After a New York talent scout wanna-be spotted her picture in the window of her bro-in-law’s photography studio and dropped some hints, said bro-in-law and sister sent the 18 year old over the MGM’s New York talent office for a screen test.
Al Altman didn’t even bother to record her speaking, since her North Carolina accent was so thick he could barely understand her. But when Louis B. Mayer saw her screen test, he sent a telegram with the above quote, signing her to a standard MGM contract. And provided a speech coach.
“In one scene, when I was supposed to say, “In a pig’s eye you are,” what came out was, “In a pig’s ass you are.” Old habits die awfully hard.” ― Ava Gardner, Ava: My Story