KEEPING FIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 August 1940, Page 9

KEEPING FIT

MELVYN DOUGLAS’S METHOD. Because movie-making demands intense concentration, most of the players have developed a system for keeping fit mentally and physically. Melvyn Douglas, who is co-starred with Joan Biondell in Columbia's comedy “The Amazing Mr Williams,” believes that this system might be profitably adopted by others. He discussed his own rules for keeping fit while resting between scenes of the picture and here they are: — 1. Don't take yourself too seriously. The pompous man doesn't get the cooperation needed by both movie star and business executive.

2. kid yourself. Check up on your’ mirrored reflection. It doesn't iie. Every important happening in a

man’s life leaves its trace on his face. 3. Develop a sense of humour. Everything has a lighter side. Laughter means relaxation. 4. Get regular exercise. Physical condition is as important to actors or business men as to athletes. Actors

must not change appearance during the course of a picture. It may require months to make, but it is represented by about eighty minutes on the screen. 5. Don’t over indulge. Excess means slowing down. Actor or business man. neither cun slacken pace. It is better to stay ahead of the game. 0. Don’t relax by proxy. When a man goes to bed he should erase work and worry from his consciousness. Sleep is imperative. 7. Don’t try to do everything. Work is judged by quality, not quantity. 8. Look ahead. An actor or business man is only as good as his last picture or job. but should be better in his next. It’s the future that counts. 9. Don’t worry. It’s futile, makes a man nervous and nerves take their toll in weariness. 10. Know your job. Continuous studv of a profession reflects in accomplishment. When a job’s well done the first time, there’s no need for re-takes.