Rita’s childhood could be considered sheltered, even enchanted. There’s no question her parents had wealth and status, moving in some of the most rarified social circles. How did her childhood prepare her for the real world? Or did it? Do you think Rita would have been a successful actress if not for the initial support of Pauline?
Her upbringing prepared her for life as a socialite. Since she was successful, it definitely benefited her. She was the one who carried that first dreadful play that landed her the amazing review and pushed her toward the path of success, but getting there would not have happened without Pauline.
I agree with Kimberly being raised to be a socialite prepared her on how to respond in a difficult situations. With that background she was able to cast positive spin on the awful play but yes Pauline was instrumental in her success.
Following the elaborate customs and rituals of the time, was great training for learning a part. I do think Pauline was the much-needed support that made her successful.
Pauline seemed very instrumental in bringing Rita to the door of success. Once Rita entered, she was able to carry it one her own rather than being a one-performance wonder.
We can only speculate. Rita certainly got a break that was not available to most aspiring actors/actresses. But that’s often how it works, hence the old cliche. “It’s all about who you know.” Would Rita have persevered on her own, securing an audition, and launching her career on her own? Perhaps because she clearly had talent as evidenced by the good review she received as the one good thing in a dreadful production of a horrid play. It’s a good bet that Rita’s success would have come later, however, and she might not have enjoyed the level of success she achieved so quickly. Pauline clearly served as the impetus to get Rita the audition but if she’d lacked talent and charisma on stage, her career would probably have been much more mediocre and, perhaps, short-lived.