Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1948)

I feel that I owe her something for the seven years of care she gave me, even though I know she never liked me. Furthermore, I know she loved my father deeply. Should I endanger my marriage to take her into my home, or can I refuse without suffering from a guilty conscience? Betty B. Your first consideration, of course, should be your husband and the happiness of his home. Under the circumstances I see no reason why you should threaten that happiness by bringing your stepmother into your home. Since you have said nothing in your letter about your stepmother’s health, I assume that she is able-bodied. I think you should feel quite free in suggesting to her that she go to work. For her oivn happiness, as well as yours, she needs to make a new place for herself in life. However, I do think it would be extremely generous of you and your husband if you could send her a small amount of money for a few months until she is able to find employment. Claudette Colbert Dear Miss Colbert: I am nineteen and soon to be discharged from service. I am still undecided about my lifework, and therein lies my problem. When I was eleven, I discovered in a doctor’s clinical report that I was an adopted child. I questioned my mother about it and she admitted its truth. I realized that discussion of the matter was painful, so I let the subject drop. Since then, I have been wondering just what work my personality best suits me for. My temperament differs from that of both my foster parents. I feel that an investigation of my “birth” parents might reveal some interesting facts about my heredity influences. Also, I strongly believe that everyone has a right to know of his origins. However, I hesitate to hurt my foster parents. I will welcome anything you have to say on the subject. Stuart O’M. Psychologists tell us that environment is far more important in determining the future of a child than his heredity. Furthermore, hereditary influences are difficult to trace since some children seem to resemble one particular grandparent more than their parents. Since you have been screened by the service, a reference to the aptitudes discovered by Navy psychologists will serve you more efficiently than all the parental investigation on earth. Your foster parents love you ; they would be deeply hurt by any hint that you are dissatisfied with them and are seeking other parentage. Why not relegate the past to the past. It is only your future that counts — that, and the happiness of two people who have given you their loyalty. Claudette Colbert Dear Miss Colbert: Because of my admiration for you and for your work in “Imitation of Life” I feel that I can explain something that has long been on my mind. Here in the South, we colored people are segregated, as you know. So are our children. I teach a group of youngsters who love Western pictures. Naturally they are also mad about the actors. A few stars visit our cities from time to time to make personal appearances. Our youngsters are wild to see such famous people as Bill Elliott, Tim McCoy, Roy Rogers, Charles Starrett, John Mack Brown, Hopalong Cassidy and Tex Ritter. All of us, children and adults, save our pennies to see these admired performers, so we have wondered if it wouldn’t be possible for them to pay brief visits to our theaters. Our youngsters are quite as enthusiastic an audience as they will ever find and our manners are above reproach. I have written only in the hope that a word to an understanding person might bring a bit of unexpected happiness to some of our children. A Teacher (I am happy to publish this letter. I am certain that it will bring “ unexpected happiness ” as soon as arrangements can be made by the studios concerned. C. C.) Have you a problem which seems to have no solution? Would you like the thoughtful advice of Claudette CJlert? If you would, write to lier in care of Photoplay, 321 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California, and if Miss Colbert feels that your problem is of general interest, she’ll consider answering it here. Names and addresses will be held confidential for your protection. r 7%e Tfayors when you smoke PHILIP MORRIS/ CLEAN, FRESH, PURE... Amenta's FINEST Cigarette! complete enjoyment — clean, fresh, pure! An important difference in Philip Morris manufacture lets the FULL FLAVOR of That’s why Philip Morris the world s finest tobaccos taste better — smoke bettercome through for your all day long ! PHILIP MORRIS ip ALWAYS BETTER ... BETTER ALL WAYS 121