EARL AS FILM STAR ?

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 June 1936, Page 12

EARL AS FILM STAR ?

OFFER FROM HOLLYWOOD. The Earl of Warwick lias told me the inside story of negotiations with Hollywood that, may lead to his becoming a film star at a salary of more than £lO,OOO a year—plus all income tax payable, says a writer in the “Daily Mail.” The negotiations have taken place between th© earl and Mr. Mervyn Le Roy, supervisor for a Hollywood firm, who has been staying in London. Mr. Le Roy told me that lie had made “a very substantial offer” to Lord Warwick, who wanted time to consider it.

“I expect to have his answer in the next few days,” added Mr. Le Roy. “He is twenty-five, has a most attractive personality, and I am confident he would be a great success in films.” Lord Warwick, who said that he had not yet. received a concrete offer, told me:

“The matter arose when at a luncheon Mr. Le Roy asked me if I would not consider acting in films. “When 1 refused he asked me whether no consideration would make me change my mind. More as a joke than anything, 1 said that naturally mine would be high. Pressed to slate what that price would be, I replied that it. would have to be well over five figures, and that, in addition. I would require all taxation duo in any country as a result of my film work to be paid. “I also said that the contract would I have to be for two or three years, as i any salary, however, high is not much I good if it only lasts for a year. ! “Mr. Le Roy seemed to take this [quite seriously, as, indeed, I am prepared to do, too. if matters can be arranged on this basis. "1 understand, however, that Mr. Le Roy would have to discuss the matter with his company in the United States before any definite arrangement could be arrived at. Meanwhile, I> am awaiting the outcome of the negotiations with considerable interest. “I would never have considered the offer in the ordinary way, but when I found that his proposals were serious 1 realised that my reply was only a matter of common sense. “Nothing has been put in writing as (yet, but it has all been fully discussed between us.” The earl, who succeeded his father in 1928, married Miss Rose Bingham in 1933. The marriage at Glynde, Sussex, was one of the most brilliant events of the season. • He and his wife lately paid a visit to Hollywood, where Lady Warwick appeared as an extra in films.