Variety (November 1954)

7 # CHATTER < Wednesday, November ID, 1954 Broadway Debbie Reynolds in from the Coast for a Week's Gotham stay. Edmiihd Burdom returned to the Coast following , a European vaca- tion, Ex-tradepaperman Nat Kahn launching own public relations firm. Metro producer Hehry Berman in from Europe and on .to the Coast. Bob Weitmairi, veepee of ABC; bedded with flu; doc ordered him to bed early this week. Sarah Vaughan, accompanied by husband George Treadwell, re- turned from Europe last week. Theatrical attorney H. William Fitelson flew to the Coaist Monday (8) for a week on business matters. Jane Powell^ who wed Pat Ner- ney on Monday (8), planes to,Eu- rope Friday (12) on her honey- moon, Paulette 'Goddard and author Erich Maria* Remarque in from Eu- rope Saturday (6) on the Nieuw. Amsterdam.. .. Elizabeth Taylor arriving from the Coast Friday (14) to bally the charity opening of “The Last- Time I Saw Paris.”' Howard Keel heads for the Coast this week after several days in town following his. return from a p.a. tour in in Britain; Lee Reno;, secretary to : Thomas Gerety of Metro’s homeoff ice pub- licity dept., marries Joseph Ver- gara on Thanksgiving Day. Hilde Gueden, Met. Opera so- prano, flew in. last 1 Friday (5) from performances at the Vienna State Opera and Salzburg Festival. . Arthur Rosen, assistant.to Nat Lapkin, Stanley Warner’s Cine- rama production chief, planed to the Coast over the weekend. Charies J. Freeman’, former RKO head booker and now with Inter- state Circuit in Houston, cele- brated his 73d birthday last week, Frankie Laine; who appeared at last week’s Royal; Command vari- ety performance in London, re- turned to New York yesterday (Tues.) on the He de- France. Treasury Dept.’s Savings Bond Division in Washington this week handed Judy Holliday the Minute Man Award arid Columbia Pictures a Distinguished Service Award. Norman Brokenshire, whose, autobiography has gone into its third printing, hack from a lecture tour on the tome, and is moving back into the radio-tv business; A third anniversary memorial mass will be celebrated for Jack Mclnerney at nodn next Wednes- day (17) in Saint Jean Baptiste Church, 76th St. and Lexington Ave. Richard Skinner, general man- ager, of the Huntington Hartford Theatre, Hollywood, leaving today (Wed.) for the Coast after, a week here lining up attractions for his house. Porfirio RUbirosa, the Dominican diplomat and former husband of Barbara Hutton, will drive in the fifth Pari American road race which will end after five days in Juarez, Mexico. Claude C. Philippe, major domo of the Waldorf, quickied to Lon- don on a five-day hop to visit, his wife, Mony Dalmes, of the Comedie Francaise, with “expenses paid by Election winnings/’ Joe Glaser, topper of Associated Booking Corp., planes out. today (Wed.) for a quickie trip to Lon- don, Paris and Rome for talerit gandering. He’s expected back at his N. Y. desk Monday (15). Arthur Askey, British comedian, composer-ccfnductor David Rose, actor Bill Johnson, pianist Clifford C.urzon and the Theatre. Guild’s Jerome Whyte arrived, from Eu- rope Monday (8) the Queen Elizabeth. Pianist Claudio Arrau, who played in Vienna, Berlin and Milari last week, wound his European tour Monday (8) with a recital in Paris, then flew in. to N.Y;, to. begin, his U.S. season next Sunday (14) in Newark. Thomas Schernian arid the Little Orchestra Society; will present Theodore D. Steinway, of the piano family, illustrator Lisl Weil and Abbott Lee Ruskin, nine-year-old pianist, at a Hunter College gout cert Saturday morning (13). Max Leavitt will be the narrator. Ellen Morris; daughter of music, publisher E. H. (Buddy) Morris, left for the Coast last week after month’s stay iri Gotham to re- sume as registered nurse at the U.C.L.A. Medical Center. She stopped over at Columbia, Mo., to see her sister Lynn, who’s, an un- dergrad at Stevens College.. Irving Trust, where Walter Winchell banks his Damon Runyon Cancer Fund, has co-oped. on a penny-a-day prepared check ($3;65 per annum) foe benefit of the fund. It also lias a “souvenir” pitch, in that it is returned to the donor for possible framing. There is a tv hookup' via the Ella Raines- “Jariet Dean,'R. N.” show. Ramsay Ames . {Gastellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) United Artists contracted for Studio space at Madrid’s . Sevilla Films, starting Jan, 1 for its Alex- ander, the Great.” While shooting a fight scene with Fernando Ferriari-Gomez in "La Otra Vida del Capitan Contreras” (The Other. Life of Captain Con- treras), actor Fernando . Sanchp broke his right shoulder in a fall dowri some stairs. Among the guests at Pedro Chi- cote’s cocktail party for Miroslava were Dolores del Rip, Luis Miguel Dominguin, Cesareo Gonzalez, pro- ducer Benito Perojo, Mexican act- or Tito Junco,. Lola Flores and writer Mercedes Pinto. Victor Pahlen here preparing (in .association with Mike Frankovitch): the Spanish-American co-produc- tion "Tormenta,” which Will star Pahlen’s wife, Erika Vaal; goes be- fore the cam'eras Dec. 10 on loca- tion in Mallorca. Film’s Spanish producer is Solozano. By Gene Moskowitz . (28 Rue Hrichette-Odeon 49-44) Barnard Pfeiffer, Gallic jazz pi- anist; signed for Embers: Club in N.Y. ... Bob Kingsley and Mike Mindlin here after winding chores on Ilya Lopext’s “Summertime” (UA) which was made entirely in Venice.; Prizewinning Jap film, ‘The Gates of Hell,” now in a long run Via its original Version, will be the first Japanese pic to be dubbed Into French for general release. Preston Sturges will make a film here this season, “The Garnets of Major Thompson,” with a cast headed by Alec Guinness, Robert Lamoureux and Danielle Darrieux. Gregory Peck having a few. days, off from the shooting of “Moby Dick” (WB) in London, and spend- ing them here at the better res- taurants before heading for loca- tion, Italo "Bread, Love and Fantasy” in its sixth month with its original version on the Champs-Elysees. Looking in for a long subtitled run in this area also is “Knock On Wood" (Par). Vandals defaced the walls and posters of the Fontaine Theatre/ now showing the play “Responsi- bilite Limite,” dealing with anti- semitism. Police are now on hand for all performances. Martine Carol has accepted a fiye-year contract with 20th-Fox to make one pic .per year. Hubby Christiari-Jaque is also' in on this and will direct Miss Carol’s second commitment. First film is “Can- Can.” The film house Saint-Marcel Pathe is the first one to feature regular large screen tv, arid is bill- ed as the “tele-cinema” here. House plans to have, regular pix plus tv transmissions at every, show. Ludmilla Tcherina will probably accept the offer of the' Metropoli- tan. Opera of N.Y. to be its prima ballerina, starting in February, ’55. Iri December; she heads for Lon- don to play i nthe Michael Powell pic, “Rosalinda.” Looking like another legit hit here, with solid crix, is Jean Anoiir ilh’s new long one-acter, “L’Ec.ole Des Peres” (School for Fathers), sharing billing with; Anouilh’s adaptation of Oscar, Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.”. Borrah Minevitch’s He St. Louis bistro is becoming a ; “must” for all visiting show biz people. In arid out. this week were Robert. Siod- niak, Erik Charrel; John Byran, Steve Previn. ^ Prestoh Sturges. Chaz Chase, Spivy, Anita Loos and Anatole Litvak. Barcelona By Joaquina C. Vidal-Gomis (Angli, 43 ;Tel 24-00-18) “Men In My Life” at the Rome a where Ernesto Vilches’ company did well With Argentine Eduardo Pappo’s play, The Barcelona Theati’e has An- tonio Molina in the show, “Hecli- izo,” plus prima balleri Tona Radely and her ballet. " American pix at Barcelona cine- mas are “Island Iri-the Sky” (WB), “Caine Mutiriy”. (Col), “Law and' The Lady” (M-G).and “Beachhead” (UA). ' Actor.. Enrique Guitart off to Madrid for a performance of. “The Hands of Euridice” at the Fourth Ntional Convention of rieuro-psy- chiatry; he is surrehtly at the Rigat in the same play. London Irving Berlin came to town for the preem of ‘‘White Christmas,” and feted at a Paramount cock- tailery, Carol Bruce, star of the London edition of "Pal Joey,” to Paris on a quickie before . sailing home on. Friday (12). Vic Perry talking over as emcee of ’“People are Funny,” the radio program broadcast weekly from Luxembourg. , Jack Oliphant celebrated his sil- ver Wedding arini alone in London, Nov. 3 because his wife is 6,000 miles away in Hollywood. Not having had a holiday in the last six years; musical comedy star Lizbeth Webb goes to America for six weeks vacation Christmas, A radio series recorded by Anna ' Russell during her recent London season is to be aired on the BBC/ Home Service starting Nov. 17. Stewart Granger in fro in Holly- wood over weekend to co-star with Jean Simmons iri “Deadlock,” a Mike Frankovich production for Columbia release; Christopher T. Higgins appoints ed personnel, manager of Granada Theatres,; replacing. Victor Chap- man who was recently upped to post of chief booker. ; Howard Harrisom, recently named joint m.d. of London Films Inter- national, toAustralia and New Zealand for confabs" with Ernest Turnbull of the Hoyts Circuit and with Universal, which releases Korda pix. Dick Hurrah, Bernard Delfbnt’s production manager and show pro- ducer, off to Italy, Spain and Por- tugal on three-week talent hunt for Delfont’s new show due at the Prince of Wales Theatre late in April; will also seek novelties for his other West End shows for next year. By Hal V. Cohen Bill Kenny, the ex-ink Spot, booked to open week’s stand at Copa Monday (15)., Local actor Gene. Lyons signed for a role in Gilbert Miller’s “Wit-, ness for Prosecution/’ Jimmy Finks, Steelers’ quarter- back, will be “Fall Guy” at Circus Saints and Sinners fall party Dec. 10. y Howard Newman in town ahead of “Wonderful Town,” which Nixon gets for two weeks opening Nov. 22 . Phil Doyle, biz agent for stage- hands union who was recently hos- pitalized for heart attack, back for Surgery. Ken Rossignol, Tech drama grad, is master. property man for new ;Ez1o Pinza-Walter Slezak musical, “Fanny.” Geqrge Murray, Casino manager, arid his wife have moved from Haddori Hall to Edison Hotel closer to the theatre. Goofers did so well at Vogue Terrace they’ve been re-optioned for three dates, in May, October and December. By Les Rees “Life With Father” on tap at Edyth Bush Little Theatre. Star Playhouse offering “The Hasty Heart” for a fortnight. Herbie Fields following Dick Marrone into St. Paul Flame. Jan August to give way to RUs- sell Nype at Hotel Radisson Flame Roorri. Minneapolis Symphony sriasdn’s opening coricert drew audierice Of 3,500. “Hippodrome of 1955” rounded out week’s run at St. Paul Audi- ; torium. Hollywood Ice Revue started 13- perf.ormance date, at local Arena this .week, “Biggest Show of 1954” with Billy Eckstine, cancelled Nov. 5 date at •Auditorium.here. Old Log Strawhatter abandoned plan to present “The Front Page” at; Lyceum, , local legit house. Benefit dance held for Big Jay McNeely’s band which lost instru- ments in fire which destroyed Vic’s’ nitery where they Were appearirig; now ate playing orie-riighters in this territory. Munich Hungarian director Ge.za Rad- vanyi plans to move his residence from Paris to Hamburg. Italy’s Raf Vallone and German femme Ruth Deuwerik partnering in Rolf Hansen’s “Beloved Enemy.” Rossellini - Bergman finished work On their first German pic,. “Fear,” based on Stefan Z.weig’s short story, “8/15” filmization of German bestseller on army life, is. set for release in 100 theatres. Gloria is distributing. This saturation re- lease is unprecedented in postwar German show biz, First b.o. hits of German fall pic season are “Sauerbruch,” biog on German surgeon; “Kaiserman- oever” gaudy Viennese tinter spec; “Gypsy Baron” operetta; Walt Disney's “Living Desert” and “Caine Mutiny” (Col). William Dieterle on location in northern Bavaria for his Richard Wagner color biopic, “Magic Fire” starring Yvonne de Carlo, Rita Gam and Alan Badel (as Wagrier). German supporting cast has been signed for the Republic pic. By Jerry Gaghan Club Zelmar switched from iriambo to name policy. Emerson’s Musical Bar, South Philly musical nariie spot, shutter- ed. Monte Proser's Playhouse, New Hope, Pa., plans to remain, open all winter. Nellie Lutcher making her -first local appearance in four years at Pep’s Musical Bar./ Victor Borge will present orte- jman show at the Arena Dec. 5 un- der sponsorship of Philadelphia In- quirer Charities. Patti Ross, dancer featured in George White’s ‘Nice to See You” at Latin, Casino,. is opening ballet school in New York. Ben Martin,: owner of the Rip- tide, Wildwood, N. J., purchased the Club Bolero, another name showcase at the resort. Skipper Daves, former radio-tv producer and commentator, named manager of : Theodore Press store, music publishing house, City Recreation Department dedicated Frank Palumbo Play- grbund named in honor of caife- man and philanthropist. Heitor Villa-Lobos, dean of con-- temporary' Latin American com- posers, slated world preem of two latest works during his appear-; ances with the Philadelphia Or- chestras in January. By Glenn C, Pullen Four Aces into Sky-Way Club for four days, succeeding Three Suns; Johnny Morocco bought Pagli- acci Club, renaming it the Val Morocco. Fanny Arrns, former Halle’s de- partment fashion editor; joined Play House’s publicity bureau. Leoriard Gray from Detroit made new. Paramount - exploitation man in- this area; replaced Harry Weiss, bound for N.Y. Balletmaniacs were caught in middle by Ballet Theatre playing against Monte'Carlo Ballet Russe in civic auditorium during same week. Former group booked two days by Mrs. Emil Brudho Who Clashed with G. Bernardi, sponsor- ing other edmpany. Bob Ancell, Hipp theatre’s pro- motion director and disk jockey, is new member of Fred Strauss book- ing agency. Ancell is handling its local nitery . accounts during Strauss’ trips with the Crew-Cuts as their personal biz manager arid partner. Tex Ritter brought in by backers of new O’Neil-Sheffield Shopping Center to open it. Three Suns and Four Aces also making personal appearances for spot. Frankfurt By Hazel Guild , (24. Rheinstrasse; .76751) “Canadian Video Films” signed a deal with UFA for films on Canadian tv. First Perspecta Stereophonic opens in town Nov. 15 when Metro preems “Knights of the Round Table.” German actress Maria Schell heads for Hollywood in November, fori, her first pix, “Backfire," with Gary Cooper. . WB planning gala preem for “Star Is Born” at Berlin’s Film Buehne Wien Theatre Dec. 25, first European showing. Columbia set to release “Mirror of Beauty” in Germany. . It is a German-Austrian co-production by Schonbrunn : Rex-Films, now shoot- ing in Austria. In bid for better legit business, thesps are bringing two American . stage hits, in German. “Caine Mu-. tiny,” ; starring Wilfried tier,- Rick- lef Mueller and Thomas. Fabian, started at the Kleines Haus. On Nov. 15, ‘‘Teahouse of the August Moon,” will be done by the City Theatre Players. By Fred Woodress Stan Kenton plays at Auditorium Nov. 14. Ringling -Bros, circus here at Fairgrounds Nov, 5. Eleanor Steber to open Symph’s sixth season Oct; 28 at Auditorium. Recent Birmingham visitors in- clude Charlie Applewhite, the Chordettes, Spike Jones group and Stephen MltchelL Jesse L. Lasky in from N. Y. . Michael Wilding home from the hospital. Gilbert Roland to Mexico City on vacation. Jan Sterling to Toronto to drui beat for “The Human. Jungle.” Charles Watts emceed, the Sun- day show at the Hollywood USO. Robert L, Lippert returned froi the TO A convention in Chicago. Herbert J. Yates returned to hi desk after recovering from surgery. Edmund Purdbm checked in. at Metro after three weeks in Eng- land; Kim Novak, Eva Gabor and Johnny Weissmuller returned from N. Y Richard Steeriberg moved from MCA to Paul Sinall Artists as an associate, Stewart Granger to London. for ■ the Command Performance of “Beau Brummell.” George Murphy to. Charlotte for . the North and South Carolina The- atre Owners convention, RUfus Blair returned from “The Ten Commandments” location in Egypt, on doctor’s orders. Steve Broidy will be keynote speaker at the Publicists Guild’s annual; Panhandle Dinner.. Richard Steenberg shifted from the Sam Jaffe agency to ; Paul Small Artists, as an associate. Cyd Charisse will christen the Royal Vikingi first Scandinavian plane to fly from L.A. to Europe. Motion Picture Relief Fund sold about 40,000 Christmas cards i first month of its annual campaign. John J. Schulman in town as guest of L. Wolfe Gilbert to ad- . dress the. Los Angeles . Copyright Society. Edward Morey arid Norton V; Ritchey in from N:Y. for Allied Artists’ annual board Of directors meeting. George Jessel will emcee the Screen. Producers Guild’s annual Milestone Dinner, honoring Joseph and Nicholas Schenck. Film workers’ average - earnings were down in September to $125.35 | from $129,80 average of August ac- cording to California Labor Sta- tistics Bulletin. But Sept. 1953 was $107.40 average. Mrs. Eleanor; Roosevelt narrowly escaped injury w^eri a large spot- light exploded' yvhile she was visit- ing the set of “The Desperate Hours” on the Paramount lot. Luckily she had .her back turned to the light. Humphrey Bogart, star of the picture, and three mem- bers of the crew were cut by flying glass 'and treated at the studio hos- pital. ' j Hadda Brooks filling. in the last five days of Tito Guizar’s stint at Black Orchid. Sid Epstei Williarti Morris agent here, . yatationing for two weeks with frau at Miami Beach. Edgewater Beach Hotel unveil- ing new dinery, the Charterhouse, and the Cinnabar cocktail lounge Nov. 15. Blue Angel , opening doors on Sunday nights beginning Dec. 5 and embarking 7 on seven-day schedule thenceforth. Sam Katzman. looking over town to set- sites for filming “Chicago Story,” which Will star Dennis O’Keefe, Xavier Cugat and Abbe Lane. Lily Pons dated for Anshe Emet Temple last night (Tues.), together with Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn in performance of “Face to Face.” “I Come For to Sing” folksong group, comprising Studs Terkel, Chet Roble, Big Bill Brobnzy, and Larry Lane, reorganizing for Mon- day night performances at Play- wrights Theatre Club. By Gordon Irving ( Glasgow; K,elinri 1590) “Martin Luther” opens four- week run at Cosrno, Glasgow Nov. is. G. H. Elliott, currently at Pavil- ion, Glasgow, celebrating 70tn birthday. , . , Jjban Stuart to play Principal Girl in pantomime, at Pavilion. Glasgow. * “Purple. Plain” (Rank) given charity preem at New Victoria cin- ema, Edinburgh. “White Christmas” (Par) given gala trade screening to exhibs at Odeon, leading Glasgow cinema. Olive Gilbert, here in “Dancing Years on Ice,” to play her prig'naf stage role in film of Ivor Novello s “King’s Rhapsody,” set to roll m New Year With Errol. Flynn and Anna Neagle, R. Catori (Bob) Horsley, manage W Empire Theatre, . Glasgo-’,, upped to manager of Victoria P? 1 * ace, Londonv His successor « Frank Mathie, former manager oi Wilson Barrett stock company.