Modern Screen (Dec 1931 - Nov 1932 (assorted issues))

EXTRA Modern Screen's Last Minute News THE VERY LATEST NEWS VOL. 1, NO. 9 HOLLYWOOD, OCTOBER, 1932 SUPPLEMENTARY SECTION BERN'S SUICIDE BRINGS TRAGEDY TO HOLLYWOOD Jean Harlow Widowed After Two Months. Bern Sixth of Family to End Own Life He was known, you know, as one of the kindest men in Hollywood. And one of the most cultured. He married the lovely Jean Harlow after a single week's courtship— but there had been a long, long friendship between the two. When he ended his own life by a bullet through che head on either the night of September 4 or the morning of September 5, he left this note to his wife. "Dearest Dear: Unfortunately this is the only way to make good the frightful wrong I have done you and to wipe out my abject humiliation. I love you. Paul." A postscript said : "You understand last night was only a comedy." Jean had gone to spend the night with her mother, her own father being away on a fishing trip. She became hysterical with grief when she heard of the suicide. The disparity in their ages — Bern was forty-two and Jean is twenty-one— was hinted at as having preyed on his mind. And there may have been some inherited suicidal tendency, for Bern was the sixth member of his family to take his own life. We are deeply sorry that this good and brilliant man has gone. And to his widow, we extend our sincere sympathy. Incidentally,. Modern Screen wishes to state that the section containing the story, "Jean Harlow's Wardrobe," on page 56 of this issue, had gone to press before the unhappy suicide took place and no substitution could possibly be made Joan Crawford Worried About Her Screen Lip Make-Up You know how Joan Crawford's lips have changed in recent pictures? Become more, well — sex-appealish? Joan's kinda worried about the reception that the fans are giving to this particular make-up stunt. She is afraid that they don't like it. Anyway she wants the fans to know that she had to do it for the particular roles that she was portraying and that it may never be necessary again. John Gilbert Building a Special Wing for Wife Virginia John Gilbert is going to do things right for his new bride, Virginia Bruce. The star has given orders for a special wing to be built on his up-to-now_ bachelor residence. The special wing will be for Virginia's very own. Incidentally, we were surprised that no talk of a honeymoon for the two had been forthcoming. But now comes the news that John and Virginia will have a honeymoon soon. In China. Original? George Rait andlflilla Sonde New Player, Romancing Has George Raft Succumbed At Last? Looks That Way. And What a Charmer the Lady Is Remember how George Raft, when questioned about women, once said, "I've been married, but I'm not now." And how he rather gave the impression that, well, while he was by no means a woman-hater, he was sort of watching his step as far as serious romance went. But there seems to have been a change —at least, all indications pernt that way. For Georgie seems to have fallen for a gal by the name of Milla Sonde — and fallen hard. Better watch the papers for wedding announcements. Milla, incidentally, has just signed a long-term > contract with good old Columbia. You'll be seeing the lady on the screen a lot. Riza Royce Drops Suit Against Marlene Dietrich The famous alienation of affections suit which startled the nation not so long ago, brought by Riza Royce, former wife of Joseph Von Sternberg, against Marlene Dietrich for the sum of $600,000.00 has finally been dropped. Speaking of Marlene, she still has her child under guard. Because of the kidnapping threats, you know. Flashes from Here and There The Dorothy Jordan-Don Dilloway romance is starting up again. , Douglas Fairbanks took a writer to China with him so that if the local color were good enough for a story he'd have one written there. And then send for cameras, etc., to film it on the spot. Charlie MacArthur and Laurence Stallings lived up to the phrase "full dress obligatory' in a novel way at a recent Hollywood party by arriving in full parade uniform of General Grant and General Lee respectively. Maybe they've started a new Hollywood fad. At the preview of "Bill of Divorcement, John Barrymore's newest screen appearance, the crowd went wild with enthusiasm over John. But, just the same, John wouldn't sign any autographs, the old meanie. Incidentally, at the same preview, "Tarzan" Weissmuller arrived escorting none other than Tallulah Bankhead. Walter Huston is building a permanent home at Lake Arrowhead — about a hundred miles from Hollywood. ; , George Raft's next picture will be "Bodyguard — a story of the waterfront. Gloria Swanson and Jeanette MacDonald are being negotiated with to appear in a musical comedy on the New York stage. TWO POPULAR STARS ABOUT TO BECOME FATHERS Richard Dix and Robert Montgomery Mentioned as Prominent "About-to-Bes" Richard Dix and Robert Montgomery are both about to become proud fathers! The junior Richard will be welcomed in the home of Richard Dix and Winifred Coe Dix — the San Francisco society girl whom he married about a year ago. The addition to the Montgomery household will be doubly welcomed because, maybe you remember, Bob's first-born died while Bob was working on "Private Lives." Incidentally, there are many, many rumors to the effect that Constance Bennett is going to become a mother. Connie, as usual, says nothing. Bebe Daniels Loses Wedding Ring on Studio Set. Panic! Everyone knows how devoted Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lyon are, so you can imagine the consternation — nay, the turmoil — which started when Bebe Daniels discovered she'd lost her wedding ring. It happened while she was playing before the cameras and pretty soon every extra, every grip, every visitor — yes, directors and executives, too — were down on hands and knees searching for the circular bit of gold. By the time everyone was looking", the panic had developed into a positive riot. Ring not found yet. Marion Davies Planning Huge Reception for Governor Roosevelt When Governor Roosevelt visits Hollywood he will be given a tremendous reception by Marion Davies. Marion is planning to make it the most important occasion Hollywood has seen in ages. It is hard to say just how the industry feels as a whole about the election. Certainly one thing is true — a great majority of the film people seem to be going Democratic. William Jennings Bryan, Jr., May Impersonate Father in Film Warners is producing a film called "Silver Dollar." And who, more than anyone else, comes to your mind when you think of the phrase "silver dollar"? Right. W. J. B. And Warners are dickering to secure the services of William Jennings Bryan, Jr., to play the part of his famous father in this film of old-time political doings. It will certainly add a fillip to the story if they succeed in this aim. 12