Item Info

Publication Date: 2/24/1915
Media Type: House Organs
Source: Theatre Collection
Notes:

“Earl Metcalfe, Lubin Company,” is the curt way he would declare or sign himself, but to those who know him he is styled “The First Earl of Lubinville,” (for as such he is known at the Lubin Studio in Philadelphia). This title we have discovered it not altogether euphonious, for in reality Earl Metcalfe comes from a noble family of England, but, as we are Americans we will not dwell upon that subject but speak of the present Earl Metcalfe as an American and who is proud of the fact that he can claim the glorious State of Kentucky as his home. 

Mr. Metcalfe deserted the legitimate stage three years ago after scorning offers to appear in pictures as many other actors had done when finally he realized (as many others have since) that moving pictures were not merely a pastime but something to be reckoned with in the future standing of legitimate drama. It was then that he joined the forces of the Lubin Company and, after starting at the bottom of the ladder had forced himself to the front until now he is known throughout the country as one of Lubin’s most favorite leading men. 

Although studious and ambitious in thought, to meet Earl Metcalfe is like shaking hands with a great big boy, so light and joyful is his manner and appearance at all times, unless you should happen to see him when he is playing or thinking of one of his character parts (for this is really his favorite work). 

If he should favor you with a true confession of his ambitions he would most probably say that he was earnestly trying to become a really good actor (modesty forbids him from saying he has already achieved this point), and that his principal aim in the profession which he has chosen, was to become a player in motion-pictures to show that he really understood human nature.

It does not often happen that a man so well endowed with good looks chooses to obscure them in character makeups as is Metcalfe’s preference; btu the delineation of the unusual in human nature appeals strongly to the young Lubin actor (for he is really only twenty-five), and it is in such roles that he has won his greatest spurs with the moving-picture fans. 

Earl Metcalfe’s destiny can lead him nowhere but the heights. He can pronounce “Abgergevenny” just as readily as you and the rest of the world can’t. That’s because his family migrated from there in Wales. 

He was educated in the University of Cincinnati, studied for West Point, then changed his mind about wanting to be a soldier and decided upon the stage as a profession. That was twelve years ago, and since then he has played in big city stock companies, was leading man for Stella Hammerstein and juvenile man for Zelda Sears in New York City. He is a favorite in Indianapolis, Memphis, Duluth, St. Paul, Cincinnati, Chicago and New York City, where he gained great popularity for his conscientious and excellent work while playing in stock companies.Versatility is his main asset. 

The motion-picture public has been delighted to see him in a variety of widely different roles. Mr. Metcalfe being ably proficient in any type ranging from a young college boy to a decrepit old man. Besides being an actor of unquestionable ability, personality and good looks, Metcalfe is also a short-story writer of note, having several stories in popular magazines to his credit, but, first of all he is one of the Lubin Company’s very best and most popular men at their Eastern Studio in Philadelphia.

Call Number: Lubin - Bulletin II:2