Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1930)

the fatal day my knees almost caved in. I hardly remember my entrance. "There were about twenty people in the jury — newspapermen, critics, people from the theater, and dramatic teachers. They sat before us, in orchestra seats. But I saw nothing. All was swallowed up in the blackness of the great auditorium. I thought I was lining to faint. "But I passed my test! While I waited my turn, I heard whispers in the darkness out front. I felt doomed to failure. Then I thought of my mother, sitting at home, tense with anxiety and love for me. "At last my moment came. I stepped to the stage and recited my piece like one in a trance. Afterward, I collapsed in the wings, and later I bolted without saying goodbye to anyone. On the way home I Was in an agony of remorse. Perhaps I had ruined all by leaving without making polite farewells! "T LAY awake all night. The next day -*■ passed without word. I was certain I had failed. I dreamed of going back to the department store and asking for my old job. "On the third day I had a telephone call from the school. I had passed! I thought I should die of joy! I was to be a real actress — and soon! "My instruction at the Dramatic School began. It lasted two seasons — those of 19221923 and 1923-1924. The director was Gustaf Molander, who later went into pictures. Many noted men and women of the Swedish theater were on the staff. "What a wonderful time this was in my life! It had its worries, for my family was poor, and though instruction was free I needed many things. However, my mother was sympathetic and hopeful, and my brother's and sister's financial situation gradually grew better. We managed ! "I went to the theater a great deal. It was a necessary part of my training, and we students were given passes. My comrades and I got on well. After morning classes we drank coffee at a nearby cafe and talked unendingly. My worst fault was that I was nearly always late. As no one scolded me, it became a bad habit. They even laughed when I tiptoed in after class had begun!" But tardiness did not prevent the Gustafsson girl from being engaged as a "pupil under contract" by the Dramatic Theater. The close of school found her dreams come true. She was a dramatic actress at a salary. It was forty dollars a month! CHAPTER FIVE— Greta Turns to Films GRETA GUSTAFSSON'S engagement was not easily won. There were courses in elocution, voice training, fencing and gymnastics. Greta Garbo does not like to talk of her attainments during her student years, but a fellow pupil says, "She played many parts. I remember that she was particularly charming as Hcrmione in 'A Winter's Tale.'" And her vocal teacher, Karl Nygren, recalls that her voice showed great promise in her formative days. Beside the parts played at student performances, she performed various minor roles in the regular productions of the Dramatic Theater — such as the harlot in Per Lagerkvist's "The Invisible Man" and a role in Schnitzler's comedy, "A Farewell Supper." Her contract was signed in February, 1924. But it was annulled in March! And this time she signed herself Greta-Gustafsson-Garbo! What an eventful month February was for Garbo! For in the short time she was bound by this theatrical contract, she had made up her mind to leave the stage and devote her time to the films. This momentous decision was made when she received a wire from Mauritz Stiller — the great director — saying "Don't make any plans for the summer." This was almost a royal command, coming from Sweden's greatest genius in the world of the photoplay. Photoplay Magazine for April, 1930 Doctors know that perspiration odor actually precedes noticeable moisture. <?<? I never stain my dresses— yet perspiration odor is there! 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The familiar ruby colored Odorono, Kegular Strength, is for twice-a-week use on normal skin. The new white Odorono, Mild, is especially for sensitive skins or frequent use. Three sizes — 35ff, 60£ and $1.00. ODORONO ends perspiration annoyance and odor When you write to advertisers please mention PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE.