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JJlS IN THE
Hollywood Crucible
By Jeanne de Kolty
testee looks like because we see dozens of them out here every week and probably not more than five per cent ever prove to have anything on the ball. Perhaps I saw Clark Gable, or Bob Taylor and Bette Davis make their first tests. I wouldn't know All I do remember is that every newcomer I ever saw being tested looked stiff and unpromising and scared silly.
It's really remarkable that a producer ever manages to see any hope in a test. Most of them are terrible, especially those in which young hopefuls select their own material (usual custom) and decide to do something highly dramatic to exhibit their vawst talents. Whatever their forte, they always seem to select "scenery chewing" parts for tests. Paula Stone, a natural light comedienne, picked the most tense moment from "Accent on Youth" and muffed it beautifully for her initial screen effort, and ten to one "Animal
Joy Hodges, An Louise, Jeanne Kolty and James Ellison talking over their experiences on tests.
THAT nice fan in Paducah has just written to ask exactly what is a screen test. Maybe she wants to take one. If so, I think she should be warned that screen tests are hell!
I've been running around for three days now asking movie stars what they think about this subject, and everyone seemed to agree that stardom would be swell — if it were not for tests. Even Norma Shearer and Edward Arnold, who certainly should be accustomed to them by now, frankly admit that they were panic-stricken during testing for "Idiot's Delight."
It seems slightly nuts, because after watching hundreds of tests. I find that they all look like a simple matter of routine. I often barge onto a set, see some strange youngster emoting under the lights while cameras grind and the crew stand around taking it in, say to myself, "Well, there's another poor kid sweating away," and go on my way. It doesn't even seem worthwhile to notice what the
Basil Rathbone at his own request took a test for the role of a hero.
Kingdom" has been murdered by young hopefuls more times than any other three plays put together!
Undeniably, the making of a test can be a highly dramatic event. Old folks who have long since given up hope of reach
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Silver Screen