Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Saturday 2 February 1946, page 28


Won role in "Smithy"

after one test

Casting the "Smithy" film in Australia caused many headaches to the Columbia producer. Mr. N. P. Pery. Many tests and auditions were carried out, as he was determined that only the very best talent would appear in the picture.

A gratifying exception to this arduous rule was Muriel Steinbeck. She was first to be considered for the role of Mary Powell (Lady Kingsford Smith) and the last. One look ot her screen test, and Mr. Pery handed her a contract and the part.

AN excellent actress, Muriel

is well known on the radio, and has appeared in several documentaries. Besides an undoubted ability, she also managed a cheering resem-blance to Mary Powell-later Lady Kingsford Smith.

Absorbed in her career. Muriel re-laxes with housewifely chores. The

YOUNG AUSTRALIAN ACTRESS Muriel Steinbeck, who co-stars with Ron Randell in the Columbia

Australian film "Smithy."

kitchen is first favorite, and the mere mention of a new recipe will draw her undivided attention.

Occasionally she runs up a house frock or playsuit, but she ruefully admits that "Smithy" spoiled that for a while.

With sixteen changes of costume in the film, the fittings were many and tedious. Each dress had to be fitted three or four times, because of the camera's tendency to pick up and distort odd shadows and folds Standing first on one foot and then the other, Muriel decided that the life of a pin cushion left much to be desired.

Each of the garments is made so that she can step out without dis-arranging the special film make-up Almost non-existent zippers were somehow procured, and Muriel en-joyed this small luxury.

Hair styles caused a slight panic during the shooting of "Smithy," as the script covers a period from 1916 to 1935. Blessed with thick, chestnut tresses, Muriel was pinned and curled into a resemblance of the fashionable shingle of the 1920's. Back on the set, Director Ken G. Hall took one look and buried his head in his hands. "They've cut it. They've cut it," he moaned. "All that beautiful hair."

Eventually the bewildered stylist was able to point out that Muriel's hair hadn't really been massacred, and a style was evolved which suited both director and star.

Occasionally roused to wardrobe replacements, Muriel recently ac-quired a new outfit full of fashion news. It is a tight-fitting, longsleeved tunic, heavily beaded and embroidered at neckline and cuffs. Sumptuous and glamor-giving, it is also a coupon saver. Alternated with evening skirt, slacks, or just any old skirt, it is a fashion which can go anywhere.