Director Cromwell Prefers His Actors Temperamental

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20820, 2 June 1939, Page 4

Director Cromwell Prefers His Actors Temperamental

Cinema «»; Snapshots

Startling Hollywood with the revelation he would rather direct temperamental actors than any other kind, Director John Cromwell found himself forced to explain his incredible preference. “Stars are the most temperamental class of people in Hollywood, mainly because they have to be. There's not a single star in Hollywood who isn’t temperamental,” Cromwell declared at Selznick International Studios where hd directed two stars, Carole Lombard and James Stewart, in “Made For Each Other,” a drama of young married love. “Without temperament,” continued Cromwell, "there is no star, for it is part and parcel of the artistic make-up. I wouldn't have a film-player unless he or she possessed it.” This quality, Ihe director was careful to point out. does nut include “temper tantrums.” Temperaraent, he explained, means a highly developed emotional sense and at times leads to an explosive display. Most of the time, however, it finds outlet in a polished performance, the director] has found. “I’ve seen stars pout and I’ve seen them storm—and the more they do the better I like it,” Cromwell said. “They are entitled to their little blowups and the smart director will use these as safety valves which bring the stars back to an even keel. I know this to be true because the more difficult a screen role, the more emotional, the more likely the star is lo have the saieiy valve explosions which are one of the true signs of artistic talent.**