Wanted: Aristocrats, $1.65 Per Hour

Long Island, decided the moviemakers, has lost its old West Eggian elegance, so they transplanted The Great Gatsby to the more richly idle colony of Newport, R.I. Otherwise, no emerald-cut stone was left unturned to ensure authenticity in re-creating Gatsby's lavish parties. The set was Rosecliff, a villa designed in 1902 by Architect Stanford White. The Packards and Mercers and Rolls-Royces lining the driveway were lovingly polished antiques. The gowns were late 1920s originals, and the million-dollar armature of jewelry was certified Cartier. It was only fitting, therefore, that among the 500 extras chosen for their "air of bored arrogance" there were more than a dozen scions of Newport's finest families.

"These rich are very star-struck," observed a technician, trying to ride herd on a crowd that included Mrs. James Van Alen, Mrs. Claiborne Pell, Mrs. T.J. Oakley Rhinelander and Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Buchana.n.

For some, the between-takes intervals outside in the rain quickly doused the delights of ogling the stars and each other. "We were sitting there looking like an Indian tribe, with blankets around us," explained Mr. Buchanan, "and I said, Tm going home.' " Others were ready for more. "We were paid $1.65 an hour, and I'll probably have to pay a surgeon God knows what to repair my legs," said Mrs. Robert ("Oatsie") Charles, who stood on the party set from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. "But I'd do it again if I could stand up."

By week's end a few Newporters had got thoroughly into the class spirit of their roles. Noted one bejeweled matron, "Some of the extras playing grand ladies have begun ordering around others dressed as maids."

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