CROQUET GALLERY: Orson Wells of Hollywood, California, USA

1939

Shirley Temple
Orson Wells

1988
from Child Star by Shirley Temple Black

"Did you hear my program about Martians [War of the Worlds]?" [asked Orson Wells.]

"Yes," I stroked my ball and scowled. It had stopped wide of the final wicket. "Nelson Eddy was why I listened."

Welles turned and leaned on his mallet, waiting. My evening routine included listening to Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. I explained but when guest Eddy came on to sing, I switched stations and stumbles on his.

"Did you believe my program?" he asked, striking a pleasing pose for our photographers.

"No, I knew it wasn't true."

Taking careful aim, I knocked his ball slightly away from the mouth of the final wicket, leaving mine in good position.

His return shot caromed my ball away into a difficult lie.

"How did you know?" he asked.

Engrossed with my final chance, I said nothing and concentrated. I missed.

"Well," I replied resignedly. "If men from Mars had come here, why would just your program be broadcasting the news? That didn't make sense, so I didn't believe it.