Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

Half-Century Mark 183 ventional reception was often the more surprising to interviewers because usually they expected to find her " rather high hat." Being regarded as one of the most stately and dignified ladies of the stage, she often gave the impression across the footlights of being aloof and perhaps keeping people at arm's length, so that when people meeting her for the first time found her so completely the opposite, they were quite disarmed. As a matter of fact, this stately and dignified lady of the stage was a regular tomboy! It was a childhood trait that she had never outgrown. Those who were fortunate in being admitted to her intimate life were at first surprised to find this quality, which in public was so well hidden. But she loved nothing so much as a good romp on the floor and, despite her small stature, she could hold her own in any " rough and tumble." She was surprisingly strong and many a teaser who has pulled her off a chair, expecting a reproof or an easy prey, has found he had his hands full as she made reprisals! It was these things which balanced her character so well. To her, they were a refreshing relief from the more ordered outward life that she must necessarily lead. Because she was aware that the roles she played gave out the impression that she might be upstage, Pauline was really terrified of being considered " snooty." She therefore never refused to see anyone unless she was too tired or not feeling well. One instance of her fear of " snooting " people came one day when a card was sent to her dressing room. The name on it seemed familiar but she couldn't remember whether it was someone she knew or not. So she sent word that she would see the lady after the performance. What happened was rather amusing and also very human. The sender was a young girl who for years had been one of Pauline's most ardent admirers but had never met her. Many