Evening star., 1937-01-17


critic of the drama recently said of her:
There is not a woman on our stage, inciden-
tally. who couldn't proftably take lessons in
this business of looking - hearing and INCEST
ing with eyes as well as ears - from the young
girl in the films named Loretta Young"
Miss Young has just signed seven-year
contract. "She will soon develop into the
greatest actress in the world" her producer
states.
She first appeared on the screen at four
years of age Her aunt had a small position
at a studio. Many children were tested for
a role in a film starring Fanny Ward and
Theodore Roberts. None was acceptable.
Finally her aunt brought Loretta to the
studio, and she was given the job.
She played in the film and made such an
impression Fanny Ward wanted to adopt her.
Nine years passed.
Her sisters, Polly Ann Young and Sally
Blame, were becoming famous in films. Loretta
had decided to become a num- Again fate
intervened.
Coming home from school one evening she
hurried into the house to answer the tele-
phone. 1t was the studio calling her sister
Polly Ann is not here, said Loretta. Then
politely, rs there anything can do?"
How old are you?" the man asked.
Loretta told him.
why don't you come. to the studio to
morrow morning in her place." the man asked
jokingiy.
The thirteen year-old told her mother and
sisters upon their return home that she had
been invited to the studio the next day.
There was much excitement in the Young
household when Loretta and her mother left
for the studio. After many tests, Loretta was
given contract at $50 week.
That night her sisters made gilt star and
placed it on her bedroom door Underneath
were the words, The Stars Room - Private
Silence"
The family gazed in playful and prophetic
awe.
A tutor was placed at her disposal by the
studio. Though she appeared only as ''atmos-
phere," she enjoyed the work. Il did not
have to 60 to school"
More than year went by.
When it seemed she had been completely
forgotten, she was given part in Laugh,
Clown, Laugh" in which Lon Clancy was
starring Herbert Brenon was the director.
She was to play the role of tight-rope
walker and was to wear ballet skirt Mr..
Brenon insisted that she must have beautiful
legs. When he told Loretta this alarming news,
she started for the door. saying, "Coodby- -
mine are like sticks"
The able Brenon, with a sense of beauty.
had seen her luminous eyes. Your legs can
be padded, he said. Likewise your body"
Mr. Brenon was an irascible and irritable
director. She was afraid of him all through
the film and dreaded the moments when he
would shrek at her before hundreds on the
set, you are terrible actress"
She found an understanding friend in Lon
Clancy One day he watched her leave the set
and followed her. Here was enacted scene
more emotional and vivid than any which MIR.
Brenon could get in the film.
She sobbed violently. The magnificent
Clancy, having learned life through suffering,
allowed her to sob for some moments. When
the pain had eased. he put his arms around
her and said, Get it all out of your system,
child" He then wiped away her tears and
said. you've ruined your makeup. kid. No
directors worth that
There was long pause. Her sobs died
away.
ssNIo,,, 1;c<or Lid Vo,'ro -, tho hardest