HOLLYWOOD SUNNY SIDE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5016, 20 August 1926, Page 4

HOLLYWOOD SUNNY SIDE.

FILM ARTISTS’ CAREFUL HABITS.

HOBBIES AND PHILANTHROPY.

Charlie Chaplin owns a fine house in Hollywood, close to “Pickfair,’'’ the home of the famous, Douglas and Mary; but at the same time he does not fling money away in needless party-giving. In fact, he lives in a very si.mple, quiet way. Much of his money has gone to-his mother, to whom he is devoted. When he began to be successful, he sent money to her in England every week, and this, money grew and grew with his popularity till the old lady did not know what to do with it. Charlie loves, his library and his music-room ; consequently he is, perhaps, just a little extravagant over the purchase of books and old violins-, of which he has a fine collecion. And he would not mind impending hundreds of pounds, on any sort of swimming pool in his own grounds., for he loves swimming.

There are, however, hospitals in London that could tell tales of Charlie’s secret • generosity. But all he cares to admit is that he saves, what he can for a rainy day.

Rudolph Valentino, in the midst c'f his- success, has never 'forgotten his family and home in Italy, and much motley has gone across, the, Atlantic to the Italian town in which he, was born. His- greatest happiness is the knowledge that he has been able to ■make things easy for his mother and family.

Thomas Meighan is one of the richest and most popular film actors of today. He has been earning a- large salary for a long time no.w, and has been so wise in his use of it that he can afford to 'retire at any time. For he owns nearly the whole o® a town called Ocala, in Florida, and is partowner of its newspaper, its theatre, a,nd its hotel.

The Navarro family—-nine in all- — has every reason to bless the day that young Ramon Navarro became a film star.

He has bought a house, standing in a huge garden, for his father and mother, and he is sending -his numerous sisters and brothers to good schools or starting them in business for themselves. For himself, his two extravagances are singing lessons, which he takes twice -a week, and the otecasdonal-pur-chase of rare editions of books. His car is not at all smart, and he drives it himself, refusing the services of a chauffeur.

“Funny, isn’t it ?’’ he says-, when talking of his present happy position. “I worked as an attendant at a theatre- in Los Angeles foi' 25s a week, and my mother begged me to give it up, saying she was sure I could do better in a more settled profession. But I preferred to remain in the theatre. I think she is glad I did now !”

To Lilian Gish her wealth does not mean restaurant parties-, a fleet of cars, and lavish and noisy entertaining. She. is as simple in her tastes as a quiet sphoblgirl. He,r great joy is tbi care, for her mo-

ther, with whom she lives in a very comfortable but not elaborate home. Her sister, Dorothy Gish, is married; to James Rennie, but spends- a lot of

her time with Lilian and her mother. Miss Gish’s -greatest extravagance is, the purchase of old pictures, and her far-from-extravagant hobby is hand needlework, at which she excels. Mary Pickford is doubtless the richest working woman in the world. Monetary success came to her when she was very young, but it did not spoil her. Her first increase in salary enabled her to help her own family, and then to support an orphan child in whom she was interested. ' Now she is a world-famous star she supports an entire orpha|hage instead of just one kiddie.