Screenland (Nov 1941-Apr 1942)

Above, Rosalind Russell with Don Ameche in M-G-M's new film, "The Feminine Touch." Right, with beau Freddie Brisson. having me boots polished. I asked Clark for some polish one daw He sent me twelve boxes. Enough to outlast any war even if I had to polish the Colonel's boots — God love them all! Hazel — Ha-zel!" (Hazel is Miss Russell's very pretty, very clever colored maid). "A sandwich apiece, please — cut the bread thick and the meat thin for the likes of her," (laughing, indicating Miss Hall) '"what kind do we want ? What, did we have for dinner last night? Or why not surprise her — what did we have last week? There's a war on, you know — eatless interviews. Hall, from now on in."' G. H.: "Speaking about the War, Orson Welles was guest of honor at our Hollywood Women's Press Club a week ago. He said something that interested us — that the reason there is so little progress in Hollywood (that's what he thinks) is because everyone is afraid, afraid of being kicked out of Hollywood, losing their jobs, and whv not? he said — everyone lives in better houses here, eats more regularly, sees more beautiful women — no wonder they're afraid can't have any fears. Roz, or you with M-G-M last summer, you wouldn't dare to freelance. Aren't you afraid of Hollywood?" R. R. : "No more than of any other place. After all, fear exists everywhere today, no one knows what is going to happen — but to some extent, fear has been with us always. Fear exists in Society. There is the fear of doing something the so-called "leader' of Society will disapprove of. You have fear in college, fear you won't make the best sorority. There's a cut pattern everywhere. Hollywood, too. But there are always those who dare to break away, tweak the society leader's nose, and they should — a breakaway is good, it's normal, it's healthv, it's — " -but I've been thinking that you would have re-signed What happened when Hollywood's wittiest actress was interviewed by star reporter and a stenographer was present to take down everything they discussed! By Gladys Hal! G. EL: "But can it be done without danger to the individual?" R. R.: "No. There's always danger in revolt. But tor the gamblers, you see. the experimenters, the danger is the fun. I am a gambler by nature, a rebel, an experimenter— upsetting the apple-cart is my favorite outdoor sport. There are experimenters in Big Business, in the labs of science, in all the Arts. They are those who try for new things, at their own peril — we haven't enough of that kind in Hollywood. It is our one great lack. Welles is right about that.'' G. H.: "What is the greatest fear?" R. R.: "For the majority. I'd say, the fear is lack of security. They want something on paper, something water-tight, a contract between employer and employee. You give up that security when you give up a contract. I have given up security to take a gamble. I happen to believe in it for myself. I want to see what I am worth. I want to grow. I wanted to be freer. I like danger. I like strange places. I like feeling my own muscles. I don't want security. I really don't. I'd purse my lips, grow smug — if I had wanted to be under contract to any studio, I would have stayed at M-G-M. I like the place — but I always leaned toward free-lancing. I like to be free (laugh) in every way!" > . G. H.: "But the competition in Hollywood — isnt it prettv terrific?'' R.' R.: "More than 'pretty'— plenty. That's the bogeyman— or woman. For if a girl comes along, more or less your type and your line of work, it only follows^ she is "going to grab a couple of the parts you are anxious to play When girls pour into town like the hordes of Attila, but — " G. H.: "But no one ever (Please turn to page XU)