A FAIRBANKS FIND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 143, 18 June 1936, Page 23

A FAIRBANKS FIND.

SCREEN ROMANCE.

POTENTIAL STAR.

receptionist at hospital,

(Special.—By Air Mall.) . LONDON, May 30

The sort of romance you sec on the screen, and think "That can never happen in real life," has come true in the case of Dorothy Oldfleld, aged 20, shy, curly haired, with large hazel eyes. Eight months ago she left her home in Hull to make a career for herself in London. She became a receptionist at a West 15nd nursing home, and lived, like dozens of other girls "up from the provinces," in a hostel. This week she begins a screen career <on contract for seven years with Criterion Films.

And all this is because Mr. Douglas Fairbanks, junior, became ill with influenza and entered the nursing home where she worked. While there he was visited by his mother, Mrs. Jack Whiting, who said, "There is a charming and beautiful girl at the reception desk here. She wants your autograph." That is how Air. Fairbanks, jun., met Miss Oldfleld.

"She was so delightful and so genuinely interested in films that we decided Miss Oldfleld should have a test, and the result is the most sensational I have ever seen taken by a newcomer to films," ho said. "She needs, grooming, but we are certain of her success."

Wearing a white overall and a nurse's cap of white linen, Miss Oldfleld told all about her good fortune. "I am going to try so hard to justify Mr. Fairbanks in giving me this great chance," she said. "It seems hardly possible that it is only eight months ago that I left my home in Hull, where my father is in a shipping office, for, London. When Mr. Fairbanks offered me a screen test my heart leapt, but I thought I was going to fail him. I never knew I could be so nervous. And when I saw and heard myself, my voice sounded so affected, and I thought I looked frightful. I am the luckiest girl that ever lived. My mother is as thrilled as I am, and is coming to London to set up a flat for me."

Miss Oldfleld is what has often been described in Hollywood as the ideal height for a film actress —oft OA in.