For in making moving pictures mistakes are worse than on the real stage. There, when one is speaking, one can correct a false line, or turn it so that the audience does not notice the "break."
But in the movies a false move, a wrong gesture, is at once indelibly registered on the film, to reappear greatly magnified. And though sometimes the incorrect part of the film can be cut out, mistakes are generally costly.
"Are you all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell again, as he stood with watch in hand beside Russ at the camera, while the actors and actresses took their places in the first scene.
"All ready," answered Mr. Harrison, who was one of the principal characters.
"Then—go!" cried the manager, and Russ was about to turn the operating handle.
"Vait! Vait a minute. Holt on!" cried the voice of Mr. Switzer. "Don't shoot yet alretty!" and he held up a restraining hand.
"Oh, what's the matter now?" demanded Mr. Pertell, with a gesture of annoyance.
"Vun of mine shoes—he iss unloose, und der lacing is dingle-dangling. It might trip me!" explained the good-natured German actor, in all seriousness.
"Well, fix it, and hurry up!" cried the manager, unable to repress a smile.
"Yah! I tie her goot und strong," he said, and soon this was done.