I Lost My Girlish Laughter
Page 16
From: Sidney Brand Date: May 10
Have patience, Monk. I am doing everything in my power to get things moving quickly so you can get behind the cameras, but first I must line up some writers.
Goldwyn won’t let me have Hecht whom I wanted, and I am trying now to persuade Gene Fowler out of his island retreat.
SB
May 10
Dear Miss Lawrence:
Always I have thought we two were very good friends. Is it possible that you do not feel the same? For too many days now I have waited to see Mr. Brand and you are keeping me from him. I appreciate the fact that Mr. Brand is very busy but surely he will see me.
Sarya Tarn
SIDNEY BRAND MAY 10
SUPER FILMS
HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA
YOUR PUBLICITY MAN AND YOUR SECRETARY ARE IN A CONSPIRACY TOGETHER TO RUIN ME STOP THE SITUATION IS BECOMING UNBEARABLE STOP WHY HAVE YOU CHANGED THE TITLE OF MY PICTURE STOP I MUST SEE YOU STOP LOVE
SARYA
MR. BRAND: REMINDER CALENDAR
May 10
Miss Tarn is bombarding me with calls, threats and insults. She thinks I am deliberately undermining her as you can see in the attached telegram which I wasn’t supposed to read.
Party for the Maharajah and Maharanee of Indore set for Thursday. Shall I advise Mrs. B.? Is there anyone else of importance I have overlooked whom you would like to invite?
Frank Switzer definitely not available for script. Just learned he is with the Abraham Lincoln Battalion in Spain. What about Van Ruyn and Mallard? Fred Cook would like to know.
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Fred Cook Subject: Writers
From: Madge Lawrence Date: May 10
Mr. Brand wishes you to contract immediately Van Ruyn and Mallard. Further, if you can snag another important name or two, advise S. B. It seems the more the merrier. S. B. says to forget John King. He’s been in the business too long. He’s dated! You can’t win for losing in Hollywood. The boss wouldn’t believe Fowler was serious so he sent him an urgent wire. It may amuse you to know that Fowler wired collect that he was busy on his rock garden.
Maggie
SUPER FILMS
Hollywood, California
May 11
Dear Sarya:
I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you but I have been very busy since I returned from San Francisco. There was so much that piled up during my absence. I know you will understand.
I’m surprised that you will actually take these newspaper rumors seriously. After all, you know what these newspaper people are like—anything to fill a column.
Believe me, Sarya, you have nothing to worry about. I wish I could say the same for Anders. He’s going to cost me a lot of money in retakes.
As for the title, Lady in a Cage, not only has it been used before but the Hays office would not okay it. Anyhow what’s in a name?
Stay up at Arrowhead and enjoy yourself. You have earned a good, long rest.
Love,
Sidney
STELLA CARSONS’S COLUMN
May 14
Bruce Anders made a charming host yesterday at the Super Films luncheon for the Maharajah and Maharanee of Indore. Everybody who is anybody was there and it was very gala. The Maharanee, picturesque in her native costume, gladly posed with the handsome Bruce and her husband. They must have been much taken with Bruce for they announced a party at their lovely Beverly Hills home with Bruce as the guest of honor. And when royalty puts its stamp of approval on anyone, Hollywood never lags far behind. It looks like a busy winter, Bruce!
May 18
Dear Madge:
I’m so disappointed about our dinner engagement last night, but it was really impossible for me to make it. I should, of course, have let you know sooner than I did and not kept you waiting at the Brown Derby, but I simply couldn’t get away.
Let me have a rain check, won’t you?
Cordially,
Bruce
May 18
Dear Bruce:
I fully understand about last night. It is a pretty wearying business being a Hollywood star and it is always difficult to break away from a really good party.
Anyway, as it happened I didn’t have to dine alone. Mr. Palmer drifted into the Brown Derby and bought my dinner.
Cordially,
Madge Lawrence
DAILY VARIETY
May 18
Frank Mallard and Pat Van Ruyn have been loaned to Sidney Brand, of Super Films, to do the rewrite on Sinners in Asylum which is now That Gentleman from the South.
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Sidney Brand Subject: Contract
From: John Tussler Date: May 18
I noticed by Variety that you have signed Frank Mallard and Pat Van Ruyn for the rewrite on Sinners in Asylum. Can I hope this means that I may be released from my contract as I wish to return to New York.
John Tussler
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Madge Lawrence Subject: That Gentleman
From: Philip Skinner Date: May 18
What goes on around here? I thought I was working on this script but it seems I have to wait until Variety prints an item to know where I stand. They can’t do this to me. I’ll take it up with the Screen Scenarists.
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Fred Cook Subject: Skinner
From: Madge Lawrence Date: May 18
Am attaching little threat I received from Mr. Skinner. I give you the pleasure of taking care of him.
Maggie
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Madge Lawrence Subject: Skinner
From: Fred Cook Date: May 18
I’ll be delighted to take care of Skinner but someone ought to tell him the facts of life. Doesn’t he know that S. B. owns a percentage of the Screen Scenarists?
FC
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Madge Lawrence Subject: Anders
From: James Palmer Date: May 18
Dear Maggie:
Skolsky would like to do a tintype of Anders, and I need your help. Anders is as difficult to find these days as Garbo. If you can catch him between dress shirts, would you please ascertain whether he wears all of his pajamas or just part of them; and if and when he eats crackers? It was a break having dinner with you the other night. You’re still my best girl.
Jim
THE GOSSIPEL TRUTH
Sidney Skolsky
May 21
Bruce Anders is famous before the release of his flicker, That Gentleman from the South, for he has been escorting the Countess di Frasso to parties.
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
May 21
Dear Mr. Anders:
Publicity has asked if I can be of any aid in contacting you. They say they’ve tried for days to get an appointment and no luck. I am enclosing a questionnaire which if you will fill out promptly will hold for the time being.
Sincerely,
Madge Lawrence
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Messrs. Mallard, Van Ruyn Subject: That Gentleman
From: Sidney Brand Date: May 21
Since our talk at my house last night I have had a new angle on That Gentleman from the South.
As I see it Anders, the proud s
on of a Charleston family, impoverished by the Civil War, is a throw-back on his pioneering forefathers, and wants to forge new frontiers. His family is aghast at the idea of his becoming active in some business, but he breaks loose and takes a look at America. He finds that the men who have taken America over are debauching the fine ideals that the country stands for. Perhaps during this time he has a very disillusioning experience with a girl (I have a girl in mind, Myrtle Standish) which thoroughly disheartens him so he goes on this trading schooner to the tropics and is ship-wrecked on the island. Make Anders the strong man in the island sequence; giving Tarn as little as possible. She will be the unspoiled girl he eventually brings back to the States when he goes into politics and decides it is time that honest men actively governed America.
SB
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: James Palmer Subject: That Gentleman
From: Madge Lawrence Date: May 21
I am enclosing a copy of the new lineup that S. B. delivered to Mallard and Van Ruyn.
This is the first laugh I’ve enjoyed in many a day. After looking it over would it occur to you that our boss had gone almost literate? Well, the answer lies in a book review that appeared in last Sunday’s Times, which Fred Cook clipped out for the boss to look at. Fred thought we might like to buy the book. The boss read the review and apparently absorbed it so thoroughly that it became his own idea. So, we don’t have to buy the book!
Maggie
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Madge Lawrence Subject: My Freedom
From: John Tussler Date: May 21
Has Mr. Brand read my previous note? If not, will you call it to his attention as I would really like very much to get back to New York, and I can’t see any reason for my staying here.
I would appreciate knowing as soon as possible as I have made tentative reservations to leave.
John Tussler
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: John Tussler Subject: Your Freedom
From: Madge Lawrence Date: May 21
I am trying to get Mr. Brand to say a definite yes or no on your departure but it seems impossible to get him to commit himself. If you can hang on to your reservations, suggest you do so and I will try to get word to you in a day or so.
ML
BRUCE ANDERS
May 25
Dear Miss Lawrence:
Mr. Anders asked me to send this questionnaire to you for the publicity department. If there is any further information you would like, please telephone me and I will check with Mr. Anders.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Francis
SEC’Y TO BRUCE ANDERS
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: James Palmer Subject: Anders
From: Madge Lawrence Date: May 25
Here is your questionnaire together with a note I received from Mr. Anders—pardon me, I mean his secretary. Mr. Anders is running the gamut very quickly, don’t you think?
I know what you’re thinking but please don’t say it, because I’m thinking it, too. But I had it coming to me and don’t you dare sympathize!
Maggie
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Madge Lawrence Subject: You
From: James Palmer Date: May 25
Dear Maggie:
Sympathize? Hell! I’m lousy with luck. Now maybe you’ll let me buy all your dinners.
Jim
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Fred Cook Subject: That Gentleman
From: Sidney Brand Date: June 8
Mallard and Van Ruyn just don’t get the idea. I am very dissatisfied with them. I would like a list of other available writers from you. I’ve got to get these retakes before the cameras immediately.
SB
SUPER FILMS
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
To: Sidney Brand Subject: That Gentleman
From: Fred Cook Date: June 8
There is a writer employed by Super Films who is drawing a salary and doing nothing. He is the author of a successful play for which we paid two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. You will recall it—Sinners in Asylum, otherwise known as That Gentleman from the South.
May I venture to suggest that Mr. Tussler may be of some assistance to you in your present predicament?
FC
JOHN TUSSLER JUNE 9
CHIEF EN ROUTE CHICAGO
I HAVE JUST READ YOUR PLAY STOP THINK IT IS GREAT STOP ON YOUR RETURN WILL HAVE NEW CONTRACT STOP TAKE PLANE
SIDNEY BRAND
SIDNEY BRAND JUNE 9
SUPER FILMS
HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA
DONT JEST WITH ME STOP I KNOW YOU CANT READ
TUSSLER
JOHN TUSSLER JUNE 9
CHIEF EN ROUTE CHICAGO
I AM HURT YOU LEFT WITHOUT CONSULTING ME STOP RETURN IMMEDIATELY STOP YOUR PRESENCE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY STOP REGARDS
SIDNEY BRAND
SIDNEY BRAND JUNE 10
SUPER FILMS
HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA
I AM SORRY I HURT YOU STOP IT SEEMS ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE STOP EVEN THAT STOP I WILL NOT COME BACK STOP I WILL NOT COME BACK STOP I WILL NEVER COME BACK STOP AFFECTIONATELY
JOHN TUSSLER
JOHN TUSSLER JUNE 10
CHIEF EN ROUTE CHICAGO
YOURE MISSING THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME STOP I WILL GIVE YOU SOLE SCREEN CREDIT STOP NO MAN COULD ASK FOR MORE STOP TAKE PLANE AT KANSAS CITY STOP EXPECT YOU
SIDNEY BRAND
SIDNEY BRAND JUNE 11
SUPER FILMS
HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA
I AM THE HAPPIEST MAN IN THE WORLD STOP I HAVE A COMFORTABLE UPPER BERTH STOP THERE IS A LOVELY LADY IN THE LOWER BERTH STOP SHE HATES PICTURES STOP AND YOU OFFER ME A SOLE SCREEN CREDIT
TUSSLER
JOHN TUSSLER JUNE 11
ON BOARD THE CHIEF
I GIVE YOU ONE MORE CHANCE STOP EITHER YOU RETURN IMMEDIATELY OR I BLACKBALL YOU IN HOLLYWOOD STOP WHICH MEANS YOULL NEVER BE ABLE TO HAVE ANOTHER JOB HERE STOP WHAT DO YOU THINK QUESTION MARK
SIDNEY BRAND
SIDNEY BRAND JUNE 12
SUPER FILMS
HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA
WHAT DO I THINK STOP WHO TOLD YOU I COULD THINK STOP YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT YOURSELF STOP BUT IF YOU MUST KNOW WHAT I THINK I WILL BE GLAD TO TELL YOU AND IT WONT COST YOU A CENT STOP BOO EXCLAMATION POINT I THINK YOURE A NASTY MAN
TUSSLER
DAILY VARIETY
June 18
Dudley Nichols, Joel Sayre and Lillian Hellman are over at Super scripting the rewrite on Sinners in Asylum, now known as That Gentleman from the South. Overtures are being made to William Faulkner and Erskine Caldwell for their particular services in rendering the Southern scene authentic.
13
Premiere
September 4
Dear Liz:
So you don’t think those pictures do me justice? Well, I defy even Greta Garbo, under the circumstances, to look beautiful and dignified; and admittedly I’m no Garbo. Besides I’m too freckled by now to be a good photographic subject. Nevertheless, it is, you must admit, a feat to make the front pages, especially when you consider the fact that I am not the victim of a crime passionel even though by the looks of Jim you’d think murder, at least, was imminent. Of course, if it hadn’t been for that candid camera fiend who took the picture
, Jim and I would still be muddling around in obscurity, albeit quite contentedly. It’s little accidents like this that make history.
It all dates back to when I am still a cog pushing the wheels of the industry around with no pretensions to fame. We are busy on the revamped version of Sinners and failing to entice Mr. Tussler back into the field, the boss hires a flock of fancy writing names at fancier salaries and we really go to work in earnest tossing out the Lady in a Cage to make room for That Gentleman from the South. Of course, this necessitates giving Bruce the glamour buildup in private life besides throwing the picture to him. Ay, and there’s the rub.
My big moment, who self-admittedly is career-minded, swallows his publicity whole and goes actor on me. I admit, my sage one, that I have my bad moments. I’ll even go farther than that and confess that I give myself over entirely to the business of indulging in a personal hell. I feel keenly the heavy burden of womanhood and am reduced to a pulp at the sound of a sentimental ditty. I read Dorothy Parker for consolation and feel like a woman of destiny. In my maudlinity, I live in the shades of unrequited love and I can already visualize myself in dramatic black clothes which enhance the tragic quality of my haunted face. All in all I thoroughly enjoy myself.