Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-07-11
BY Lydia Lane

HOLLYWOOD. This town Is
full Of Cinderella stories but
even q press agent would hesitate
to suggest that q girl who was
not beautiful. without dramatic
training and who didn't speak
English would end up with q
contract and q starring role In
her first picture. But It happened
to Polish born Bella Darvi who
plays the feminine lead In
Hell and High Water"
How did 1t happen?" I asked
Miss Darvi as we iiinched re-
Gently in the restaurant at goth
Century-Fox studio.
when Mr.. and Mrs. Zanuck
were in France they invited me
to come visit them. At that time
! wasn't free and had no idea
Of coming to the United States.
But later. when I was no longer
obligated, decided to come to
Hollywood.
r.
"iMaybe you'll get into pic
lures my mother said to me,
but I told her That's absurd. ]
don't speak the language, I'm
not beautiful and I've never
studied dramatics.'"
But all these obstacles didn't
seem to matter" I commented,
complimenting Miss Darvi on
her English which she speaks
with hesitation but scarcely any
accent.
Soon after I came here in the
fall of so Mr.. Zanuck offered
me a contract. Ihave been busy
ever since studying dramatics
and learning English"
did you always dream Of be-
Ing an actress?" ! asked.
mo" Bella conhded. MY
older sister was one Of the top
models in Paris. She's a beauti-
full girl-we don't look alike
but she helped me to get . job
as model.
I've always had definite ideas
about clothes and known how
to dress myself. It's important
because nothing gives you con-
f1dence like knowing that what
you have on is right.
Modelling is an art, too"
Bella conf1ded. IF didn't be-
lieve in a dress I wouldn't model
it. It's difficult to make a good
impression in something you
don't feel comfortable in.
Il don't understand how any
one can be Indifferent to their
appearance" she added. IF
I'm invited to go to a movie and
come home early ] may wear q
sweater and skirt. but If the boy
changes his mind and suggests
that we go dancing afterward I
wouldn't accept. / couldn't have
good time If weren't dressed
for the occasion"
Miss Darvi remarked that she
considered grooming was just as
important as wearing the right
clothes. II like to allow one
hour and a half to dress" she ex-
planned. Il can do it in much
less but when / rush don't feel
right, even If ! get compliments. /"
I asked If she considered per-
fume as an indispensable part Of
her toilette.
yes. 81 use onay one and 81
always wear II. When friends
make me q present Of something
else ] give it away. couldn't
wear anything which was not
right for me-"
I wanted to know how Miss
Darvi felt the American girls
compared with Europeans.
Il have not been anywhere ex-
cept here, Palm Springs and Sun
Valley, so ! don't feel that I'm
qualified to Judge but / think the
American women seem more
friendly and less jealous. There
is one thing" she hesitated for
fear Of OFFENDING.
Criticism can be construc-
tive" I coaxed.
Il think a person should look
at you when you're talking to
them and they should listen.
Many Americans don't do this"
She explained that giving undi-
vided attention during a CONVEX
sation was an important part Of
the charm picture.
Bella's luncheon had consisted
Of scrambled aggs, half a grape
fruit and coffee.
Are you dieting?" asked.
II was out late last night and
this is my breakfast" she ex-
planned. why do you hear so
much about dieting in this coun-