Nita Naldi — "Sure," Said Nita (1924) 🇺🇸

April 21, 2023

"Miss Naldi," I said, tripping over a tiger skin rug and knocking down a flock of incense burners, "what do you think of matrimony?"

by E. V. Durling

"Is this," asked Nita, "an interview or a proposal?"

"As you wish," I said, bowing slightly.

"Well, under those circumstances you are entitled to my opinion, which I will have you understand is no humble one. I think matrimony is worth a trial."

Nita on Divorce

"And divorce, Miss Naldi?" I inquired with pencil poised in mid-air just like a regular movie reporter.

"Also worth a trial," answered Nita without pausing a second.

Smart girl, Nita.

"Have you had any experience in these matters?" I continued bravely. I may be healthy but I am a bad insurance risk.

A Co-respondent's School

"I don't know whether to laugh in your face or burst out crying," replied Nita, "but if you must know I went to co-respondent's school."

"Co-respondent's school?" I said, raising my eyebrows to register amazement.

"Sure," replied Nita, slapping me on the back, "wasn't I in the Follies?"

Nita's great company.

"Let's be serious, Miss Naldi," I interrupted sternly, "remember I came to interview you. Now pay attention to me. Do you think matrimony can be improved upon?"

"I'll say it can," answered Nita, "and here's my idea. Why not marriage contracts. For instance, say you and I decided to be married."

"Hot Dog," I cried enthusiastically.

"Be yourself, Greeley," said Nita, "I'm only supposing."

"Now don't interrupt me. We decide to be married. Well, we draw up a contract for three years, with no options, providing of course for a generous allowance for dress, miscellaneous expenditures and so on for the party of the first part which would be me. At the end of the three years if everything hasn't been all jake we look around to see if we can better ourselves."

"Think of the possibilities." continued Nita, warming up to her subject, "and of the tea table conversations."

"Are you going to renew, my dear?" Mrs. Black would say to Mrs. White.

"Not unless my terms are met," Mrs. White would say, "I've had a wonderful offer from the man next door."

"Then think of the interesting advertisements.

Think of The Possibilities, Says Nita

"Mrs. J. Morgan White begs to announce her matrimonial contract expires January 1st, 1924, and will not be renewed. 'A wonderful playmate. Ask dad, he knows.'"

"What do you think of my idea?" asked Nita all out of breath.

"Well," I said hesitatingly, "it seems to me the woman would have all the best of it."

Shouldn't Woman Have Best of It

Nita indignantly drew herself up to her full height.

"Well," she said freezingly, "shouldn't the woman always have the best of it?"

"Sometimes yes," I answered, "and then again, no."

"Get out of my studio," cried Nita.