Photoplay (Jul - Dec 1943)

New Love for Livvie :>A An impartial discussion of a question-mark romance that is causing undercover whispers in Hollywood BY JOHN BURTON OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND is in love. It's the kind of love that comes first — before anything else. Recently she turned down a good part at her studio. The reason she gave was honest and brave. The man she loves is leaving this country. He may be gone for a long, long time. Many things can happen to both of them during that period. Who knows when they may meet again? Right now, to be together is important over everything else. Olivia wants to keep free — wants this time to be his time — their time. Every second of it. And so she stated simply that she'd rather not work. Hollywood movie moguls may declaim their disapproval, but lovers all over the world will understand— including lovers in Hollywood. But even in Hollywood there is a sharp division of thought. The more cynical say, "Wait and see! She's riding for a fall. She's gambling her life and her career on a romance, the outcome of which is about as clear as the next presidential election." While the gentler of heart say, "Ah, but this time it's true love for Livvie. None of your headlong, headstrong infatuations, but the real thing." But what has actually happened to the dark-eyed star with the music in her voice, few are in a position to know. She hasn't poured out her heart into eager and waiting ears. Nor has she made a confidante of her wardrobe woman, stand-in and hairdresser. On the other hand, the girl who was once so shy and reserved has made no notable attempt to clothe in secrecy this latest and greatest love. "My beau," is how she frankly refers to Captain John Huston of the U. S. Army, brilliant young director and son of Walter Huston. Radiantly she moves in Hollywood circles at his side. Together they were photographed at the Academy Award dinner. Together they paid their respects to the magnificent Madame Chiang Kai-shek at the reception given in her honor. Friends, such as Bette Davis and Arthur Farnsworth, entertain them together. Whenever young Huston is on leave they dine publicly at The Players. Surely these are not the accoutrements of a clandestine love affair. Then what is the curious quality of this new love which leaves its stamp of happiness upon her for all the world to see yet seals her lips against acknowledging the measure of her joy? And what is there about it that should so vastly interest Hollywood? AFTER all, Olivia has had romantic associations before. As far back as she can remember she has been falling in and out of love and welcoming the experience each time. There were Jimmy Stewart, George Brent, Gene Markey. There were millionaire socialite Jock Whitney and millionaire producer Howard Hughes. There were dozens of dates with Franchot Tone, Burgess Meredith, Lew Ayres, Anatol Litvak, Roger Pryor — to name a few. So why should Hollywood suddenly sit up and take special note? To answer this, we must go back a little way. It was the opening night of Max Reinhardt's production of "Midsummer Night's Dream," in the natural setting of the Hollywood Bowl. Down the hills charged a young girl — hair flying — eyes gleaming out like stars — voice caressing as velvet. The year was 1934, the girl, Olivia de Havilland. Never before, or since for that matter, has anything (Continued on page 74) PH0TOPM-M0W MIRROR'S COLOR PORTRAIT GALLERIES /