My years with Paramount were pleasant ones. And when I left there and went to Metro, my hopes were high. I felt that while at the former I had been just one of many contract players, at the latter, because of Mr. Thalberg's expressed interest in me, I would have a chance to test my mettle. Unfortunately, just after I signed my Metro contract Mr. Thalberg became ill. He was away from the studio for many months, then finally went to Europe for a real rest.