When little Jackie Cooper, famous seven-year-old star of "Skippy," reported for work in Radio Pictures' "Young Donovan's Kid," opening today at the Empire theater, he wasn't long in orienting himself.
"What kind of a restaurant have you on this lot?" he asked Fred Niblo, the director. Being assured that it was an excellent one, he further inquired, "When do we eat?"
"It's one of his hobbies - food," explained his genial grandmother, Mrs. Marie Leonard. Mrs. Leonard looks after Jackie when his mother is on vaudeville tour - which is most of the time.
Upon being introduced to Richard Dix, star of the production, Jackie hauled out an autograph book and said, "Will you please sign this?"
One of the supporting players offered his signature, too, but was informed that the book was "for stars only." A peek into the book revealed names of 139 film luminaries of first rank.
Jackie is sturdy and has unusual intelligence. He has an unruly shock of yellow hair and the inevitable cow-lick. He's Skippy all right.
Jackie's stream of child-like questions indicate where his chief interests lie:
"When's a star a star?"
"When'll they put my name on the marquee board?"
"When'll I be a star?" he used to ask almost daily. But that was before he played "Skippy."
From the beginning of his screen career three years ago, it's been Jackie's ambition to be a star, his grandmother says.