Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1938)

-■ivtf «*£ >^ * .«>* 1* & & & *& 9> .-^ ,^ ^ ^H The most interesting aspect of this collection of letters, wires, memos and what-have-you is not merely that, sorted and assembled, it reads like a scenario, but that it is a sample of a fan mailassortmentthat might have been received by any one of Hollywood's top-ranking stars. Of course, Sally Hunt and John Carey are not the real names of the girl and boy who star with Ginger in this real-life tale. Their names must forever remain sacred to the RKO files, but they are, nevertheless, real people . . . The . . . School for Girls Washington, D. C. February 1, 1938 Miss Ginger Rogers, RKO Studios, Hollywood, Calif. Dear Ginger: May I call you that? Most people do, don't they? First of all, please don't get the idea I am just another stage-struck imbecile, wanting to get into pictures. The thing is, I have talent. I am a sort of combined Marlene Dietrich and Martha Raye. You know — long on glamour but also right there with comedy when comedy fits in. I wouldn't say this so sort of conceitedly and all, except I realize I have to sell myself if you are going to help me with a screen career. And yes, that is what I am asking you to do! I am going on nineteen. I just graduated from this school with the midyear class of '38. It is a finishing school and I think I am quite finished. I can sing. I can dance, although not so well as you. I can ride. I can wear clothes like nobody's business. (Also I seem to have a special talent for cooking, but of course that doesn't figure in here. I just mentioned it.) I am five feet, four inches; weight 115 pounds. My hair is reddish like yours; my eyes brown. I have a few freckles and my eyelashes are not so dark as I could wish, but what are eyelashes to Sally had the right boy but the wrong idea So Ginger took a hand — wires hummed, executives huddled, studio cops went crazy. And the outcome? Just leave it to Ginger! a career when you can buy them by the yard? I have not got piano legs. I am not beautiful, but there are those who say I am a pretty nifty number. Now, I know a girl can't even get inside a studio, cold. But I feel sure if Ginger Rogers would say the word, I would have a chance. So — will you do this? Will you call up your casting office and tell them: "Here is a little girl that has something. Will you give her a screen test?" I'll do the rest. From everything I can hear about you, you are the regularest girl in Hollywood. I have been one of your special fans ever since "The Gay Divorcee." I haven't mentioned my private affairs, but I have a personal, important reason for wanting to get into the movies. I have to show someone I can. I simply have to! I am enclosing a stamped envelope addressed to my aunt's in New York, where I shall be soon. Although very impatient to get started, I won't leave for Hollywood until I hear from you. Here's hoping that will be soon! Yours confidentially, Sally Hunt. RKO-Radio Pictures, Inc. Hollywood, Calif. February 5, 1938. Miss Sally Hunt, — Park Avenue, New York City. My dear Miss Hunt: Speaking for Miss Rogers in answer to your letter of February first, I hasten to advise you that, unfortunately, she can do nothing to aid the film career you desire. She begs to say that she has no influence with the casting office, nor any authority whatsoever in the selection of material for screen tests. Thousands of persons try to get into pictures V