Janet, attending a movie premiere for the first time, felt her heart quicken as she saw the blaze of light which marked the front of the theater.
The whistle of a traffic officer slowed them down and the driver was forced to produce a card before they were allowed to go past the police lines. The sidewalks were lined with people, anxious for a glimpse at some Hollywood notable.
The car fell into line behind several others and Janet caught her first glimpse of the theater. It was magnificent white marble, with the entrance an open court and down this court the honored guests had to walk, running the gamut of the stares of hundreds who backed the police lines.
Their car pulled up under a canopy.
“Here we are, girls. Take your time and enjoy it. Don’t be stiff. It’s just like going to the Idle Hour back in Clarion,” said Helen’s father.
He stepped out first, assisted Mrs. Thorne and then turned to the girls. Janet heard the master of ceremonies, standing at the microphone nearby, announce, “Henry Thorne, most famous of the directors for Ace productions, Mrs. Thorne, their daughter, Helen, and Janet Hardy.”
Janet stepped out into the glare of the floodlights. For just a moment a terrific wave of stage fright gripped her. Then she saw smiling, friendly faces, and she smiled back. Flashlights boomed as the photographers worked.
The announcer beckoned to Henry Thorne. “Just a word, Mr. Thorne.”
But the director shook his head. “This is the girls’ night,” he smiled, shoving Helen toward the microphone.
“All I can say,” gasped Helen, “is that I’m tremendously happy to be here.”