Artist in Hollywood

JOY GIRL--John V. A. Weaver--Knopf ($2).

John Van Alstyn Weaver attracted attention eleven years ago when he began hammering sabre-cuts of U. S. vernacular into iambic pentameter (In American). Since that time he has married Actress Peggy Wood, journeyed to Hollywood to convert some of his literary kudos into negotiable currency. His third novel, Joy Girl, is one of the fruits of his Hollywood venture.

Author Weaver sets considerable store by his hero, Don Slocum. "Men liked him. They never got over being surprised and charmed that here was an artist of recognized ability, who was, however, not in the least 'arty'; who dressed like themselves, except that perhaps his taste was a little better; who made a good living doing practical painting such as advertisements and illustrations, hoped to work into the creation of more lasting products, but did not go around apologizing or condemning the source of his present success--said nothing about 'cheapening' his art; who could hold his own with any of them at golf or tennis, and. sail a small boat with professional skill; who was exceedingly attractive to women, but never boasted about it or let it be seen that he was aware of it--indeed, many men were convinced that he didn't know his own appeal."

Unhappily for Paragon Slocum, he picked up a cigaret girl named Lulu Schaeffer one night and fell in love with her over the next morning's toast. He decided that under her comely exterior beat a heart of gold. He made her throw over her job, memorize Shakespeare, dress properly. He got her in the movies. She became "America's Joy Girl." the nation's current epitome of sweetness & light with a dash of innocent fun. Thereupon her creator fell on evil days. Miss Schaeffer spurned his attentions, betrayed him right & left, refused his belated offer of marriage, had him beaten up. On the night that she was to announce her betrothal to a rich and eminently eligible young man, Don Slocum appeared at her fancy dress ball clad as Mickey Mouse. After threatening to shoot her he lost his nerve, shot himself. His dark and fantastic disguise made a derisive pall. Miss Schaeffer was not particularly upset.

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