Jean Darling, 10-year-old film star, who arrived in Grand Forks this morning for a two-day series of personal appearances at the Paramount theater, studies her lessons just like any other little girl.
She has a boy friend in Hollywood who gives her snake rattles for presents; she has a pet Collie dog, also Scotch; and she likes the applause of a theater audience - all this she disclosed to an interviewer.
Jean was greeted at the station this morning by several hundred boys and girls, eager to get a glimpse of the little lady whose name has gained a place among the stellar ones of moviedom.
Her first theater appearance here was scheduled late this afternoon, and she was to present some Grand Forks boy or girl with one of her pets, a little black puppy, which she finds herself unable to take with her on her trip.
The puppy will be given to the child who has written the best letter to her, explaining why he or she wants the pet and what sort of a home it will be given.
Two thousand photographs of Miss Darling were distributed to the children of Grand Forks today and M. C. Cooper, manager of the theater, announced that if the owners will leave the pictures at the box office of the Paramount, Miss Darling will autograph them and the owners can obtain them by calling Wednesday (the 14th).
Jean arrived in Grand Forks with her mother this morning and was taken to the hotel where they will remain during their stay in Grand Forks.
The little actress, leading lady of the "Our Gang" comedies, then had to do her school work. Although much of her time is taken up with personal appearances at theaters, her education can't be neglected.
Jean took time out from her studies to be interviewed, and with the vivacity and charm which have made her successful on the screen, she told of her boy friend back in Hollywood.
"He's Scotch. And do you know what he gives me for presents? He gives me snake rattles and things he catches. He doesn't spend any money on my gifts."
Jean likes him, anyway. His name is Raymond Kincade and, strangely enough, he is not a movie actor.
Miss Darling has appeared in 42 moving pictures and for some time now she has been appearing in person at theaters. She likes the screen better, though.
Likes Garbo Best.
"I just love the movies," she said. "The stage is nice too, because the audience gives me applause and that encourages me." Her favorite actress is Greta Garbo. Jean hopes to be an actress like Greta when she grows up.
The actress likes this part of the country except that it is "too barren."
"I love California," she said. "I could kiss it if it were a man, or even if it were a girl. You wouldn't have seen me crying on the train for 15 minutes when I left California if I didn't like it."
When it comes to playing "tit-tit-toe, three in a row," the pencil and paper game in which circles and x's are placed in a double cross, Jean is an expert. She outplayed her interviewer seven times out of ten this morning.
Jean will make four public appearances on the Paramount stage today and Tuesday, dancing, singing and telling stories for the audience at every performance.