TRIBULATIONS OF A WOULD-BE STAR

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 286, 3 December 1938, Page 7 (Supplement)

TRIBULATIONS OF A WOULD-BE STAR

FROM the diary of a Hollywood would-be star (with apologies to Dorothy Parker).

MONDAY: Breakfast at fl; didn't want, it; that ginger ale we had to drink all day yesterday on the cafe set was too revolting . . . Taken to the studio by Mr. Smith- he couldn't be more perfect - - oven though he is an extra. Between takes called up Ann Meredith for a hair appointment. My favourite operator booked all day for Shirley Temple—too maddening. Had to go somewhere else -too terrible; but the operator had some divine gossip— said that the Joan Crawfords are going to separate—any minute—and that that big star- you'd die if I mentioned his name—is in the hospital because of too much drinking. And Mrs. (Jury Cooper simply won't let (Jary out of her sight.

Called 11 j> Clark 'JhI»1 o to take mo to the Countess Di Frasso's party to-night

— but his butler said he was out. Telephoned Robert Taylor and some other divine numbers—but their butlers :ill said they were out. Finally got Mr. Smith. He couldn't be more sweet and what do I care if he is an extra and a gigolo. Can't decide whether to wear my black satin or niy black crepe.

TI'KSUAY: Awakened by ccntril casting at .">. Couldn't, liave been more furious. A job at Paramount another of those cafe scenes. Absolutely poisonous food. 1 get mi

nauseated eating prop food, Called Ann Meredith's. My favourite nianieuri-t busy all day with Carole Lombard. Too maddening. Went somewhere else. (i oss i p too mediocre. The operator swore Don Ameche came there for hairline electrolysis treatments. Too painful. Called up Fred Astaire to take me

to the Trocadcro. His butler said he was out. Can't bear it. Went to the movies wit li Mr. Sin it h.

WKDNKSDAY: slept till noon. Too wonderful. Telephone rang; was sure it was Fred A>taire. It was Mr. Smith too Asked liiiu to take me to the Yendomc for lunch. I told him it was terribly important to all the producers go there. Too thrilling. 1 called to book a table- "right near the door." The waitev sai<l they were all reserved, but we could have one at the back or in the bar. Such a snob. Think I'll call Walter Wander. He has a table ri^lit near the door. Tile studio said he's away. Too had. It was too wonderful at the Yendome. Kvervone was there, including Mr. Wanger. who was simply furious when I told him his studio pretended he was out of town. He's going to call me up. He's too marvellous. Sent him a telegram to

remind him —Hollywood producers have ■licit had memories.

THURSDAY: Awakened at f>. Another night club sequence. Long desperately for a picture with no restaurant in it. Tl.e Countess J)i Frasso giving tme of her wonderful parties tonight. Will ask C'arv (irant to take me. She must have meant to invite me this time. Carv Crant's butler couldn't have been more sweet; simply heartsick alwmt t'ary lieing away. Finally got Mr. Smith. -Can't decide whether to wear my black satin or my black crepe.

FRIDAY: Have decided to get an agent. I know i've got more <111 the ball than those plain stars at Dorothy Di Frasso's party. I know 1 heard at least three columnists ask, "Who is She'/'' meaning me. And even Hymie Kink took a picture of me by mistake. All I need is a chance. Called the Myron Sel/.nick Agency; everyone out of town; too maddening. Called several others. All of them out of town. There must lie an agents' convention in another part of the country, .lust my luck. Called Tyrone Power to take me to a preview. He actually was at home. Too thrilling. He's taking Janet (iaynor. Too sickening. Finally got Mr. Smith. Decided to wear my black satin. Too wonderful—-brushed against Louis B. Maver and he apologised. I know I'm goiiig to get a part one of these days.