Beauty is an Asset But is Not Essential

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 348, 8 May 1928, Page 14

Beauty is an Asset But is Not Essential

London Women Discuss Its Value in Social Success SEQUEL TO COURT CASE MY face is my fortune, kind sir,” she said. At least, that is what, according to the old song, the pretty maid who was going a-milking replied to the inquisitive gallant. As her good looks were all she could offer him, he declared that he could not marry her, and so it is to be presumed that she did not rise in the social scale. The question as to whqijier beauty is necessary for the achievement of social success has become the subject of keen debate and conflicting views as the result of a legal fight between two face specialists in lamdon, says a correspondent of the "New York Times.” For advertising purposes, one of them claimed copyright in the phrase, “Youthful appearance is a social necessity, not a luxury,” and he sought an injunction to prevent his rival using that or any simi lar expression. Defendant, for instance, had used the phrase, “Beauty is the best letter of introduction,” and it was ascribed to Diogenes. Neither judge nor counsel could confirm this assertion that the philosopher who lived in a tub was the author of the line: but there is an old German proverb which reads' “Beauty is a good letter of introduction.” A Judge Started It What really started the discussion outside the law courts was the declaration of Mr. Justice Humphreys, in summing up the evidence, that “a great many women who are not beautiful have become celebrated.” He added hastily, “Of course, I am only speaking of those who are dead.” The views of many people have been solicited on the subject, which has been expanded to include a discussion of the value of beauty as an aid to feminine success not only in society, but also in business and the professions generally. Although opinions differ, the verdict appears to be that while good looks are an asset in all walks of life they are not indispensable to success, and that brains and charm are of much more worth.

The Marchioness of Queensberry, one of the younger leaders of society, says: “There are women in London who are almost ihdeous and yet have the most amazing success —have scores of friends, and enjoy life intensely. An ugly woman, as a rule, is more intelligent than a lovely one. I should imagine that it is rather an advantage not to be beautiful. A girl will not spend so much time on herself —will not be so spoilt. She will enjoy herself.” A Necessity Anywhere On the other hand, the American actress, Miss Genevieve Tobin, who is playing in London the leading part in “The Trial of Mary Dugan,” says: “There is no doubt about it. Beatify is a social necessity in any climate and any place." She is supported by the Hon. Mrs. Fitz Roy Stewart, who says: “1 agree entirely that beauty is a necessity in the social world.” She adds that it is one s duty to society to remain young as long as possible. Miss Sybil Thorndike, one of England s leading actresses, scoffs at this idea. “To say that a girl cannot succeed in life unless she-is pretty that if she is plain she has a handicao which she can hardly overcome—is to talk patent nonsense,” she declares. A plain girl with personality and charm has just as much chance as a sav Ut fnr gIPl ’ Prob ably more, 1 should say, for personality and charm are the vital things in life. There ar’ scores of plain women, in every walk are dazzling successes.” t v e - ne Russell - another actress, shares this view. “I would rather have brains and a sense of humour” she says, “than the loveliest face in It nf v ' ~l £ handicapped with an empty head. Beauty is not essential to a stage career. Rut charm is, and by charm I mean the captivating expression of personality. I would askWas Queen Elizabeth a beautiful woman? Her courtiers were afraid to pretend she was not, but, on the other hand, she may be pointed out as one of the most successful women who ever lived.” As to Queen Elizabeth t° ld that to the end of her life Elizabeth affected all the airs of a coy beauty and a coquette, and that her statesmen addressed her in a strain of fulsome adulation; but a German, Paul Hentzner, who saw the Queen in her 65th year, did not indulge in such flattery. He described her as stately and majestic in her bearing; her face was oblong and fair vet nT rl v kle<^: ? er eyes were small’ ye Lhlack and pleasant; her nose was f IRtl ® hooked, her lips narrow, her teeth black, and she wore false red hair. She possessed, however verv beautiful hands. ’ ” Lady Alexander, widow of Sir George Alexander, the famous actor does not believe that beauty is a necessity in the social world. “Good bearing, good manners and charm count more,” she says. “Beauties may have no brains and be stupid. sity'” ty 18 aU asset but not a necesLady Standing, a well-known authority on beauty problems, declares that it is a social necessity for a woman to make herself charming. There are women who are plain in the ordinary sense of the word,” she says, “and yet are so charming that they are enormous successes socially No one can alter the shape of her nose or mouth without going to a plastic surgeon, but she can change the expression of her face and make it more attractive.” Mme. Bertha Jacobsen, who has been a beauty specialist for 22 years emphasises the value of fascination in a woman. “If a woman is fascinating men don’t trouble to look at her face,” she asserts. “They don’t care if it is beautiful or not. A pretty woman never troubles to fascinate men. She is satisfied with her beauty. But when a woman is ugly and knows it—then she introduces all those little mannerisms that attract and captivate people. That is why many ugly women are great successes. Brain often triumphs over beauty.”