"Between Two Women”

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1938, Page 4 (Supplement)

"Between Two Women”

The only touch of realism lacking on the hospital* set of “Between Two Women” ai Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer was the odour of anaesthetic. Even this was suggested, but promptly rejected by Director George Seitz, who said something about “carrying authenticity too far.” The visitor imagined he smelled ether and disinfectants, however, the illusion was so impressive. Stage 22 was literally converted into an ultramodern hospital for the new picture. Pert nurses,, imported from Hollywood Hospital appeared in their starched white Uniforms. Rubber tii’ed chromium plated “gurneys,” or mobile tables bearing sheet-covered bodies were rolled in and out of dotfbleaction doors. There was less noise on this set than on most movie stages as the hospital atmosphere seemed automatically to induce silence. They were shooting a tense operating room scene. The room was semicircular in shape to prevent accumulation of dust as in an up-to-date hospital. Chromium-doored sterilising cabinets were set like vaults in the white walls. An X-ray negative of a cracked pelvis looked eerily down on the scene. Franchot Tone as a conscientious hard-working doctor, was bending over the body of Leonard Penn, handsome husband of Gladys George and a newcomer to the screen. Penn, portraying an unscrupulous, rich young interne at the hospital, is injured in a train wreck while running away with Tone’s unfaithful wife, enacted by Virginia Bruce. Maureen O’Sullivan, playing the nurse who harbours a silent love for Tone, stood on his right, while Eddie Norris, an interne, looked on from the left. White masks and caps . covered their faces and heads. Director Seitz shouted, “Quiet, please.’ A’ bell rang, indicating camera and the sound recorded in another building far away was being synchronised. A light flashed betokening uniform speed. The director gave the signal for the /scone to begin. Dr. Harry Nardini, technical adviser who was brought from' the Hollywood Hospital for the picture, stepped over to the glass table beside the operating table and rearranged surgical implements which Miss O’Sullivan had shuffled. Meticulousness was the keynote of this picture.