Anne Francis in Hollywood - Day 2

On Anne's second day in Hollywood, she was invited to lunch with Miss Mildred Kelly from the MGM publicity department. But when Anne arrived at Miss Kelly's office who was at her desk but none other than Van Johnson or "The Dream" as Anne referred to him. Van was there reading his fan mail. Radio Mirror says that "Anne was too weak to remain standing so she sat hastily in the nearest chair and told him her name" (Radio Mirror, March 1947). They ended up talking for 45 minutes!

And when Miss Kelly asked if Anne wanted a photo of Van - of course she said yes! Anne kept the photo on her bureau. The inscription reads: "To Anne Francis. Good luck always from your friend Van." (Radio Mirror, March 1947). Lucky girl!

Anne Francis' First Day in Hollywood

Lovely Anne Francis was all of 16 years old when she left New York for Hollywood. She was signed by MGM in 1947. Anne (born Ann Marvak on September 16, 1930 - January 2, 2011) had been "in the business" since age 6 in New York modeling, on stage, and on radio.

Day 1 was spent settling into their hotel with her mother, Edith Albertson Francis.

Brown Derby 1947 Menu


Anne had a celebration breakfast at the famous Brown Derby Restaurant

Up next - Day 2. A power lunch and meeting a blond male Hollywood heartthrob actor. Can anyone guess who it was?