Evening star., 1942-02-01


he emptied in the kitchen sink the
Scotch he was about to pour down
his throat. Then he telephoned
Countess Saskia.
"You need not release my picture
I'm through as producer"
That's interesting" she cooed.
"And what do you intend doing for
money!"
"It's none Of your business. But
I'll tell you anyway-I'm going back
to stunting, which I find less dan
gerous than working for q woman
of your type"
She was frightened. Bruce, I
was joking about not releasing our
picture. OF course, it's to be re-
leased. I've made all arrange
ments."
Then send my share to a home
for cats" he said, and put the re-
ceiver down. He stood under the
cold shower for 10 minutes, then
called Livia. She was not at her
apartment. He telephoned Vera,
and Livia answered
I'm seeing Charles for dinner -
she said when he asked to see her.
Then the marriage is only post
poned?"
"Oh, no." she answered vehem-
emily, this has to do with job"
II see"
How about later?" Livia asked.
"All right--later, then"
To see Bruce and perhaps get
back to their old friendly status
made her happy again.
A Wonderful Opportunity.
Vera and her husband, George, a
racetrack follower, whose record
was being investigated by the po-
lice, were to leave the United States
at the end of the week.
What about the baby?" Livia
asked Vera. Let me keep her" Vera
thought she was joking.
How about your movie career?"
MY career doesn't seem very i'm
portant now"
We'll. maybe, until we get set
tied" Vera promised.
Livia and Charles dined at
Chasen's. Magnificent Pictures Corp.
had offered him the biggest film of
the year. "Honoria Lewis" had sold
a million copies, and the sales were
still mounting. Magnificent Pictures
had paid 100000 for the rights to
film the book.
I'll do it," Charles told the COM
pany executives, ION one condition. ;"
"Yes?" said Chairman Ronald
! Dunno.
That I choose my own cast" The
chairman relaxed.
oh. is that ALP" He puf1ed on
his long cigar. Who dye want?"
Fordyce mentioned the most pop-
ular male star IN films. The execu-
tives nodded approvingly.
And for the woman lead?"
Charles paused, and they waited
expectantly.
"Livia Clarkson." It was as
though he had dropped bomb.
We were thinking of Alice Della
ware" said Dunno, breaking the
uncomfortable silence, I'm fact, I
more or less promised Schneider
we would give her the lead. He's
investing in the picture. Or didn't
you how?" Charles picked up his
hat and cane.
"Gentlemen-good day." he said.
He knew the men he had to deal
with. And he knew that for once.
the director of "Honoria Lewis
was more important to its success
than any or all of the other combi-
nations. This was a story CRYING
aloud for his sensitive type of direc-
tion.
Dunno pulled him back into the
room, He argued with him for two
hours. But the sole concession made
by Fordyce was to turn over his
contract with Livia to the studio
She was to receive $3.50 q week.
He asked for more. but Dunno said !:
For heavens sake, Fordyce. She's
unknown, and we're taking a biz
chance on her"
In telling Livia most of what had
happened, Charles said, II must
have softening of the brain"
1T just isn't true" Livia re-
peated. why should you do this
for me-after last night?"
He smiled. "If the pictures a
success, will you marry me them"
rs that a condition?"
Lord, no. Look-I'm not a bad
sort of guy"
Il know-but in Hollywood every
thing has its price tag"
Forget what I said. was
joking"
Was he joking? Livia didn't
know, but was content to leave it
at that.
She left him early and went to
Bruce's bungalow with wonderful
news. He, too, had some news.
(Copyrisht. 1912. by Sheilah Graham.)
(C0ntinued t0norrou