Broadway and Hollywood "Movies" (Jan - Aug 1934)

IS “ MOVIES ” Ralph had no intention of marrying A nn Dixon. “Naked.” The merrymakers began falling, half-diving, scrambling into the pool, some with their clothes, some not. Eve ran to the diving board, still robed in the shawl. “I’m going to dive” she said, suddenly, and throwing off her one garment, she stood, poised for a moment, then dove into the water. “Well, why don’t you phone the police?” asked the woman next door. “Are you going to phone the police or not?” she said as her husband suddenly became an interested spectator in the proceedings at the pool, especially after Eve made her famous nude dive. “Just a minute dear” he protested, his eyes glued to the naked, shapely figure in the water. But his wife had the police sergeant already on the phone. “Certainly, Madam, right away” he was saying. “There, that'll end that disgraceful performance,' gloated the woman. “Homer!” she called to her husband. “Yes, my dear!” he answered meekly. The Sergeant was giving instructions to his men, in the meantime. “Jack,” he said, “Drunks going back to nature . . . take Mrs. Wagner along with you to round up the females.” “Okay” was his answer. Ralph and Ann had been sitting on a stone bench near the pool watching amusedly the gay crowd having its fun. “She’s marvelous, isn’t she?” observed Ralph when Eve took her famous plunge. “What’s the matter? I know what my baby needs ... a drink” said Ralph solicitously as Anti smiled at him wistfully. “I’ll be right back. How about a little kiss before I go?” And Ann gave him his wish. He disappeared into the house. “Ann, is this gorge?” called Eve to her friend. “AfteT this pleasure, I’m never going to -go sw imming in a suit by moonlight.” “It’s getting terribly late, Eve. You’d better get dressed now,” was Ann’s answer. “Don’t be silly . . . you won all my clothes.” “Please Eve.” While the two girls were talking, another secluded corner of the pool revealed a pretty young girl sitting on a middleaged man’s lap. “Don’t you want to take a little swim, baby?” he asked. “No, daddy,” answered the girl. “I’d rather stay here with you.” As the girl bent to kiss “daddy,” a detective came upon them, saying: “Say, what’s going on here? Come on, get out and get your clothes on.” “In a moment the party had been raided, and the protesting group were led to the house to collect their clothes. “Go on, I’ll take care of these two girls” said a policewoman, spying Ann and Eve. “Now, ain’t that sweet,” 'remarked another detective, surprising another amorous couple, “lovey, dovey ...” he mocked, “come on, you can come too. Come on — ” “This is a crime” remarked the policewoman regretfully. “Two of these girls are nothing but youngsters. ’ Ann had searched vainly for Ralph, who, spotting the detectives as he came out of the house with Ann’s drink, became frightened, and disappeared. All the girls were taken to the Juvenile Bureau. * * * * The next morning, Ann and Eve, sadder, wiser, and much chastened found themselves in the head policewoman’s office. She was giving them both some much needed advice. Mrs. Merrill was a tolerant, wise woman, neither preachy nor soft. “We are not here to punish” she told the downcast, frightened girls. “Our only hope ... in fact, our only aim in this juvenile department is to help you youngsters to set your feet again on the right way ... to stop you before it’s too late.” “But if it is too late?” questioned Ann. “But it isn’t, if you put all this behind^ you,” cautioned Mrs. Merrill. “Oh, you can still make something fine and worthwhile with your life.” “But mother and .daddy will never forgive me,” said Ann sadly. “I’m afraid they are going to have a harder time forgiving themselves,” was the answer. “Can we go npw?” asked Eve. “Not yet, dear” said Mrs. Merrill. “I’ve sent for both your mothers, and, of course, you’ll have to be examined first.” “Examined?” exclaimed Eve and Ann, terrified. A policewoman was at the door, speaking: “The doctor will be here in a few minutes. Burk reported that Mrs. Dixon is on her way, but Mrs. Munroe is out of town.” “Thank you, Miss Peterson” said Mrs. Merrill . . . “take the girls to the doctor’s office to wait . . . I’ll send for them after they’ve been examined.” Eve and Ann left the office with Miss Peterson. Mrs. Dixon, alone in the office with Mrs. Merrill, was heartbroken as the story of the raid was unfolded; and shocked as she read the doctor’s report of Ann, showing that she was not the pure girl her mother thought her to be. “I can’t believe it” Mrs. Dixon cried. “I can’t believe it. I always trusted Ann so.” “But blindly, I’m afraid Mrs. ( Continued on page 12) A nn became frightened in the “ doctor’s ” office.