Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

128 Pauline Frederick Carroll replied on Pauline's behalf. Speech making was one thing that terrified Pauline beyond all else and it was literally impossible for her to make one. All she could say was, " I thank you, but that is all I can possibly say." She was so overcome at this unexpected ovation that it was all she could do not to break down. " Never in Sydney's history had an actress been so tumultuously welcomed," according to the Sydney Morning Herald. After this, she was driven to the Australia Hotel and there found her suite massed with flowers from every cinema house in the city and from hundreds of admirers. At last she was able to catch her breath and to make an attempt to calm herself down. The warmth of this reception had exceeded her wildest dreams. It had left her limp and exhausted but terribly grateful. Among those who accompanied her on this trip, was Snowy Baker, the Australian sportsman, who had remained a close friend since the days of her famous rodeo party for the Los Angeles Hospital. So often a favorite film star can be so disappointing when seen in real life, for the camera frequently creates a type of person who does not exist except in photography. Pauline was one who did not disappoint, and this contributed to the wild enthusiasm which her appearance in Australia created. She lived up to expectations, her beauty was real and she dressed to perfection. After such a reception upon arrival, Pauline was prepared for anything on the night of her opening. The first week they played " Spring Cleaning " and then followed with " The Lady." The audience, made up largely of film devotees anxious to see their favorite in person, could hardly restrain their excitement as they waited for the curtain to go up. When it did, there was a moment or two of tense silence until Pauline appeared and then there was a long, continued