THE SIMPLE LIFE.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3802, 31 August 1936, Page 3

THE SIMPLE LIFE.

“STARS” COME TO EARTH WAVE OF ECONOMY IN HOLLYWOOD.

A wave of economy and simplicity seems to have swept Hollywood. It is not only economical but actually fashionable for a film star to drive her own low-priced car herself. " Architects admit that few, other than wealthy tourists, have built houses in the 'Hollywood territory more than one storey high or exceeding eight rooms. Simplicity has become such that even diningrooms are missing nowadays, that space being utilised by a study, with meals eaten informally near the livingroom fire-place. Which indicates that extravagant parties are a thing of the past. Individual cases bear this out. Clark Gable lives in a hotel room and rarely gives a party. If he invites you, it’s usually to a polo game, or a tennis match, or perhaps a spin in his car.

Joan Crawford and Franchot Tone are rarely seen in public, the exceptions being an important opening or concert. They probably spend less time dining and dancing out than the average modern young couple. They have a steady group of half a dozen friends whom they usually entertain on Sunday afternoons—the house, swimming pool, and badminton court being thrown open, with every guest doing what he chooses.

THE GENTLEMAN FARMER? Robert Montgomery has purchased a farm in New York State. He develops it yearly, little by little, but not on a large scale. It will look no more unusual, when completed, than its neighbours. The ideal life to Bob is the quiet and private one of a gentleman farmer. Meanwhile, he and his wife live quietly in Beverly Hills, in a comparatively small, rented house where washing can be seen on the line any Monday. Night clubs hold no lure for Norma Shearer, who infinitely prefers the seclusion of her year-round beach home, a charming but simple house, no larger than those around it. So long as the great shelf if lined with books, and with the ocean there for swimming, she is content. Spencer Tracy lives on a ranch and never wears a tie if he can help it. William Powell built a big house, then promptly put it up for sale. The Marx Brothers prefer hotels and pullman trains. Jean Harlow rarely owns more than two evening gowns at a time. Myrna Loy is as little seen as Greta Garbo. Wallace Beery goes fishing on his mountain ranch. Lionel Barrymore puts on an old artist’s smock and etches. Robert Young has driven the same car. for five years, and boasts a smaller wardrobe than that of his secretary. Madge Evans economises by making her own clothes. The list could be extended, but the point is the same. Economy and simplicity have become the rule.