Item Info

Publication Date: 8/29/1914
Media Type: House Organs
Source: Theatre Collection
Notes:

Although Barry O’Neil has been solely directing for the past five years it is quite admissible to classify him under the heading of the Lubin Famous Players, as he has been a famous player for over twenty years. Though born in New York, little observation is necessary to tell that he is of Irish parentage and in his stage career he has favored Irish roles especially of the Boucicault type. Since his engagement in the Lubin Studio the management has forced upon him the masterpieces of their productions, thus, for instance, Charles Klein’s plays, “The Lion and the Mouse” and “The Third Degree,” which were five-reel features, were not only directed by O’Neil, but the plays enhanced in spectacular effect by scenes and action which in the Klein manuscripts were only spoken of. One of O’Neil’s greatest productions was the famous earthquake photoplay entitled “When the Earth Trembled,” written by Edwin Barbour. The scenes in this picture were most thrilling, houses collapsed and interior scenes showed players of the cast buried in the ruins. In this wonderful picture the interiors of four different houses were constructed for what is called break-aways. O’Neil was the architect. The structures were built of wooden bricks, the rooms plastered and papered and fitted with electric lamps, chandeliers and handsome furniture. All to tumble in at the cue and become a ruin in five minutes. Over thirty carpenters, builders and other constructors worked for five weeks to build the break-aways and three thousand dollars of property was wrecked by Barry O’Neil pulling a string. Such is the detail that the able director demands for his productions, but he gets the results and it pays. 

Viewing O’Neil’s ability as a director the Lubin Company always provides him with a talented company. Ethel Clayton, who is at present his leading lady, is doubtless one of the most famous players of the silent drama, and a score of others are not only tried and true but offer the best efforts of their ability to their much respected director. 

Realism is O’Neil’s great asset. He will take his company a thousand or more miles to get atmosphere. In taking Eugene Walter’s drama, “The Wolf,” some scenes required the settings of Northern Canada. The hunting grounds of the Hudson Bay Company with the trappers, snowshoe men, dog sleds and wolves. The principal players with two cars of equipment were taken north for two weeks and secured the atmosphere which could not possibly have been secured in a more temperate climate. 

Barry O’Neil is a force, his method of directing is firm, but tempered with kindness, producing the best results without the friction which so often handicaps the work of more excitable stage managers. The public which enjoy the masterpieces of the animated screen are filled with admiration of the players, but never hear the men behind the guns, who really are responsible for a convincing and brilliant production. 

Truly Barry O’Neil is entitled to the distinction of being one of the Lubin Famous Players, and one of the three highest-salaried directors of the art. 

Call Number: Lubin - Bulletin I:15