Hollywood (Jan - Oct 1934)

"5 VITH THE NEWS rfC* ■**' Current events in Hollywood and doings of your favorite stars ^Siwu? The Gal Nobody Wanted Faces Of Fox and Warner executives assume a deep crimson at mere mention of the name of Mae West, the most important cognomen in electric lights these days. Both groups had opportunities to claim the star long ere Paramount took a chance on signing her. Charlie Walsh, brother of Raoul, famous director, espied Mae emoting on Broadway three years ago, and was so deeply impressed with her picture possibilities that he dug into his own limited bank account to finance a camera and voice test for Diamond Lil. With his can of film beneath his arm, he hurried back to Hollywood, and sought to interest the heads of the Fox lot, where Raoul was then wielding his megaphone. Those worthies, however, declined to even waste the time necessary to see the film run off in a projection room. They Couldn't See Her CHARLIE next called on the important personages at Warner Brothers-First National studios. There he drew a warmer reception — warmer to the extent that Jack Warner and some of the lesser lights were willing to glance at Mae's test. They promised Charlie an early answer— an answer that never came. Undismayed, Walsh kept at the task of trying to land Mae in the movies. Turndown followed turndown during the months that followed, until finally he was able to sell her to Paramount for a supporting role in the George RaftNancy Carrol Night After Night. That's what paved the route for Mae to She Done Him Wrong and the big money — for both herself and for Paramount. Following completion of her second starring vehicle, I'm No Angel, Mae hied herself up to San Francisco for a rest before starting work on It Ain't No Sin. Mae's Going Rural During The Early weeks of Mae West's sojourn in sunny California, the blonde star used to bemoan the fact that Broadway was so far away that she couldn't spend her week-ends there. But times and people change. Mae now is casting her eyes about the San Fernando valley, with a view to purchasing a big ranch. Her main idea is to get a place where she can install her brother, now a resident of New Yprk, as boss. But she also admits she's willing to spend an occasional night out in the wide open spaces herself. Toby Wing, the Perfect Chorus girl, was given a featured role in Search for Beauty because of her excellent work in Too Much Harmonv HOT from HOLLYWOOD Foreign Affairs Former Danes, residents of America for more than twenty years, are to have an opportunity to revisit their homeland . . . Jean Hersholt has organized a foundation to send a number of them on a visit home each year . . . Ida Lupino, England's unsuccessful choice for the title role in Paramount's Alice in Wonderland, is to have her American opportunity after all . . . she's been cast opposite Cary Grant in Come on, Marines . . . Charlie Farrell and Virginia Valli had to call off their Honolulu trip when Charlie signed for She Made Her Bed, so now they're planning an extended tour of the Orient . . . Italy, Greece and Egypt are included in plans for Ramon Novarro's next concert tour . . . Paul Lukas is looking forward to a visit in the near future to his birthplace, Budapest . . . Harpo Marx finally got off on that long-talked-about Russian jaunt . . . Robert Armstrong is in Mexico on a search for authentic furnishings for his new Mexican-type abode . . . Eddie Cantor, the Missus and the youngsters have made reservations for a trip to England in the spring . . . Howard Hughes, millionaire producer, is spending his money freely in London's late spots with Marion Lansing, his debutante heart-ache, as his guest. National The Edmund Lowes (Lilyan Tashman) will do a Lunt-Fontanne on Broadway in February . . . Contract, Two Hearts will serve as their vehicle . . . Nancy Carroll gave Hollywood the goby temporarily to appear in the New York presentation of Undesirable Lady . . . Harold Lloyd journeyed eastward to consult with Author Clarence Buding 28