A MODERN CINDERELLA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 22, 26 January 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

A MODERN CINDERELLA.

ART OF GRACIE FIELDS

What is the secret of the genius of Gracie Fields, whose purely native art has sent England into a frenzy ?

She exhibits no "legs," pouts no Cupid's bow, possesses no startling head of platinum blonded hair —but nevertheless, as against most beauties of film or stage, Gracie would win the day. She is that dangerous combination of brains and charm —the two together are invincible. She has maintained and increased her popularity because always behind her comedy lies the knowledge that at a given moment this modern Cinderella can throw away her rags of comedy make-up and blossom out with a face, and a voice.

On one occasion Gracie was the guest of honour at a private dinner. It was the woman thatsnight—cl.ul in a wonderful dress of vivid flame colour — which held the eye and captured the senses. She was radiantly happy. Some newspaper men approached her —were introduced and she chatted to thain in the King's best English. Then with jut a change in her position, she looked mischievously round the table and lapsed into broad Lancashire —the Gracie famous all over the world —and then, "Ay bi goom, Ah've gotten a gradely lot o' lads now." ' She winked at everybody and . then continued the original discussion. After which she sang the American ballad "Stormy Weather."

She can change with lightning rapidity from the comedienne who mimes and gags to the straight singer whose "Ave Maria" moves audiences to breathless silence —to. again, the charming woman whose personal fascination is magnetic.

A modern Cinderella who has risen from obscurity to dazzling fame always carries its own appeal, for the suppressed desire in us all is to scale the stars. Gracie has done it, and she wears a halo accordingly.

So many parts are being suggested by scenario writers for Shirley Temple that she will be a grey-haired old woman by the time she has played tliein all—if she does. Affairs have reached such a state that in four weeks no fewer than 300 manuscrips, synopses, and ideas for stories were submitted as "vehicles" for Shirley.