Modern Screen (Dec 1949 - Nov 1950)

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Famous for Dependable Drugs. and if people should then go around saying Sinatra had inherited his mantle, I'd . . . I'd. . . . hcpe: Just be heartbroken, wouldn't you? s"natra: That word doesn't do me justice. hope: You can say that again. But just to put your mind at ease, scarecrow, let me tell you that Bing is now singing as well as he ever has in his whole life. Sinatra: Then, why do these wise guys say he's lost some of his witchery? hope: They have reference to his hair. Sinatra: Maybe so, but it's his voice he sings with. hope: Right. And a man's vocal chords last a long time. Jolson is one example. Ezio Pinza is a second. Crosby is a third. Bing's voice is still good for years and years. Now, what's happened, I think, is that people have gotten accustomed to it. That frog in his throat doesn't surprise them any more. The voice doesn't have the j quality of newness it once had, but it's still there. If anything, it's developed. It's got more range and power. ... I know you're tickled pink to hear all this. sinatra: I sure am, because all those things you said also happen to be true of my pipes. hope: You don't say. sinatra: I do say. hope: This is no time for modesty. Tell me everything. sinatra: Well, Bob, I think it's only human nature to point out small failings and neglect accomplishments. hope: Your wisdom amazes me. sinatra: Let me miss one benefit dinner, just one, and the next thing you know, people are going around saying I'm as bad as Crosby. Let me make one bad record, and overnight, I sound like Bing. Same with pictures. One bad one, and they say I've pulled a Crosby. voice of the people . . . hope: You imply that Bing's name is synonymous with failure? sinatra: Your vocabulary amazes me. hope: Well, get yourself de-amazed, thin-frame, and let me tell you a thing or two. One or two whacky critics can write Bing off in print, but (putting one hand on his chest and pointing dramatically upward with his other) they can't write him out of the hearts of the public. sinatra: Now I'm crying. ... By "public," no doubt you mean Dixie and the four boys. hope: I mean that one or two magazine writers can say anything they want to about Bing, but just so long as the people like him, that's all that counts. sinatra: Hmmm. . . . Speaking of what counts, what've you been doing these past few weeks, besides counting your money? hope: Counting money? Listen, son, I've been keeping the airlines in business this past year. In addition to radio and pictures, I've been playing dates all over the country. sinatra: A little rough for a man of your years, isn't it? hope: Ridiculous! Why, I chinned myself this morning. Almost. sinatra: Let's face it. There's probably some truth to the rumor. hope: What rumor? sinatra: That you plan to retire in a few years. hope: Who started that, you? sinatra: You're mistaking me for Crosby. I believe in live and let live. hope: Yeah? For how long? sinatra: Well, at least until your kids get big enough to support you. hope: The trouble with you and Bing is that you're scared silly. Ever since I sang "Buttons and Bows" in Paleface, you two guys are afraid you'll have some serious singing competition. And wait 11 you hear me in my duet with Rhonda Fleming in The Great Lover. Matter of fact, I intend to sing more and more in my pictures. That's a hint, Frankie-boy. sinatra: Meaning what? hope: Meaning that maybe you'd better retire while the retiring is good. sinatra: Me retire? I'm too young. My whole life lies before me. hope: Well, I guess you could struggle along in pictures for a few more years. sinatra: It's no struggle. You see, Bob, I'm not like you. I have youth and energy and spirit on my side. Wait until you see On the Town. hope: You mean Gene Kelly's picture? sinatra: I'm in it, too. hope: A bit, no doubt. sinatra: I'm the co-star. hope: They must be desperate at Metro these days. . . . Look, thin-man. what brings you to the Casa Hope, anyway? You want a job or something? sinatra: No, Bob, I don't want a jobbut I do want some advice. You've been around in the entertainment business a long time and you know most of the angles. If you were Bing or me, what would you do about these articles that keep asking: Is Crosby Finished? and Is Sinatra Finished? You know, this attempt to kill us off in print? hope (putting on a long white beard): Son. you and Bing can do one of two things — ignore the stuff altogether, because it's obviously not true and only written to entice the readers: or you can sit down and write an answer to those guys who insist you're finished. "Listen, fellas," you can say, "no one knows better than a singer when his voice is beginning to go. It's the kind of thing you, yourself, feel first, like a headache. You don't need anyone to tell you about it. When it does go," you can say, "I'm retiring. No one has to give me the gong or reel me in with a hook and line. I'm not the kind of guy who deludes himself. When my time is up, I'll accept it graciously. But that time hasn't come yet." That's what you and Bing can say, my boy. sinatra: Gee, that sounds great. Why don't we do an article like that together? hope (removing beard): Together? I've got a brain, but what can you contribute? sinatra: I've got a terrific title, "Too Young To Die." hope: "Too Young To Die," eh? That's not half bad. (Aside) Confound the whippersnapper! Why didn't I think of it? sinatra: O.K. Let's begin. You repeat what you said a minute ago and I'll copy it down. hope: Relax, boy. The whole thing's already down. sinatra: Already written0 hope: Don't look now, son, but I've had my wire recorder turned on ever since you stepped into the living room. A voice like yours is still worth preserving. sinatra: Gee, thanks, Bob. hope: Think nothing of it, kid. So is mine, so is mine. The End SEEING STARS? Everyone sees stars at one time or another. We see them practically all the time, but we're not qualified — for the S5 bills, that is. They're for the lucky pejple whose "I Saw It Happen" anecdotes we print. So, if you've ever had an amusing incident happen to you and a movie star, write it down and send it to the "I Saw It Happen" Editor, MODERN SCREEN, 261 Fifth Avenue, New York 16, N. Y. The anecdote must be true and it must be short. Try for one of our S5 bills — we've plenty!