Evelyn Keyes – Take two

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article where actress Evelyn Keyes talks about a bunch of beauty stuff.

Just Back From Paris, Stresses After two years in Europe, Evelyn Keyes has been lured back to Hollywood to make “Crosstown” for United Artists. When I lunched with her at the Beverly Hills Hotel last week she was full of fresh enthusiasm for these United States. “Is it true that you learned the language so well that you were able to do a picture in French while you were in Paris?” I asked. “I did both the English and French versions of ‘Anything Can Happen in Paris’,” Evelyn said, explaining that she had studied the language to get out of the tourist class, and to be able to get to know the country and people.

“What do you consider the outstanding difference between the American and French women?” I asked, getting down to the business of beauty. AS A FIRST impression, the women in Paris are much more dressy than we are. As Paris is the center of fashion, everyone feels they must see the collections and wear what is new. When I left Paris everyone was loaded with necklaces strands and strands of them worn at the same time. “Basically, though, there aren’t many outstanding differences between the two countries,” she added.

I asked Evelyn to tell me more about her ideas of fashion. “I prefer to follow my own type, rather than go along with the dictates of high fashion,” Evelyn explained. “The most valuable asset any girl has is her individuality. It may take time to discover this, but once you feel attractive in a certain way of dressing, stay with it.. Vary your line as shoulders go broad or narrow it is a good idea to follow but play up your good points and conceal your poor ones. “WHEN I first came to Hollywood I was young and unsure,” she continued. “I was under contract to Columbia and Rita Hayworth was their big star. Everyone on the lot, it seems, was made to look like her. “I learned then that it was a mistake to copy anyone,” Evelyn added. “Even if you make your copy a clever one, you are still only second best. You should take what you can from people you admire, but you should use it so that it becomes yours.”

“One more thought about fashion any woman, who is honest with herself, admits that she dresses for both men and women. She wants to be admired by the men and envied by the women.”- Evelyn lit a cigaret, and I noticed her long, perfectly formed nails. “How do you keep them from breaking?” I asked. “I used to have a rough time with my nails.” Evelyn told me. “I- tried everything that anyone suggested. And finally I found an answer. The thing that helped me the most was to soak my nails in cream one night a week.” “WHAT KIND of cream do you prefer?” “A lanolin base mixed with ordinary white iodine,” Evelyn, explained. “And when my nails were really bad, I used to fill the finger tips of an old pair of doeskin gloves with this mixture and wear them all night. “While ‘we are on this subject, you might like to know my favorite way of mending a nail,” Miss Keyes said, holding out a finger for my inspection. “You can’t see it, but I have patched this nail with a piece of scotch tape. It braces the entire nail better than anything I’ve ever tried.” I had to agree that It was a good idea. Evelyn’s polish covered the tape so well that it was impossible to tell it had been broken.

Evelyn is a long way since her first Hollywood contract and we chatted about getting what you want out of life. “You have to have perseverance to reach a goal,” Evelyn declared. “You must decide hat comes first and keep to your line. But, people who narrow their interests become narrow. In fulfilling an ambition, beware of shutting out life. Always Tomorrow i’The most successful way to stay young is to be a perennial student. Your state of mind is like a child who wants to know why. When you stop wanting to learn you slow down and eventually reach a point where you are living in the past. This is synonymous with old age. “My top glamour secret is expressed in enthusiasm , for living. There is always tomorrow. We grow through experience the painful ones teach us to stand up and face life. No face is truly beautiful unless it is etched with living.” “What do you dislike most in others?” I asked. “Superficially, it’s an unpleasant voice,’.’ Evelyn remarked. “People don’t pay enough attention to either their voice or their diction. Our main connection with people is what we say and how we say it. A voice that is rich and soothing to the ear is a great asset, “As a nation I don’t think we sound as pretty as. we look. A girl may look a knockout but,” Evelyn concluded, ‘If she speaks with a harsh, brassy voice, she is not pretty any more.”

Paula Corday

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article where actress Paula Corday talks about her facial beauty routine. Enjoy!

Paula Corday worked hard and long before she got her first big break in “Because You’re Mine” with Mario Lanza. “I don’t believe too much in luck,” Paula confided one afternoon recently as we had tea together. “I think most of what is termed luck we make ourselves, and that luck seems to come when we are in a position to take advantage of it.” Perhaps Paula’s life in the orient is responsible for this attitude because she lived with her family in Japan for many years and she went to school there. But 10 years ago, when she and her family settled in California, Paula told me she began to dream of becoming a movie star. .

“What did you do to make this dream a reality?” I asked. “You’re only kidding yourself if you don’t have a talent or a potentiality for what you want to do. Once you are convinced you are on the right track, then it takes work, confidence and patience lots of it.” “What about the importance of appearance?” I suggested . “IT SEEMED so obvious,” Paula remarked, “I didn’t even mention it. Appearance is how you make your first impression, . and you can never, never neglect that.” “What is your most important beauty routine?” I wanted to know. “I feel that so much depends on having a nice skin. When you are in your teens you can seem to break all the rules and nothing happens, but you can’t take your good complexion for granted too long or you’ll be full of regrets when it’s too late I’ve seen this happen too many times so that I’m trying to work a routine that will keep my skin clean”

“This is not as easy as it sounds,” Paula continued, “because unless you are very careful, make-up will clog your pores. Lots of times I think my face is clean and I go over it once more and am amazed how much still comes off, “What do you use in your cleansing routine? “I think you have to analyze your type of skin first, and try several things to find which works best with you,” she answered. “I have discovered that mineral oil cleanses my face as well as any thing. But, after cleansing with tissues, I always check my pores with a Turkish towel because a rough surface works deeper into your pores. Save some old towels, cut them into squares and use them in your cleansing routine.”

Vera Ralston

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article, where actress and ice skater Vera Ralston talks about old beauty secrets and dieting. Enjoy!

Vera Ralston, Who reached the top as an Olympic Ice skater, has made a remarkable transition from athlete to Hollywood glamour girl. Last week end I met Vera at the Lakeside Country club where she plays golf regularly. We bad lunch together, and I noticed that she ignored the array of tempting buffet dishes and asked for a green salad and cottage cheese. “I’m starting a picture soon at Republic,” she told me, “and I have to lose weight.” “Do you have a weight problem?” asked. ‘ “Yes, I do!” Vera exclaimed with great frankness. “I exercised so bard while I was skating that ever since I’ve given it up I’ve had trouble keeping my weight where I want It.” I asked If she had found other difficulties in adopting a new career. “Being the star of an Ice Follies and being the star of a motion picture are very different.” Vera told me in her distinctive voice which has just a trace of an accent. “In skating it’s entirely up to you. There is the ice, there is the music and the audience sees what you do on your skates. There is nothing to go wrong like having a stupid script, an untalented director or being badly photographed. “Making a picture Is a cooperative venture and you must learn to work harmoniously with everyone on the set from the electrician to the director.” “You’ve had two successful careers,” I said, asking for a set of rules which helped her climb to the top.

“Courage,” she murmured after a thoughtful pause. “You must have courage to do what you want to do, courage to face yourself and admit it if you discover you’re not good enough to get to the top. “Once you are sure you are traveling the right road you must have discipline to accomplish your goal. When I started to skate they soon discovered that I could be a champ,” Vera continued. “What I had to do without! In this world you never get anything for nothing but If you love what you are doing your work can be a pleasure, “I know this is true because my family first wanted me to be a ballet dancer and I didn’t enjoy dancing the way I did skating. The two are very similar but ice is faster and more dangerous. I loved the excitement of it. In a spin you go at a rate of 60 miles an hour.” I wanted to know the most difficult thing she’d had to overcome. Vera replied, “I have had to eat less. “In Czechoslovakia we have breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a big dinner in the middle of the day. At 4 we have coffee and cake, and in the evening another big meal.” Vera said. “How do they keep their figures!” I exclaimed. Vera laughed, “They don’t. But had to because when you are skating you must maintain your weight or lose your balance. Think what a tiny edge is carrying your body! I could tell the moment I started to glide if I had gained.”

“How did you reduce?” “I don’t believe in taking reducing pills. I think they go against nature,” she said. “What is your favorite way of reducing?” I asked again. “Cutting down everything I know Is fattening and substituting for it filling but low-caloric foods,” Vera replied. When you have eaten heavily your stomach stretches and you go through; a rough period when you get hunger signals which you must ignore. Part of a successful reducing plan is bringing your stomach back to normal. However, I have a few nonfattening fillers which make it easier.” “Such as?” I asked. “Iced carrot sticks can be very tasty and I keep a jar full of these in the Icebox or on the set. I also find a Swedish type cracker satisfying but not fattening. Watermelon, when in season, is very low calorically and a little of it stops the hunger pangs.” “Does a sweet tooth bother you?” “It used to a long time ago but I’ve been able to give it up,” Vera replied. “There is a wonderful new sugar substitute which is almost too good to be true because it is deliciously sweet and has absolutely no calories. It’s called sucaryl, and is available In most drugstores in either liquid or tablet form.” I asked Vera to tell me what changes the make-up men in Hollywood had made which improved her appearance the most.

“When you are skating, people are far away and you have to exaggerate your make-up. I had very thick eyebrows and I didn’t realize what a difference they made in my face until I started making pictures and now they are plucked thinner.” “What is your favorite cosmetic” “I like to take my make-up off with oil and to use a little cream when my face feels dry but my favorite beauty recipes have come from Czechoslovakia. They may be old fashioned,” Vera murmured, “but they work.” “This sounds interesting,” I said. 1″Tell me more.” Vera paid high tribute to the make-up men for her glamour, but explained that she still remains loyal to the beauty recipes her family used in Czechoslovakia. “Old fashioned beauty tricks have the test of time,” she explained. “If you find a way of getting good beauty results, you should continue to use it even if the method is many hundreds of years old. For example ( I like to cover my face with a thin film of yogurt. I let this dry thoroughly before removing it with I warm water. This simple trick keeps the skin soft, and the same c method can be used to soften the hands.”

Kristine Miller

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article, where actress Kristine Miller talks about relaxation techniques. Enjoy!

Kristine Miller came to Hollywood via Denmark and is fast becoming an important star. “What made you want to be an actress?” I asked Kristine as we had tea together at Republic where she recently made “Geraldine.” “My mother was a professional singer and I think she was eager for me to go into the entertainment field,” Kristine said, “but I suppose I had some ambition of my own.” We chatted about dreams and what helped to make them come true when Kristine added: “It’s good to want something provided you have patience enough to wait for your career to develop otherwise you’ll wear yourself out by fretting because things are not advancing as fast as you would like.”

“Speaking of wearing yourself out,” I remarked, “that is about what everyone is going to do with Christmas shopping next month. Tell me your favorite way to relax?” “Unless ‘you are placid by nature, and very few people in this country are.” Kristine added, “I think it is necessary to learn how to relax. It Is so destructive to your health and beauty to let yourself jet tied up in knots. Every muscle in your body becomes tense, your nerves are pinched, you don’t digest your food properly and most likely you are subject to headaches. The smart thing is to try to recognize the first, ‘signs of tenseness and make yourself let go before the real damage is-done.” . “Tell, me more about how you do it.”

“I like to go to an open window and fill my lungs with good fresh air. I take as deep a breath as I can and hold this for a count of ten. Then I exhale forcefully and try to push out of my lungs every bit of stale air. I count ten while my lungs are empty and then breathe in again. Just three rounds of this will make you feel surprisingly refreshed. Another way to release tension is to flop over like a rag doll –head down, arms limp, neck relaxed. Then come up slowly, trying to feel your spine life on* vertebrae at a time. Don’t be self- conscious about these things. Kristine cautioned. “If someone makes’a caustic remark, pay no attention.”

Barbara Lawrence

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article, where actress Barbara Lawrence talks about beauty stuff. Enjoy!

Barbara Lawrence started her movie career when, as a child, she was chosen “Little Miss Hollywood.” It was during World War II that I first met Barbara. She was under contract lo Twentieth – Century at the time, and fuming because, even though she was married, they made her have a teacher on the set. “Isn’t it ridiculous, she said, “to have a husband and a nurse?” 1 mentioned this to Barbara last week when we lunched at MGM where she is making “Paris Model.” “You know Hollywood very well,” I commented. “How has being a child actress conditioned you?”

“I think it instilled in me a habit of grooming,” she said. “This can be overdone so that a’ girl pays too much attention to her outside, and not enough to personality development. But once you discipline yourself to neatness and groove this habit, you can dress, and look immaculate, as fast as the girl who is careless about her appearance. “The most important thing to remember.” Barbara advised, “is to have your clothes in readiness. When you take them off, check for spots, brush your skirts and shoes; send anything that is not fresh to the cleaners or to the laundry. No one cares what you pay for a dress but they do react to what condition it is in.”

“That’s very good advice,” I said, “but clothes are only half of the appearance picture.. What about make-up?” ‘I feel that you should try to get as much as you can out of as little as you can,” Barbara laughed. “When I’m making up I always ask myself: ‘Can I use less with just us much effect. The trend used to be for heavy make-up, but today you have to try to look natural. If you prefer the cake type of make-up, be sure to spread it light. A good trick is to take a sponge and wet it with very cold water or a skin lotion and pat this gently over your make – up. Then take a tissue and blot off the moisture. This will take off that matted – down look and help to highlight your skin.” “But in using tinted make-up.” Barbara cautioned, “be sure to look at yourself from the side to make sure that you have not left a line. Forgetting to blend rouge or powder is deadly and will give away your make-up secrets.”

Jean Hagen – Take two

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article, where actress Jean Hagen talks about eating habits for the holidays. Enjoy!

At a recent Hollywood party the conversation turned to Thanksgiving and Jean Hagen remarked that she liked to be as traditional as possible with her menu. Of all of our holidays,” she told me, “I think Thanksgiving is the most typical. It represents the very spirit of this nation which was founded by brave pioneers risking their lives In a new and strange country. “It’s quite thrilling when you think of the dream of this first feast of thanksgiving which our Pilgrim Fathers had. If they had not been able to fertilize the wilderness, if their crops had, failed it would have meant famine and starvation. When they had a fine harvest you can imagine that their feast was really one of thanksgiving. I wish more people would think of this,” Jean added, “than an opportunity to over eat.”

“And how miserable they feel the next day!” I remarked. “You can have i wonderful day without stuffing yourself.” Jean commented. “It’s the starches and the second helpings which do the damage. Certainly no” one could feel hungry with turkey, cranberry sauce, green salad, vegetables, pumpkin pie. That’s what I Intend to eat, and go; easy on hot bread, potatoes, dressing and rich deserts.” “I’m sure anyone who follow your example will find they can have a good feast and not gain a pound,” I said. “And it’s almost like having you cake and eating it too.” Jean sug “Do you ever have a weigh problem?” I asked. “I don’t allow it to become problem,” Jean replied wisely.

I eat regularly and when I find that I’m above my normal figure, go on liquids for a day.” “Do you feel awfully weak?” “Not at all.” Jean confided, “It’s nourishing, it’s salt free, and your digestive system gets a good rest. a matter of fact, I feel better after it.” “What do you drink?” “I have something hot or something cold every hour. I start with lemon juice and hot water, then have skim milk with a raw egg spite in it, a cup of tea, sweetened with sugar substitute, a cup of beef broth, a glass of skim milk, a glass of fresh grapefruit Juice, and so an all day. Just at  feel hungry it’s time to drink something else. And. incidentally, you can have all the water you feel like.” If you follow Jean Hagen’s advice and don’t over eat for Thanksgiving you’ll have no weight problem; but if you do go overboard, try her liquid diet the next day.

Donna Reed

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article where actress Donna Reed talks about a bunch of beauty stuff. Enjoy!

It is predicted that Donna Reed will have a new career with the release of “From Here to Eternity,” the motion picture in which she plays the part of a dance hall girl with loose morals. When Donna was cast in this part the question was asked: Why choose a girl, who, after years in Hollywood, still retains an extraordinarily wholesome quality?” We chatted about this the other day as we lunched in a little Italian restaurant across from the Columbia Pictures lot. “It was fun having to wear slinky black dresses and go to Honolulu on location,” Donna said.

DO YOU find It difficult to combine a career and- marriage, I asked, realizing that she was making a success of both. “No I don’t” Donna said forcefully, “because there is no doubt about which comes first. My family and my marriage mean more to me than my career. But when you don’t know which is most important I am sure it must be difficult to combine the two.” Donna lightly salted her green salad as she said, “Being a mother, watching a little baby grow, making decisions for child and helping to form its life is a deeper pleasure to me than getting up at five, driving to the studio, getting made-up, standing for hours for wardrobe fittings, and memorizing a script. “I admit that from the time the cameras roll until the director says ‘cut there is great pleasure. But,” Donna smiled, “it an boils down to the fact that fulfilling my function as a fact that fulfilling my function as a mother has deeper roots than has deeper roots than being a public figure.”

Aldo Ray came over to our table. “What are you two plotting?” he asked in his fog horn voice. “Marriage versus a career,” Donna told him. “FORTUNATELY that’s’ one thing a man doesn’t have to worry about,” he said as he waved goodbye. “I have heard the career-minded insist, To be happy I must express myself,'” Donna continued. “But they ignore the fact that expression has to be related to people in order to have meaning. What satisfaction is there in writing a book which is never read or painting a picture which is never seen?” “Why did you want to be an actress? I asked. “There was a terrible depression in Iowa and I dreamed of being an actress as an escape from the hardships on the farm. But I was practical about this because when I came to City College in Los Angeles I specialized in drama and was preparing to teach it.”

Donna has great natural beauty and I asked, “Surely people must have suggested you try to have a Hollywood career,” “As a matter of fact,” Donna confessed, “in my class book they prophesied that I’d be a movie star.” “How long did it take you to make good?” I asked. TWO AND a half years after I left home I had a term contract at MGM. A talent scout saw me in a play at City College and asked me to make a test.” , “Were you terribly nervous?” “No, because I didn’t expect anything to come from it, and I felt I had everything to gain and really nothing to lose.” Donna smiled reminiscently.

“When I was first offered a contract at MGM I was frightened by all the wild things I had read about Hollywood and I wondered if I should expose myself to so many temptations. But,” Donna concluded, “if you have a weakness you will be tempted no matter what you are doing and I’ve found you can have a career here or anywhere you choose without compromising.”

“What was your reaction to seeing yourself as others see you?” I asked. “I thought my posture was very bad and I didn’t like my walk. I was much too hurried. I was surprised to find what a western accent I had, but most of all I was shocked how sad I looked. In repose the corners of my mouth went way down.” I looked at Donna critically. “They don’t do that any more,” she explained. “Being happy is the best of all beauty secrets, don’t you agree?” “Yes, but grooming can’t be ignored,” I commented, wanting to know what had ‘ been Donna’s biggest beauty problem.

“My hair,” Miss Reed said quickly. “It’s so fine and straight. I had quite a time with permanents. When they didn’t give me enough curl, in a few days my hair was straight. And when they gave me too much it broke off.” “It looks lovely now,” I remarked. “What did you do?” “THE HOME permanents have been a big help as they are mild enough to give it a loose curl,” she explained. Donna’s lunch had been a green salad and a slice of melon with nothing to drink. “Are you dieting?” I asked. “No,” Donna confided, “but I never eat much in hot weather and besides I have found that staying away from liquids at mealtimes keeps me from having a weight problem.” As the waiter brought the check I asked: “What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in Hollywood?” “That true success is inconceivable without happiness.”

Marcia Henderson

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article, where actress Marcia Henderson talks about facials. Enjoy!

Marcia Henderson, who was born in the college town of Andover, Massachusetts, was interested in dramatics at high school and at college. But it wasn’t until she played the lead in the Chicago company of “The Moon Is Blue” that Universal-International scouts spotted her and brought her to Hollywood where she was immediately given the part of Barbara Stanwyck’s daughter in “All I Desire.” They were so pleased with Marcia’s ability that she played the lead In three pictures in quirk succession. “This girl is loaded with talent!” an executive at Universal-International told me when I went to their studio to lunch with Marcia. “You’ll be hearing more and more of her in the future.” “I love Hollywood,” Marcia said as soon as we were alone. “Everyone is so nice to you but it is quite a contrast to a girl brought up in the East”

“When I first started coming to the studio I wore a hat and gloves and dressed the way I did when I thought Broadway producers might see me. But I soon learned to be more informal though I feel it is also necessary to be well groomed in casual clothes. Appearance is important to everyone,” Marcia commented, “but sometimes we don’t realize it until we have missed out because we were not looking our best.” “Give me an example,” I said. “Before I was given the part of Wendy in Jean Arthur’s ‘Peter Pan I was on a very tight budget But getting a salary every week made it possible for me to get new clothes and I was surprised how many more compliments I began to receive.”

Marcia was dressed in a simple wool dress that showed her attractive figure to advantage. I asked her if she always had a plan when adding to her wardrobe. “Yes, more or less,” Marcia replied. “I feel that fit is extremely important, and I prefer a simple line because when you get clothes which are well made and becoming they can be worn season after season and you always feel well dressed in them.” “How has Hollywood improved your appearance?” I asked. “I have a very sensitive skin and I used to have trouble with it, especially when I was in a play and wore so much makeup. But the studio told me of a facial that is wonderful. It keeps my pores clean so I never get bumps any more.”

“Tell me about the facial” I said. “First you wash your face with soap and water.” Marcia explained. Then make a good lather of soap in your hands and have someone pour a teaspoon full of. granulated sugar into the lather and immediately work the sugar and soap lather into your face with a circular motion. The friction helps to slough off dead cells and clean your pores,” she added. “When it is well rubbed in, let it harden for several minutes and then wash off with warm water. I used this about three times a week when my skin wasn’t good.” Marcia wasn’t wearing makeup, and I can report that you’d never suspect she had had trouble with her lovely skin.

Merry Anders

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article, where actress Merry Anders talks about perfume. Enjoy!

Merry Anders is one of the few young girls in Hollywood still under contract to a major studio. The tendency is for free lancing and it is doubtful if Hollywood will ever again put people on salary without definitely knowing what they are going to do with them. When I went to Twentieth Century to have lunch with Merry she was full of plans for Christmas. “I’m giving lots of perfume” she said. “I adore it myself and I feel it’s something everybody enjoys. “When I say perfume,’ Merry continued, “I really mean anything that smells sweet because I’ve also selected bath oils, sachet and cologne. I think it’s much better to give the best fragrances in small bottles than a sumptuous package of something you never heard of before.”

“You are so wise,” I commented. “How did you develop such an interest in perfume?” “I have a delicate sense of smell,” Merry confessed, “and whenever someone is wearing a perfume I particularly like I ask what it is and then try it the next time I need a cologne. It’s interesting how different the same perfume will smell on different people. I’ve learned the hard way to buy a purse size flagon and try it first. I hate to open an expensive bottle and find the scent is all wrong on me.”

“Do you have any pet places for wearing perfume?” I asked. “When I am going on a romantic date I start with bath oil and soak in fragrant water. When I get out of the tub I like to spray my body with a matching cologne. And I like to spray the hem of my skirt with cologne because the fragrance rises and this way you are sure of being surrounded -by it.

“I think you have to learn through experience how much to use to last for the evening,” Merry confided. “But, at the same time, you should be subtle enough so that you don’t knock people over with your scent.” “How do you, personally, go about choosing a scent?” I asked. “I decide on a perfume by the compliments I receive,” Merry told me. “When I wear something which everyone likes, it sets me up. And it tells me that the perfume is right far me.”

Yma Sumac

This is a 1953 Lydia Lane article where songstress Yma Sumac talks about a bunch of beauty stuff. Enjoy!

Yma Sumac, the Peruvian songbird who has a phenomenal range of four octaves, has won fans through records, radio, and night clubs and now, for the first time she is making a picture in Hollywood. Her test for Paramount’s “Legend of the Incas” came off so well that she was signed immediately. When I visited Miss Sumac in her Cheviot Hills home I heard an alluring beat of drums. In the garage I saw three men dancing. Yma’s composer husband, Moises Vivanco, had arranged for their night club engagement at the Mocambo and he was rehearsing them in a new act. Miss Sumac, wearing a black and gold hostess gown, greeted me in a soft voice with surprisingly little accent

I told her I was glad to hear she was finally going to make a picture in Hollywood. “It came very quickly,” Miss Sumac said with delight, “and I was told to lose ten-pounds. I have lost seven of them in two weeks, and three more to go. Then I will be able to wear a size ten.” As Miss Sumac Is only five feet two, seven pounds percentage wise is quite a lot. I wanted to know more about this reducing schedule. “I go to a doctor and he tells me to eat fruit, one boiled egg and black coffee for breakfast For lunch cottage cheese and fresh fruit, and black coffee. In the evening I may have steak, chops, kidneys, fish or chicken, carrots, spinach or green vegetable and fruit Nothing between meals, but he gives me vitamins to keep me strong.”

As I sat next to Yma Sumac, direct descendant of the last Emperor of the Inca’s, I wondered if this Peruvian girl, born in Cajamarca 16,-000 feet in the Andes, had any premonition of the fame which was to be hers. “My nurse did,” she said quietly. “As a little girl I used to sing to the stones and the trees who were my friends and I remember my nurse told my mother: ‘Someday this girl will make music for the whole world’.” Rumors of her extraordinary voice spread to Lima and a composer, who was destined to become her husband, traveled 16 days to investigate the girl who sang like the birds.

“Mr. Vivanco arrived at our village while I was singing in our Sun God festival. Later he came to our house to persuade my mother to allow me to become a professional. I was 14 at the time and my mother said no. I must finish my education. But he gave his address to my maid and when I came to Lima he taught me to read music.” Miss Sumac had an almost instant success in South America and, Mexico but she was four years in New York before she recorded on Capitol records and became an overnight sensation. “I remember we arrived at our hotel around 5 o’clock. I looked at the big streets with plenty of lights and noticed what a hurry everyone was making.”

It Is not eood to rush,” Miss Su mac commented. “When I ask why are you in a hurry? they never can tell me. “Do you have trouble relaxing now that you live here? Select Your New Fur Now “No trouble,” Miss Sumac said as she shook her pretty head. “I know how to relax. I go to my room alone. Sometimes I sing songs of Lovely Scarfs my people, or play records. I never make a quick decision and I never allow myself to hurry. As Miss Sumac was talking I admired her delicate hands with slender fingers and asked: “How do you grow such long nails?”

Being healthy has a. great deal to do with this,” she said, giving praise to the diet of the Quechua Indians. “They do not know what the people of. Lima know about nutrition but they eat what is good for them. They have simple food beef, eggs, cheese, milk, car rots, spinach natural rice, fruit, but no sweets and very little starch. And,” Yma added, “it was not our custom to eat between meals.”

Though Miss Sumac is in her 20s, she has a masklike beauty which appears ageless. We chatted about this and she asked: “Why care about age? With my people no one remembers birthdays. They never say ‘this year I will be so much,’ and worry about how old they are getting. “There Is a psychology in not counting your age.” she added. “I have an uncle who lives in New York and he looks like 40 but no one knows that he is almost more than twice that. But he doesn’t mention this because he knows that the soul is always young. “I love very much the United States. People have been wonderful to me but I wish the people did not worry so much, hurry so much and marry so much. In my village the girl lives for one year with the family of the boy she is going to marry. They learn to know and understand each other before the wedding and there is no divorce. “Finding the right man and not hurrying,” Yma concluded, “will keep any woman happy and younger.”