BIOGRAPHY OF STARS

Chronicle (Levin), 1 February 1947, Page 7

BIOGRAPHY OF STARS

WANTED TO BE A -TEACHER Irene Dunne started her theatrical career by playing the smallest role in the world— that of "Mustard Seed" in. Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." At the time she was five years of age. Subsequently it was years before she gave another thought to the stage. Irene wanted to be a school teacher. But fate and Florenz Ziegfeld changed her mind. The actress, currently starred with Charles Coburn and Alexander Knox in Columbia's romantic comedy, "Over 21" was born in Lousville, Kentucky. She had, however, none of the indolence usually ascribed to southern belles. She was — and is — dynamic, has unlimited energy, and likes to get things done promptly. Brought up in a home where music was part of daily life, Irene studied piano and voice at an early age. Her mother was a talented accompanist, and sedulously guided her small daughter's taste in music. Her father died when Irene was a little girl. All through her school days, Irene wanted to teach. She obtained her license and was on her way to a job in East Chicago when a friend urged her to enfer a voice contest at the Chicago Musical College. Irene won. She attended the school and graduation found her an honour student. Shortly thereafter, she left for the New York stage, appearing in "The Clinging Vine," with Peggy Wood, and with Edith Day in "Irene," but she still felt the urge to return to teaching. Then, one day in an elevator she noticed a man staring at her. He apologised for speaking to her, and handed her his caird. It bore the words "Florenz Ziegfeld, Jnr." "When Mr. Ziegfeld offered me the leading role of Magnolia in the Chicago company of Jerome Kern's 'Show Boat,' I. almost fainted," Irene relates. "I couldn't believe my ears. But Ziegfe1d smiled and said he had heard me sing and knew I would be right in the part. "After I opened ag the star of that great musical, I gave up all thought of being a school teacher. Now I'm glad I did." It was at this . time that Irene Dunne contends she had the luckiest break in her life. She met and married Dr. Franpis Griffin. . They are still married , and still in love. Hollywood called, and Irene rose to fame and stardom in the epic "Cimarron," her second motion picture. Although the star makes pictures on many major .lots she considers Columbia her "lucky" studio, for there she has made some of her biggest hits — such memorable pictures as "Theodora Goes Wild," "The Awful Truth"' and "Penny Serenade." "Over 21," her current Columbia vehicle, is produced by Virginia Van Upp and directed by Charles Vidor.