Photoplay (Jan - Jun 1943)

Christmas presents— from Hollywood to you FOR two thousand years, in war and peace, famine and plenty, the miracle of Christmas has been re-created, to touch us with new faith and help us momentarily to turn from the grim overtones of bombs bursting across the fronts of the world. Hollywood, tinsel-loving child, this year will once again clasp Christmas to her heart, leading the way to this brief moment of happiness in so many moments of tragedy, adorning herself with the brightest wrappings, not counting the many gifts she has tucked into our own Christmas stockings. For all of us who go to the movies have had exciting presents from Hollywood during this past year: Hedy Lamarr who now can act as well as appear ravishing on the screen. "Mrs. Miniver" — a wonderful gift — which permitted us to see for ourselves something we had suspected right along: That ordinary English families have the bright quality of simple heroism we hope and believe we too possess. Rita Hayworth perfecting her loveliness in ''My Gal Sal" and "You Were Never Lovelier," surely one of the aptest titles of the year. Ronald Colman with all his old charm refurbished in "Talk Of The Town" and his enchanting new film. "Random Harvest," in which he co-stars with Greer Garson. Clark Gable's voluntary enlistment, a gift of inspiration that caught America's imagination and wiped out a whole carload of bitter, unthinking grumbling against "privileged movie stars." George Sanders in A productions. A rescue of a potent personality from a succession of roles and films that scarcely scratched the surface of his popularity. Katharine Hepburn, who returned to Hollywood and joined with Metro and Spencer Tracy in giving us "Woman Of The Year" and — soon to be seen — "Keeper Of The Flame." Monty Woolley's beard, magnetic bit of foliage behind which lurks a delightful new personality equally at home in the back-biting role of "The Man Who Came to Dinner" or the grumpy old softie of 'The Pied Piper." Lana Turner's new marriage. At a time when our thoughts centered grimly on the desperate battles being JANUARY. 1943 fought in the wastes of the Southern Pacific, the burning desert of North Africa, the shattering siege of Stalingrad, this cellophane-wrapped gift of romance proves that the heart of Hollywood beats with as strong a pulse as ever. Humphrey Bogart as a hero — after he proved himself over and over again in such melodramas as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Across The Pacific," tense photoplays of murder, double-cross and heroism. Veronica Lake, fresh reminder that sex appeal is still a valuable commodity. Bing Crosby-Bob Hope-Dorothy Lamour teaming to gift us with unmatchable wit and, in turn, two hours of forgetfulness. (Have you seen "Road To Morocco?") Alan Ladd. whose performance in "This Gun For Hire" gave the feminine population of the country a brand-new star to hitch their wagons to — and the critics a brand-new enthusiasm. "My Sister Eileen," for its bright glow of merriment, fitting prelude to 1942's hard-earned holiday respite. Incidentally, thank your Hollywood Santa for bright little Janet Blair — and who wouldn't be glad to find her on the Christmas tree? Two Yankees — "Pride Of The Yankees" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" — which brought to the screen the lives of Lou Gehrig, greatest of all first basemen, and George M. Cohan, America's outstanding showman. John Ford, who proved Hollywood genius wasn't afraid to be in the thick of it when he kept his camera rolling throughout the Battle of Midway and sent back home to America a stirring film, visual proof of what our men are doing in the Pacific. All those stars who went out to meet you, the people, to give you a chance to know them and sell to you personally the Bonds that are your Christmas present to Uncle Sam. My list could be much longer, but editors are modest people who say very few words directly to their readers. So I suggest that you make your own list and see — to your surprise — how many presents Hollywood has left at your doorstep during the year. Merry Christmas! effete L7