FILM STAR KEEPS FIT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20896, 27 November 1937, Page 14

FILM STAR KEEPS FIT

LLOYD HUGHES IN TRAINING Motion picture acting is extremely exhausting work, and in order to give his or her best the screen artist must be in good physical condition. Most artists not only take great care of their ordinary health, but also adopt special measures to ensure physical fitness and mental alertness. To look at Lloyd Hughes. Hollywood star, one would say that he was in the pink of physical condition, and he really is very fit, but this is only because he looks after himself. In Hollywood, Lloyd Hughes says, most of the artists like to get out in the open air as much as possible, some enjoying more strenuous pursuits than others. His own favourite sport is

golf. But during a production it is not always possible to get even a little golf regularly. The consequence is that at the end of a picture the artist feels that the lack of physical exercise has told its tale. The nervous strain involved in motion picture, acting is very great. Apart from the mental concentration demanded there is a heavy demand on the physical resources by reason of the long hours spent in the artificial conditions of the studios. At the end of a production an artist frequently feels a certain degree of mental and physical exhaustion. Lloyd Hughes Is inclined to think that the powerful studio lights under which screen artists work for long periods adversely affect their vitality.

During the whole of a recent production, Hughes had practically no time off. He came through the ordeal of a heavy part without ill-effect, apparently. But Lloyd Hughes takes his work seriously, and he decided that "the old frame needed a little toningup” as he put it. He began regular attendances at physical culture school and maintained a course of training during the few weeks between the finish of "Lovers and Luggers” and the beginning of “The Broken Melody” in which he again has an exacting part. It so happens that the part is that of an athletic young man—stroke of a University rowing crew. Lloyd Hughes will look the part.' He is athletic rather than muscular looking. In fact the trainers at the physical culture school complimented him on his athletic, graceful figure. Mr Peter Bjelke Peterson has taken a great interest in the film star, putting him through his various physical culture exercises, rubbing him down and generally giving him the closest personal attention. He is very proud of Lloyd Hughes’ appearance, and naturally Lloyd Hughes is very grateful for the interest taken in him.