Screenland Plus TV-Land (Nov 1953 - May 1955)

Soon audiences everywhere will see Rita Hayworth's rendition of the unforgettable Sadie. The fact that she may give the performance of her life, the ex inherited the role. Yet, it was as Cochise that Jeff received his greatest acclaim. His career has had the usual false starts. Just when it looked as though he'd begin to take in the real acting plums worthy of his ability — and he is one of the town's finest actors — he'd get something not quite so first-rate. This happens to all actors. Being ambitious and wanting to do worthwhile things, Jeff had his moments of frustration. Such feelings could, of course, reflect on his moods at home. A guy who is not happy in his work is not happy at home. Then there was the added business of his being asked countless times for stories about his marriage for magazines. Few stars have cooperated as conscientiously as Jeff in meeting the incessant cry for private life stories. After the reconciliation he acceded to every request for material on how he saved his marriage. The spotlight continued to stay on his home life so much that finally he decided he could not discuss it any more. The glare of the light got to be just too much — and understand perts say, is not because she has ever lived the part, but because she believes in it. It's not hard to believe in Sadie in any guise. Rain, or shine! end ably so. His marriage couldn't take it. To try to find out what has happened to this marriage you have to take a look at Jeff. He is probably one of the town's bestliked people. His ready wit, his easygoing attitude, his lack of temperament have made him very popular — on the set as well as with the public. But much goes on behind that calm, light-hearted surface. It's the old proverb of still water running deep. Jeff isn't the kind who is given to loud outbursts of temper. He is quiet and self-controlled with the feelings all inside. Yet, he has recognized that in some ways this is a fault and he has honestly tried to be less of an introvert. One of his discoveries about marriage was learning that there are no separate kinds of responsibilities for a husband and wife. You can't delegate obligations like a catalogue. He long ago got over the idea that just because man is male he must be the final word. However, there was never any question in Jeff's house as to who should be the boss. Marjorie had always wanted him to assume the major control, especially in business matters and in the upbringing of their two children, Dana and Jamie. When Dana and Jamie are mentioned, you come to the real sad part of this marital difficulty. Recently, Jeff had the two youngsters at the studio with him for lunch. Their complete adoration for him and his for them was something to see. Jeff's whole face softened when he looked at the two girls. And when he kissed them with real fatherly affection you could read volumes in his face. It was seeing Jeff then that you knew how lonely he was, how much spark had gone from him. There was a listlessness in his voice. He walked slowly, heavily. No one could for a moment believe, after seeing him, that he was taking this marital trouble lightly. And no one could fail to understand how deep is his love for his family. You can be sure that Jeff and Marjorie would have taken no such drastic step as a separation if it hadn't been the only way — not when you know how much they love Dana and Jamie. And with Marjorie's firm belief that children need a father's guidance and love and discipline you can only know that the decision was not arrived at easily. Maybe this sounds like so much sentimental claptrap. But people too often forget that stars are human too, with all their heartbreaks and sorrow just like you and you and you. Sure, people think divorces in Hollywood are lightly come about and that this town is a nest of unprincipled characters who care nothing for the sanctity of marriage. But such is not the case. Behind every headline you read of a broken marriage there is deep heartache. And don't let the columnists or rumor mongers tell you otherwise. There are some who think that the Chandlers broke up because there was not enough respect for individuality in their marriage. This might have been so at the time, but Jeff learned — as did Marjorie— that without the respect for each other as individuals, possession took over and any understanding went out the window. Jeff once said that individuality is so important that people shouldn't get married if their personalities were too different. This, of course, he admitted is something that is not always easy to discover before marriage. So there is the possibility that Jeff and Marjorie are too unalike as people, with too many contrasting ideas and beliefs. However, Jeff also said that with compromise and tolerance and real love, even this difficulty could be worked out. And those who know Jeff and Marjorie know how they tried to adjust their personality differences. Neither Jeff nor Marjorie expected, however, that they would not find changes developing in their marriage. They realized that their fives together would change as they changed, as their perspectives broadened. After their last reconciliation they were determined, therefore, never to take one another for granted. They were more interested in 59 Jeff Chandler and wife after one of their reconciliations. They tried often and sincerely to find a happy way of life together, but failed, much to their regret. WHAT'S HAPPENED TO JEFF? [CONTINUED FROM PACE 39]