THE GIRL WHO SAID “NO” TO HOLLYWOOD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1938, Page 2

THE GIRL WHO SAID “NO” TO HOLLYWOOD

A 23-year-old actress who confesses she would rather play a true-life role for £lO than decorate one for £lO,OOO has just received the film chance of her life. She is Wendy Hiller, the girl who once turned down a fiveyear Hollywood contract after making a name for herself in the London and New York stage production of “Love on the Dole.” Now she has been given the leading role opposite Leslie Howard in the film version of Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” which Pascal Productions are making at Pinewood. Three years ago, playing small parts in Manchester repertory, Wendy was unknown. Today, according to the experts, she stands on the threshold of world stardom. Here is how this tall, fair, slender girl got her big chance in “Pygmalion” after hundreds of candidates, in England and Hollywood, had been considered and rejected. For months Gabriel Pascal, who is producing the film, hunted in vain for the actress he wanted. None of those he considered met with the approval of Bernard Shaw. He had almost given up in despair when a friend invited him to Malvern for the theatre festival. There he saw Wendy in a festival play. She so impressed, him that he immediately got into touch with Bernard Shaw. G.B.S. was equally impressed. And a few days later Wendy was signed for the film.

Leslie Howard has a fine voice,.and would like to sing in public, but admits he never will? He is now starring with Norma Shearer in “Smilin’ Through.” When Norma Shearer first went to New York to crash the film gates, she nearly starved for six months waiting for her chance. She was one of twelve picked from 60 girls to work in a college picture.