The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1939-1949, 1940-09-12
OPTION
RENEWED
g
By THAYER WALDO
g Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Service.
7 T WASN'T just matter OF In
tarest on the Zenith lot. this an

ring picture. There was positive eX-
element afoot.
Everyone knew that HollyWood's
only woman director had been
signed by the studio month before,
but nobody thought it meant much.
Certainly even those close to Pro-
Queer Joseph Fiberg didn't expect
this assignment.
Leona Farrell was Zenith's top
salaried player; the best of every
thing was considered hers by divine
right. Yet here was this Dorothy
Adams-a near-unknoWn, sort of
freak, in fact-about to be turned
loose on the latest and greatest of
La Farrell's super specials.
1t didn't seem reasonable, but no
one had the nerve to ask Fiberg di-
rect questions.
The woman director was unmar-
ried, about 80, and an attractive
redhead. There Hollywood's def.
mite knowledge of her ended.
She'd come from New York half
a year ago, and since then had been
studying film technique at one Of the
other studios. Her private life had
simply remained private.
No scandals, no rumors, not even
a notable public appearance, had so
far marked her stay in the film cap
ital.
At first it was generally believed
that Leona Farrell would protest the
selection.
But nothing of the sort occurred;
on the day first rehearsals were
scheduled, the star appeared on
stage and exchanged cordial
greetings with her new director.
Then for several hours Dorothy
Adams watched and heard Leona
Farrell while dozen or so impor-
tant scenes were run through.
Surprising dizziness was evident in
the directors handling; her COM
ments and suggestions brought add
ed life to the dialogue.
Those who worked with her found
their admiration growing. Surely
this woman was no tyro and her
of the Farrell tenn
permanent seemed thorough.
At last but one main sequence
unrehearsed.
It was a major piece Of footage
that came early in the script, estab-
fishing the first love of the character
played by Miss Farrell.
When Dorothy Adams called for
it, fresh buzz of interest arose.
Ralph Ormand, a new contract
player recently signed in New York,
had been named for this role oppo-
site the star.
He had arrived in Hollywood only
he day before; this was to be his
irst studio appearance.
A page went to call Ormand from
MS dressing room, and in a mo-
nent the actor came.
He was young-younger than most
# the observers had expected;
not over Is. Yet his man.
Ter was poised, urbane, and the |
smooth-shaven face held
10 hint of immaturity.
Dorothy Adams was turned away,
consulting with her assistant, when
lie entered the set.
AS the sound of her voice reached
linn, he paused and a shade of puz-
:lement came into his eyes.
Then she faced him, and no one
m this set could possibly have
missed the startled tension that APP
feared in both their faces.
For just an instant a breathless
Hence prevailed, to be broken as
)rmand stepped forward with a
queer little smile.
Il believe" he said in slight
y diffident tone, ''that you were
eady for me?"
Before the words were ended, all
RAGE of emotion had left Dorothy
Adams. Matter-of-factly she nod
led and told him:
Eyes, Mr.. Ormand; there's a bit
ID like you to rehearse with Miss
Farrell. It's sequence A, scene 49,"
He murmured assent.
The director turned her back
gain and sat down.
From the small crowd of studio
workers. rose faint hum Of whis-
ered, and significant glances were
RELY exchanged.
On the outskirts stood Louis Gar.
ison, studio publicity director. He
ad seen the moment of by-play in
hat meeting and, with everyone {
lse, had realized at once that Doro- !
by Adams and the actor were not
trangers. But, unlike the others,
is interest ran deeper than mere E
nrill of curiosity. s
Shrewd appraisal of the situation S
Did him there was a faint chance \
f trouble ahead. {
In the Woman's face he had
aught CLINT of bitter hurt, as if r
t sudden memory of an old wound. 6
Chances were, Garrison reflected.
1ere had once been romance be- {
~een the para romance that Or ,
hand, not she, had ended. If So 6
'ell, hell hath no fury :"
And DOrOthv Adams ,,,oe i, , 400;