Theodora Went Wild,

But Irene Likes Chaperons

Interviewers keep calling Irene Dunne a lady and it makes her tired.

 Not that Irene is a hussy -- very definitely she isn't. But she doesn't want the fans to think she's prim -- that's the reaction she fears from all those articles calling her "the screen's first lady," "that grand lady," and even "this magnificent lady."

 When Irene turned on the heat in "Theodora Goes Wild," she thought she had put an end to the S.M.I.D.A.T.L.W. -- "Society for Making Irene Dunne Appear Too Ladylike for Words."

 For a while it seemed as though she would have her way. After all, Irene isn't incurably dignified -- she does have fun even if there isn't much "yippie" in her nature.

 Just when she was sailing smoothly into a new reputation -- a reputation for gaiety with a touch of frivolity -- Hollywood remembered she got married in 1928 and still has the same husband -- Dr. Francis Griffin.

 That's hardly frivolous!

 Furthermore, Irene couldn't deny that when she appears in Hollywood -- Dr. Griffin lives in New York -- she likes to be chaperoned by some married couple.

 So Irene might as well give up the idea anyone will ever think that she has even a spark of naughtiness.

 But with all the virtues attributed to her, Irene does have one dark sin -- she day dreams!

 And surely you remember how your teacher told you day-dreamers never amounted to a good gosh darn.

(Oakland Tribune, June 7, 1937)