Screenland (Jul-Dec 1948)

Of Duff and Stuff Continued from page 25 to parties where he's privileged to be a spectator and not a participant. He loves music, old Louis Armstrong records running a fast favorite. With no desire to "compete with James Mason," he's crazy about cats. Rumor reports a heartbreaking romance in his enigmatic personal past, supposed religious complications being the cause, but just try and get Howard to talk. "Of course I'd like to be married," he'll tell you in no uncertain tones. Gibraltar should live so long, before he'll be induced to enlarge on that one! Not too long ago there was Yvonne DeCarlo and the mystery engagement ring that didn't lead to wedding bells. Hollywood strongly suspects it might have been a publicity stunt. Put the question to him— and Howard lights a cigarette! There was a red head with him one night at Schwabs Drugstore There was a blonde, a brunette, a dinner with Doris Day, which was a publicity "date" for a Beverly Hills restaurant. There was a romance with (and still is, in a manner of speaking) — glamorous Ava Gardner. When Ava started "One Touch of Venus," Howard's flowers were the first to arrive on the set. A favorite droppingin place is the "Heady Room" on La Cienega Boulevard, where a corner table is conducive to conversation. There was that moonlit night they "did" every concession on the Ocean Park Pier One look at Howard's face when he looks at Ava and you pretty much know what he thinks. Recently a well-known Hollywood columnist tried to get him to elaborate on the subject. "Ava Gardner's a terrific girl," said Howard. And there the interview came to a decisive turning point. During one period the situation looked serious. Ava wasn't also dating Robert Walker, Peter Lawford, and the various escorts Howard is sharing her with today. Then something happened. No one knows what and no one is going to find out if they expect either Howard or Ava to enlighten them. They stopped seeing each other altogether. Now they are friends again and it's a general impression that career, at long last, comes first with Ava. Twice disillusioned in marriage (to Mickey Rooney and Artie Shaw) she obviously has no immediate plans to marry Howard or anyone else It was some thirty odd years ago when a son was born to Hazel and Carlton Duff. This was Howard. Thev were living in Charleston (later changed to Bremerton) Washington. There was a step-brother who was older by ten years. Douglas Duff arrived on the scene when Howard was two. Grandpa Edward Duff (who was mayor for 15 years) practically controlled the town. Because of his various holdings and interests, the boys enjoyed privileges that really set them up with the neighborhood kids. "We were big men in Charleston!" says Howard with that deadpan face, as his eyes gleam with amusement at the memory. LITTLE LULU 'Look, Mister, KLEENEX* jumps up, too t ••' • Little Lulu says . . . Only Kleenex has the Serv-a-Tissue Box— pull just one double tissue— up pops another! Compare tissues, compare boxes— you'll see why Kleenex is America's favorite tissue. © International Cellucotton Products Co. ,*T. M. Reg. U. S. Pal. Off. V XCITING EYELET You'll be fresh and fair as the first spring flower in this precious bit of shoulder sorcery . . . crisp eyelet embroidery frosts one shoulder and the two patch pockets a self covered belt, zipper placket and brief cap sleeves combine to make you a picture of cool perfection —for every occasion. Fine Rayon Faille Aqua, Feather Blue, or Rose Sizes 9, 11, 13, 15 10, 12, 14, 16 MAIN STEM FASHIONS, Dept. 395 Broodway, New York 13, N. Y. Rush me "Exciting Eyelet." If not completely satisfied, I may return within 10 days for full refund. ... send C.O.D.: I'll pay $6.98 each plus postage. ....send prepaid; we pay postage. Size 1 st Color Choice 2nd Color Choice Name. 395 Broodway, New York 13, N. Y. City. DAY MONEY-SACK GUARANTEE S GREENLAND