Paint Works

That’s that,” said Debbie Reynolds’ father—and stepped back to admire the picket fence he’d just finished building. “All it needs now is a coat of paint.” “I’ll do it,” said Debbie. But then she became involved with a leading role in M-G-M’s “Athena.” And nights were always too dark—and the weekends too full of friends using the backyard pool! “I’ve got it!” said Debbie, finally. “We’ll have a fence-painting party.” The gang—Lori Nelson, Race Gentry, Sheila Connolly, Bob Dix, John and Milly Ericson and Frank Yapp—a high-school friend home on leave from the Navy—were ready and willing.

Solemnly they surveyed the fence, put on their bathing suits—and went for a swim in the pool! It took some effort, but finally Debbie got the kids back onto dry land and into the front yard. Her father, looking out of the window a few minutes later, sighed with relief. “I was beginning to think I’d have to sneak out at dawn and do the job myself,” he told his wife, grinning.

In spite of occasional fooling around, the fence was finished in an hour-and-a-half! And Deb’s paint-happy gang raced back to the pool where a mountain of food was waiting for them.

When it came time to go home, John Ericson issued an invitation. “Come to our house next Sunday.” Debbie grinned. “Milly mentioned it earlier . . . said something about how the windows needed washing!”

Soon all was quiet around the Reynolds’ house. Mom was starting dinner, Debbie was going over her script. Dad? He was out in the yard—finishing up the places the party had missed!

JOHN ERICSON IS IN M-G-M’S “GREEN FIRE.” © RACE GENTRY, IN U-I’S “BLACK HORSE CANYON.” © LORI NELSON, IN U-I’S “DESTRY.” © BOB DIX, IN M-G-M’S “JUPITER’S DARLING” © DEBBIE REYNOLDS, IN M-G-M’S “ATHENA”

—COLOR PICTURES BY STERN

 

It is a quote. PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 1954