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Maria Germanova, 47, arrived in the U. S. in October, leaving behind husband. son and dog, knowing only a few words of English. Besides acting in Moscow she founded and directed the Prague branch of the Moscow Art Theatre. Lately she has lived in Paris. Because the boat on which she planned to sail was scheduled to reach the U. S. on the eleventh of the month, she canceled her reservation and took a later one. This superstition she acquired from such incidents as the imprisonment of a friend on the eleventh day of the month.
Recently Mme Germanova received a letter of advice from V. I. Nemirovitch-Dantchenko, co-director of the Moscow Art Theatre. Excerpts: ". . . The Americans do not like artificiality, even though it may be beautiful. Sincerity in feelings comes foremost. Look at their charming cinema actresses — Lillian Gish (my favorite) ; Greta Garbo, the charming Janet Gaynor. Any overacting is quite out of the question! ... Do not be in a hurry to get rich. Do not be influenced by those who ring in your ears promises of hundreds of thousands. Be kind. Americans do not like evil and capricious people."