Hollywood Studio Magazine (September 1972)

From her hometown of Moravia, Florence went to Paris where she attended Sorbonne University and studied art, literature and philosophy. While a Student she was singled out by director Pierre Chenal and given a role in one of his films only a few days after their initial meeting. The film was “Alibi” and as Florence recalls she was so young and inexperienced she did not realize what was happening, for she had never seriously considered becoming a motion picture actress. In the first place, the theatre and films were not thought of as a respectable means of earning one’s living; however, “Alibi” launched her career in France and the press soon dispelled any notions she might have entertained about her lack of talent. Florence admits that she had always wanted to be an opera singer but “I didn’t have the voice for that” she said, “so I had never seriously thought about a film career. Actually I had never seen a film star in person and to me films were another world, a dream where everyone was very, very beautiful — so much more beautiful than I considered myself to be.” And so it came to being: Florence was hailed as one of the most beautiful girls in the world and her initial film was followed by roles in “L’Affaire Lafarge ,” “Cafe de Paris” and “Les Maudits.” The latter film was directed by Rene Clement and won Florence a best actress nomination at the Cannes Film Festival. What apparently was going to be a long and successful career for Florence in French films was interrupted when World War II started and her narrow escape to Argentina was as daring as any film scenario. “Fortunately, I escaped from Paris,” said Florence, “but not until the very day before the Germans moved in and took control.” Arriving in Argentina Florence lived there until the end of the war. She made two movies, “El Viaje Sin Regreso” and the adaptation of Balzac’s novel, “La Piel de Zapa.” On her return to France she starred in several films and then was signed to star in “Krakatit,” the only picture she ever made in her native Czechoslovakia. In 1948 Florence was called to Hollywood and was given the co-starring role opposite Ray Milland in “Sealed Verdict.” She followed this with “Tokyo Joe” with Humphrey Bogart in a role as a blond torch singer and then travelled to Japan to star in an American production, “Tokyo File 212.” When not working before the cameras she entertained the troops stationed there. Soon after Florence was signed to star in a film called “El Idolo” in Chile for American producer Tom Lewis. The film had a three-weeks shooting schedule and Florence intended to return immediately to the States on its completion where she was scheduled for more work, but once again tragedy was stalking the life of this beautiful actress. “It was a good thing I took my clothing with me,” reminisced Florence, “for it was four long years before I was allowed to return to the United States. When I went to renew my visa at the American Consulate in Santiago I was told to come back in a week and everything would be in order. The week passed and I went back only to be told that my visa was denied and that I would never work in Hollywood again. It was six months before I could even learn of what I was accused.” The next several years of Florence’s life was a veritable nightmare. To keep her sanity she devoted her energies to various humanitarian causes, studied, read and prayed. Finally, the miracle happened and she was allowed to return to the United States when it was finally learned that she had been paying for the crimes of an actress with a similiar name. This case of mistaken identity cost Florence four long years in exile and a career that had promised greatness in Hollywood. In relating the horrible experience Florence remarked “that there is no greater dishonor, greater heartache, than to be put on the blacklist by those you love. I had to seil everything I owned and night after night I went to bed hoping that I would not awaken, but deep inside I never really gave up for to me TRUTH is a divine substance and I knew a miracle would happen. And that miracle did happen in the person of a wonderful woman, Carey C. White, a new consul who had just taken over. She gave me an appointment, listened to my story, contacted Washington and learned that they had no file on me and that I was free to return to the United States. In looking back on these terrible years I have come to realize that all was not wasted for I met and knew many wonderful people and this gave me a maturity and depth that I might never have achieved.” Returning to Hollywood Florence appeared in several theatre productions and starred in the film, “Planet of Blood.” She also appeared Florence Marly as she appears today. Florence Marly as the sultry torch singer in “Tokyo Joe” in which she co-starred with Humphrey Bogart. with Simone Signoret in “Games” in a cameo role as a sophisticated countess; a role in which she was well suited as she was formerly married to Count Von Wurmbrand in real life. Quite recently Florence produced her own film, a musical short entitled “Space Boy” which was officially selected for the Film Festival in Cannes, and very soon she will be seen on the screen in “Doctor Death,” a horror film produced by Eddie Saeta which will be released in the Fall. Today Florence lives in Westwood and is pursuing her career in earnest. She makes frequent nightclub appearances as she is an accomplished singer and pianist and still maintains the glamour and grace of the real movie star. Most people would be bitter had th-ey experienced the tragedy that beset Florence, but not Turn to Page 20 7