Hollywood Studio Magazine (September 1972)

DOWN MEMORY LANE NOSTALGIA By Jess Hoaglin EVELYN BRENT Evelyn Brent was born in Tampa, Florida, October 20, but received most of her education in New York City. After her mother’s death, Evelyn, still in her teens, had to find work and one day she entered one of the studios on the Hudson, obtained a small part and left school to win fame in Films. At first she used her real name of Betty Riggs but later dropped it for the rnore smooth-sounding name of Evelyn Brent. Still very young Evelyn decided to go to Europe, and there she made several films including “The Spanish Jade.” This picture was made in Spain and soon after her return to the States she was signed to appear in “Held to Answer” for Metro. Later she appeared in a number of films forFBO and Fox, and then went to Paramount where she really gained the attention of movie-goers. While under contract to Paramount she was seen in a long list of films including “Underworld,” “Beau Sabreur,” “The Last Command” and “Interference.” When talkies came in she continued her career with moderate success and in 1933 made a tour of the country in a vaudeville act. On her return to Hollywood she was cast in a number of pictures a-t several of the Independent Studios. Düring the early 1950s she worked for a brief period as an actors’ agent but after the death of her third husband, Harry Fox, she gave up films for complete retirement. Today Evelyn lives in an apartment in West Los Angeles with her friend of many years, actress Dorothy Konrad. She is often seen at various film gatherings and spends a great deal of her time visiting friends and former co-workers at the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital. BEN LYONS fAlthough a native of Atlanta, Ben Lyon was educated at Park School and City College in Baltimore. When he completed his College education he went to New York to try his luck as an actor. In 1917 he made his first theatrical appearance in a bit part at Paramount Studios on West 56th Street. His first important role was in “The Traveling Salesman” and although he was anxious to continue in movies, work was not easy to find so he turned to the stage. His first role on the legitimate stage was in Booth Tarkington’s successful play, “Seventeen” in which he appeared with Ruth Gordon. He later went on tour with the Jessie Bonstell Company. His role in “Mary, the Third” led directly to his motion picture career as Samuel Goldwyn saw the play and engaged Lyon to play the juvenile lead in “Potash and Perlmutter.” Upon completing this film in New York he came to California on a speculative jaunt and only three days after his arrival had a seven-year contract with First-National in his pocket. His first assignment was in “Fläming Youth” opposite Colleen Moore and this was followed by roles in “Painted People,” “The White Moth” and “So Big.” Now well launched on a motion picture career he became one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood and subsequently appeared in 65 films at various studios. “Hell’s Angels” and “I Cover the Waterfront” were two of his best known starring roles. While making “Hell’s Angels” he became interested in flying and obtained his pilot’s license in 1928. In 1931 he joined the U. S. Air Force Reserve and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Two years later he made the film, “I Spy” for British International Pictures and soon after he and his wife, Bebe Daniels, returned to England to make their home. While living there he produced and co-starred with Miss Daniels in their own revue, appearing twice before the King and Queen of England at Command Performances. When war was declared in September 1939, the Lyons devoted their time to entertaining British troops. When the American Eighth Air Force arrived in England, Lyon requested to be put on active duty. He was made chief of the radio section of the Eighth Air Force and later radio Chief of the U. S. Strategie Air Force in Europe. In addition, he and Miss Daniels appeared each week on a program which was heard from coast to coast in the United States, presenting interviews with American soldiers in all branches of the service. While on terminal leave in California in 1945, Mr. Lyon was engaged by 20th Century-Fox as Talent Representative in Great Britian. He later returned to Hollywood to serve the Company as Executive in Charge of Casting and New Talent. A few years later he and Miss Daniels and their two children, Barbara and Richard, returned to England to make their permanent home. Miss Daniels died in March 1971 after a lingering illness and since Mr. Lyon has remained active in the work they shared together for so many years. But the saga of Ben Lyon does not end there. Last April he and lovely screen star Marian Nixon were married in Westwood much to the delight of their many friends and fans. The Lyons will spend most of their time traveling but plan on making their home in California. 19