ONE of the most recent acquisitions by the screen, is Ramon Samaniegos,
a proud name back in Spain, but a painful one for screen fans to pronounce.
Its length also would clog a billboard or an electric sign over a theater.
Therefore Ramon adopted the stage name of "Navarro," and is widely
known by the cognomen already, although he has had prominent parts in but
four productions.
Ramon was born in Durango, Mexico, September 20, 1901, but his parents
hailed from Spain. They taught him to speak English from early youth, together
with the other seven stalwart offspring.
About five years ago the family removed to Los Angeles, where the very
air is surcharged with dramatic talent. But the only work he secured was
as an "extra" for this company or that. The only stir he made
was his appearance in small parts where he could exhibit his dancing.
Ramon was one of those obscure geniuses who had to he "discovered,"
and it was Ferdinand Earle who came through with the job. He cast Navarro
in the superProduction of "The Rubaiyat," wherein he justified
Mr. Earle's previous judgment. When Rex Ingram was casting about for a type
to use as "Rupert" in "The Prisoner of Zenda," Mr. Earle
took Navarro to the former director, recommending him for the part.
Ingram declared that Ramon was too young. He then sketched upon the back
of an envelope the face of the "Rupert" he wanted. Navarro took
the sketch away with him and grew a beard, to hide that youthful appearance.
Mr. Ingram later saw "The Rubaiyat," and liked Ramon's work. He
engaged him, and Navarro made a decided success of "Rupert."
Navarro is five feet, ten inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has black
hair and brown eyes. |