HOLLYWOOD IN PERSON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 209, 3 September 1932, Page 5 (Supplement)

HOLLYWOOD IN PERSON.

GOSSIP OF THE STUDIOS. (By MOLLIE MERRICK.) HOLLYWOOD (Calif.), August 1. - Scores of beauties in Hollywood to-day know, in the passing of Florenz Ziegfeld, the loss of the man who gave them their initial opportunity to present their talents to the world. A few, present at the funeral services which have been , marked by simplicity and privacy, accompanied the widowed Billie Burke and sought to offer her such consolation as they could give. Some of the screen's outstanding names came from the Ziegfeld list. Will Rogers, discovered by .the great - producer, has been his friend and companion to the last. Marion Davies, once a "Follies" girl, has been in close touch with the Rogers' rancho where Billie Burke has been staying throughout thie trouble. Billie Dove is one of the most beautiful of the screen stars who came from the Ziegfeld chorus. Lilyan Tashnian is one of tho world's figures whose fame budded under the showmanship of "Flo" Ziegfeld. Jack Gilbert's fiancee. Virginia Bruce, was known to New York because of the "Follies" before' she became a citizen of Hollywood and the fiancee of the onetime greatest "movie" star of the masculine persuasion. When Dorothy Mackaill came to cinema work she was already known because of her appearances in the Ziegfeld New York shows. And Mae Murray had been "glorified" long before she ever saw a camera. Mary Eaton, whoso cinema career wae brief and none too successful, did well as a Ziegfekl beauty. Justine Johnstone, who has long since given up professional appearances in favour of serious bacteriological pursuits, was once a "Follies" girl. So was Noel Francis; and Marilyn Miller learned to bewitch a world with her thistledown dancing on the boards of the "Follies" stage. The chapter closes as all do in professional life. Sorrowing, but ready to assume her work when she is needed, Billio Burke will be on the set in a few days for "A Bill of Divorcement/' Life is interrupted, but work goes on.

Cary Grant, a handsome lad who is fast becoming a "fan" appealer, will play the role of Lieutenant Pinkerton in the production of "Madame Butterfly," which will star Sylvia Sidney. This part, wished on Gary Cooper when he returned from his year of travel abroad, met with instant disapproval from the Western star. Hβ epoke his mind freely and got the sort of role he wanted. All-star caste being planned by various studios include a story called "State Fair," which will feature Will Rogers, James Dunn, Sally Eilers, Janet Gaynor, Charlie Farrell—and iso on. Of course, the studio which started it with "Grand Hotel," will continue with all the Barrymores (except Ethel Colt, who refuses absolutely to appear in a "movie" now) included in the roles. ' Two other studios are making all-star films One studio's innovation becomes a necessity for other studios. "Grand • Hotel'; certainly has something to answer for. Garbo continues to hold the headlines with no one really knowing a thing about her future plans. In all probability ehc will return to Hollywood after her trip home to Sweden, and it's also very probable that she will continue to make pictures. But, as I eaid, this is all guess work, as Garbo is a past master in the art of keeping her plans to herself. Ethel Barrymore, who ie about ready to begin work on "Rasputin," has sprained her ankle. This is bad luck, ae Mise Barrymore has to finish her. picture and be away to begin a play within a remarkably short time.