She Knows all the Answers

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19900, 30 March 1939, Page 15

She Knows all the Answers

QNE of the most unusual, interesting, and responsible jobs in Hollywood belongs to a woman. She is Frances Richardson, head of the research department and library at one of the big studios, and upon her depends the authenticity of detail in every big picture which goes into production for this company.

Miss Richardson and her staffmost of whom are also women —constitute one of the busiest units at the studio, for they are endlessly and untiringly searching and checking on points of vital interest for the various pictures.

What was worn for riding by the well-dressed English child of '18997 How much money was stolen by outlaw Jesse James during his adventurous career? Where could be obtained the best pictures of Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone about whom is shortly to be made a picture? These are but a few of Miss Richardson’s recent posers.

It is not unusual for her and part of her staff to spend months of research work on a particular subject which is ultimately abandoned by the studio as unsuitable for filming. Nevertheless considerable credit for the success of many films have been due to her excellent work in supplying authentic information on incidents, pecples, and costumes of the period. One of Miss Richardson’s biggest undertakings was the 12 months’ research work carried out on behalf of the film “Suez.” For authentic information concerning costumes, customs, and historical figures, facts, and events of the era, Miss Richardson sent to London, Pari.; and Egypt. Close on 1000 sketches and portraits were obtained in order that make-up artists and wardrobe stylists could re-create the characters and make the twentieth centurjf actors and actresses as nearly as possible resemble their nineteenth century prototypes.