From the S&S archives: William Holden vows fight on 'sack' style

FRANKFURT — William Holden, American screen star, has opened a male fight-to-the-finish against the latest sack style in feminine fashions.

Arriving in Frankfurt for personal appearances at the premiere of his new film, "The Bridge on the River Kwai," the actor told newsmen:

"I promise to form a league of husbands, boy friends, and lovers to do away with the dreadful sack style."

Holden, who will celebrate his 17th wedding anniversary later this year, also denied that Hollywood was a town of brief marriages and frequent divorces.

"Multiple marriages and divorces do get headlines," Holden admitted, "but there are a lot of other families like the Joel McCreas and Bob Hopes who stay married."

The actor also said that Hollywood is losing its long-held status as world film center.

"As the world is shrinking and its peoples are coming together, resulting in an international understanding of emotional problems and viewpoints, all the world is becoming Hollywood as far as picture-making is concerned," he declared.

Holden declared that his chief problem is to find good screen material and that he would go anywhere, even to the Antarctic in winter, to make a good film.

"It's no use having anyone read novels, plays and short stories for you except for the process of elimination," he remarked. "Out of 100 that may be read, only 10 will get through to you. Besides, when I read now I find that my pleasure of reading has been destroyed. I see everything in terms of production, who will do the music, who will direct and so on. I read a book about the West and all I can see is Gary Cooper."

The actor gave a definition of what makes a good movie: One that enables the spectator to identify himself either with the theme or characterization.

"And it must be true." he added.

Holden was to go to Essen for a premiere there, then on to Rome for another. He will be back in Hollywood March 19 and three days later he and his wife will set out on a world tour, visiting Honolulu, Tokyo, Manila, Hong Kong and Kashmir. When they return they will start traveling again, with their three children, to South America and Africa.

"No picture-making is involved, just travel," Holden said. "I'm still looking for my next film story — and haven't yet found one."