Portrait Of A Lady

 "I WAS ABSOLUTELY bowled over by that performance. It really was enchanting." Said Irene Dunne ot the Western Opera Theater's production of "Cosi Fan Tutte," after Thursday's evening's performance at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

 

 The beautiful lady of the silver screen was in town from Los Angeles the end of last week for a two-day meeting of the California Arts Commission and was among other commission members feted by the Western Opera Theater at a special performance of the mini-opera form.

 

 "If we could see more opera in intimate theater like that we'd enjoy it more. I think they should do all they can because they're first rate."

 

 "You don't miss the huge orchestra," she added, referring to the fact that music for the performance was supplied by two pianos, and the simple sets ("just two velvet chairs to indicate the boudoir") she found charming.

 

 In an interview Friday morning at the San Francisco Museum of Art, Miss Dunne had interesting obversations to make about other things au courant.

 

 Asked what she thinks of the current movie fare, she said she concurred with Ross Hunter (producer of "Back Street", "Thouroughly Modern Millie," and currently "Airport") when he said he thought there was great hope for the industry.

 

 "He said he thought there was a place for everything, that after all it gets back to the people, and if they're going to support dirty films they're going to get them."

 

 Personally Miss Dunne recommended "shopping" for movies the way one shops for a dress or suit. "I wouldn't go and see a film I didn't know about. Therefore I'm not dissapointed."

 

 Of the place of women as chairmen of community and corporation boards: "I don't think anything's unusual for us anymore."

 

 Widow of Francis D. Griffin, Miss Dunne inherited the board chairmanship of the Huntridge Corp. , a real estate development firm, after her husband's death two years ago. She is also chairman of the board of St. John's Hospital Foundation, serves on the the board of Technicolor, Inc., and was U.S. delegate to the United Nations under Henry Cabot Lodge.

 

 With all the public service she claims, "I'm really not a do-gooder per se. I do as much as I do, I suppose, because my husband was very community conscious and thought we should do whatever we can."

 

 Alluding the fact she felt she'd had more public notice than some, she said, "When a person who has been in films does something it gets in the press and it looks as if you've done more than you have."

 

 Irene Dunne had presided at a luncheon for Mrs. Barry Goldwater during the 1964 Republican convention in San Francisco, so we asked her what she thought about movie people in politics.

 

 She disclaimed political aspirations for herself, said "I don't mind actors getting into it, but I think the track is a little fast for actresses."

 

 She observed that actors like John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Jimmy Stewart all own their own companies and know about production management and dealing with labor unions.

 

 "They didn't set out to be tycoons, but that's what they've become," said Miss Dunne, referring to the experience she believes suited them for political roles, much as Ronald Reagans' years with the Screen Actors Guild gave him experience for the gubernatorial spot.

 

 Speaking of Governor Reagan, she said, "You know, he is very interested in the work of the arts commission." Then she added wistfully, "I just wish we were like New York, where Govenor Rockefeller gives the art commission $2 million."

 

 Miss Dunne is enthusiastic about the work of the California commission, telling us that its purpose is to promote culture throughout the stage and that there are now between 80 and 90 art councils in California.

 

 Of the warfare on college campuses, she said, "We're born of rebels. We've always had rebels in this country."

 

 Does she think the rebellious outbreaks are all internally caused? "Oh, I think there is defenitely outside impetus. I don't see how these outsiders can picket. What do they do for a living unless somebody subsidizes them?"

 

 But she is hopeful about the future of our country. "Oh yes, you know, hope springs eternal," but "If I did have children in school today I think I would be terribly concerned."

 

 Miss Dunne and her husband had one adopted daughter, Mary Frances, who is now married and the mother of a girl, who is 9, and a boy, who is 10.

 

 They live "just 20 minutes away" from her home in Los Angeles, which is the house she and her husband built over 30 years ago when they came west from New York for her to film "Cimarron."

 

 "My husband said 'she is only going to be doing one film' and wasn´t certain he wanted to buy a lot and build a home." Of course she stayed on to do considerably more than one film. Forty-one was the count when she retired, with "I Remember Mama", a favorite for the actress, probably the most famous.

 

 And home is still the "kind of French Chateau" in Holmby Hills, which is not only 20 minutes away from daughter Mary Frances but "right across the street" from fellow Arts Commission member Mrs. Justin Dart. Its mistress is still a beauty whose appearance completely belies her 63 years.

 

(Oakland Tribune, Monday, February 24, 1969)