A Long Ago Slave Revolt

Ann Sheridan Shows WB Her "Oomph"

Fan mags were generally less mirror to truth of star living than reflection of control imposed by studios and bow-down by editors who had to maintain supply line to "news" out of picture-land. Print media beyond was something else however. They loved it when players fell out with management. Contretemps led to loose talk and strip-away of masks a secretive industry wore. On-suspension stars gone rogue warmed many an ink well for sheets always on lookout for trouble in Hollywood's paradise. Warners was noteworthy for spanking talent and locking same outside gates as punishment. Most crawled back on employer terms for need of renewed wage. Even biggest names relied on morphine drip of weekly checks. Stardom wealth was illusory as movies themselves.

Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart were brought to heel by family obligations both had, Davis with a mother and troubled sister, Bogart's circumstance the same. Management knew any revolt they staged was bluff. "Loans" were a way of tightening chokehold. Sometimes it was called an advance of salary. Either way, they owned you. One who got closer to loosening chains was Ann Sheridan, here the subject of breathless '40 news re the "oomph" girl's four month (so far) stand-off with Warners. Referring to herself as "the Sheridan," Annie promised they'd not "starve me out." Key words, and what probably made the studio back down, was Sheridan declaring her five year saving of cash toward just such eventuality: "I can sit just as tight as they can." No side is ever stronger than one that doesn't need the money. At issue was difference between $600 Sheridan was getting and $2000 she wanted. Warring factions got together, but was middle ground tilted her way or theirs? If asked two decades later, I'll bet Sheridan would have remembered to the penny.