Harry Spear, "Freckles," is a friendly little fellow. He likes to play with youngsters and for them and that's one reason, he will tell you, for his enjoyment of the stage. It makes him feel closer to his audiences.
For the stage is a comparative novelty to "Freckles," appearing at the Capitol Theatre Friday and Saturday (the 14th and 15th). He has been in the movies since the age of two years and on a personal appearance tour less than a year.
And in "Big Boy" and "Our Gang" comedies where "Freckles" was one of the featured players, there was always a gang of boys and a small sprinkling of girls to play in the same picture. It kept things lively and that's what "Freckles" enjoyed.
Of course, after the talkie came along, it was impossible to laugh on the lot except when your part called for talking or laughing. That was hard to become accustomed to, "Freckles" admitted. But after the stage tour with it invaluable training - well it won't be so hard to get back before the mike for more "Our Gang Comedies."
"Freckles" isn't really lonely although he does miss his screen playmates. For one thing his mother and tutor travel with him. The latter keeps him busy enough between shows. But it's "Freckles'" own private show, which he keeps in his hotel room, that proves the best company. At the head of the list is Billie, his dog, given to "Freckles" by Irene Castle. Then there is a multi-colored lizard, given to "Freckles" by Tom Mix. It is carried in a small aquarium. Six baby turtles, a canary and a desert turtle complete the list - of those accompanying "Freckles." Out in Hollywood, he has enough pets for a menagerie. But that is another story. Still, his mother is hoping that he doesn't pick up a baby elephant somewhere before the tour ends. That would make the housing problem even more difficult. There will be three shows Friday at 3:30, 7 and 9 and four shows Saturday at 2:30, 4:30, 7 and 9.
The picture in connection with the stage show will be Bill Cody and Andy Shuford in "Law of the North."