WHEN THE STARS GO ON HOLIDAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 83, 31 December 1937, Page 9

WHEN THE STARS GO ON HOLIDAY

A holiday In Hollywood is one thing to some people, but its something quite different for a screen star. In other walks of life Sunday ano other holidays may reasonably be expected to offer freedom. But for a stai it all depenas. Although no actua, shooting of film is done, actors ano actresses have Monday's lines to learn. On the other hand, when a star it not engaged ln a picture, a whole ser ies of days may be regarded as holidays— with reservations. For then when tliey stay at home, or travel to the various resorts of California, the players have always to consider the cameramen and the lnterviewers, who seek them m these Moments of so-called leisurc. Accordingiy, it may be said that a day otf for a screen star is comparable to that of a newspaper reporter, or a policeman. If nothing occurs to interfere, there will be 24 hours of uninterrupted freedom. Nearly every well-known star in Hollywood to-day has a beach home somewhere nearby, or a ranch in one of the luxurious valleys. But they also have direct 'phone connections with their respective studios. Those with yachts have two-way radios, and so do the air-minded. Clark Gable belongs to a club that maintains a lodge somewhere in the mountains, known only to its members —and the studio. Recently Robert Taylor was admitted to membership. Gable, who is very busy working inpictures, is never beyond reach of Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer. Spencer Tracy sails a ketch, the Carrie B, aboard which he was required to install radio equipment. Wallac, Beery has acquired a new 'phane with two-way radio. So even though Hollywood may be out of sight, and even out of mind, it is seldom if ever out of touch with its stars. Greta Garbo is available to Metro Goldwyn-Mayer invarlably at her home where she is available to no one else, except on invitation. Characteristically while she is working in a picture, Miss Garbo's whole existence is concentrated on her role. Jeanette MacDonald spends every available hour away from the studio with her new husband, Gene Raymond, Housekeeping and cooking naturally occupy her time completely when she is not on the set or studying for her part. Lulse Rainer drives an open car and covers the miles with eager enthusiasm on holidays. The beauty of California highways and the contrast of winding mounlain roads lure her irresistibly when she is free. Powell, the cosmopolitan, lives in bachelor simplicity in a Hollywood "apartment. He abandoned. a pretentious town house. Sxmdays and holidays find him in lounging pyjamas and dressing gown, with newspapers, magazines and books surrounding him. He likes to dine out, observing an amusing world with an amused tolerance. Nelson Eddy, at the moment on concert tour, is spending his holidays — if they may be called that — on trains and in hotels. When he is in town, he enjoys the characteristic home life of a singing star in a home that is full of music. Joan Crawford, in private life Mra Franchot Tone, devotes her holidays to rigorous training. She not only carries on with her vocal coaching, but goes in for strenuous physical exercise with tennis, switnming, riding and walking. Qf course, it is obviously true that all the stars seize every opportunity for relaxation and recreation. The very nature of their work requires, primarily, that they keep themselves in excellent physical and'mental condition. Accordingiy, the majority of them are hard-riding, fast playing individuals, as colourful and interesting in their private lives as they are in their screen roles. But even during the times when Hollywood is out of sight, it is never wholly out of touch with its stars.