London Actors’ Advice On Successful Marriage

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27929, 28 March 1956, Page 9

London Actors’ Advice On Successful Marriage

“A little bit of understanding and a sense of humour” —that is the key to a successful marriage combined with careers on the stage, screen and television, according to Googie Withers and John McCallum, one of the London theatre’s most popular husband-and-wife teams, now visiting Christchurch.

“Marriage to us is the more important factor, and though we are both tremendously ambitious for ether’s career, we never allow ambition or jealousy to interfere with our marriage.” Miss Withers said. “Give in on the little things, and s+and firm on the big ones, is my theory.” Mr McCallum said.

The McCallums have been married for eight years, and they have a daughter of five travelling with them They met when making their first film together. “That is where vou find out what a man is really like.” said Miss Withers.

When not working in the same show they always try to be in the same enuntry so that they can, at least, have Sundavs together at home. Lone separations, while both partners arc acting in different parts of the world break up too many marriages of actors, they consider. Buckinghamshire Home Home for the McCallums is in a rural part of Buckinghamshire, beside a golf course and 21 miles from London. “Our home is a great joy to us. and I plan all the interior decorating. a hobby of mine,” Miss Withers said. “John and I have a lovely collection of antiques, which we have gathered together round the old London shops.” “Play golf? Not me. I think it is sillV walking round a course trving to hit a ball and missing it.” said Miss Withers. “I’d rather just walk round and that’s what I do. I follow with ♦he dogs, when no-one is about, while Tohn plays.” Both are avid theatre-goers. When not working themselves, they like to sec what other players arc doing. When they both have a few free weeks between engagements, thev pack their suitcases in their car and take a holiday in Europe. They enjoy travelling and that is why they are on their present tour. Preference for Stage When it comes to acting. John McCallum prefers the stage. “You can’t get away from the stimulation of a direct audience for the best work,” he said. “But films are different and difficult, and are more highly paid.” His wife agrees entirely with him. John McCallum made his most recent film, “Smiley.” in Australia a few months ago. In this boy’s adventure story in colour he plays a “wicked publican,” and Chips Rafferty is a policeman. Mr McCallum’s father, now 85. had for many years the old Cremorne Theatre in Brisbane. Miss Withers' name “Googie" (pronounced with hard g’s) is an Indian word. In Bengali it means “a clown”

and in Punjabi “a dove.” “My ayah named me ‘her little googie’ when I was a baby in India. Pa was quite sure she had the Bengali word in mind.” she said. Miss Withers has two French names. Georgette Lizette.

which she never uses. Googie a name audiences never forget. There have been times when managers have objected to the name, when she has nlayed Lady Macbeth or other Shakespearean roles, but they have never been able to persuade her to change it. “In any case. I don’t hanker after Shakespearean plays. I like a modern dr?ma. which I <*an feel as a modern actress.” she said. Rattigan's dramas of the present day are amon” Mr McCallum’s favourites. “I think ‘The Deep Blue Sea.’ for instance. is very much like an Ibsen play in observation and subject matter. and I believe it will live as long as most of Ibsen’s dramas.” he said. Mr and Mrs McCallum’s five-year-old daughter. Joanna, has no wish to go on the stage. She wants to be a policewoman. an ambition her mother does not share for her.