GOSSIP WITH AN ACTRESS

Southland Times, Issue 23335, 20 October 1937, Page 8

GOSSIP WITH AN ACTRESS

Nina Mae McKinney

In Australia

Nina Mae McKinney will be remembered for her part in “Sanders of the River.” At present she is making stage appearances in Australia, and the following brief interview, reprinted from The Age, provides a glimpse of an interesting personality. Off stage, Nina Mae McKinney is a very intelligent, sensitive and frank young woman, without any affection. To hear her talk of the film stars is to realize that her life is among them. But to hear her talk of herself is tn get the impression of a shy, selfdepreciating trouper who yet, like all troupers, lives for the applause that makes the routine of stage appearances bearable.

“Stage work is more than a notion,” she said, and then continued, glancing at her lithe and beautiful image in a huge mirror:—“l was a little nervous when I made my first bow in this country in a new environment. I was even more nervous than I usu - ally am. But anywhere I play I find myself nervous until I get used to the stage.” And she told how much the microphone has come into use in the music halls throughout England. “Always I have worked with the ‘mike,’ somehow. It saves the voice a little, and I have been told it gives better tone. But I would prefer to work without it.”

“Who is the greatest star in Hollywood?”

“Greta Garbo,” she answered without hesitation. “Garbo is a remarkable woman and an actress.” The conversation drifted to Jean Harlow, whose career in time has coincided with that of Miss McKinney. “Jean Harlow had a very sad life,” she said, and spoke of that young actress’s personal magnetism and the tragedy of her second marriage, of which she could never be brought to speak. Polly Moran was mentioned, reminding oui visitor of Marie Dressier. “Marie Dressier had a soul,” she exclaimed, and there was profound meaning in the word as she used it.

Of Paul Robeson, with whom Miss McKinney starred in “Sanders of the River,” the young- woman spoke enthusiastically. “When I left England he was singing to benefit the young Spanish refugees in England. He is a generous man, Mr Robeson.”