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Fireworks Behind
By EJ S u [ I i v a n
When Famous Roles Axe Beinq Cast The Sparks Bcqin To Fly.
THE fireworks that were exploded on Page t when Claudette Colbert got the role in "Tovarich" which Kay Francis desired, brought to light something generally hidden from movie fans, the active fight that goes on in Hollywood for PARTS. Long before the cameras start grinding on a picture, the stars of the movies are battling for prized roles, for the players agree with Shakespeare that the play IS the thing. They know that they are as good as their material, so, in consequence, when their studios buy a Broadway hit play, the battle is on. The players themselves rarely appear on the battlefield, but stay behind the scenes, urging on their agents. That the Colbert-Francis row was revealed to the public was an accident. An alert newspaperman got wind that Kay Francis' agent was planning to go to court, in an attempt to break her contract, and the story was out.
Paulette Goddard's ambition to play Scarlet is another case. The situation had developed to the poin where David Selznick practically had decided to give her the coveted role. Then the studio learned that one of the topflight magazines had photographed Miss Goddard in costume, and was planning to go to press with a double-page "beat." Selznick immediately cancelled all negotiations with Paulette and gave out a statement to Associated Press that was a verbal reproof to those who, in Selznick's words, "were seeking to capitalize on the popularity of the book."
The M. G. M. radio program again spotlighted the quarrels that are carried on by the performers. Jeanette MacDonald agreed to appear on one of the early programs, providing no other girl singer was featured with her. At the last moment, the studio, seeking to build up Ilona Massey, an Hungarian importation, announced that
(Extreme left) Clark Gable, a poor judge of parts. (Left) No one blames Kay Francis for fighting for career-building roles. (Above) Jeanette MacDonald battled for a chance and now she fights to retain her position.
would sing on same program.
Ilona
the
The furious battle that ensued will go into radio history. Miss MacDonald, however, won out. The Massey girl's performance was cancelled.
The star system of Hollywood creates all of this controversy. Once an actor or actress develops boxoffice power, he or she can practically
dictate the terms and conditions of his or her employment. Woe betide the studio if the feelings of a big star are ruffled. Not, mind you, that the actor or actress always chooses wisely. Performers are rare indeed who can read a part and decide on its merit. From time immemorable, performers look ONLY at the left side of a script, to see how many lines they have to speak. If they have sufficient lines, the quantity is a compelling argument. They are not always so scrupulously exact in their judgment of the quality of the lines.
"Mutiny on the Bounty," one of the greatest pictures made,
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