Gossip Friday: Barred for Life

From 1935, fan letter to magazine:

I’ve just returned from the Coast where it was my pleasure to visit a major movie studio set. Here are some of the rules a visitor must observe:

Don’t look at the actors, they hate being stared at. Don’t attempt to get autographs, stars resent being asked. Don’t snoop onto sets, somebody might get suspicious of you. Don’t make any noises, a sneeze at the wrong moment may cost the studio thousands. Don’t open your mouth, someone may think you’re about to speak and get nervous prostration. Don’t lean against a building, t may be made of cardboard and topple over. Don’t stay in one place too long, you may be may be formulating a plan to cut off Harlow’s platinum locks or shave off Menjou’s continental moustachio. 

Confusing? It was to me, too, but, being a sort of devil at heart, I decided to break one of the strictest rules. I spotted Clark Gable and had a brief conversation with him. I was somewhat averse to approaching him, his pirate makeup for “Mutiny on the bounty” looked so fierce, but he was very kind and agreeable. But I had hardly said “How do you do?” when I saw the evil eye of a studio official nearly pop out of its socket and I ran as fast as I could for the studio gates. I’m barred for life!–Hollywood Visitor.