Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

Musical Comedy 27 in Pauline's career. In two seasons she had displayed her talents to such advantage as to make herself the most talked of actress on Broadway. This was rather more than she had expected. Except for her slight altercation with Erlanger, she had encountered no difficulties and had come forward with almost phenomenal speed. In " Nordland " she was assigned two small roles — that of " The Countess of Pokota " and " Miss Hicks, Secretary to the American Embassy at Nordland." They were small parts calling for her to appear only in the prologue and in the last act. These parts, however, gave her an opportunity of showing what she could do and added further leaves to the laurels she was gathering. Of her they said: " Pauline Frederick, by her regal beauty, her commanding presence, her grace and dignity, makes a small part stand out prominently. She displays a great deal of temperament and it is safe to prophesy that she will soon be seen in roles that will be more suited to her unquestioned ability. She possesses a powerful soprano voice with the range of three octaves. Her high tones are full and clear and wonderfully sustained." Before the run of the play was over, this prophecy had come true and she was " seen in roles more suited to her unquestioned ability." Besides that of Pauline, there are other names in this cast which have since risen to the greatest heights. Particularly notable are those of May Robson and Harry Davenport. Thirty-four years have now passed since May Robson played the part of " Princess Aline," and in those years she has come to be regarded as the most beloved and most revered actress in Hollywood. She now adds up the years to past three score and ten, yet has never been more successful. Only to a few