Or in film, or on the radio. Not when she doesn't want it. But in the case of extraordinarily beautiful 13 year old Sally Anne Howes, who could not see her as a star. Unlike her beautiful but otherwise ordinary older sister Eileen Bennett (the one actually auditioning for a role in the film), Howes has "it", that something special quality that Elinor Glyn described as a gift that only a few are bestowed with.
Jealous adult co-stars (particularly a haughty leading lady) are disdainful of the attention that the studio gives Howes, and treat her with contempt. Mother Kathleen O'Regan pushes her to further her stardom which Howes really doesn't want, and that sets up the conflict as Howes resents the falsehoods written about her, the way others change around her, and the demands of the movie moguls.
In spite of playing the part of a young girl who doesn't want to be a movie star, Howes shows great promise as a movie star, and even though her career had more success for stage, Howes has fantastic screen presence. This also parallels her own life as she didn't focus on her performing career until much later. A young Stewart Granger is a welcome presence as her sister's boyfriend who gives Howes great advice. A decent drama with elements of comedy tossed in, resulting in a good film.
Jealous adult co-stars (particularly a haughty leading lady) are disdainful of the attention that the studio gives Howes, and treat her with contempt. Mother Kathleen O'Regan pushes her to further her stardom which Howes really doesn't want, and that sets up the conflict as Howes resents the falsehoods written about her, the way others change around her, and the demands of the movie moguls.
In spite of playing the part of a young girl who doesn't want to be a movie star, Howes shows great promise as a movie star, and even though her career had more success for stage, Howes has fantastic screen presence. This also parallels her own life as she didn't focus on her performing career until much later. A young Stewart Granger is a welcome presence as her sister's boyfriend who gives Howes great advice. A decent drama with elements of comedy tossed in, resulting in a good film.