In the frantic, helter-skelter world of Hollywood, time is precious. There's never enough of it, and when a free afternoon does come along, stars grab at it for some welcome relaxation.
When Gene Nelson and Piper Laurie found themselves free from the chores of moviemaking, they decided on an afternnon picnic on the back lot of Universal-International studios. Piper stopped by the commissary and picked up a picnic hamper loaded down with food, and Gene rounded up some horses from the studio stable. They they cantered out to the back lot, found a delightful spot near an artificial lake used for sea scenes, and settled down to a delicious lunch of fried chicken, homemade bread, radishes, olives, celery, cookies, apples, coffee and, of course, a thermos of lemonade. 'Twas a hot day, it was!
After polishing off the food, Gene stretched out for a lazy catnap in the shade of the tree. But playful Piper didn't stand still for this. She gave Gene just enough time to doze off, then doused him with ice cold lemondade from the thermos jug. Gene roared, "I'll get even with you later," then pinned Piper down and kissed her.
When Gene suggested rowing on the lake, Piper was all for it. They finally found a battered old boat with a single oar which Gene manipulated skillfully. Once in the center of the lake, he stopped rowing, grinning devilishly at Piper and said, "Now...about that lemonade in the kisser." She jumped up, but Genen lunged quickly and overboard she went. Piper lunged at Gene on the way down and he nosedived in after her.
After rough-housing in the water for a bit, they towed the boat back in by swimming with the rope in their teeth. Piper loved it, said the unexpected dip was the just the thing to cool her off on a hot day. They finally dragged themselves up on the bank, flopped on the grass and dried out in the hot sun.
After a bit, Piper rolled over, propped herself up on one elbow, nudged Gene, and said, "What a ball!" It was, too, it was!

The articles is accompanied by 11 b&w photos of the entire incident descibed above: 1.Quarter page of Gene and Piper riding on separate horses- On the spur of the moment, Piper Laurie and Gene Nelson decided to have a picnic, borrowed horses and headed for the UI back lot. 2. Quarter page of Gene on horse watching Piper unloading a large picnic hamper- No pickled peppers in Piper's picnic basket. It was crammed with crispy fried chicken and other goodies from the studio commissary. 3. Quarter page of Gene and Piper nealing on the ground on a sheet loaded with picnic goodies and eating some of the goodies- Piper picked the perfect spot- a shady plot of green grass by the edge of studio's lake. She and Gene made short work of all the food. 4. Quarter page of Piper pouring lemonade from a jug on a sleeping Gene (looks like a setup to me)- Party pranks yet! Playful Piper caught Gene napping- and doused him with icy lemonade. 5. Half page of Gene leaning down and kissing Piper who is laying on her back on the grass- (Another setup photo from an obviously choreographed story)- He was quick to retaliate, wiped her face with lemonade, downed her in wrestling match, and promptly claimed his prize- an upside down kiss. 6. Ninth page of Piper standing in a small rowboat, while Gene sits looking at her- After lunch, Mr. Nelson took Miss Laurie rowing for an old-fashioned boatride on the lake. Playful Piper stood up and tried to scare Gene by rocking the boat. Gene appears to be going headfirst into the water from the boat, while Piper is not visible, beneath a big splash of water- But Gene's a prankster, too. He took Piper by surprise when he lunged, and overboard she went. Piper grabbed his arm as she fell and Gene tumbled after. 8. Piper and Gener treading water facing each other- Nice way to cool off on a sultry California day. Piper loved it, got the giggles and couldn't stop laughing at surprised Gene. 9. Piper and Gene swimming and towing the boat with the rope in their teeth- They couldn't make it back into the boat, so Gene suggested they tread water and tow the boat back to the landing with their teeth. Anybody for the dentist? 10. Two thirds page of Gene and PIper holding hands as they stagger out of the water while Gene pulls the rope attached to the boat.- Boat basin was full of sllippery mud which made getting ashore a real trial. Gene and Piper lost their socks in the mud, but said the fun was worth a dozen pairs. 11. Tenth page of Piper riding piggy-back on Gene's back.- Waterlogged, but happy, Piper rides piggy-back as Gene carries her back to their horses. Said the two of them afterward riding back to the stables, "Let's do it again!"