FILM STARS’ CLOTHES TO BE RAFFLED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 181, 29 April 1941, Page 10

FILM STARS’ CLOTHES TO BE RAFFLED

Generous Hollywood Offer

Much has been read in recent months ot Hollywood's many contributions to llie British war effort. Members ot' all sections of the film capital's community have co-oiierated in various drives to aid Britain and her Allies. Now comes news of an amazing gesture to help New Zealand's own patriotic drive. Every studio in Hollywood has sent a collection of gowns, and accessories worn by famous stars in recent pictures.. The articles are to be displayed and later auctioned or raffled throughout the Dominion for patriotic purposes. Some idea of the value of the gifts may be gained from the fact that they have been insured in this country for .£20.000. One gown alone, that worn by Joan Bennett in the film, "The House Across the Bay.” has an American cost value of 000 dollars. One American film executive slates that never before have the studios been so generous, not. even for American charities.

Accompanying the articles were many letters from studio ‘‘heads.” All of them made mention of the fact that the American peopl? tyere right behind the British war effort, and deemed it a privilege Io be able to aid New Zealand to make her fullest contribution to that effort.

The officer's cap with double cross insignia and arm bands worn by Charles Chaplin, together, with a pair of mittens worn hv Paulette Goddard in “The Great Dictator" are fiifts direct from Mr. Chaplin. The court gown and accessories worn by Miss Bette Davis in "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex” are included in the collection of articles, too numerous to mention individually. but which are on display in a Wellington store.