The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-21

There are many radio and movie stars whom I enjoy with unadul- terated delight. Among then-and find m not alone in this-is one whom I first came to know when he gave his imperishable perform ance in the motion picture, Mrs. Miniver. His name of course, Wal ter Pidgeon. Since then I have heard him on the air, and recently had the urge to know more about him. So I got in touch with George Crandall, Columbia'S Director Of Press Relations and Arthur Perles, and Ann Harding, and they went to work to tell me all the following about Walter Pidgeon:
 He is six feet, three inches tall, weighs l95 pounds. He has blue eyes and black hair. He is married to the former Ruth Walker, and with his wife and daughter lives in Spanish stucco home in Beverly Hills. In his leisure time, he suns on the patio, plays badminton, reads books about travel and adventure and does little vocalizing for friends and guests. 'The Star and Story" Sundays g p. m, E. w. T. CBS) marks his first appearance as a solo star on the air, although he has appeared in frequent radio programs as a guest.
 He is a pleasant hkeable chap, and he likes to dream of what he may do when the war is over. At that time may be he will be able to achieve what he has wanted to do ever sinuce he was a small boy own a boat and travel around the world. Until the day arrives, however, he will have to be SatiS- fled with remaining one of the top names on the motion picture screen, and star, as well as master Of ceremonies of his new CBS radio program, '"The Star and The Story. As a boy in St. Johns New Bruns- wick, Pidgeon stared wide-eyed at the seamen home from voyages with tales of high adventure. His grandfather, a skipper, was one of the best of the yarn-spinners of the time, and he fired the youngster with the desire to seek adventure. And Walter, throughout his years as a singer, soldier, actor, flnancier and film star, kept dreaming of the sea.
 When World War I burst upon the world, Pidgeon was a student at the University of New Brunswick, where he had gained some recognition as singer and actor. At first rejected from the Canadian Army because he was under age, he finally got in, 8 year later, as member of the Canadian Field Artillery, 65th Bat tery. Just before shipping to France, he was caught between two gun carriages, narrowly escaping death, and spent the next IT months in hospital.
 It was during those war years that Pidgeon first met Elsie Janis, the sweetheart of the AEF. She ad- vised him to seek a theatrical career. When the war was over, Pidgeon took her advice, and came to Boston, where he worked as a bank runner for a time, and then made his debut as professional actor with E. E. Gives stock com- pany, in You Never Can Tell" The first appearance impressed a well known actor and dancer, Fred Astaire by name. He mentioned Pidgeon's name to Charles Dilling- ham and Arthur Hammerstein in New York. They heard Pidgeon sing, offered him role, but Pid- geon declined, convinced he re. quired more experience.
 Returning to Canada, he married His wife died when his daughter, Edna, was born.
 Pidgeon returned to the theater when he learned that Elsie Janis was looking for a leading man for 8 tour in "At Home" He played With Miss Janis for six months on the road, and then in London, and by the time he returned to New York, he was an established star. He maintained that rating in such productions as "The Manneuuin :"
 NO More Ladies" The Night of January 16th," Something Gay" and a number of other plays and musical comedies.
 dOllyWOoo I1rSt became interested m P1dgeon as a singer, but when he needed the call of the screen. and journeyed to California he spent six months doing nothing and drawing pay checks. He subseuuent- ly learned that Hollywood wanted him not as singer but in "The Hannequin," with Dolores Costello. Following that, he was seen in in "Viennese Nights" Lady in Ermine," "Birde of the Regiment" and Journal of Crime.'
 Then Pidgeon returned to Broad way for a couple of years as dramatic actor, and 1t was not until 1885 that he looked toward Holly wood again, heading west to star in Fatal Lady," Big Brown Eyese," and other films. In 1881, he made a new mark with movie fans in the leading role of Saratoga" Jean Harlows last picture, and after that his film contract was extended each year until he saw Broadway only as a visitor.
 rose to the very heights v portrayal of the husband in Miniver," with Greer. Gar son. Again with Greer Carson, he