Modern Screen (Dec 1931 - Nov 1932 (assorted issues))

• When they first ran through a rough showing of Marion Davies' new picture, "Blondie of the Follies," they say it looked as if Billie was the star, instead of the second female lead. She it was who, everyone thought, stole the picture — with some darn clever histrionics. So long considered beautiful but no actress, Billie has blossomed out during the past year and proved her personality. • More fun! Gilbert Roland may play opposite Clara Bow in "Gall Her Savage." Clara and Gilbert were once making headlines with their romance. Gilbert has lost twelve pounds, shaved his mustache and looks like a different man. What's more, his long-standing romance with Norma Talmadge is definitely over. When Norma arrived in town the last time she didn't even let him know she was coming. Hollywood Newspictures International Bebe Daniels, Carmen Pantages Considine, Harriet ParsonsModern Screen's contributor— a friend, Sally Eilers and Lily Damita. You can also see Constance Talmadge Netcher peeking over the cute shoulders of Lily Damita. Once again a prominent Hollywood film player becomes introduced to motherhood. This time it's Sue Carol, Nick Stuart's pretty little wife. Nothing seemed to disturb her peace of mind. The first inkling of any difficulty in the beautiful Keaton Beverly Hills mansion came with the headlined account of the fracas with Kathleen Key in which Buster was, rightly or wrongly, hinted at as being culpable. Natalie stood staunchly by, her friends amazed at the calm with which she faced the much-publicized situation. The next word of a breach to reach the newspapers was the account of Buster's airplane trip to San Diego, taking the two Keaton children with him. But this breach, too, was apparently smoothed over. Then Buster bought a yacht! No doubt he got it at a terrific bargain, even for these depression days. He didn't seem to realize that upkeep on such a palatial ship was prohibitive— or, if not actually that, exorbitant. Natalie just couldn't understand Buster's attitude — and vice versa. It wasn't an overnight decision on Nat alie's part to divorce her screen star husband. There have just been too many matters coming up lately on which they couldn't agree, and the only desirable solution of the situation lay in a divorce. It wasn't Buster's fault — nor his wife's. It is more than a little sad, though, that their marriage, long referred to by Hollywood as one of its happiest, should fail. • Mrs. Skeets Gallagher gave a birthday party for a number of Hollywood's kiddies, in celebration of her little son's third birthday. The two most interested guests were Arline Judge and husband, Wesley Ruggles. They were comparing notes with all the mothers, 'cause the stork visits the Ruggles' in October. • Estelle Taylor again seems to have had a change of heart. The exMrs. Jack Dempsey appears to be all aflutter over Edmund Burns, actor-around-town. • Tenants in the apartment below Jimmie Dunn's have been complaining about Jimmie's tap-dancing spurts — usually about 7 a. m. Seems like he does a tap routine instead of calisthenics. Jimmie, incidentally, is considered one of the Don Juans of movietown. And deservedly, too. If he's not out dancing with Maureen O' Sullivan or Gloria Shea — or Irene Ware — or — what's the use? He'll probably have a new sweet number by the time you read this. There's no keeping up with this Jimmie lad. • You could have knocked us over with Lil Tashman's throaty drawl when up walks Lupe Velez at the opening of "Strange Interlude"-— with no escort more exciting than three elderly ladies. © Helen Hayes, working over at Paramount, upset all traditions of etiquette strictly adhered to by movie stars. Clara Bow may play opposite her old romance, Gilbert Roland 15