glass volunteered for service, and was accepted by the French aviation corps, in which he fought faithfully until a deadly “lungful of gas” put him on the list of “blessed permanents” — those who could not fight again.
Restless, and ill with the thought that he could no longer be a part of the great world struggle, the young invalid came to New York, then the center of the motion picture industry.
An engagement in “Humoresque” was soon arranged, and the picture brought success to young Glass on this side of the Atlantic.
“The World and his Wife” soon followed and “Cameron of the Royal Mounted” gave him fresh laurels.
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Gaston Glass is a lucky chap. He makes love to the screen’s prettiest heroines. This time it is Helene Chadwick.
Portrait by Straus Peyton • Los Angeles
Collection: The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)