Screenland (May-Oct 1938)

A romantic scene in a highly dramatic play: Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce, co-stars in the screen version of "Yellow Jack," in a still from the film, above. the English. We're just average humans." "Oh, but with your culture and all, I didn't 'think you'd be taking young ladies to your apartment — unless — " "Unless what?" Stewart demanded abruptly. . , . "Unless— you— thought a great deal of them." "I do think a lot of you, Marcia ; but, my dear girl, you aren't suggesting that I've compromised your good name — or anything like that?" "No," she admitted reluctantly, "I dont suppose you really did compromise me, but—" "I don't even remember advancing an improper proposal." "Well, why didn't you?" she asked, suddenly resentful. "Frankly, I didn't think I'd gam anything by it." "Oh! Is that the only reason?" "It's a sufficiently good one for a maledisappointment in love is so undignified." "You have such a nice way of explaining things," Marcia murmured. "Thank you. I hope I've made myself clear." „ "Oh yes, I understand perfectly— now. Stewart regarded her thoughtfully. "I wonder if you do." "Of course I do. Why not?" "And you aren't offended?" "Should I be?" Marcia asked with sudden suspicion. "Well, I hoped you wouldn't," Stewart said quickly. "But one can never be sure.f| "I couldn't be offended with you, Larry, she said softly. "Thank you, Marcia. Then we'll continue to be — good friends?" "We'll be very good friends," Marcia said warmly as she sat on the edge of his desk and took his hand. "I don't think you realize just how much you've done for me, or how grateful I am." ( j Stewart was touched, yet wary. "Its very nice of you to say that." "But you can't possibly know how strongly I mean it," she insisted. "You've taken me to the kind of places I've dreamed of and introduced me to the kinds of people I've always wanted to know. And you've made London seem so real to me. I feel that I've been here always, and I never want to leave." Stewart felt the need of getting Marcia back to firmer ground. "But aren't you ever homesick for America?" This was a distinct jolt to Marcia. She 98 never have pre-cheap," she said, withdrew her hand. "America is only a nightmare to me." "I shouldn't say that too loudly or too often, if I were you," Stewart said quietly, in disapproval. -Why not? It's true." "A worldly person might misunderstand you." "In what way?" "When anyone speaks bitterly of the country in which they were born and reared, especially if talking with a foreigner, that foreigner is apt to think the fault lies with the individual and not the country." Marcia felt stricken. "Oh !" "Marcia, my dear, if I didn't like you tremendously, I should sumed to say that." "You've made me feeldismayed. "I didn't intend that," he protested compassionately. "You'll forgive me?" "Oh yes. I suppose I'll forgive you." She became hard. "But if Phil had said that to me I'd want to kill him !" "Why?" "Because he couldn't have done it like a gentleman. He'd bawl me out." She softened as she looked at Stewart, "But you understand me so much better than he does." : "No, Marcia, you're wrong there. I've come to the conclusion that both Phil and Anne know you much better than I do." "Oh, but they don't ! Phil is horrid, and Anne hasn't been nearly so nice to me since you started taking me out." "You only imagine that," Stewart said uncomfortably. "No, she's jealous." "But why should she be?" "Well, she thinks you've fallen in love with me." "That's ridiculous !" Marcia was hurt. "Is it so ridiculous ?" "I mean Anne doesn't think that — there's no reason why she should." "Oh!" Stewart rushed on, "What I'm trying to say is, Anne realizes I've been showing you around London because you're a stranger in the city." "Is that the only reason?" Marcia asked slowly, feeling crushed, "you were just being courteous ?" "Of course if I hadn't liked you enormously shouldn't have been so lavish with my hospitality. I've enjoyed you no end, and I suppose I've been selfish and thought less, but I never dreamed it would expose you to criticism." "Oh I don't mind what they say or think — because of you." "However, it isn't very discreet, our being together so much. Perhaps I'd better devote more time to Anne, and you might be seen with Phil now and then." "Do you think that's necessary?" "I think it's wiser." "You're so considerate of me, Larry." "Hmmm." "And because you are so nice and thoughtful I'm going to ask a special favor of you." "Well?" Stewart asked, dreading it. "On the night of the preview, after the show, I want to give a supper for a select few in my apartment, and I wish you'd invite the guests." "But, Marcia, isn't that a bit of a risk?" "I don't see why." "The picture may not be as successful as you'd like it to be." "I'm willing to take that risk. With your direction it can't fail to be a success." Stewart was suffering. "That's kind of you to say that. I hope it doesn't prove disappointing to you." "I'm sure it won't. And you will help me to arrange the supper party?" "I'd rather you didn't do it." "Please, Larry, my heart is set on it." "Well—" "I knew you would ! I want to have Lord and Lady Marble, and that interesting explorer and big game hunter, and about six or eight more of the most interesting people you know." "I think you're making a big mistake." "Is it because you think1 they'd refuse to come?" she asked uneasily. "Oh, no, they'd come all right. But if they didn't like the picture it might prove frightfully embarrassing." "Oh, that! I'll take a chance on the picture." Then with sudden fear, "Haven't I been photographing well?" "You are gorgeous." "Am I getting as much out of the picture as you hoped for?" "Oh yes, quite !" "Then what?" "Well, you know any picture is always a gamble," Stewart evaded. "I'm willing to stake everything on this one's being a success." "All right, but remember, it's on your own responsibility." "Then you will help me with the guests?" "Yes, I'll help." "Of course I'll want Anne," she said, her enthusiasm dimming slightly. Stewart looked at Marcia queerly. "Yes, you'd have to ask Anne." "Oh, I'd want her anyway," she said hastily, then sighed deeply. "And I suppose I'll just have to ask Phil." "You mean you don't want to !" Marcia sensed Stewart's disapproval. "It isn't that I really mind asking him. But you can never count on what he'll say or do. Sometimes he's very embarrassing." "Yes, I know how he is," Stewart said, with a faint smile, as Phil came in. "Anne said you wanted to see me on business, Marcia, but if you two are heavily engaged I'll return later." "Not at all," Stewart said rising. "I've got to look at some retakes." "Don't let me run you out of your office." "But you aren't, really." Stewart started out, then paused, "Phil, I've been considering what you said and I think it'd be a good idea for you to come out on the set tomorrow." Phil grinned in understanding. 1 11 be delighted." . "'Bye, see you later, Marcia. To Be Continued THE CUNEO PRESS , INC., O.S.A.