A WOMAN is searching for a copy of a Clark Gable film made in 1953 for a lasting memory of her mother's moment of fame. Anita Elwin, of Willowside, Snodland, near Rochester, has been hunting for the MGM film Never Let Me Go for six months because her mother Betty Williams - who died in May 2000 - appears in the background.

The story is about an American journalist (Gable), who falls for a Russian ballerina, played by Gene Tierney, while behind enemy lines in the Soviet Union.

The film was partly shot in Cornwall and in one scene, filmed in Newquay, Mrs Williams appears in the background, linking arms with a soldier.

Mrs Elwin, 39, said: "It is only a walk-on part, literally less than a minute, but no one in the family has a copy of it and I really want to get one. My mum used to do a bit of modelling and she appeared on the Pathe News programmes. Busby Berkeley asked her to appear at the Palladium but my grandad wouldn't let her. She could have been a star."

Attempts to find a copy of the film on VHS in shops and on the Internet have been in vain - so Mrs Elwin is now appealing for any help to track it down.

She said: "I have been told by everyone that the film is deleted - but there must be specialist dealers or fans who would have a copy."

If you can help Mrs Elwin to track down a copy of Never Let Me Go then call her on 01634 245558.