Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1947)

lieve that when you meet the man for you . . . your man . . . you’ll know it. Wiiat qualities am I looking for in that man? What do I want? I want stability, a sense of humor, an engaging personality. He doesn’t have to be handsome or even attractive, just somebody who would be fun to spend the rest of my life with, whether he turns out to be an actor, lawyer, or an Indian Chief. |IENERALLY speaking. I can’t say that I’ve ever been short on self-confidence. I’ve always been fairly sure of myself at anything I attempted — tennis or a good Australian Crawl. And I arrived in Hollywood completely at ease. “You have nothing to worry about. Absolutely nothing,” said Producer George Abbott (producer of the show I was starring in, “Kiss and Tell”) when I embarked for movieland. And I was only too ready to agree with him. This self-confidence helped me get my first break and my first heartbreak. Checking back now, I’m sure I could have handled the whole situation with more finesse and fewer tears, if I’d been more prepared for it. I really suffered at the time. When the late Producer Mark Sandrich, who was to direct “Blue Skies,” first approached me about doing the lead and asked, “Do you think you can dance and sing well enough to carry it?” I didn’t have a qualm, and answered sincerely, “Sure, I can.” He gave me the part. It was a great break, starring opposite Bing Crosby. It would automatically make any newcomer a star. Then came the sudden tragic death of Mr. Sandrich, and another producer took over “Blue Skies.” The new movie maestro, together with the dancer who was set for a starring role, decided between them that I wasn’t right for the part. But they neglected to inform me. Other girls were tested for the role, and finally just before the picture was ready to go I was told that other arrangements were being made, and that I was out. I wouldn’t have minded if they’d just told me at the beginning that they felt I wasn’t suitable for the role. But I can’t stand evasion in any form. Ironically enough, when the picture finally got under way, the producer and the dancer were out, and I got my big chance anyway. But I’ll never forget those few days between . . . Perhaps this was in some measure my o.wn fault. For I am very direct, and I usually expect everybody else to be. Perhaps I should just “curve” a little now and then. But I don’t know. The worst thing one can do is be too nice to the wrong people. If you’re too nice they think you’re a pushover, and believe me they push you over too. Through a few such hard-learned incidents, I’ve decided one must maintain a certain dignity and authority always. On occasion, I have a positive knack for trusting the wrong people. For one thing, I’m much too sensitive. Though thanks to Bing Crosby, Bill Holden, Sonny Tufts and others I’ve worked with, I’m learning to laugh a lot more, to take little things people say or do less seriously, and to let down between scenes until it’s time to pick up the cue again. However some things still affect me out of proportion. If the rushes, for instance, look a little bad to me, my whole day is upset. But I am gradually worrying less and less. Little things can make me very happy. A spontaneous surprise, a small act of thoughtfulness. And never will I forget the day Director Mike Curtiz called to tell me he’d observed my work and was considering me for the lead in his picture, “The Unsuspected.” This meant about as much So new it leaves you breathless , rouge Never. . . ever. . . such adventure-in-color! n all your life, no powder did 50 much for you. Fiesta lives, breathes, puls1 with excitement. It wakt your skin to a glow witl spirits-of-roses! Add lasting cling . color -freshness . . heavenly fragrance All yours in this new new shade. Be with Fiesta today! Powde j 1 WOODBURY MATCHED MAKEUP With Fiesta Film-Finish Powder you also get Fiesta Lipstick and Rouge All 3 in the dollar powder boxONLY $1.00 ee*«eee»«*»«*»***e*»*»a**««*««i jfe! Seeing's believing! See Fiesta's sparkle on your skin. Se for free Woodbury Powder Sampler; get Fiesta, eight otf flattering shades, plus Hollywood Make-up Chart. Pr name, address clearly. Mail* to Box 45, Cincinnati 14, Oh 3' NAME TRY FIESTA 7^1 Fiesta and 8 other exciting shades come in Matched Make-up $1.00; "Purse" size Powder 25c and lOc. (All prices plus taxi STREET CITY STATE (Sorry, offer good in U. S. A. only!