DETERMINED YOUTH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1939, Page 4

DETERMINED YOUTH

CASE OF JOAN FONTAINE. The case of Joan Fontaine is a case of youthful determination triumphing over persistent illness. So ill was she at the age of two that the family, upon the advice of physicians, moved from Japan, where she was born, to Southern California for no other reason than to improve her health. By the time she was fifteen she was better, but not completely recovered in strength, and again her physicians recommended change of climate and a long sea voyage. So back to Japan went Joan and her family, while Olivia remained to fight the Hollywood ogre. There for three years, Joan lived a more normal existence unharassed by illness, and returned to the film capital recently with the determination to emulate Olivia’s success. Hardly had she landed than she was offered, through a friend who knew of her ambition, a part in a play in a little theatre in San Jose. This was the first step. Next came a more important part in a Los Angeles theatre* in "Call it a Day.’ ’ Jesse Lasky, in the audience the opening night of that play, saw her and offered her a long-term contract. Her first part was a "bit” in "Quality Street.” Katherine Hepburn, star of the film, was so impressed by Joan's work that she introduced her to Cliff Reid, R.K.O. production head, remarking that he had "better grab her for his next picture.” This introduction led her to being cast opposite John Beal in “The Man Who Found Himself,” and after this she played the lead with Preston Foster in “You Can’t Beat Love.” From this beginning she caught the attention of Edward Small, who releases his product through United Artists, and she was borrowed to play the only important feminine role in "The Duke of West Point,” sharing acting honours with Louis Hayward, Richard Carlson, Tom Brown and Alan Curtis. As a result of her splendid ance in this latter film, aoan’s next step . was the feminine lead in “Gunga Din,” with Douglas Fairbanks Junr., Victor McLaglen and Cary Grant. Like Joan Bennett and Priscilla Lane, Joan Fontaine is definitely on the way up, and Olivia de Havilland will have to keep moving or little sister will be treading on her glamorous heels.