VICTOR'S START IN HOLLYWOOD
Taken from a fan magazine from 1942
Victor spent six lean years in Hollywood before
he got the nod from the producers. But he was never one to whine. Not with
that cheerful disposition. He took a bus out to Pasadena, where he convinced Gilmor
Brown that he should have a fellowship entitling him to free tuition in the Playhouse
Drama School. By that time Victor, who only had $41 when he left Louisville, was
down to exactly eleven cents. His mother and father were spending the summer in
Michigan, and Victor was supposed to join them there. Dreadfully in need of a little
cash Victor composed what he considered a very subtle wire: "Dear Dad, I find
myself sidetracked in Hollywood with only eleven cents in my pocket. Love,
Victor." And early the next day he received the following answer, "Dear
Victor, Mother very disappointed you are not coming. Forty-four years ago I came to
this country and had five cents in my pocket and could not speak a word of English.
You have six cents more than I had and you can speak English. Love, Dad."
May it be said that Victor never again did try to snare a loan from his father, or
anyone else. He has always lived on what he made, and when he made nothing, he lived
on nothing.
Victor Mature and Anita Ekberg in "Zarak"