We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
THERE is no point in opening this little Rhapsody in Blonde by saying that if it weren't for Errol Flynn a party named Alexis Smith would right this minute be carrying on, chin up, as a lowly Warner stock girl, seventy-five dollars a week and bound no place in particular.
Under ordinary circumstances Mr. Flynn's role in this success story would be that of champion of the oppressed and the beautiful which, as you know from seeing him rescue countless maidens resembling Olivia de Havilland on the screen, is really second nature with him. What Mr. Flynn really did was to go into a huddle with Director Mike Curtiz about a week after "Dive Bomber," presumably an all-male epic, had gone into production and offer the suggestion : "Look here, old boy, don't you suppose this thing could stand a bit of livening up?" (Mark
you, this may not be Mr. Flynn word for word but it is in the general direction.)
"What could you be meaning?" Mr. Curtiz is alleged to have inquired, according to sworn witnesses.
"A love interest, shall we say?"
"My dear Mr. Flynn, this is an epic glorifying the air arm."
Mr. Flynn : "A minor love interest, perhaps ?"
Mr. Curtiz: (Frostily) "Any suggestions?"
Did Mr. Flynn have any suggestions? What a question! With no more effort than it takes him to run a blade through Basil Rathbone, Mr. F. whipped up a "minor love interest," dialogue and all. Mr. Curtiz read, approved, and lit out immediately for the office of Hal Wallis, the Warner grand mufti, to get his official okay.
"She ought to be tall, blonde, and electric, I should
If you first met Alexis Smith as the devastating blonde with Errol Flynn and Fred MacMurray in "Dive Bomber," you'll want to catch up with her in her latest film, "Steel Against the Sky," with Craig Stevens (above).
So many Smiths — but only one Alexis. You'll see why she's in the spotlight when you read this
By
John R. Franchey
think," Mr. F. is said to have said just before Mr. Curtiz took off.
Cut to Stage 11 where an assistant to Director Lloyd Bacon, in charge of "Navy Blues," is rehearsing six delicious cuties in a hot vocal number. The girls are in the groove, as they say, when a courier arrives, points to the third girl from the left and says : "You, please ! Will you come this way?"
"There goes (Please turn to page 62)
34