“Miss New Zealand ” Hopes For Success In Movies For The Sake of Her Country

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 270, 4 February 1928, Page 25

“Miss New Zealand ” Hopes For Success In Movies For The Sake of Her Country

“MISS NEW ZEALAND (Dale Austen), who was received 111 by the Mayor of Culver City last week, and officially welcomed to the M-G-M studios, made quite a favourable impression when she arrived at Vancouver. , A Canadian scribe writes of the New Zealand girl:—

“I will attempt to go through with movie work and become a star not only for my own sake, but for the sake of New Zealand/' said pretty Miss Dale Austen, who passed through Victoria this morning aboard the liner Aorangi on her way to Hollywood, where she hopes to achieve success in the moving picture world. Miss Austen was chosen by theatregoing people of New Zealand fv- $ 1 hundreds of contestants to be “Miss New Zealand” in a contest conducted by Fuller-Hayward theatres. Her attractive smile and happy laughter captivated audiences wherever she appeared and she was easily the winner in the huge contest which was conducted by public vote. Miss Austen secured over 7,500 votes more than her nearest competitor. Her home is in the town of Dunedin. THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE “I would hardly say I am realising a life ambition in going to Hollywood,” said Miss Austen, who lias a definite contract with Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer, jin conjunction with whom the contest was held, “but I have always been interested in theatricals and have appeared on the stage in amateur productions in New Zealand, i “It has all been a big rush since I

entered the contest. For over a montii I was touring New Zealand from cornel to corner appearing in all theatre* operated by Fuller-Hayward. I en» joyed these appearances and certainly appreciate the great support given me by the public. But everything is in a whirl," she said, catching her breath. “We left almost immediately for this continent." FOR COUNTRY'S SAKS “I have had two film tests made. 3 think they were successful," she Nmarked modestly. “If not for my o*n sake, I hope I can make a name in the movie world for the honour of New Zealand.” Miss Austen has a letter from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, wishing Jier the greatest success in her movie venture. “He has shown the greatest interest in me,” she said. “I certainly hope I can reward not only his confidence, but the confidence of the whole of the theatre-going pubjic of New Zealand by attaining success.” Miss Austen is accompanied by Nr-. B. Vernon, who is acting . r I chaperone. I Zealand” has made a start wit lx a .* . movie work.