Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 22 February 1941, page 20


Megan Edwards Girl In

Fruit Factory: Now Badger Star

PACKER IN a dried fruits factory . . . beauty shop girl . . . dramatic art student . . . film star — that's the story of Megan Edwards. Australian-Welsh lead in Hollywood director Clarence's Badger's new Argosy film 'That Certain Somethina.'

AT 15, Megan decided it was high time she helped the family income, and set about getting herself a job. With her only assets a sense of humor and a complete lack of business training, she did the rounds and finally landed a job in a dried fruits factory — packing fruit. She was in the factory for two yaars, then she studied hairdressing at night and obtained jobs in several _beauty salons. With little money' and a lot of courage she opened a salon of her own on Sydney's North Shore. The beauty salon was a success, but she .still wasn't satisfied. ? ? ? DY this time she wanted to be an ?' actress. She joined the Sydney Players' Club and the New -Theatre League, playing all kinds of parts — anything at all that came her way — with eagerness. Urged by an inner conviction — and in spite of the well-meant sdyice of family and friends — Megan decided to take a chance. She closed up her shop and threw away her safe bu-i-ness for a chance at acting fame.

Came months of plugging along, making the most of the bits that didn't come as frequently as she had hoped. Her biggest disappointment was her failure to secure a part in the original Australian production of 'The Women.' Then Christine Maple, who had been playing the ingenue role that Megan had wanted, fell ill in New Zealand. Megan was given the part. She went with the show to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, finally playing at the Minerva in Sydney. * ? ? Xf OLLOWED parts in four successive ?*- shows at the Minerva, where, unknown to Megan. Clarence Badger, American director for the newly formed Argosy Film Co., watched her. He offered her a screen test, not for the lead but for a small part. She went out to Pagewood studios to make her test. She made it, and went away, not very hopeful. But when Badger saw the test he decided he had found not just another 'bit' player but a star. 'I chose Megan Edwards for the role of Patsy in 'That Certain Something' not only for good looks end ability, but also because I think she'll keep her feet firmly on the ground,' said Badger. Megan lives with her father, mother, three sisters, and brother at Roseville. She is 5 ft. 4 in. tall, has wavy brown hair, and a flawless skin.

LITTLE BOB WATSON has a leading role in 'On Borrowed Time,' out-of-the-ordinary film opening at the May fair on Wednesday. Lionel Barrymore and Sir Cedric Hardwicke divide adult starring honors.

LITTLE BOB WATSON has a leading role in 'On Borrowed Time,' out-of-the-ordinary film opening at the May fair on Wednesday. Lionel Barrymore and Sir Cedric Hardwicke divide adult starring honors.

STAN LAUREL develops an ear for music in 'Saps at Sea,' latest Laurel and Hardy comedy, which is due at the Regent next Friday.

STAN LAUREL develops an ear for music in 'Saps at Sea,' latest Laurel and Hardy comedy, which is due at the Regent next Friday.