Some mighty spicy comments from a spirited redhead. as Piper Laurie lets us in on some of her innermost secrets.

What current rumors about you romantically have bothered you the most?
My relationship with Leonard Goldstein. Time after time I have said the same thing and people just smile and say "Oh, sure." He's really my best friend--and a friend of the family. I will always regard him as such regardless of what anyone wants to read into it.
(Editor's Note: Asked just before his untimely demise.)
Do you feel you're ready for marriage now?
With the right person--yes.
What makes a man interesting?
He should be fairly intelligent, have a sense of humor and imagination, and- well, just be nice. You can't ask for more on a date, but if you'rre going to spend your life with someone there are a few other things that are quite important.
Are you inclined to like being babied by a man?
Not really being babied, but I do like to feel the man I am with is responsible, and, if I need a shoulder to lean on, I'd like to know it was there. I'd never want to be the boss.
What do you consider the most desirable qualities in a man?
Intelligence, honesty, imagination, sensitivity, sense of humor, and masculinity. All this means a man who believes in himself.
Would you prefer marrying an older or a younger man?
Age has always been unimportant to me. I have gone out with young people who were just as mature as older people. It makes no difference about chronological age...it's the emotional maturity that counts.
What is the best date you ever had?
I like to do lots of things. If I'm with someone I like, I enjoy any kind of a date, so probably the best date I ever had was the one with someone I liked very much.
How do you feel your career has changed you as a person?
I hope some day to be a fine actress, to learn enough to express myself in demanding roles. I like my part in "Rangers of the North," because I am playintg an older character.
What do you remember about the first love scene you ever played?
I don't remember the scene, but I do remember how awful I felt when I saw it on the screeen. I have never been so embarrased. Seeing yourself up there making love and being kissed is most embarrasing. I couldn't watch it, even though it was with Rock Hudson.
Which actor is most convincing in love scenes?
I can't really say so-and-so is, because there are so many different kinds of love scenes. You just can't make a comparison.
Do you ever find love scenes embarrassing to play in your picture?
Not any more so than any other kind of scene. I'm being paid to be an actress and love scenes are part of my job. I may have been shy as a person, but I'm not shy as an actress. I can't afford to be.
Do you still live with your family?
Yes. I have no urge to go out on my own. Besides, I've been traveling so much these last few years, that it's nice to be able to stay at home.
Do you like the independent life?
Do I have one? I certainly have responsibilities, even though I don't live alone. However, if that's the kind of life I have, I guess I like it.
Have you ever come close to getting married?
Yes. No further comment.
Are you lonely very often? If so, how do you get over the feeling?
Sometimes. I try to find something that will occupy my mind and also keep me physically busy. I may take a drama lesson or I may do odd jobs around the house, or I'll try to do something for someone else. A busy person is not usually lonely.
Do you like going to large parties?
No, I get very confused.
Is there any one experience you've had that has taught you the biggest lesson?
Everything that has happened to me has taught me something.
Is there any one moment in your life you feel you can never forget?
There was one moment that was very upsetting. I should have let go and cried at the time, but I didn't, because of the circumstances. A boy in Korea had written to me asking for a picture. I naturally sent it to him. Then,on my last trip to Korea to entertain the troops, I went to an evacuation hospital. A nurse told me that a boy had been asking for me. It was the same boy to whom I had sent the picture and he had received it just two days before being shot up. I spent several hours with him, talking to him and singing to him, and he died while I was with him. It was a terrible experience. I had to leave right away, so when I came home I couldn't think of anything but that boy. I could hardly sleep for a month. If only I could have broken down at the time and let go of my feelings! I'll never forget him.
What are your most unusual likes or dislikes about food?
I love every kind of food--but I don't like to eat much during the day.
Was the gardenia eating story a publicity gag?
Yes, it was. And I'm glad it's over. It was embarrassing at the time but I guess it served its purpose. No one knew who I was before that happened anyway.
What king of actor don't you enjoy working with?
An actor who pays no attention to you and doesn't listen to you, one who doesn't react and gives you nothing to react to. This kind of actor always stares at you intently but he's only thinking of his next line.
What kinds of clothes do you prefer?
All of my clothes are rather simple in design, at least they're not full of frills and bows. My evening things are strapless, a few are anyway, and yet my favorite gown for the evening is the one with the bouffant skirt. I have several suits, too, in various shades.
What was the best advice ever given you?
What my mother told me a long time ago and I have heard it ever since. Maybe it's kind of corny but it's been true for me: "No matter waht happens, it's for the best."
When you're upset do you hold things in or do you explode.
90% of the time I hold things in. Usually when I explode it's not just about one thing, but about a combination of several. When I was a little girl and wanted to scream, my family gave me permission to go into a closet and scream, feeling it was better for me to let off steam. And, once in a while, mother would give me an old dish to throw.
What is your worst fault?
I have many, but I don't know which is worst. You'd better ask my friends this one.
Has there been any great change in your ideas lately? Is there anything important to you now that didn't use to be important?
I hate to get serious again, but the first trip I made to Korea didn't change me. The second trip did. I find I'm now more tolerant of many things. And I do get very impatient with people who get upset over silly, selfish things. When you see how quickly a life can be taken, you begin to realize what really makes it important.

The article is accompanied by a full page closeup black and white right profile of PL wearing a black chapeau, with caption- Piper , who stars in U-I's "Dawn at Socorro," told us that she's fancy-free, but when the right man comes along, watch out!; Quarter page b&w photo of PL sitting on the set of Smoke Signal, smiling and apparently holding a cigarette in her left hand, with caption- When asked on the U-I set of "Smoke Signal" if she ever came close to getting married, Piper gave us this cute smile and a charming evasive answer, "Yes. No further comment."; Quarter page b&w photo of PL on set of Smoke Signal hugging a large black Labrador, with caption- The cast and crew traveled all the way to Colorado River for "Smoke Signal," where Piper immediately made the friendship of a stray dog. It turned into real love, as you can see.; Quarter page b&w photo of PL and Dave Sharpe on set of Smoke Signal practicing gun-twirling, with caption- Piper Laurie's latest accomplishment is gun-twirling, thanks to Dave Sharpe, who coached her in the gun technique for her "Smoke Signal" role. She's good, too, Dave assured us.; Quarter page b&w photo of PL and her little dog. she is standing in someone's hunting game room, with caption- "Do you like going to large parties?" we asked Piper as she wandered around the set and found a scale. "No, I get very confused." She's sweet, unspoiled, unsophisticated.