Gloria Blondell, Joan’s Sister

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 181, 3 August 1938, Page 11

Gloria Blondell, Joan’s Sister

A chance visit to a motion picture studio, with Lady Luck acting as guide, has resulted in the fair visitor being awarded a long term contract. Such was the prelude to an announcement made recently by Columbia Studios that Gloria Blondell, talented young sister of Joan Blondell, has been added to its roster.

Gloria’s discovery dates back only a few weeks. She visited the Columbia sound stago where Joan was being costarred with Melvyn Douglas in “There’s Always A Woman.” As Gloria spent an exciting hour watching her more famous sister, another famous person was just as interestedly looking on. Frank Capra, Columbia director, had stopped on the set en route to the stage where construction was in progress for “You Can’t Take It With You,” his next production. He was greatly impressed by Gloria and the two were introduced. Lady Luck, thus having smiled, it was only necessary for Capra personally to preside over the girl’s screen test. The contract followed. Gloria, who strongly resembles Joan, is said to have a flair equally for frothy comedy and tense drama. She will probably be cast in an important forthcoming Columbia picture.