Silver Screen (Jun-Oct 1940)

Silver Screen for October i 9 4 o 85 Eligible Bachelor! [Continued from page 39] their autograph!" "I was coming out of the Strand Theatre," Jeff went on. "When I stopped to sign some books, I felt someone tugging at my sleeve. I turned around and there she was. 'Hello, Jeffrey darling,' she cried. 'Remember how you used to let me in the Embassy for nothing?' " Jeff didn't remember, of course — because it never happened. During those lean days when he was a struggling young doorman, he wouldn't let anyone in for nothing. He would have been much too afraid of losing that precious job. But today Jeff doesn't have to be afraid of anything — unless it's the fate of an eligible bachelor. Seriously speaking, there's much to be said on the subject. As we sat there talking {Jeff was waiting to get a haircut for his role in the current "Four Mothers"), I couldn't help but compare the shy, ill-at-ease and much too formal Jeff Lynn of two years back, with the warm, friendly person I know today. There was a time when the absence of a necktie would have brought forth an apology. Jeff noticed that I was observing his grey flannel slacks, blue and white sweat shirt, blue canvas sneakers to match. Cigarettes and matches bulged from a breast pocket. '"Know why I'm dressed like this?" said Jeff, in answer to a question I didn't ask. "I couldn't wait to get back and get into these clothes. It's the first time I've been comfortable since the day I left Hollywood. Please don't misunderstand — it was wonderful seeing my family. People couldn't have been more enthusiastic. But no one will ever know what a nervous strain it is to constantly be on exhibition for so many people. This time there wasn't even any escape going home. I couldn't shut my eyes at night and I lost ten pounds. Hollywood is the most peaceful place in the world. The first night I got back to my house up in the hills, I slept fifteen hours without budging." To fully appreciate Jeff's side of it. one must remember his background. It's a far cry from the Puritan home of his parents, to the Hollywood he knows today. The family was quite poor. Jeff says there weren't even electric lights until he was eighteen years of age. There were eight children all told. Jeff was no different from the rest. As Ragnar Geoffrey Lind, early in life he learned the meaning of hard work, respect for his father and mother, to live conservatively and clean. There was no time out for fun. Curled up in an arm chair during the long winter evenings, this young idealist found his one escape in books. Out of all this he had to fit himself into the Hollywood mould. It was Bette Davis who presented the picture clearly, when a few of us happened to be discussing Jeffrey Lynn. "I know exactly what Jeff has been going through," said Bette. "I came from the same New England background and had to go through it myself. Jeff will work out of it. too — if people will just let [Continued on page 88] * Joan Bennett and Francis Lcdercr in 20th Century Pox's new hie "The Man 1 Married." Thousa nds of Loving Women help keep their HANDS Adorable this EASY ivay. . . after outdoor exposure, and reguiTx. lar use of water, some of nature's softening moisture is gone from your hand skin. Better let Jergens Lotion furnish new beautifying moisture! Jergens brings you 2 fine ingredients used by many doctors to help rough, harsh skin to smooth loveliness. Regular use helps prevent dismal rough hands. No stickiness! Easy and quick! Start now to use Jergens Lotion. FOR SOFT, ADORABLE HANDS TREE/ your START TOWARD SOFT HANDS MAIL THIS COUPON NOW (Paste on penny postcard, if you like) The Andrew Jergens Company, 3916 Alfred St., Cincinnati, Ohio. (In Canada: Perth, One) I'd like to have charming hands. Please send my purse-size bottle of Jergens Lotion— free. ! Name Address