MADAME MAURICE CHEVALIER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21244, 27 January 1931, Page 15

MADAME MAURICE CHEVALIER

Mine. Maurice Chevalier, tired but smiling happily at the memory of the tumultuous welcome that had greeted her husband on his arrival in,London, sank back in the cushions of a settee in her suite at the Mayfair Hotel, and told me something of her joys and tasks as the wife of M. Maurice Chevalier, the world-famous French film and stage star, writes a special correspondent of the Daily Mail. M. Chevalier is idolised by women in two continents. I first knew her years ago as Mile Yvonne Vallee Chevalier’s partner on the Paris stage. She confessed that her present responsibilities made life almost as busy for her as for her husband. _ “Being a wife is a whole-time job, she declared, studying a tiny foot that peeped from beneath a pale green dressing gown. Then she added that she had no regrets at leaving the stage, but was happy and completely occupied with “ the many little affairs 1 ought to look after. She “ Some people may wonder how T view the interest taken in my_ husband by his innumerable women admirers. How can I be anything but happy and proud; what more charming token of his success could I wish for? Maurice, an artist, works and tries to please his public; and when his public is appreciative he is happy and satisfied that his endeavours have not been in vain, so naturally I am delighted “ He is really moved and thrilled by the welcomes that have been accorded him. When a great crowd greets him, I know just what to do—l just hurry on in front and slip through before the crowd surges round Maurice. If I were to follow him Ido not know what would happen. I should be squashed.” Mme. Chevalier, petite, her lustrous black hair snuggling comfortably on the nape of her neck, two long silvery pendant ear-rings swaying as she moved, smiled with her large, lovely eyes, as she spoke: “ When we are in Hollywood I have plenty to do as housekeeper of the little villa we rent. I have not many friends there, but sometimes we entertain some of our fellow-countrymen and countrywomen, and then, as a wife, I like to have a hand in the entertainment. I am very fond of cooking—and so sometimes I prepare a French dish for our guests. “When I have a little time to spare for relaxation I like to play golf. I try to play tennis and go swimming, too. in my leisure time.

"When Maurice is touring I have no housekeeping to r do, of course, but there always seems plenty to occupy my time. Down in the South of France, not very far from my home, we have built a villa. It is just outside Cannes. “That is our own little dream come true,” Mine. Chevalier declared. "The house and grounds have been constructed and laid out according to our own ideas and designs. Maurice sketched the plans for the garden, while I suggested many of the arrangements of the house. We arc always happy to visit that little home of ours.”