Mary Ann Jackson, nine year old screen player, who has been with Hal Roach's "Our Gang" comedies for a number of seasons was "at home" in her dressing room at the Orpheum theater Saturday afternoon (the 6th). While her mother, Mrs. Charlotte Jackson, stood watchfully at hand Mary Ann told of some of her experiences before the camera and while traveling.
"I think that the snow in Green Bay is keen," she said when asked if she missed the summer weather of California. On the stage Mary Ann had told how imitation snow was used by the members of the movie troupe and she repeated that she liked the genuine article much better than the Hollywood variety.
Doesn't Car For Dolls
The little entertainer was not at her best while in Green Bay because of a slight injury to her ankle late Friday afternoon and this made it difficult for her to carry out her dancing routine. Although Mary Ann's mother wanted to take her to a doctor Saturday morning she would have none of it because she was a bit shy about meeting a physician.
The youthful star is a representative young American and is not a bit affected by the widespread publicity that she has received. She sat on a little chair with a piece of molasses candy in her hands and shyly talked of the members of the "Gang."
"I like to play robber and cop but I don't care for dolls," she said. Jackie Cooper is a particular friend of the little freckle faced actress and she said that together they would play "robber and cop" by the hour. In speaking of others with whom she has played, Mary Ann mentioned Farina the little negro boy who has been seen on Green Bay screens with the "Gang." Farina, according to Mary Ann, is the son of very well educated people, but when off the set is independent and prefers to be alone although he is very friendly at all times.
Represent American Children
For the benefit of mothers who have talented young hopefuls, Mrs. Jackson pointed out that none of the members of the "Our Gang" unit had any professional training before they were brought together to furnish entertainment for young and old alike.
"Many youngsters come to the studio and when it is found that they have taken dancing courses or voice lessons they are told that they cannot be used," she said. "Bob McGowan who writes the stories and directs the pictures wants only youngsters who are 'natural' in front of the camera. The 'Our Gang' comedies are supposed to represent real American children at play and professional training spoils the easy style of acting."
School On Location
Mary Ann has been in moving pictures since she was three years old and the only time that she was frightened while on location was shortly after she started in the movies. She was in a comedy and when a member of the cast was supposed to commit suicide by slashing himself with a large knife made out of cardboard, Mary Ann was to register fear. She stood under a large air-blower and the wind blew her hair straight up into the air as part of her "fear" complex.
The picture was taken and then the little girl burst into tears, but after Ben Turpin and several others had demonstrated that it was all in fun, Mary Ann became herself and the picture progressed. School on location is fun, according to the little actress, and the day starts promptly at 9 o'clock and ends shortly before the evening meal. Every consideration is shown the children and they are not denied the privileges of improving their minds.
Will Not Rejoin Gang
Mary Ann likes to remember the first time she saw an Austin. The "Gang" had been presented with a huge pie that had been sent to them by a large manufacturing concern. One of the players at the studio drove up in one of the tiny automobiles and the children were photographed with the car and the pie much to their amusement.
The little screen star has been on tour with her mother for several months and will return to California early in April. She is taking the trip to fill in the time before she returns to the movie capital where she will not rejoin the "Gang" but will be featured in her own right.