Biography Of Stars

Chronicle (Levin), 7 February 1948, Page 6

Biography Of Stars

If you took a quick survey of outstanding Hollywood feminine talent which has fociiSsed public attention over the past /year, the name of ■ Ava Gardner would undoubtedly figure tfith on your iist, The striking brunette has been in Hollywood about six years now, but it -is only ' recently ' she has actually "go't in'to her stride," as it were. Hers is certainly no overnight success story/ but rather the iClimb to. fame of a girl who had to convince everyone she was not just another glamour girl, but that she had brilliant acting talent. Ava first really hit public consciousness as a potential dramatic actress with a small but outstanding role in M.-G.-M.'s "Three Men in White," in which she shared scenes with Van Johnson. Then came "Whistle Stop'1 and "The Killers"— and the girl had really "arrived."

It was Ava's grand performance in the latter film which induced M.-G.-M. executives to sign her for the rale of the luscious night club singer, Jean Ogilvie, in "The Hucksters." Ava had to try to -steal Clark Gable from Deborah Kerr — and the struggle proved a classic one. Practicaliy every reviewer mentioned the perfect timing and the easy nonchalance which Ava brought to the role. She made every nuance — every gesture count. Like many another small town girl before her, she left her home in North Carolina an'd headed for New York with thoughts of a modelling contract. She applied to a leading agency and was accepted. A few days later, a photographer suggested she try motion pictures. On his own initiative, he sent photos of the newcomer to the M.-G.-M. offtces on Broadway. A screen test followed and before.Ava, had stopped rubbing lier eyes, so to speak, she was in Hollywood, where it locks as though she will stay.