Hollywood Unknowns: A History of Extras, Bit Players, and Stand-Ins

Title Page, Copyright Page

HOLLY WOOD UNKNOWNS ш This page intentionally left blank HOLLYWOOD UNKNOWNS A History of Extras, Bit Players, and Stand-Ins ш Anthony Slide university press of mississippi Jackson www.upress.state.ms.us Designed by Peter D. Halverson The University Press of Mississippi is a member of the Association of American University Presses. Copyright © 2012 by University Press of Mississippi All rights reserved Manufactured in the United States of America All illustrations are from the author’s collection, unless otherwise noted. First printing 2012 ∞ Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Slide,Anthony. Hollywood unknowns : a history of extras, bit players, and stand-ins / Anthony Slide. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-61703-474-9 (cloth : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-1-61703-475-6 (ebook) 1. Extras (Actors)—United States. 2. Motion pictures—United States—History—20th century. I. Title. PN1995.9.E97S55 2012 792.02’80973—dc23 2012005306 British Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data available THE EXTRA GIRL’S LAMENT I wonder when he’ll cease to say, “Yes, we have no work today.” Over, and over, and then–again He brawls this plaintive old refrain; And smilingly, which hurts the more, Enquires just what you’re looking for. However quick the framed reply He’ll answer back with twinkling eye, “Sorry, my friend, nothing doing today.” The same old story in the same old way. You get a tip from one of your pals, The Chaplin Lot wants boys and gals. You walk because you haven’t a car With a job in view it don’t seem far. But there he stands—the man at the gate, And his greeting is,“Sorry, too late.” It has to break sometime, that’s certain Before the fall of the final curtain; But if it don’t and I must wait And meet the chap at the Pearly Gate, I won’t be surprised to hear him say, “Sorry, too late, nothing doing today.” —Anonymous This page intentionally left blank ...