Whether Patsy Doris May, 2 years of age, and with a bright future as a film actress ahead of her, was abandoned by her father, James Dittemore, a steel worker, was a point of bitter dispute yesterday as hearing of a contest over her custody opened before Superior Judge Clarke.
MOTHER DEAD
The little actress' mother, Mrs. Gladys May Dittemore, died at Gosport, Ind., a few days after the child was born. Thereafter Mrs. Dittemore's parents, Ross May, a title company employee, and Mrs. Clara E. May, brought Patsy Doris to Los Angeles and adopted her with the contention that she had been legally abandoned by her father.
Dittemore then filed his action to set aside the adoption proceedings, asserting he was never given notice of the hearing. In his petition he raised the contention that the Mays, in obtaining the child's $200-a-week contract with Hal Roach Studios., Inc., where she plays in Our Gang Comedies, have placed her in "an atmosphere of make-believe" which will "rob her of her natural sweet simplicity."
ASSERT HE VANISHED
The Mays, represented by Attorney Thomas W. Cochran, maintain that the father disappeared completely after Mrs. Dittemore's death and they heard nothing from him until after Patsy Doris had received the film contract.
The hearing will continue today.