Editors Diary 1949-04-27 Guest Vanessa Brown

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Editors Diary 1949-04-27 Featuring Vanessa Brown

Introduction

In the February 6, 2025 release of "Harold's Old Time Radio," host Harold McArthur welcomes guest Vanessa Brown, a multifaceted young talent excelling in acting, writing, and academia. The episode, titled "Editors Diary 1949-04-27," delves into Vanessa's impressive career achievements, her recent activities in post-war Germany, and her insightful perspectives on the cultural and industrial reconstruction of the era.

Academic and Acting Career

Vanessa Brown, who recently celebrated her 21st birthday on March 24, is concurrently pursuing a degree at UCLA while establishing herself as a successful movie actress. During the conversation, Harold highlights her dual roles:

• Host Harold McArthur: "Vanessa is still a student at UCLA in Los Angeles and gets her degree this spring. At the same time, she's a successful movie actress. How many pictures, Vanessa?" [01:18]

• Vanessa Brown: "Eleven, all told." [01:35]

Beyond acting, Vanessa contributes to the California Daily Bruin, UCLA's daily newspaper. She also writes fiction, with her short stories being purchased by The Daily News in New York for $50 each.

• Host Harold McArthur: "And you also write, don't you? You write for the college paper." [01:37]

• Vanessa Brown: "Don't you see me flash my press card? It's from the California Daily Bruin." [01:41]

Recent Activities: The German Airlift Tour

Vanessa recently participated in a significant tour in Germany, performing for the GIS (Geographical Information Service) across ten major Air Corps bases. This tour, organized by Constance Bennett, featured notable figures such as Charlie Ruggles, Donald Woods, and Jimmy Lydon.

• Host Harold McArthur: "You just got back from Germany, didn't you?" [00:41]

• Vanessa Brown: "Yes. This play that I just mentioned, the cast and me included, we flew the airlift." [00:44]

The troupe's performances spanned key locations including Celle, Fastberg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin, among others.

Personal Background and Education

Vanessa Brown, born Smila Brind in Vienna, pursued her education across prestigious institutions in New York and Los Angeles. Her academic journey includes attendance at Joan of Arc Junior High School, Hunter High, Hollywood High, and UCLA.

• Host Harold McArthur: "Her father is a writer and a linguist, and her mother is a child psychologist, Vanessa's real name, you know, is Smila Brind. Is that the way you pronounce that?" [02:19]

• Vanessa Brown: "That's right." [02:30]

Her early involvement in acting was solidified through her participation in Lillian Hellman's play "Watch on the Rhine," which affirmed her passion for the craft.

• Host Harold McArthur: "While you were in New York, you started your acting career. I believe you were in Watch on the Rhine, Lillian Hellman's play, weren't you?" [02:46]

• Vanessa Brown: "That's how I knew what I was going to be. I was an actress, and I liked it very much." [02:51]

Thoughts on Post-War Germany

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Vanessa's observations from her time in the American zone of Germany. She articulates a critical view of the German industrial resurgence, expressing concerns about the potential for renewed militarization.

• Vanessa Brown: "I think the Germans are getting back on their feet. ... And I think we should help the people who helped us, France and England, more than we are helping the Germans." [03:42 - 04:19]

She further elaborates on her skepticism regarding the effectiveness and necessity of American assistance to German industry, suggesting that Germans could rebuild independently but remain wary of their industrial capabilities being repurposed for war.

• Vanessa Brown: "Those products certainly can their plumbing, their dyes, their optical works. And the Germans are very good at all those things." [05:07 - 05:14]

Current Projects: "Over 21" and "Vanessa the Heiress"

Vanessa is actively engaged in rehearsals for the play "Over 21," where she plays the role of the young bride. Additionally, she stars in her latest film, "Vanessa the Heiress," directed by William Wyler and produced by Paramount Pictures.

• Vanessa Brown: "I played the young bride. Beatrice Pearson played the part in New York." [06:12 - 06:19]

• Vanessa Brown: "An Irish maid? I acquired a brother." [06:27]

Her role in "Vanessa the Heiress" places her alongside prominent actors such as Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery, Cliff, Ralph Richardson, and Miriam Hopkins, working under the esteemed direction of William Wyler.

• Vanessa Brown: "Oh, and Wyler. Working for William Wyler is the greatest experience that anybody can have, I think." [06:44 - 06:56]

Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks

In a lighthearted exchange, Harold comments on Vanessa's intelligence and youthful age, prompting a humorous response from her about preferring to be "dumb and stupid and beautiful."

• Vanessa Brown: "I would like to be dumb and stupid and beautiful." [07:06 - 07:10]

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation, highlighting Vanessa's impressive accomplishments and promising future in the entertainment and literary fields.

• Host Harold McArthur: "Well, Vanessa, I don't think you'll ever make it. You're pretty enough, but you'll never be dumb, so I think you'd better let well enough alone. And thanks very much for being our guest this morning." [07:10 - 07:21]

• Vanessa Brown: "Thank you, Mr. McArthur." [07:21]

Conclusion

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" offers an insightful glimpse into the life of Vanessa Brown, a young woman balancing academic pursuits, a burgeoning acting career, and literary endeavors. Her experiences in post-war Germany provide a poignant commentary on the complexities of international relations and industrial recovery. Vanessa's articulate reflections and diverse talents make her a standout guest, embodying the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio through her multifaceted career and intellectual depth.

Notable Quotes

• Vanessa Brown on Germany's Recovery: "I think the Germans are getting back on their feet... And I think we should help the people who helped us, France and England, more than we are helping the Germans." [03:42]

• On Her Acting Career: "That's how I knew what I was going to be. I was an actress, and I liked it very much." [02:51]

• Expressing Humility: "I would like to be dumb and stupid and beautiful." [07:06]

Key Takeaways

• Vanessa Brown is a 21-year-old UCLA student, accomplished actress with eleven film credits, and a writer for the California Daily Bruin and The Daily News in New York.
• She recently toured Germany performing for the Air Corps, gaining firsthand experience of the country's post-war industrial landscape.
• Vanessa holds critical views on the rehabilitation of German industry, advocating for prioritized support to France and England.
• Her current projects include the play "Over 21" and the film "Vanessa the Heiress," achieving roles that highlight her versatility and dedication to the craft.
• Vanessa's background is rich with multicultural influences, being born in Vienna and educated in both New York and Los Angeles.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Vanessa Brown's vibrant career and insightful perspectives as discussed in the "Editors Diary 1949-04-27" episode of Harold's Old Time Radio.

Transcript

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[Host]

You know, I've often wondered what happens when a Quiz kid grows up, when one of those child prodigies reaches maturity. And now I know. If the Quiz kid is a girl, she grows up to be a very pretty young lady. Because I have a very pretty young lady in the studio with me this morning who used to be a quiz kid. How old are you now, Vanessa?

[Vanessa Brown]

I was 21 on the 24th of March. And on the 25th I started rehearsals of a play called Over 21.

[Host]

You're just 21. And you just got back from Germany, didn't you?

[Vanessa Brown]

Yes. This play that I just mentioned, the cast and me included, we flew the airlift.

[Host]

You did? And where did you go? There.

[Vanessa Brown]

We played for the GIS in 10 of the major Air Corps bases.

[Host]

Who was with you?

[Vanessa Brown]

We played Celle, Fastberg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin. I can't remember. We saw all over, huh? Yes.

[Host]

Well, who was with you?

[Vanessa Brown]

Constance Bennett organized the troupe. Charlie Ruggles, Donald Woods, Jimmy Lydon, Charlie Arndt, Hillary Brook, two stage managers and a prompter.

[Host]

And you and me. Well now, before we go further, friends, I want to tell you about Vanessa Brown, because that's who is right across from me. Vanessa is still a student at UCLA in Los Angeles and gets her degree this spring. At the same time, she's a successful movie actress. How many pictures, Vanessa?

[Vanessa Brown]

Eleven, all told.

[Host]

And you also write, don't you? You write for the college paper.

[Vanessa Brown]

Don't you see me flash my press card? It's from the California Daily Bruin.

[Host]

What's that, the school paper?

[Vanessa Brown]

It's the UCLA daily paper.

[Host]

Aha.

[Vanessa Brown]

I was on sort of an assignment for the. For my feature editor. They told me what to look for in the city because they had been abroad in the army.

[Host]

Uh huh. Well, now, did you. Are you going to write the series of articles for the paper?

[Vanessa Brown]

I think I'm going to talk to them and let them write it.

[Host]

Well, you better write it. By the way, you also write fiction too, don't you?

[Vanessa Brown]

The Daily News in New York bought three of my stories, $50 a piece.

[Host]

Well, now you see what happens when a quiz kid grows up. A quiz kid like Vanessa.

[Vanessa Brown]

Anyway, please, let's Forget the quick.

[Host]

Well, all right. I want to tell you a little more about Vanessa here. Her father is a writer and a linguist, and her mother is a child psychologist. Vanessa's real name, you know, is Smila Brind. Is that the way you pronounce that?

[Vanessa Brown]

That's right.

[Host]

And she was born in Vienna. Incidentally, she goes to school under her own name and not her movie name. You went to school in both New York and Los Angeles, didn't you, Vanessa?

[Vanessa Brown]

Joan of Arc Junior High School and Hunter High here and Hollywood High and UCLA in Los Angeles.

[Host]

And while you were in New York, you started your acting career. I believe you were in Watch on the Rhine, Lillian Hellman's play, weren't you?

[Vanessa Brown]

That's how I knew what I was going to be. I was an actress, and I liked it very much.

[Host]

Well, you see, friend, she's just turned 21, gone to school, gone to Germany, been an actress. And she's. By the time she's 40, she'll probably have been in grand opera.

[Vanessa Brown]

I studied ballet at the Met. Here, it's just a starter.

[Host]

Do you sing, too?

[Vanessa Brown]

Of course. It's an essential for acting.

[Host]

All right, folks, I sort of give up now. You see what I mean?

[Vanessa Brown]

Now, don't mention Quiz Kid again.

[Host]

Well, I was just going to say this Quiz Kid grew up the way a Quiz Kid should. It makes me feel a little frustrated. Incidentally, is there any romance in this otherwise extremely interesting life? Vanessa?

[Vanessa Brown]

My whole life's a romance, if that's what you mean.

[Host]

Well, not exactly, but. Is that what you mean?

[Vanessa Brown]

Yes.

[Host]

All right. By the way, what was Germany like, Vanessa?

[Vanessa Brown]

Well, the country of Germany, the American zone, which I saw most of, is not at all destroyed. They're prosperous. They're farming again. The fruit trees are in blossom. The city are destroyed. But I didn't think they were destroyed enough. The Germans are getting back on their.

[Host]

Didn't think they were destroyed.

[Vanessa Brown]

I didn't think they were destroyed enough. Because compared to England and what France suffered, the Germans I don't think suffered half and as much as people who created that much destruction should have. And they don't even feel that they've lost the war. And I think that they can be ready to start again, given the opportunity. That's why when I see fairs like they have in Rockefeller center here, of the German industry coming back on its own again, I think it can be reconverted into in no time back to what it was. And I think we should help the people who helped us, France and England, more than we are helping the Germans.

[Host]

Well, I think you have something there. I think we're trying to help France and England. You don't agree, then, with the rehabilitation of German industry?

[Vanessa Brown]

I think German industry will get back on its own feet without our help. So much of our help.

[Host]

And you don't like this fair? Up here at Rockefeller center, the German industry is fair? You think that those products could be war products? Is it? Is that it?

[Vanessa Brown]

Those products certainly can their plumbing, their dyes, their optical works. And the Germans are very good at all those things.

[Host]

I know they are. That's where we got a lot of our optical things. By the way, you rode the airlift, you said, didn't you?

[Vanessa Brown]

It was very exciting. The pilots let me sit up front and they let me watch and they pointed out the three airfields in which we come in on. We come in on in three sectors. In the French sector, in the British sector and in the American sector. We came into Tempelhof, which is the largest airdrome. Goering has a whole plant built underneath the airdrome.

[Host]

He did.

[Vanessa Brown]

He used to set up his Messeschnitz on the different levels. I think there are, I don't know how many stories underneath the airport. And seeing Berlin at night, were you down there? No, that's the only thing we didn't. We saw almost everything else, I think.

[Host]

What did you see? What did you say about seeing Berlin at night?

[Vanessa Brown]

Seeing Berlin at night. Seeing any city at night. But especially since you know that you've just crossed the Corridor and you've been over the Russian zone and you might have dropped down and you might never have come back. It's very exciting.

[Host]

Well, I can imagine that. Say, by the way, what part did you play in over 21?

[Vanessa Brown]

In over 21? I played the young bride. Beatrice Pearson played the part in New York.

[Host]

And what is your latest picture?

[Vanessa Brown]

Vanessa the Heiress. Made by William Wyler and Paramount Pictures.

[Host]

I see. And what part do you play in that?

[Vanessa Brown]

An Irish maid? I acquired a brother.

[Host]

Well, you look a little Irish for a Viennese girl. I mean, you could pass very easily for an artist. Give us a little example of your bro.

[Vanessa Brown]

No, no, no. Only when I'm working for Paramount.

[Host]

See? Nothing off limits. Well, who else is in this picture?

[Vanessa Brown]

Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery, Cliff, Ralph Richardson, Miriam Hopkins. Oh, and Wyler. Working for William W. Is the greatest experience that anybody can have, I think.

[Host]

Well, he's pretty good, they say. Incidentally, Vanessa, I want to ask you one question finally. How does it feel to be as smart as you are and only 21.

[Vanessa Brown]

I would like to be dumb and stupid and beautiful.

[Host]

Well, Vanessa, I don't think you'll ever make it. You're pretty enough, but you'll never be dumb, so I think you'd better let well enough alone. And thanks very much for being our guest this morning.

[Vanessa Brown]

Thank you, Mr. McArthur.

[Host]

And so, until tomorrow, good day.

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