Modern Screen (Jan-Nov 1944)

tation not too far from New Orleans. Leslie wires them that she is coming and is surprised when no one meets her at the station. She waits in the afternoon sun and finally faints from the heat. The station master calls young Doctor Grover (Franchot Tone) . Pardon me a minute — I feel a sunstroke coming on. I hope. Anyway, to get back to Leslie, Dr. Grover drives her out to her uncle's plantation, and on the way she tells him the story of her troubles. He is sympathetic and obviously attracted to Leslie. He says he'll try to help her. The plantation is hauntingly beautiful, but it's a somber old place among the cypress trees and swamps of the sugar cane country. Aunt Emily (Fay Bainter) turns out to be a fluttering, ineffectual little woman. Uncle Norbert is absorbed in his books, completely unaware not only of his niece's problem but almost of her presence as well. The most important character in the house seems to be a large, elderly man named Sydney (Thomas Mitchell) , who issues all the orders. It gradually becomes apparent that something very mysterious indeed is going on at the plantation. Leslie's friendship with Dr. Grover is discouraged, and soon her mental condition becomes worse. Lights go on and off, and she hears a ghostly voice calling her name from the bayou. Only through the help of a Negro (Rex Ingram) does she learn that a deliberate attempt is being made to drive her out of her mind. When she gets Dr. Grover to help her, they both become prisoners. The picture ends dramatically in the macabre gloom of a Louisiana swamp. You'll shudder in your chair. The role of Sydney is quite a departure for Thomas Mitchell. You will be interested to see what he does with it. Franchot, of course, makes a charming wolf, reformed by love. — U.A. P. S. Producer Ben Bogeaus, searching for a mystery dealing with malicious minds and murder, discovered "Dark Waters" while it was still in galley form . . . Later, when it came out in a national magazine in serial form, Publicity Man Jerry Dale arranged to have each of the four issues it ran sent each week to all Hollywood correspondents, neatest trick-of-the-month to capture their interest . . . Merle Oberon proved herself a rugged soul, earned the sobriquet "Iron Woman Oberon" because of the way she stood up under all the physical punishment during the swampwater scenes . . . The bayou set took up three and a half solid acres, planted with 1500 water hyacinths, blue flags, special vines and Spanish moss. 500 trees were planted, included full-grown oaks, weeping willows ... In spite of gloomy, depressing scenes and heavy tension induced by the mystifying atmosphere, cast and crew had a gay time. Workers dubbed it a "happy" picture, and all were sorry to see it end after ten weeks of shooting . . . Director Andre De Toth is one of the most camera-conscious megaphoners in the business. For one scene in Merle's bedroom, he placed the camera in the direct center of the room, had it make a complete 360 degree turn recording a period of twelve hours in the script. Four different mirrors, placed strategically in logical spots, recorded Merle's different expressions during the long scene . . . Another "longie" was a six-and-a-half-minute scene between Franchot Tone and Merle in which they perfectly completed seven pages of tricky dialogue . . . Definite surprise twist in the casting of the picture has some of the most prominent members playing roles against their usual type. Scenario for every girl with designs on a man! "See— Jim's telegram! He's got leave. It says 'SATURDAY, GORGEOUS, WE'LL FLASH MY NEW WINGS ON THE TOWN . . .' Gorgeous! That's ME! Saturday -that's today! Oh, what a beautiful mor-ning!" "My shower sure makes me feel 'sweet and lovely'— and a quick touch of Mum will keep me that way for hours! " A bath removes past perspiration— Mum prevents risk of future underarm odor! "Speed's the word for Mum— and Mum's the word for charm— if a girj wants daintiness to last. And I mean me!" Takes only 30 seconds to use Mumguards charm for hours! {Private thoughts of a happy girl.) "He's my dream come true— only more so! Already, he's hinting I'm the girl to wear his wings. Thank goodness I can depend on Mum to keep me fresh as a daisy all my date long." Mum works— fast, yet gently— won't harm skin or injure the fabrics of your daintiest dresses. Use Mum anytime, every day— always before dates! Ask your druggist for Mum— today! Mum TAKES THE ODOR OUT OF PERSPIRATION Product of Bristol-Myers