Photoplay (Jan - Jun 1939)

\^hw^ Nelson Eddy, in his own story of his surprise elopement, tells why he waited so long for what he wanted most BY SARA HAMILTON WK wanted each other more than anything else in the world." And so Nelson Eddy and Ann Franklin were married. Behind that statement of Nelson's, given exclusively to us in the name of friendship (and deeply cherished on our part) lies the story of Hollywood's s1 omance A romance that has kept itself lodged deeply Within the hearts of Nelson and Ann, skipping the headlines, the gossip columns, the usual brass-band publicity of Hollywood. The only kind of romance of which Nelson Eddy could be capable. "I know I've been criticized for not going out more often with girls, being seen at a certain night club one night with one girl and another night club next night with a different girl," Nelson told us, "but you know that isn't my way. Besides, five years ago I found the ideal girl for me and that was all I wanted — just the one Kill in the world for me." Here's how it happened — that meeting. Over five years ago, when the name Nelson Eddy was known only to concert audiences, the singer came to Hollywood to find a place on the screen. Under contract to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, he was permitted to remain idle for many long months. During that period, when things seemed pretty hopeless, Nelson popped over one . noon to see his old friend, Doris Kcnyon, and have a game of tennis. "This is Ann Franklin, Nelson," Doris said that day, introducing a tiny blonde woman with a deep infectious smile that matched her bright gaiety. They played tennis together — Ann and Nelson — and afterwards, talking, Ann Franklin sensed the unrest that was his. As a director's wife (Ann had, only the year before, divorced Director Sidney Franklin), she had known many of the angles and problems of the movie world and she could tell how hard this man was finding it to adjust himself to Hollywood's way of doing things. So. before he left Doris' that afternoon, she spoke a word of encouragement and advice to i. He stood and looked down at her, at her blonde prettiness, her bright smile, and caught beneath it all the deep understanding in her heart. "When may I see you again?" he asked her, solemnly. "Is tomorrow night all right?" It's never been anyone else for Nelson Eddy from that moment on. Circumstances have thrown some of the most beautiful women in the world in his path, social debs and celebrities have sought him out after parties and concerts in Hollywood and on tour; but to Nelson it's never been anyone but Ann. And to Ann it's never been anyone but Nelson. They wisely postponed marriage until Nelson could get definitely established in his work; until the gruelling grind and the uncertainty of public reception and fancy were over. "And it's worked out swell," the actor said. "I don't believe it will make a bit of difference to the fans. "In fact, I'm deeply touched at the hundreds and hundreds of cards and wires and messages that have poured in from fans all over the country." DlJT, even so, Nelson had agreed upon one thing in his heart — he wanted Ann more than anything else in the world. And his fans are applauding his stand. "There will be no period of adjustment for Ann and me," he said. "We've come to know each other so well after five years. She knows my moods, my likes and dislikes in foods, my preferences in people, books and recreation and I think I know Ann pretty well. My marriage won't make any difference at all in my work. I'm going right on with my concert tour and Mrs. Eddy is going along. When I return there will be pictures to make and more radio work." "Is your bride musical, Nelson?" I asked him. "Thanks heavens, no," he said. "The papers were all wrong about that. Ann loves music but doesn't make music of her own. I'll tell you something about that too: I was always afraid I might someday fall in love wdth a musician and thank heavens I didn't. You see, this way," and his turned-up-at-the-corner-grin widened, "Ann can ask me if such and such is true about a certain piece of music and I can authoritatively say 'Yes' or 'No.' "Good idea, don't you think? I mean, to have at least one good 'yes' or 'no' always ready." Last October he gave Ann an engagement ring. "She wore it under her glove and kept it hidden," Nelson said, "for we didn't want the engagement announced. You can understand why we didn't want the publicity." "I can understand you wouldn't give anyone a darned bit of satisfaction when they tried to pry it out of you," I said. In fact, Nelson and Ann kept their secret so well hidden even their closest newspaper friend knew nothing of it. They made no effort to conceal their friendship, dining here and there together, but Hollywood had grown so used to seeing Ann and Nelson together they more or less accepted it as just that — two companionable people enjoying fine friendship. Once I heard Ann say in answer to the same old question of their marriage plans, "But we're old friends, Nelson and I. You should know that by this time." But a deep rosy glow crept up Ann's cheek to her blonde hair as she spoke, for even then, under her glove, was Nelson's engagement ring. (Continued on page 75/ 32