Isobel Elsom’s Character Studies (1919) 🇬🇧

Isobel Elsom — charm and cleverness go hand in hand with this popular British artiste

If there is one quality which is more outstanding than the many others which Isobel Elsom possesses, it is enthusiasm. The topic of “films” is one of deep concern to her, and the moment this word is mentioned she exhibits an intense desire to “settle down” to a discussion.

Her rich, thoughtful eyes reveal the fact that she is a student of things, no less than an artiste.

Isobel’s keenness in regard to the art of the screen is no doubt responsible in a large measure for her success. And that she is successful is proved beyond all doubt by the very large number of letters which she receives daily from picturegoers all over the country.

“It is wonderful to have so many admirers,” she said, referring to the letters, “but it keeps one busy replying to them all. The large majority of my correspondents just write a delightful little letter, thanking me for the pleasure I have afforded them, but there are many curious requests also contained in my postbag.

“For instance, I sometimes get letters making application for a position as maid, or secretary. Other writers desire some of the costumes I wear in my pictures, while, of course, a number desire my assistance to get them ‘on the pictures.’ I am so busy all the week that I usually have to devote a great part of my Sundays to answering correspondents.”

Isobel Elsom is, of course, one of the many stage stars who have answered the call of the screen, and, although she is so fond of picture-acting, she confesses that she is not so completely “wedded” to it as to give up the legitimate entirely.

Isobel has formed a decided opinion, however, as to which she considers the harder, and the answer is the screen.

“My studio days begin very early in the morning,” she states, “and I am rarely finished before seven o’clock on any evening. In addition to the work I put in there, I spend a considerable time over my dresses. I personally design every one of them, and, as you know, there are usually a large number for each film.

“Waiting about between the ‘takes’ is very trying, and one dare not wander far away because you are never certain when your call may come. Still, I am very fortunate in having Mr. Samuelson [G. B. Samuelson] for my producer.

“He is so kind and considerate and patient that the hardest task is made a pleasure. It may interest readers of The Picture Show to know that I have contracted to appear in films, solely for Mr. Samuelson, for the next three years.

I have received several large offers to go to America to play, but, although I think they have accomplished much, I strongly believe the great future lies with British production.

“Forgetting for a moment my own part in British films, I personally feel that there is a certain, almost indefinable ‘something’ about our best films that will eventually assure them the foremost position.

“It may be greater refinement, depth of feeling, a more subtle understanding of the art of acting as opposed to sensationalism, or perhaps just ‘bulldogism’ but we shall get there.”

Isobel Elsom has appeared in eighteen films altogether, and in her latest production she is playing opposite Owen Nares. Other popular favourites she has acted with are Malcolm Cherry, C. M. Hallard, and Henry Ainley.

She prefers character parts best of all, although these are naturally far more difficult than the ordinary straight role. In one recent production she appears as a girl of 18, a woman of 45, and an old lady of 63. Her make-up for the old lady is a masterpiece, and takes over an hour and a half to complete. (See the top right hand picture.)

Miss Elsom is of the opinion that the screen is a great aid to the stage artiste. All your faults become apparent on the screen, she says, and, and a study of these enables one to make amends in the future.

Isobel is a great admirer of many American artistes and her favourites are Mary Pickford, Mae Marsh and Douglas Fairbanks [Douglas Fairbanks Sr.].

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Photo captions:

• Her lovely eyes.
• Sweet and Eighteen.
• Up from the country.
• Old-fashioned and winsome.
• Age hath its charm.

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Photo by: Foulsham and Banfield

Collection: Picture Show Magazine, August 1919