BERNARD SHAW

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1933, Page 7

BERNARD SHAW

THE VISIT TO HOLLYWOOD,

TRIBULATIONS OF VICTIMS*

Hollywood hag been taking some time to recover from the visit of Mr George Bernard Shaw, . “The earthquake” as a subject of conversation, has long since faded,” says one writer, “but the Shaw interlude still re-echoes, and will do so for a long time.” “Mr Shaw is alleged to have insulted Ann Harding • criticised the hat worn by Alice Brady; abashed the daring and often witty John Barrymore; had newspapermen cautious about putting themselves on the spot by asking him innocuous questions.” “Miss Harding’s case was deemed particularly sad and pitiful,” it is stated. “She had evidently dreamed of meeting the great playwright all her life. She had apparently also visioned his knowing her name, and having some idea of her work on th« stage. She .informed him with a great glow of enthusiasm that she had played in ‘Captain Brassbound’s Conversion’ in the Hedgerow Theatre in Pose Valley. Pennsylvania, and was rewarded with the reply that it must have been a piratical performance.” Miss Harding is reported to have wept for hours.

■ John Barrymore has a passiun for] autographs, which he collects for his little son. “How old is he ” asked Mr Shaw. “One year,” replied Mr Barrymore, proudly. “Too young,” replied the great man. “If it was your grandfather, and he had only a couple of years to live, I’d give it to him.” Even Mr Barrymore could think of no reply. Neither could any of his other victims—at the time. In due course they all declared that Mr Shaw’s wit was vastly overrated, and hinted at devastating retorts. Only one man thought of contemporary retaliation, and he was but a property man. “Aw,” he said, “I konv a guy who can put on whislters better than he can.” But, alsjs, even this not very brilliant mot was not utter- I ed within Mr Shaw’s bearing.