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BEHIND the story of Ann Sothern's temporary retirement from the screen, there is real-life drama that could only happen in Hollywood. It concerns a girl who was intelligent enough to realize she was heading for oblivion and courageous enough to gamble everything on the chance of redeeming herself.
Rather than sink deeper into a rut, Ann Sothern voluntarily retired from the screen. Determined to get a fresh perspective on herself and live down a series of bad pictures, she went into a self-imposed exile. Securing her release from the studio, she shut herself away from the world. Other studios made offers. But Ann was determined to rid herself of a lethargic attitude that could only end disastrously.
Twelve months have passed since Ann made her last picture. Now she is back on the screen again. It is a new Ann who is going to do the best work of her career. It is an enthusiastic reincarnation of the breezy, lovable Harriette Lake, who first came to Hollywood and charmed all those who crossed her path. Ann has regained the confidence, the "poise and the determination she lost when she became so discouraged at the roles given her. During that long year of seclusion, Ann ran the gamut of hopes and fears. Was she wise in remaining off the screen for such a long time? Would people remember her? Would her fans remain loyal? Hundreds of letters poured in asking what had become of her. When driving down Sunset Boulevard, Ann experienced the thrill of having people shout out from passing cars,
"Where have you been ? Why aren't you on the screen ?" Coming from total strangers, this demonstration helped to preserve Ann's faith. Living expenses and obligations assumed while she was under contract, had to be met. It was a terrific price to pay. But Ann stuck tenaciously to her bargain with herself.
"I was as much to blame as anyone else," Ann admits honestly. ''But I always hoped that conditions would right themselves and I would be allowed to do good work again. I made seven pictures in one year. They were cheap productions, made in limited time. I was under contract. There wasn't much money being spent right then. So it was up to me to make the best of it or walk out. I hate feuds and I hate making enemies. I did ask for my release but couldn't get it. So I hung on and prayed.
"Being concerned about my future and unhappy in my limited roles, I grew careless and indifferent about everything. I didn't realize it at first. I allowed myself to gain weight. Because I had so little to do, I was too discouraged to try at all. I finally lost interest in my clothes, my publicity, and everything pertaining to my work in general. I've always taken great pride in everything concerning my career. But I was just too miserable to see what was happening.
"It was an Open Letter by Delight Evans in Screenland that helped to bring me to my senses. That letter was filled with truth and I was deeply grateful for being taken to task. I used (Please turn to page 76)
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