FILM ROMANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 184, 6 August 1934, Page 7

FILM ROMANCE.

Budding Tasmanian Star and

Famous Producer.

ENGAGEMENT PENDING.. (Received 1.30 p.m.) NICE. August 5. A romance recently begun in London may result in the announcement an engagement between the budding Tasmanian-born film star, Merle Oberon, who Is aged Z3, and the 51-year-old president of United Artists Film Corporation in Hollywood, Joseph M. Schenck, ex-husband of Norma Talmadge. Miss Oberon, whose real name is Merle O'Brien Thompson, and Mr. Schenck are both in Monte Carlo.

Much interest attaches to the romance in film circles in England. The "Daily Express," in a telegram from its New York correspondent, says: "The American friends of Joseph M. Schenck, the film magnate, are expecting momentarily the announcement of his engagement to Merle Oberon. She is a member of a house party to which Mr. Schenck is attached in Monte Carlo.

"It is expected that the marriage will take place in Europe, and it is surmised that Mr. Schenck will build Miss Oberon into a star as he did his former wife, Norma Talmadge."

Miss Obevon and Mr. Schenck attended a gala dinner at the Casino on Sunday night. On being interviewed, Mr. Schenck said it was quite correct that he was engaged to Miss Oberon, but the latterisaid she was not engaged. This statement was confirmed by the girl's father, Mr. Thompson, who is also at Monte Carlo.

Mr. Schenck is to go to New York on Wednesday, when Miss Oberon will return to London to appear in the film, "The Scarlet Pimpernel." She is under contract for four years, but the terms of her contract contain no marriage clause.

The "Daily Telegraph" Monte Carlo correspondent writes that the engagement is most probable, but will not be announced officially before Mr. Schenck returns to England in October.