Photoplay (Jul - Dec 1943)

She once gave an impromptu concert on a corner for "the boys." The aftermath was fun Judy Garland, Cover Girl, a first to beat the Hollywood band: Rrsi as a Crop Corps Volunteer— and first in the hearts of America An incident that happened during her "save silk stockings" crusade left her red-faced BY SIDNEY SKOLSkV The noted writer and newspaper columnist DRAWINGS BY WAITER STEWART miserable that he was leaving. "I'll call you tomorrow," he said. He never did. She didn't see him again until she was signed by the same studio. She saw him while she was standing on the steps of the Metro schoolhouse. He grabbed both her hands in his, pulled her off the steps, said he was glad she was at the same studio, that they'd have plenty of fun together, and for her not to be upset because he knew she was going to be a success. Then he gave her a kiss on the cheek and was on his way. That kiss has become sort of a symbol. She and Mickey never go into a first scene of a picture, or do a broadcast, or make a personal appearance without it. SHE and Mickey, the "Babes," have come a long way since. They both have been married and are now waiting for their divorces to be final. She married Dave Rose, the musical arranger and conductor. It just wasn't a "take." She now resides by herself in her favorite house in Beverly. The house is owned by Mary Martin and when Mary went to New York to do a show, she rented it immediately. The house is a one-story affair and there is a Victory Garden in the back of the house. She actually works in the garden herself. She also likes to cook and help with the housework, the dusting and sweeping, when she is not working in a picture. She is active in war work. She entertains at the Hollywood Canteen, does two or three radio transcriptons a week, to be mailed overseas, and is one of the favorites with the service men on the program. "Command Per formance," which is short-waved. She has also asked for permission to be sent across to entertain. When she was in New York some months ago, she was walking along the streets with Vincent Minnelli and Roger Edens who helped her in her first audition at Metro. Despite the dimout the avenues were crowded, and there were many men in uniforms. It was late at night and she stopped on various street corners to sing songs for groups of soldiers and then continued on her way. She gave her last impromptu concert in Central Park and then started for the hotel where she was staying. Outside the hotel, she, Edens and Minnelli noticed a lone soldier. She asked the soldier if he would like to come up to their suite, have some coffee and cake and kick around a couple of hours with some company. The lone soldier smiled and said, "Sure thing." After the coffee and cake and some chatter, Roger Edens went to the piano and she started to sing songs. The soldier sat there listening, enjoying it very much. This went on until almost four in the morning, when the soldier said, "I guess I'll have to be going now. And thanks for a good time." Vincent Minnelli took the soldier to the elevator and while they were waiting said, "You know who that was singing for you?" "All I know," answered the soldier, "is that she's a lovely girl." "That was Judy Garland," said Minnelli. "My goodness!" exclaimed the soldier. "She's my favorite actress." Then, as he stepped into the elevator, he said, "And I didn't even ask her for her autograph. Now when I tell the fellows at camp that I was with Judy Garland, they'll never believe me!" (Continued on page 89) 3]