COOGAN'S EARNINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23029, 5 May 1938, Page 15

COOGAN'S EARNINGS

OFFER BY HIS MOTHER "A REASONABLE SETTLEMENT" (Received May 4, 5.5 p.m.) HOLLYWOOD, May 3 Mrs. Bernstein told newspaper men she is willing to give her son, Jackie Coogan, a share of his childhood earnings "as a reasonable settlement" if the Courts uphold her right to the money. She said Jackie had been influenced and misled by his attorneys, and declared she and her son were "the best of pals" before his filing of the suit against her to recover £BOO,OOO, but afterward she had been unable to make contact with him. "I am hurt and distressed," she said. "After all, there is no reason why he should not speak to his mother." Mr. Coogan refused to comment. COURTS AS GUARDIANS BIUL BEFORE CONGRESS WASHINGTON.' April 24 As an outcome of Jackie Coogan's lawsuit, Mr. R. J. Cannon (Democrat —Wisconsin) introduced a bill in the House of Representatives requiring the Federal Courts to act as the guardian of all child actors and actresses. He said the financial plight of Coogan had shocked the conscience of the nation. The Receiver at Los Angeles has begun a search of the safety deposit boxes of Coogan's mother, Mrs. Lillian Coogan Bernstein, and his stepfather, Arthur Bernstein. It is believed that the boxes may contain jewellery and part of Coogan's screen earnings.