Hollywood Columnist Hedda Hopper concludes her interview with Gail Russell...
Gail: Dr. Corey in the hospital has the most wonderful philosophy about things.He was an intern in the hospital when I was there.He'd give me a boost when I needed it, and a slap when I needed it.Right now he's putting me out on a limb.It's like Bill Russell,drama coach who worked with me on "Dear Ruth" and "Our Hearts",said.He held my hand during the picture until finally one day he said,"Well,Goodbye".I said,"What do you mean-I'm starting a picture".He said,"I've taught you all I know-you take it from here, you're on your own.You've learned technique and everything I can give you.The only thing you need now is experience.There are people who can help you so far.Then there comes a point when it has to be broken off.You've got to try your own wings".
H.H: Like a mother bird tossing the baby out of the nest.
Gail: Dr. Corey taught me to grow up.He is going to make a simply wonderful doctor-He is one now.He's not a psychiatrist.But he understands people.They had me fat and sassy by the time I got out of the hospital.They were just wonderful to me.
H.H: How long were you in the hospital?
Gail: Seemed like ages to me.
H.H: Then you really never knew Howard Hughes?
Gail: I met him just once.I stopped in just to have my dinner.I still had my makeup on.Howard was at the table.All he wanted was a plain salad and a plain piece of meat.He couldn't make the waiter understand.So he sent it back a couple of times.People at the table started talking.That got my dander up.I told the waiter just what he wanted, and said bring it to him right away.He hasn't had dinner.He was leaving as I started out.So I said I'll drop you at the studio.This was my only meeting with Hughes.I dropped him off at the gate and said goodnight.
H.H: I understand he got in touch with the hospital and wanted to do something for you.You know he flew in doctors from all over America for Mala Powers.He's interested in medicine, understand he'll leave his money to a cancer foundation in Texas.
H.H: Were there any stars-or older women, who helped you at the studio?
Gail: Yes.close friends.There was Lindsey Durand of Paramount Publicity.She took me on my first trip to New York,and had an appendicitis attack along with the whole thing.I started out weighing 125 lbs.,went through "The Uninvited",a fast picture.Then went to New York for it.After the opening I returned home weighing just 106 lbs.Lost that weight in just seven or eight weeks.They had me going at such a fast pace.A cup of coffee,horsd'oeures,and away we'd go.So if I were to give advice, it would be to space your time.Take time off for a horseback ride in the mountains.Get back to normality and nature.They put you on a merry-go-round here and never let you off.Not even to have a cup of coffee.
H.H: Any advice on love to give the young?
Gail: I don't know what to tell you.
H.H: You're still shy?
Gail: That I can't help.
H.H: You won't believe it, but I was too when I was very young, and even after I married DeWolf Hopper.If anybody noticed my color, and I had lots of color then,I'd go scarlet.Tears would command I would leave the room.But I got hat beaten out of me.I guess I've beaten it out of a few people since.I don't realize this-I don't mean it to be unkind.I have so much work to do and so much time to get it done.Are you under contract to anyone now-Batjac?
Gail: No.I'm available.When I went over to Paramount,everyone was very nice to me.Milt Lewis threw his arms around me and had tears in his eyes.
H.H: You have lots of friends around this town.
Gail: It was nice being here, and getting everything off my chest.
Song "Try To Remember" by Mantovani and His Orchestra.
5 окт 2024
