International photographer (Jan-Dec 1941)

"fAThER TAliES A wifE" ' ANd it's qlORJA Since Gloria Swanson left pictures in 1934 to engage in the manufacturing business, until her return in RKO Radio's currently filming "Father Takes a Wife," there has ben no change in her film appearance except her eyes. But that change is due to change in photographic film, according to Ernest Bachrach, who photographed the star for seven years and is again her official portrait man. "Formerly, when we used ortho-chromatic film," Bachrach explained, "Miss Swanson's eyes photographed light grey. Today, with the use of panchromatic film, her eyes are considerably darker — but still as luminous. "Otherwise, the same exotic quality, the cooperation in posing and the photogeneity, are still there." As the Swanson swept before the clicking cameras at RKO last week in a cloud of white bridal chiffon, 250 blase showhardened movie extras suddenly went popeyed, then berserk with a spontaneous burst of cheering. A sincere tribute which Gloria knew how to accept — with the proper admixture of graciousness and savoir faire. The incident, as much as anything else, indicates the universal affection Gloria Swanson has had since she became a screen glamour star, the kind of affection given only to Wally Reid, Rudolph Valentino and Will Rogers. As far as externals go, she might have left Hollywood only last week instead of seven years back. Wherever the distinguished French clothes designer, Rene Hubert, went in Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills when gathering together accessories for the $10,000 eighteen-change wardrobe for "Father Takes a Wife," tradesfolk were similarly all aflutter. Many were the personal and endearing messages they asked Hubert to deliver "to Gloria." More than 500 telegrams arrived at the studio from astute exhibitors throughout the land congratulating RKO on the casting coup — and asking for booking dates. Work at the Melrose-Gower film plant was practically at a stand-still that morning Miss Swanson worked before the cameras for the first time. Not only the secretaries wanted to see the famous star, but the entire contract list of stars and leads wanted a first, or another peek at Gloria. "She's marvelous," was the unqualified consensus of opinion everywhere, especially from the boys and girls of the press, who were among the first in the goggleeved rush. Perhaps not all the interest was centered in Miss Swanson. The teaming of Hollywood's two most famous clothes horses, Gloria Swanson and Adolphe Menjou, is a fashion world event in itself. The two play the title roles in "Father Takes a Wife," which is a reverse-English story of matrimony by Herbert and Dorothy Fields. As a glamour stage star, a made-to-order role for Miss Swanson, the wardrobe is all-inclusive — a negligee, evening gown and wrap; traveling outfit with fur coat; evening dress; hostess gown; dressing gown; afternoon outfit; traveling outfit and fur coat I another one ) ; slacks for a boat scene I first time Swanson has worn them ) ; gymnasium costume; luncheon outfit. Street ensemble; dinner dress; evening gown and wrap; night dress and negligee; afternoon dress; another street ensemble; dress for day wear. In all eighteen layouts — costing plenty. Of late as president and general manager of Multiprises, Incorporated, a concern in Queens, New York, Miss Swanson hasn't been idle. It took a script like "Father Takes a Wife," being directed by Jack Hively, to draw her to Hollywood again. "One day I was reading the scenario sent me by RKO," said the actress, "and without much enthusiasm or hope — when suddenly it dawned on me that the story was my story and the chief character my own self. I was sold." She was born in Chicago, Illinois, March 27, 1898. Her father was a Captain I later a Lieutenant-Colonel) in the United States Army. His name: Joseph Theodore Swanson. Because of the continuous routine change of stations, little Gloria received schooling in sixteen different army posts — in Chicago, New York, Porto Rico, Key West, Florida, Utah, Mexican Border and other places. Gloria's earliest ambition was to be an artist. To further it she attended the Chicago Art Institute at the age of 14 and attracted considerable attention for her black and white sketches. At the age of 15, her aunt took her on a visit to the old Essanay Studio in New York. Greta Holmes was starring in the picture and the director, a friend of the aunt's, gave the youngster a bit in the film — just for a lark. Her striking beauty photographed so well, so amazingly well, in fact, that Essanay signed her on a long term contract and starred her in "Elvina Farina' and "The Meal Ticket." The following year she went to Hollywood with her mother and made a number of comedies with Mack Sennett and Keystone, in which she co-starred with Bobby Vernon and other celebrities. Next she signed with Triangle and starred in "Her Decision," "Every Woman's Husband. "Wife or Country," "Secret Code," "Station Content," "Shifting Sands" and "Smoke." Her work attracted the attention of C. B. DeMille and under his direction she soared to fame — in "Don't Change Your Husband," "For Better or Worse," "Male and Female," "Why Change Your Wife?" "You Can't Believe Everything," and "Affairs of Anatol." After three years with DeMille she signed with Famous Players and made a string of successful vehicles, among them "The Great Moment," "Under the Lash," "Her Husband's Trade Mark," "Beyond the Rocks," "The Gilded Cage." "The Impossible Mrs. Bellew," "My American Wife," "Prodigal Daughter," "Bluebird's Eighth Wife," "Zaza," "The Humming Bird," "Society Scandal," "Manhandled," "Wages of Virtue," "Madame San Gene," "Coast of Folly," "Stage Struck," "Untamed Lady" and "Fine Manners." In May, 1926, she joined United Artists to produce her own pictures. The first of these was "Loves of Sonya," in which John Boles made his screen debut as leading man. Then came "Sadie Thompson," "The Trespasser," "What a Widow," "Indiscreet," and "Tonight or Never." In 1933 she made "Perfect Understanding" for a British film organization, and returned to the United States in 1934 to Fox and again teamed with John Boles in "Music in the Air." Few stars have had such a long and sustained and successful acting career . . . Fewer have so well personified glamour and worn clothes . . . She is five feet, one and a half inches tall, and weighs 110 pounds . . . Has dark brown hair and remarkably brilliant eyes of deep sapphire blue . . . She has many friends of long standing . . . Hates loneliness and has an unreasonable fear of the water . . . Likes having people in — and her delightful afternoon teas have become legendary in Hollywood, New York City or wherever she happens to reside. Devoted to tennis and to dogs . . . Has three children, Gloria, Joe and Michele. Loves flowers . . . plays "hunches" . . . rides like the wind — a left over from her army days at cavalry posts. International Photographer for July, 1941