2.A Hollywood Career

   Gail's second film was a small role Lady in the Dark (1944) which starred Ginger Rogers,who Gail idolised.Mitchell Leisen describes his memories of Gail on the film,as detailed in David Chierichetti's biograpghy of the dirctor:''Ginger insisted that we use Gail Russell as Barbara.The poor girl was gorgeous,but she had hysterics every time the camera started to turn.She only had a couple of lines,but it took us almost two days to get them shot.Ginger felt so sorry for her that she tried to work with her & help her as much as she could.She was really a neurotic character & I'm not surprised she became an alcoholic''.
   Author Kirk Crivello,who had access to the personal scrapbooks of Gail,found this letter from Ginger Rogers amongst the pages:''My dear Gail,how's my favourite pupil? You're the right kind of pupil to have as I don't have to do anything about it but address you as such-anyway,we can pretend can't we?.I just loved the drawing you enclosed in your note.You are a darn clever girl & if you aren't careful you're going to have so many accomplishments you aren't going to know which one to enjoy.As for that laugh,you are definitely going to get one-my nose is so sunburned & I have so many freckles I look like a bowl of cornflakes.You tell those people at Paramount they had better treat you right or I shall conjure up thunder they'll never forget.Tell them they should give you a pretty dressing room as they should start spoiling you right away.After you've worked too hard,it then becomes difficult to appreciate spoiling.Be good-and bless you.Affectinately,Ginger''.

   Paramount then took a risk in casting Gail in a substantial role as Stella in the now classic ghost film The Uninvited (1944) also starring Ray Milland.The atmospheric film was a success & launched Gail into uneasy stardom.The pressures were felt immediately.
   It is widely believed that Gail's drinking started at the time of The Uninvited.In a Modern Screen article published after her death,it is reported that at a press party given before shooting of the picture got underway,Gail,overwhelmed by a barrage of  questions from the attending press,was handed a drink.Things apparently getting no better when shooting began,overwhelmed by her starring role,Gail often disolved in tears after flubbing lines.A nervous breakdown at the completion of the film ensued,& so presumably,the drinking increased.

   Next she was cast with Diana Lynn in Our Hearts Were Young & Gay (1944).Based on the best seller by Cornelia Otis Skinner & Emily Kimborough,the comedy was popular enough to spawn a sequel in 1946 Our Hearts Were Growing Up.The film also cemented a friendship with Lynn,which initaly had been rocky.A vivacious,outgoing girl,Lynn was the exact opposite of Gail & she shied away from her,though it seems that Lynn helped Gail out of her shell somewhat,with various fan publications detailing their growing friendship.Lynn even starred with Gail's then boyfriend,Guy Madison in the film Texas,Brooklyn & Heaven in 1948.