Screenland Plus TV-Land (Jul 1959 - May 1960)

BARRY COE continued "Sometimes I think I'm too selfish to make a good husband. 1 "Things like this," he continued in explanation of his so-called selfishness. "Some time ago, an old school friend from up north wrote he was coming to town. So, I invited him to share my apartment. He did. For some three months. I like the guy: we got on great. But, I'm telling you. I never was so glad to see anyone leave. He wasn't any bother: it was just that I wanted my place completely to myself." With a lazy, ingratiating smile, Barry put the question up to me: "Wouldn't you say I'm a pretty selfish and unsharing guy — hardly ready for the give and take of marriage?" This reporter wouldn't say that, pointing out merely that there is a world of difference between a long-staying house guest and a permanent-staying wife. Barry went on to explore the subject of children as a vital ingredient in marriage. He likes kids — he thinks. "But after spending a day with six active little monsters, aged two to seven, I just don't know," he says. "They're the youngsters of my twin sisters, Gayle and Beverly, and baby-sitting with them wears me to a frazzle. When they're older I can take them fishing and swimming but right now T just marvel al the patience of my sisters and brothers-in-law. And Gayle and Beverly married early — 17 and 19 — yet they have a mature sense of responsibility. Me? I don't know . . ." Again, Barry neglects to consider the difference between someone else's kids — and one's own. But he is giving serious thought to the underlying problems of show business marriage. Barry feels that the real reason why actors frequently get all fouled up in this love and marriage business is that real love demands that you give of yourself. Actors don't have a five-day, eight-hour job like salesmen but are com pletely tied up to a very demanding career. "And let's fa it," says highly intelligent Barry, "most of us actors are t(' interested in ourselves to give." In the studio dining room with its full complement i good-looking young actors, Barry's boldly handsome goc looks and virile physique continued to draw feminine eye The well-muscled, six-foot-one Mr. B. weighs in at 175. H fine skin gently tanned by the sun, summer and winter, h classically pure features and determined jaw are set off t a million-dollar boyish grin. So it's easy to understand th; Barry has quickly become the answer to the collective prayei of the ponytail set and those considerably older: that he considered the best-looking young man under contract to an studio. Casually, he establishes an instinctive and highl flattering rapport with a woman /interviewer, appearing a' genuinely interested in her activities as she is in his. He1 equally interested in his co-workers, it appeared, friendb, obviously well-liked, and on a first name basis with an ar usually large group. "TT E HAS enough charm to stop a Black Widow spide A-l before she strikes." declared a young actress who ha appeared with him. But if Barry were just a smiling surfac personality Joe like so many you meet in this town, hi could be dismissed easily. Instead, he combines the "pretf" boy" handle with acting talent, sensitivity and intelligence And it is these qualities, demonstrated first in "Peytoi Place," that have brought him a growing respect by tht studio brass despite the terrific competition he has had fron other young profiles right on his home lot.