davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1943-06-25

| cruisers as rapidly as they were
produced. Admiral Bowen, who had
most to do with interesting the pri-
vate companies in Radar research
and production, is especially proud
| Of their work.
That's the best way to do it," he
said recently. Develop the idea
and produce prototype in the
laboratory and then let the other
fellows make it. The private COM
panies could not have done the
Radar research through all those
years. Some of their men told me
their directors just wouldn't stand
for the expense on a project which
initially held so little chance of
commercial development"
Both Admirals Bowen and Taylor
say that the first Radar sets sent
out to the feet were short of ideal,
but they agreed chat with the in
creasing possibility of American in
volvement in the war they had to
do the best they could with what
they had.
Guthrie Installed Sets.
"We knew that some of the stuff
would have to be junked as soon
as it could be replaced" Admiral
Bowen says. But we wanted to get
it installed before it might be
needed. The longest chance we took
was with the Navy men. If a new
gadget doesn't work well they may
lose confidence in it and not use it.
Naturally \did not want that to
happen with Radar."
History proves ne need not have
worried about the Navy's reception
of its new "eyes."
One of those who made many of
the installations was Mr.. Guthrie.
He started the work in December,
l940-a year before Pearl Harbor-
and spent the next six months with
the Pacific Fleet, equipping ships
and showing officers and men how
to operate the sets at sea.
'The response we got at first
was rather interesting" Mr.. Guthrie
recalls. Some ships companies
were very enthusiastic about Radar,
and some were rather cool to-
ward it,
One of the vessels Mr.. Guthrie
served on was the battleship Cali
fornia. He boarded her at Puget
Sound to go down to Mare Island,
where she was to join the fleet.
Just out of the sound she ran into
a thick fog. 1t seemed that the
arrival at Mare Island would be
greatly delayed. since the captain
was not disposed to risk harming his
ship or running down somebody
else. He would have to proceed at
greatly reduced speed.
Fog Tested Radar.
However, the Radar was working
and the captain was greatly inter-
eSted in it. Soon he noticed that
every little fishing boat for miles
around showed up on the indicator.
That convinced him of what Radar
could do for navigation in a fog.
He ordered full steam ahead and
arrived at Mare Island on time.
Another ship on which Radar was
Installed early was the aircraft car
rier Yorktown. A RCA man han
died that job and returned on the
carrier to Long Beach. While they
still were several hundred miles at
sea, all sorts of weird wave-pattern
Evening star., 1943-06-25
STAR, WASHINGTON D. G, FRIDAY JUNE 25 ss

the indicator. Neither the RCA man
nor the Yorktown officers could ex-
plain--until finally they realized that
Radar was showing" them the
California coastal mountains.
Congratulated Guthrie.
"Mr. Guthrie did an especially
splendid job In getting these early
installations in the fleet anad seeing
that somebody knew how to operate
them," DR.. Taylor said one day
In Mr.. Guthrie's presence.
Mr.. Guthrie looked thoughtful for
a moment, then grinned.
Il had trouble on one occasion, I"
disturbances began to show up on
Evening star., 1943-06-25

he said. I'VE had put Radar on a
cruiser. and the executive officer
didn't think much of 1t. About the
first day out he came to the control
room to see what 1t could do. We
picked up fight of planes all
right and then we got something
else. He went outside to look off
in the direction from which the
signal came and there wasn't any,
thing there but a cloud.
"'You must have picked up the
cloud the Exec said.
mo I said, This thing looks
right through Clouds
so he waited and waited for
Evening star., 1943-06-25
BY JOHN M. HIGHTOWER,


Copyright, 1943, by the Associated Press }
The tests begun aboard the bat
tleship New York in 1888 were cru
cial in the history of United States
naval Radar.
The reaction of practical, hard
headed line officers to the way the
equipment performed appeared like
ly to determine its fate for some
years to come.
If results were poor, the scientists
knew, then the Nays fighting men
probably would not be interested
in Radar for long time to come.
To win acceptance, it had to be
good.
Robert M. Page headed the oper-
ating crew which went out on the
New York, taking with him Robert
c. Guthrie, M. E. Reppert and A. A.
Varela. They hardly had cleared
the Virginia capes out of Norfolk,
when the fun began.
Kept Tense Watch.
A destroyer squadron had been
assigned to make a torpedo attack
on the battleship under cover of
darkness and Mr.. Page recalls now
that the night was very black in
deed. From about sunset on, he
and his men stood by their Radar
waiting to pick up the destroyers
They did not know from what di-
rection the attack was coming. They
had to keep 360-degree lookout.
Several hours after they went on
the alert, the Atlantic squadron
commander, Vice Admiral Alfred
w. johnson, showed up in the con-
troll room. He watched and watched
the Radar indicator. For a time
which to Mr.. Page seemed endless
nothing happened. Finanlly the ad-
miral lost patience. He knew the
time of attack and he evidently de-
cided the destroyers were closing
in through the darkness without
being discovered. He turned to 90
then decided to wait few minutes
longer.
Just about that time the first
signal came in.
There 1t is" exclaimed the ad-
miral, pointing to the indicator.
The destroyers still were miles
Evening star., 1943-06-25

away. The effect on the admiral
was electric. From that moment
on, he was a Radar enthusiast.
Captain (now Rear AdmiraD Rob-
ert M. Griffin, skipper of the battle
wagon, was similarly impressed.
Detected Mountain Peaks.
AFTER that" Mr.. Page says, amy
thing we wanted them to do on the
New York, they would do If 1t was
possible" The ship never encoun-
tered fog but it often ran through
rain. Radar picked up everything
important which was within range
including on one occasion the noun
tain peaks of distant shoreline.
When the cruise ended, Admiral
johnson made a report:
THE equipment is one of the most
important radio developments since
the advent of radio itself"
Back In the Navy's Bureau OF
Engineering the scientists, Rear Ad-
miral Harold G. Bowen and other
Navy authorities decided the time
had come to develop additional
Radar sets, but with the understand
ing that the branching out into
quantity would not in any way inter-
fere with further progress in the
improvement of quality.
Two of the major electronics
laboratories of the country-those
operated by Bell Telephone and
Radio Corporation of America
had by then been interested In radio
detection work, and this meant the
way was clear for commercial manu-
facture
First Contracts Let.
On bid basis, the first contracts
were let to RCA in october, 1888
month after the outbreak of the
war in Europe. 1--WE sent the xAF
up to their place." DR.. Taylor says,
"and we told them that we wanted
six Chinese copies-not a thing
changed. They did a fine job"
From that time on the Bureau of
Engineering under Admiral Robin
son, who was aided by Capt. A. J.
Spriggs and such enthusiasts as
Commander Sam Tucker, devoted
considerable effort toward increas-
ing production.
The Bureau of Ships, formed In
1910 by consolidation of Bureau OF
Engineering and Bureau of Con-
struction and Repair, and headed by
Admirals S. M. Robinson and A. H
Van Keuren, continued this work, as
did Capt. j. B. Dow when he sue
ceeded Capt. Spriggs in charge of the
bureaus radio unit.
Later the Radar business of the
Navy as well as that of the Army
became so great that first the Nays
own office of production and ma
terial, and later the War Production
Board, took over coordination OF
orders and output.
Aided Radar Development.
It was about this time, too, that
another Government agency got into
another phase of Radar work. The
National Defense Research Com
mittee through its laboratories was
asked to make and did deliver to
the Navy certain important con-
tributions to radio detection.
Shortly after the first RCA con-
tract for the original six CONNER
cially made Radar sets, Il more
were ordered. These first 20 went
on battleships, aircraft carriers and
Evening star., 1943-06-25

something to come out Of the cloud
but nothing did. Then he asked me
to try to pick up several other
clouds on the horizon. I tried, but
got no signals, and I couldn't ex-
plain then what had happened.
I'm afraid he had little faith in
.Radar for a while after that.
Nov, of course, we know that the
cloud was ionized (surcharged with
electricity. We were getting re-
Elections like those from the iono-
sphere in the old days" !.
Evening star., 1943-06-25
Practical Tests al Sea
On BattIeship Proved
High Value Of Radar
Commercial Production
First Authorized After
World War Beaon

(Radar-the radio "eyes" which
enable our Army and Nauy to
spot enemy ships and planes in
fog or darkness at great dis
tances - underwent q thorough
test at sea early in 1889. Scientist
Robert M. Page, ,Dho mainly de-
Oeloped the modern equipment,
and q creD OF assistants Uent
along to operate the pioneer set.
John M. HightotDer takes up the
story at that point in this fifth
OF sir drttcleS.)
Evening star., 1943-06-25

Domestic help Is hard to find
but you may find 1t through q
want ADJ I'm The Star,
Evening star., 1943-02-21
APARTMENTS UAFURk Cont. J

WILL EXCHANGE 2-RoOM APT WITH
double exposure IN W. section for l-room
ant. DU 34n4 after s pm.
FOUR ROOM APT. NEAR llth AND p
Nv, 3rd floor, walk up. Apply isnltOr,
5"@ nm $. NV. Rent So -.
SWAP NEW 3'4-RM ARLINGTON APT
Conv, 70 Pcntagon, Tor APT IN extreme sc
are8 RON HNG-A, Star.
WANTED 3 OR y ROOM APARTMENT.
near town, reasonable in exchanEe FOR a
new . l-rOOm APT. close 10 town. Ii
2G1o after 6-3o n.
SIS QUINCY sT. NW-4 LGE OUTSIDE
rms entire 9nd 4 adults only empl
people pref Also garage IA. Ss6I
, ROOMS KIT. AND BATH 81 $3.50 PER
month. cleo, sas and heat furn.. 4 miles
from Naval Hosp. and National institute Of
Health ~ W Montgomery ave, Rock
MIR MADDOX. Rockville 75-J
NEW BEDRM ApTS.. AVAILABLE IAfME-
diately al Suitland. Md rental $40 so
pet mo @5 min. downtown by bus.
SUITLAND MANOR, INC,
Spruce OS3O-0S31
COLORED APT. TWO ROOMS.
kitchen. private bath references. $50. 81
+ st ne
Evening star., 1943-02-21
APARTMENTS FUR. OR UhEUR.

WILL TRADE GROOM. MODERN. FUR
niShed house with recreation room. Chevy
Chase leaSe expires June 3Oth'- for = =
bedroom modern apt, VIC Conn ave,
Mass ave or Col. rd Phone Emerson
S@Sr sunday Monday
Evening star., 1943-02-21

OFFICERS WIDOW has comfortable room
for one or two gentlemen on Conn. ave.
Evening star., 1943-02-21
APARTMENTS SUBURBAN.

> LARGE ROOMS, APT FURN.. S45.
blk. street car and bus. WA. lTl2.
ARLINGTON - I-RM KTTCHENE7'TEs.
furn., semi-bath: all utilities incl, $50 s.,
S37 30 d, 2l25 Lee highway,
1920 36th ST, MT RAINIER, MD-FUR-
niShed: working couple only. electric range.
/ room and kltchen. Semt-hath
Evening star., 1943-02-21
COUNTRY BOARD.
TABLE BOARD WANTED.

ENING FOR ? GIRLS between the
IS Of : and .. for country board. Call
ruce O459-W.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

RESPONSIBLE COUPLE, PERMANENTLY
stationed here. seeks unfurniShed apart
ment 3 or rooms, modern building rent
up to Sl25, or attractive, furnished apart
ment up to so per month NV. preferred.
Phone Executive 1890, Ext. 1858. and
$40.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

4Oo5 5th ST. N.W-Private home. front
room; clean, nicely furnished, twin beds
! lnner-Sprlng; . men. gentiles.
1876 SPRING RD. N.W.-Double room for
Evening star., 1943-02-21

SINGLE GENTLEMAN, owning bungalow.
desires Christian young man to occupy
room; good home, reasonable to right man.
References required and given. Box 432-
x. Star.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1852 Q NW.-Girls, walk. dist; attractive
triple, also semi i-basement, with grill privl-
lege. MI q44O.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

131 WEBSTER ST. NV, Apt Cont
room for > girls in apt with young couple
unlim. phone kitchen priv. OPTIONAL SIS
month each. TaNlnr RO2A.
Evening star., 1943-02-21
MOVING, PACKING G. STORAGE

MOFING AND STORAGE. reasonable rates:
Will take your surplus furniture as part
payment on your moving. Edeman's Moving
and Storage Co. Tayior 2931. %.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

YOUNG GENTLEMAN DESIRES FUR
nisned one-room bachelor apt. or furnished
studio room with private bath. in quiet
neighborhood, District or vicinity. Box
2l0-A, Star. 81
Evening star., 1943-02-21
ROOMS WANTED.

YOUNG LADY. employed and SON, aged 3,
nned private, home, preferably in D. c.
suburban; willing 10 pay reasonable rem
tai and share cost of maid. Phone OIL.
1918.
LIVING, ROOM bedroom, with desk and
bookshelVes, private or semi-private bath.
Occasional Q use Of telephone, storage
and H NV. Young professional woman,
Government employed On or before
March 10. Box ll5-A, Star. pa
WANT FURNISHED RIM, near MT. Alto
Hospital. lady, reasonable. Box 29S-Y,
Star.
MEDICAL STUDENT Gemale1. desires quiet
room or apt. IN or very close TO town
BOX "Sl-A. Star,
FORMER UNIV. PROF desires room, SEMI
pvt. bath. near restaurant, accessible Bu-
Icau Of Standards; state when can be seen
Box 2G9A, Star
GOVT WOMAN wants quiet room, kitchen
or Kitchen privileges, Box 430-Y Star
WANTED-Comfortabl corner room re-
fined nelghborhood, convenient Transports
ton. D c. or Arlington by gentleman
with Department Of Agriculture. Box
2S2-A, Star.
GOVT EMPLOYED refined couple, want
quiet room; pvt. bath or furnished apt,
room bath and kit, NV. preferred Phone
5e2tela 4142.
GENTLEMAN. fine background, Jewish
seeks good quarters. Would share with
quiet educated gentleman. BOX 256-A Star.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

NAVAL OFFICER AND WIFE DESIRE
modern, furnished apartment in Airing
ton; occupancy on or before March L.
Chestnut 6ol0.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

PERMANENT WASH RESIDENT, ONE
br. or efficiency unfurnished apt, mod
ern apt bldg, NV. sect. Hamilton Hotel,
Rm 905,
Evening star., 1943-02-21

l155 PARK RID. W-LarRe front room
nicely furnished, 4 large windows, suit
able for men, convenient 10 Nj. Pleas
ant car. Adams 04Hp
Evening star., 1943-02-21

45OS ALABAMA AVE. SE.--Large. newly
Vell-furnShed room. semi i-pTlyatc bath and
shower. unlimited telephone ! block from
bus: married couple preferred, Sll per
Evening star., 1943-02-21

blk buSline, new home and furn., gas
heat, twin beds; l for 81, 2 for S4.50
each DE 3S13
Evening star., 1943-02-21

CULTURED, QUIET, GOVT. SETTLED
ChlneSe couple want immediately l-room
furnished apartment with kitchenette and
451S evenings. 22s
Evening star., 1943-02-21

LARGE FRONT ROOM, adjoining bath
pvt. home; available Feb. 2S. Call Mrs
HGWeu. WA oS13
Evening star., 1943-02-21

432 ONEIDA PL. NV. Master bedroom.
twin beds, in private Jewish home, eX-
press bus corner, SUIT. for Two. RA. sal.
1903 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW-Larre
I'm. single or double: run. water shower
II 80 day w: hotel SerNlce- family rates-
Evening star., 1943-02-21
ROOMS WANTED Cont. J

LARGE ROOM for =. twin beds, . closets
EaS heat, unlimited telephone. private home
Transportation vicinity of Navy Dept 745
M bus and streetCar nearby l2l1 Var
mum 81. ne. Telephone DE S@36
GENTLEMAN WANTS medium-slzed SINGLE
room within 30 minutes OF Munitions
Building, prefer private home: adults in
quiet neighborhood. gve particulars. Box
20S-A, Star.
NEAR WISCONSIN AVE. and Upton St.
T v, middle-aged. coNege-bred. permanent
Govt civil engineer and working wife de-
sire small apartment or In k room. refer
PhceS tQrnlShed. Box @l5-A, Star
COMFORTABLE, QUIET ROOM desired by
sentleman. Box 271-A, Star
LORED-EMPLOYED COUPLE desires
room, furnished with kitchen previieges:
no children. DE. 3234 after 1 o'clock, ask
Evening star., 1943-02-21

I LIVE ON Dr.. Hays diet Room private
bath. kitchen privileges to lady interested
in sharing meal preparation; $50. Ii $3.50.
Evening star., 1943-02-21
ROOMS WITH BOARD

ROOM AND BOARD for
FITS. home comforts and cooking UN
Evening star., 1943-02-21

MOTHER WITH . CHILDREN WANTS
small, furn. apt. in exchange for mothers
services. MRS. WILCE, Sill. Spg. OLA, IL
q % n
Evening star., 1943-02-21

5033 KANSAS AVE. NW.--Newly furn.,
win beds for > women, semi-pvt. bath and
shower; express bus at door.
i6l6 MONROE ST, NE.-7Nicely furnished
front room with twin beds, . employed
girls, kitchen privileges; references. DE.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

CHEVY CHASE, D. C.--YounR lady de-
sired. attractive room new house, bks
from Conn. ave. on Nebraska ave. bus line;
breakfast. WO. l444.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

907 FARRAGUT ST.-Large front room,
nicely furn., southern exposure, conv.
transp.. refined Jewish gentleman. ia.
Evening star., 1943-02-21
ROOMS FURk. G UNFuRk.

i IRVING NV, l32S-LoVely room, next to
! bath private home. Every conyenience
| employed couple. 5000 week.
| COLORED--,719 3rd ST. NE furnished
| or unfurnlshed rooms, no objections to
| one or TWO small children. @ls
Evening star., 1943-02-21

furn. or Semt-furn. apt. or small house
conv. downtown or Pentagon: have linens
ana Kitchen utensils. Box lU0-A, Star.
Evening star., 1943-02-21
APARTMENTS WANTED.

LADY. LATIN AMERICAN, COLLEGE
grad, wants to share apt with college
graduate (priyate room. Box 125-A. Star.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

TWO GIRLS DESIRE TO SHARE APART
ment with other Government girls Call
| Temple 3152 after & nm
Evening star., 1943-02-21

YOUNG JEWISH GIRL share large, mas
ter bedroom, pvt. bath new home, uni
phone 1o91
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1l6 FARRAGUT ST. NW-Large, nicely
furn. rm, twin beds; trans. COW: 2 gen
IIes. men or women. IA. 4392.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

ll07 ST. N.W.-SMALL FURNISHED
apartment, large bedroom, kitchen: electric
ceboX, gas and light; $40 week for two.
olS
Evening star., 1943-02-21

ROCh CREEK PIX. AND CONN. AVE
section; / room, kit and bath, fur. apt
Tor employed lady; pvt. entrance Box
l20-A. Star
Evening star., 1943-02-21

LADY. with son. 5, would like dinner :
days a week near 18th and Minnesota
ave, Sc, Call FIR. s033 after T pm. or
all day Sunday
Evening star., 1943-02-21

ONE ROOM. KITCHEN, BATH APART
ment. unfur.; conV. NV. section; reason
able; by refined lady. permanent resident.
CO 579S
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1927 18Th ST, Apt. 20-i block from
Conn. ave. large front room next TO bath;
for :. S25 each; unllm phone DU. 00l3.
BIZ OR 3l4 2nd ST SE-Double bed sit
ting room, well furnished: close to Library
Of CONGRESS and G. P O. suitable ! or .
Evening star., 1943-02-21
ROOMS UNEURNIShEp.

CHEVY CHASE. MD-Master bedroom
private bath, unlim. extension phone WI
1882.
35t1 18th ST. NV, Apt. 34-Private
room for rent to employed lady, s26 mo,
snare bath and kitchen with one lady
SaI AID. I115 or come after $50 am
Evening star., 1943-02-21
N.W.-UP TO S125-
DESIRABLE AMI

DEOIfIAbLE AND
PERMANENT TENANTS.
Husband (Gov'D and wife, gentle, wish
ton; mos. rent paid in advance; excel-
lent refs. business and social Emerson
3l3S. II no answer weekdays, call RE.
1900. Ext. T30S5.
Evening star., 1943-02-21

| 1925 IRVING ST. NW.-Lge. rm., twin
| men. Sgle. or dble.; reas. EO. 3143
Evening star., 1943-02-21

WOODRIDGE I7u. Irvua u.c-Cleau.
ar. room. !UurT-EpTlug mattress ,hgRnr,.
] cr y ca. s.. OF alLnr y DE g.G4
Evening star., 1943-02-21

MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN MISSION DE-
SlfeS rm. or apt. preferably turu., IN
GEORGETOWN. CO. 466S weekdays
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1740 r ST. SCI room, twin beds. walk
ing distance 10 Navy Yard. bus stop a:
door Atlantic LIZ
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1920 3rd ST. N.W-Laree front room;
one or two girls conv. trans, Gentiles
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1873 TUCKERMAN ST. N.W.-Nicely fur
niShed front room; Sc weekly; private
home; sentiles only TIA 1914
Evening star., 1943-02-21

1913 ST. .NW.-Gentleman, newly deco
rated, small, single basement room; Sl4
hlY, pRntile
Evening star., 1943-02-21

QUIET REFINED COUFLE 0fforS UnuSuaUy
attr rm, pvt. bath ana partial use Of up
stars lly, rmr IN lovely pvt. coal heated
home IN exclusive nv section, to con-
genial, discriminating gentleman with eX-
celleuJ refs. breakfast OPTIONAL excellent
rranSp; this will only appeal to one who
desires quiet, fastidlous and friendly home
atmosphere and who is able to afford 1t.
H..
Evening star., 1943-02-21
ROOMS FURNISHED Cont

ICE WFLL-FURN. RM. 25 min from
town. very conv. location, bus at cor; new
pvt home unlin, phone suit. IL. Call
IaYlor l3I0
Evening star., 1943-09-26

was on the way back to the Coast, a
big shot, and somebody asked her
what picture she was going to do.
II don't quite know. but l sus-
pect the worst. I'll probably wind
up as a mummy - with legs
in the Mr.. Moto' SERIES"
Trade Mark
! DIDN'T bring up the subject of
the famous Cradle legs - Betty
did. But while we're on it, you
might like this story Betty tells of
a very smart soldier who had
heard lots of those fables about
how unrecognized celebrities iden-
tify themselves. Stories like the
one about the famous singer who
was stopped by the traffic cop who
didn't recognize him. Then the
star sang a song and the cop let
him 60.
Well, anyhow. Betty was visit
ing hospital filled with soldiers
just back from the fighting fronts.
She was walking through a ward
and came to wounded Gil,
asleep.
His pal nudged him awake.
Betty smiled her prettiest - and,
brother, that's a smile.
He said: 81 don't believe it."
''Don't believe what?" asked
Betty. "That you're Betty Cra-
ble." QHe didn't have a doubt
in the worldly s'But l am"
Betty protested. swell prove
it, said this bright young
man.
So Betty stepped back, held her
sport dress an inch above her
knees, put those famous legs to-
gether and waited. The boy looked
carefully. Then:
"Yep. You're Betty Grable!'
The End
Evening star., 1943-09-26

Let's take time off for a few minutes
of practical dreaming and chart
your course toward the pleasure and
profit of your own home workshop!
In your shop, you'll experience the
thrill of making things with your
hands - beautiful objects of wood,
metal, and plastics. Start today, lay
ing your plans with the help of the
Evening star., 1943-09-26

the fact that can do all those three
things we'll enough to get by"
She talked the same way when
Evening star., 1943-09-26
Sou-out

THEN that fateful evening we
went dancing was the night
"Coney Island" premiered. In the
cab, Cradle - No. Box-Ofice
Lady said: "Would it be corny
if we rode past the theater to see
if anybody's waiting in, line to buy
tickets?"
There was mob a mile long
waiting. Betty shook her head:
II can act little, sing little, dance
a little. But l can't do any one of
them as we'll as dozen other girls
l know. Maybe it's the legs - and
Evening star., 1943-09-26

Twentieth Century decided to make
her a star after she had left Holly
wood to become a sensation in the
stages "DuBarry Was a Lady" She
Evening star., 1943-09-26

and sailor who asked her. In th'
middle of that schedule, she mad'
her latest trip to the hospital
She doesn't 60 to the Canteen
because she thinks it's the thing
to do. She goes because she likes
people - ordinary people. She
spends as much money each week
answering fan mail as she earned a
week during her first five years in
the movies. She's one of the best
and most gracious autograph sign
ers in the business. I've seen her
husband, Harry James, brush off
eager l6-year- -olds who wanted
his signature. But not Betty.
Yet she's scared to death of
non-movie celebrities and inn
portant people. was with her
once just before she was to
show up as guest of honor at a
motion-picture executives dinner.
She was as nervous as a cat. She
wasn't sure her dress was right, so
she went back to her room - and
changed. it three times. She was
worried to death about how her
hair looked. She finally got to-
gether enough courage to 60. and
arrived an hour late.