Variety (December 1954)

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78 CHATTER Broadway Produce Howard Erskine en- gaged to marry actress Lucy Pren- tis next February. Arthur Askey, British comedian, returned to Br/ain Saturday (27) on the Queen Elizabeth after a brief U; S. stay. . . Concert manager-booker David Libidins back in circulation after burning a blood vessel in his throat a week ago. Ida (Mrs. Eddie) Cantor east, to visit her daughters. Comedian still taking it easy, at their Palm Springs retreat in between his vid- pix series for Ziv syndication; Marlon Brando, NBC-Ty writer- producer : Henry Salomon Jr., and the vaude turn of Dick & Dot Remy back from Europe on the S.S. United States last week; George Martin, Continental story editor, for 20th-Fox, with headquar- ters in Paris, , on his first tnp to the studio in three years. Will main on the Coast until January. Artur Rubinstein in frpm Paris last Friday (26) on the lie de Prance, Pianist begins his loth concert tour under management of S. Hurok with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dec. 9. Joe E.. Lewis, having done his “Christmas flopping early,'* checks out of Harkness Pavilion tomorrow (Thurs.) and hies himself direct- ly to Miami Beach to sun-and-gin rununv with pal Danny Arnstein. Nate Blumberg, Universal. Pic- tures board chairman, doing so Well at Doctor's Hospital, follow- ing his heart attack, that it now appears • unlikely that his wife, Vera, Will have to conie on front the Coast. Harold Bowden, general manager of J. C. Williamson Theatres of Australia, backi’n N.Y; after, a visit to London, and leaves for home in about 10 days He’s recUping from an attack of food poisoning while ‘ i England. ' * .. The George M. Cohan heirs have . consulted O'Brien, Driscoll & Raf- tery, attorneys for the estate, in connection with a Marianne C6han,-, (currently’ in the niteries, publiciz- ing herself as a granddaughter of ’ the showman - playwright - song - writer; . . ,, Metropolitan chapter of Third Marine Division Assn. Was organ- ized at “21” With Alvin M. Josephy Jr. as prexy, Milburn McCarty •ec-treas., and exec committee con- sisting of Paul C. Smith, Robert ;I. Kriendler, Ralph Horgan, Ray- mond Henri,'. Robert M* Simpson, Edward A. Galaskis, who'll rep the group at. division’s national con- vention in Washington, D. C.,' next June. By-Hazel Guild (24 Rheinstrasse; 76751) Real-Film started shooting on “The Devil’s General,’’ at Ham- burg. Ursula Thiess expected to spend part of December at her hometown of Hamburg. Pallas Films set “Obsession,” Michele Morgan-Raf VallOne star- rer, in Germany next month. Columbia plans to release Mau- rice Chevalier color pic, ‘‘Seven Daughters,” in Germany early next year.. * .. Kurt Neumann in Gottingen di- recting ‘‘Three From Variety,” which he co-scripted from the Fe- lix Hollander book, “The Oath of * Stefan Huller.” .Robert Siodmek., arrives in Ger- many in January to direct “The Rats,” which he co-scripted with Jochen Huth. CCC Films is pro- ducing; Gerhart Hauptmann will star. Herbert Wilcox and Wife Anna Neagle are in Germany looking for locations for “Kings “Rhapsody,” which Wilcox will direct. Shooting begins, in February, with Patrice Wymore, Errol Flynn and Miss Neagle playing leads. Scotland By Gordon Irvine: (Glasgow; Kelvin 1590) i Bea Lillie drawing .brisk biz to King's Theatre, Glasgow; “White Christmas” (Par), set to open at Odeon, Glasgow, Jan. 3. Gordon Harker to Glasgow in hew comedy “The Jolly Fiddler.”, Denny Willis, comedian, made tv bow in St; Andrews. Day pro- gram Nov. 30. y “Robinson Crusoe” pantoriiime. opens at Gaiety, Aye, Dec. 20, with Billy Stutt as comedian. Jack Anthony to co-star in pan- tomime with Dave Willis at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, “it's All Yours ” former Scot ra- dio program, being revived for one { ight’s airing late in December. Lord Inverclyde laid foundation Stone of new Lyric Theatre, Glas- gow, destroyed by fire in May, 1953. | Babette & Raoul, Scot adagio pair, sailing for three-month eaba- t'Es&lEf? _ Wednesday, December 1, 1954 i . . i l | i ■■ ' i ■■■■■■■■ • -I ,' • i ii i | | j - ■ , ■ ■ "I 1 1 ■ ' ■ ■ ■■ ret stint at Palace Hotel, Karachi, and Spencer’s Hotel, Calcutta. Brisk booking for “Guys and Dolls,” Christmas production at King’s, Glasgow, with most seats sold except for matinees and bal- cony locations. By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Odeon 49-44) Marge Llergo replacing Cather- ine. Sauvage at Le Carroll’s nitery.. Empire- Theatre wants .the; new Sugar Ray Robinson package show next season. Madp Robin in from the U. S. to start rehearsal, for “The Magic Flute” opera. Pat Rainey, songstress of Ring- side nitery. here, to London for top stint at Stork Club. Sacha Guitry winds his big spec* “Napoleon,” this week after a five- month shooting sked. . \. Nick Pery, Columbia Conti- nental.manager, nominated veepee by Joseph McConville. Robert Cohn taking over here as head of Columbia Pix foreign pro- duction and distribution activity. Alexandre Calder, U. S. artists, tagged by Dave Stein of . MCA to do sets for forthcoming musical here. Annabella due to. make her screen comeback in Anatole Lit- vak’s next C’Scope pic to be made here, “Deep Blue Sea” (20th). ' Claude Autant Lara’s pic ver- sion of Stendhal’s “Le Rouge Et Le Noir” (Red And The Black) may become, top b.o. pic this year. Maurice Chevalier now regrets that he^tlidn’t put on his present one-man show himself With b.o. hitting a steady $3,000 nightly. Borrah Mirievitch says he booked his Harmonica Rascals into the new Lido show so. he could sec them again for awhile. Mixing biz with pleasure. Otto Preminger due here to make sure there are no infringe- ments on the Bizet music score of his ‘‘Carmen . Jones” (20th); and facilitate early distrib overseas; Charles Boyer Winding “Nanai” here and will do an adaptation of Andre . Roussin’s legiter, “Les Oeufs D’Autruche” (The Ostrich’s Eggs), on Broadway late this sea- son. . Thierry Maulnier’s adaptation of Andre Malafaux’s novel, “La Cond- tion Humaine” (The Human Condi- tion), emerges; as a legiter with 29 scenes which will be. done with projected backdrops*' Preems Dec; 10; Fernand Ledoux can now act on Paris stage again with a special dispensation from his home com- pany, the Comedie-Francaise. He will do “VolponeV with the Jean Louis Barrault-Madeleine Renaud Co. this season.. Portland, Ore. Mills Bros, at Amato’s Supper Club for two weeks. The Dublin Players inked for Benson Auditorium Dec, 7. Duke Roslyn has taken over the. band dept, at the Earl Mossman agency. Oregonian drama editor Herb Larsen still off duty, recovering at home from a recurring illness. Helen Hayes and her “What Every Woman Knows” set new opening night record for legit plays here when she grabbed $7,- 100 at the Civic Auditorium. Oscar Nyberg, Evergreen’s man- ager of the New Fox, has 150 school kids visit his theatre each week with; their teachers and lec- tures on the house Operation. Solid public relations. India government .amending Cin- ematograph Act as to bring all rules in various states on uniform level. Pakistan government to allow 10 more Indian pictures to be ^im- ported from those held, by customs authorities;; . India government has reduced the duty by'half on films sent abroad by Indian producers for color processing., Madras government turned down Madras Corp; proposal that latter body . collect entertainment tax from theatres and charge the gov- ernment ZVz% . collection fee against lO^f presently charged. * Paramount demonstration of YistaVision at Bombay’s Eros Theatre made real impression on the. pic,, trade here. First Vista- Vision pic. “White Christmas” slated for. release in Bombay, Cal- cutta, Delhi and here Dec. 24. Director George Cukor in India in Connection with the Metro pic, “Bhowani Junction.” Anglo-Indian Community assured that film would portray them in true colors; also that Indian Actor Premnatli would get featured role in production. London Georgia Brown heading cabaret at the Albany Club. Bethe Douglas opening a cabaret ■season at the May Fair Hotel Dec. 13. Peter Dimmock named head of BBC-TV outside broadcasts depart- ment. Princess Margaret paid her sec- ond visit to the Casino last week to. see “Cinerama.” London tent of the Variety Club holding. its election dinner at the Savoy tonight (Wed.),... Anthony Darnborough reported- ly ending his association as a Rank producer at the end of 1954. Sam Butchart exited his post as general secretary of the Society of Cinema Managers as an econ- omy measure. Queen Mother Elizabeth opens the new Royal Academy of Dra matic . Art Theatre tomorrp (Thurs.). Belinda Lee. turned down a long termer from the J. Arthur Rank Organization; sighed, with Mike Frankovich for five years. Charles Boyer, Stubby Kaye and lyric writer H. J. G. Newman among show biz folks who spiled to N. Y. the Queen Mary Fri- day (26). Musicomedy star Evelyn Laye opened a new Keith Prowse show- case in Bond Street last week. Ceremony coincided with the coin- pany’s 170th anni. Madrid 1 By Ramsay Ames ( Castellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) Joaquin Calvo-Sotelo’s “La Mu- ralla” (The Wall) just, reached its 100th performance at Teatro de “Los Peces Rojos” (The Red; Fish), shelved since summer, is on the production list again. It will be directed by Nieves Conde. Miguel Delgado will direct “Ar- riba el Telon” (Curtain Going Up) which stars Mexico’s Mario. Mo- reno, better known ps “Caritin- flas’V Dr. Renato GUalino, prez of Italy’s Lux-Film, here tor a few days for final negotiations on Spanish- Italian .coproductions, “Carousel Espanol” and “Roldan Paladin”., Jose Luis Saenz . de Heredia, Spanish .. co-producer of “That Lady,” busy' preparing the Span- ish version of that picture, and at the sapie time readying his next production, “Tres Historips de Radio”. Producer Mike Frankoyitch here to prepare his -’Tormenta”, start- ing date of which has been pushed back to December because Frank- ovitch’s picture in London, which will co-star Jean. Simmons and Stewart Granger, is ’ still in the setting-upstage. ; Juan de Orduna, who directed “Locura de Amor”, (the story of Queen Juana la Loca) five years ago, and who was named Spain’s first director by Triunfo this year, will direct and prqduce an adapta- tion of Bartolme Soler’s„ novel, “Marcos Villari”. Title role goes to Jorge Mistral. Robert Ruark tossed a cocktail party last week to celebrate the (completion Of his new book, Among the guests—U.P.’ Ralph Forte and Mr. and Mrs. (World Commerce) Ricardo Sicre, who are on their, way to Cuba. The Ruarks have since gone to N.Y. where they plan to stay until February. Photographer Juan Gyenes, whose book, “Ballet Espanol" (a collection of his photographs of all of Spain’s most famous dancers), a bestseller herb, has another due in January* titled “Don Juan y pi Teatro en Espana”.' It's the larg- est illustrated edition about Span- ish theatre ever to be published. It contains Gynes’ illustrations of the 30 biggest Theatrical successes played in Spain during the last seven years, including Salvador Dali’s famous decorations for “Don Juim Tenorio” . By Hal V. Cohen Al Morgan n signed to top the New Year’s week bill at the Copa. Esquires return to : Bali Kea following their “Chance of a Life- time” clicks. Marti Stevens ahd Chandra- Kaly Dancers topping new show at the Ankara. John H. Harris Jr., quit LaSalle U. to volunteer for. draft but won’t go until Feb.>l. Mimi Benzell and Joey Adams will head Bonds for Israel show at MosqUe Dec. 12. Nat Nazarro, Jr., head of AGVA here, changed his mind about leav- ing the organization. t Harry Davies in; town beating the drums for^Deborah Kerr in “Tea and Sympathy.” i Donald -Steinfirst, Post-Gazette music tritic, and his wife flew to San Francisco for 10 days; George Arnold back from Europe, and has taken a new ice revue into the Twin Coaches. Phil Doyle, biz agent .for stage- hands union, back on the job at Warner after undergoing ah op- eration. ° Johnny Harris says next, season will definitely be the last for his wife, Donna Atwood, in “Ice Still-running “My Three Angels” has broken all' records at Play- house, topping previous high of “Peg O’ My Heart,” First ^anniversary of “This Is Cinerama” at the Warner Dec. 8 is taking on the aspects of a civic celebration. Luncheon, scroll, speeches and Kathy Darlyn, Cy- rvess Gardens aquabelle, all part f Arthur Manson’s whoopla. Omaha By Glenn Trump Susan Wayne, 'Coast tv actress, visited her family here. Rink Wright again named to pro- duce. ahnual Shrine Circus here. Joe Lukesh orch pacted for Os- car’s Palladium at Sargent for Thanksgiving and Christmas nights. Harry Fowler started publicity for “Hollywood Ice Revue,” booked for his Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum Dec. 7-14. Next meeting of Nebraska AUto-< matic Phonograph Operators’ Assn, Will be Dec, 11-12 at Madison Ho- tel in Norfolk* “Detective Story” has opened a two-Week run at Omaha . Commu- nity Playhouse. Jack Reilly, re- cently of “Mr. Roberts” traveling, company, is featured. Unit composed of Owen. Hester, dancer;. John Ellis; magic; Jeanne Jaimes, acros; R&y Riggs, harmoni-: ca;, and Pat Tregellas, accordion, p»layirig one-night theatre dates fori farm equipment concerns In state. By Georg:® Mezoefl . Reissue of. Charles Chaplin's “Modern Times” (UA) smash at Corso Theatre. Theatre am, Central preparing. Zurich preem of Andre Roussin’s comedy “The Little Hut” for De- cember. SchaUspielhaus. announced re- vival of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV,” drama’s first performance here since 1941. U. S. jazz package featuring Sara Vaughan,. Coleman Hawkins and Illinois Jacqiiet guest-toured several Swiss cities. Because of. flops by several 3-D pix in recent months, “Dial M for Murder” (WB) .is being released at Apollo in flat version. Praesens Film currently shoot- ing indoors at Rosenhof Studios for its sequel to “Heidi,” first Swiss full-length tinter; Dallas By Bill Barker Frances Langford and The Fel- las in Hotel Adolphus’ Century Room. Gloria DeHaven and Joe Reich- man orch topping Baker Hotel’s Murial Room show. Dallas Symphony launched its 55th year, with conductor Walter Hendl in for fifth straight season. Sophie Tucker handed plaque: by R. J. O’Donnell on behalf of Va- riety Club Tent 17 for her dona- tions to' Boys’ Ranch near here. ' Linda Darnell stopped over for hometown visit en'vroute to Texas Tech, Lubbock, where she attended opening of its,'art museum; she had posed for Peter Hurd murals there. ^ By Les Rees Edyth Bush Little Theatre pre- senting “Holiday.” “Bell, Book and Candle” on tap at Theatre-in-Round. Maureen Cannon into Hotel Radisson Flame Room for. second tinie. “Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo” scheduled for Northrop Auditori- um, Dec. 4-5. Minnesota U. Theatre chalked up alltime boxoffice record with “Mister Roberts.” - Previously announced for Lyce- um, Jail. 10, two-for-one “Models In Season” changed its route and cancelled. First Piano Quartet Appeared' with Minneapolis Symphony Or- chestra in benefit concert for orch’# security fund, Despite excellent crix notices, "Hollywood ice Revile,” first time here, finished 13-performance Arena engagement to poorest busi- ness in show’s history. Joseph Kaufman left for Lon- don. * Norman Moray in town for con- fabs with Jqck L* Warner. Cecil B, DeMMle and Charlton Heston returned from Egypt. Charles J. Feldman in town for. Universal sales conferences. Edward L. Alperson and Norman Siegel planed to Mexico . City. Paramount hosted T. Asao and M. Qhno, Japanese film executives. Harry Colin back at Cqlumbi hontieoffice after huddles ijn N, Y. Tess and Bill Bendix feted her parents on their. 50th wedding an- niversary, Jerry Davis and Marilyn Max- well to "Acapulco for two-week honeymoon. Bandleader - songsmith R a y Noble back from an extended stay in native England. Paramount hosted John Davis, managing director for J. Arthur Rank Organization. Audie Murphy to New Orleans to welcome the Third Infantry Di- vision back from Korea. Tony Curtis won the George Washington Carver Memorial In- stitute's annual Award of Merit. Grace, and George Brown have taken a capital-gain profit on their Hotel La Serena, Palm Springs, after four , years’ operation. The former Paramount studio ad-pub. head, Who also was president of the desert resort’s hotel associa- tion, is looking around for a. com- parable inn, but With greater num- ber of cottages. La Serena’s 11 units were inadequate in season for the Browns’ following. • r Bill De Witt now baritoning at the Opera: Club; Carmen McRae currently thrush- ing at. the Streamliner. Laurig Allyn and Ace Harri currently a:t Cloister Inn< . Evelyn West appearing' at FOlies Bergere in Calumet City. Ethel Ayler, Opera Club sopra- no, leaving Chi for role in Parli company of “Porgy and Bess.” Alan Mowbray being honored this week by the 52-Assn, for hi service to hospitalized war vets. Jac Worth prepping new cabaret tour to Palmer House, Honolulu Harry’s, and Blue Angel .on Dec. 16. - Fiftieth anni of Ochestra Hall being celebrated with special con- cert Dec. 11 by Fritz Reiner and Chicago Symphony. Miami Beach By Lary Solloway Isle De Capri is latest hotel to join those presenting shows. Opens Dee. 1 with Charlie Farrell and supporting acts. Alan Dean set for one week at the Nautilus before heading for the Caribe-Hilton in Puerto Rico and a five-week date. Vic Damone added to Christmas show which will reopen the Beach- comber. It’s headed by Martha Raye and includes Jack Carter and the Novelties. ; Sea Isle Hotel sold to group of investors for $4,000,000, dispelling reports that Walter (Lord 'Tarle- ton) Jacobs Was dickering for th® mid-beach hostelry. New manage- ment will present shows twic® weekly, Sid Jlarris agency booking. Houston By Bill . Roberts Shaw’s “Pygmalidn” iir its third week at the Playhouse Thomas Mitchell flew in to p.a. with the debut of his “Mayor of the Town” over KTRH-TV. Gary Cooper bagged a deer near Uvalde, celebrated the event, in the Shamrock’s Cork Club with Noah Dietrich and Pat di Cicco. Leo Carrillo helped false $100,- 000 for mentally retarded children via a Thanksgiving Day telethon over KGUL-TV, Galveston. Jimmy, Demaret, Jackie Burk® and Cary Middlekauf shooting sev- eral stanzas of Demaret’s new filmed teevee show at Westwood Country Club; Franchot Tone, Betsy Von FurS- tenberg and Biff JM(?Guire packed for New York after closing “King of Hearts” Thursday (25) at the Music Hall. The show had > a three- day run here. . English novelist J. B. Priestly put one foot in his mouth when he was locally quoted, “Texas men are bores,” blit neatly extracted same the next edition when he mai tained he was misquoted. James Melton emceed the Music Hall debut of KTRK-TV, Channel 13, w^hen Peter Donald’s plane was fogbound in New York; Marguerite Piazza, Kyle MacDonhell, Mary Raye & Naldi, Senor Wences and the Houston Symphony under th® baton of Ferenc Fricsay.headlined the show.