What Kind of a Fellow Is — Powers? (1917) 🇺🇸

Being a glance at the real human side of the big men of the picture game — caught in action!

by William A. Johnston

“Good morning, P. A.”

“Good morning.”

“Mr. Powers, you’re a man of mystery and we don’t want to pry; but what is your full name?”

Mr. Powers affected surprise.

“Patrick,” said he.

“Ah, yes, but the second name.”

“Well, it’s Anthony,” said Mr. Powers reluctantly. “And kindly put it down that way. Some funny fellow — like you, you know — printed it ‘Aloysius.’ What’s the idea? Did he want to make me seem Irish?”

“Patrick Anthony Powers, then.”

“That’s the ticket.”

“But you are Irish, Mr. Powers.”

P. A. grinned the infectious grin that foes and friends know equally well; it’s the same for all. “Say,” said he, “you didn’t have me down as one of the Bolsheviki, did you?”

“Well now, Mr. Powers, they say you have a keen sense of humor, —”

“What’s that?” asked Mr. Powers, quickly.

“I don’t know either; but anyway, people will expect a funny interview. Now, what can we talk about?”

“The film business,” suggested Mr. Powers. “It’s funny enough.”

“It strikes you as funny?”

“If it didn’t,” said Mr. Powers, “I’d go crazy.”

“Well then, the film business.”

“The film business,” said Mr. Powers, seriously, “reminds me of Russia.”

“Of Russia? Why not of Ireland?”

“Because Ireland’s a peaceful country — comparatively. They’re friendly people. Sure, they crack a few heads now and then, but in a playful way. It’s a merry pastime — at fairs and the like. That’s why they wear plug hats. And it’s only personal, understand me?”

“Whereas in the film business —”

“In the film business,” continued Mr. Powers, “it’s fundamental. They fight in groups and you wouldn’t call it friendly. We have the Bolsheviki, and the Cossacks and the I. W. W. and the Finns and the Sinn Feiners and the Siberians and —”

“Will they ever get together?” “Do the Russians get together? For a week maybe.”

“Well, you see, Russia is a young democracy and we have a young industry —”

“It’s old enough to know better.”

“Perhaps we need a Czar.”

“And what happened to the Czar?” asked Mr. Powers. “Then the situation is hopeless?”

“I wouldn’t say hopeless. You might call it somewhat brainless.”

“Is the industry settling down, do you think?”

“Like a Seidlitz powder,” said Mr. Powers.

“But that stops gassing after a while.”

“That’s what we ought to do — work without gassing.”

“But, of course, you still believe in the future of the industry?”

“I’ve got to,” said Mr. Powers. “And, frankly, I do. It will work out all right.”

“Do you think we’ll have a trust?”

“I’d rather have it C. O. D.”

“Excuse me,” said Mr. Powers, suddenly, “I’ve got to go to Washington. Is there anything more I can do for you?” “No, thank you.” “You’re welcome. Don’t forget the middle name — it’s Anthony.”

—

Others say:

• “Everyone likes him, even his enemies.”
• “He goes like a flash, to the root of things.”
• “P. A. has the brightest mind in the industry.”
• “His wit is always refreshingly sensible.” “He has dignity.” “He enjoys kidding. People who assume to, but don’t know the film business as he does, prefer to pass him on the other side of the street.”
• “A magnetic personality.”
• “He never tells a story to illustrate a point. He gets enough apt fun out of the immediate situation.”

Illustration by: Harry Palmer (Harry Samuel Palmer) (1882–1955)

Collection: Motion Picture News, December 1917