Variety (December 1954)

70 CHATTER Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Broadway Alfred Hitchcock to England on a holiday. Sidney Bernstein back to Lon- don today (Wed.). Violinist Joseph Szigeti due in from Paris Saturday (18). Harry Hershfield the Saints & Sinners “faJU guy” Dec. 29. Metro pub-ad chief Howard Dietz and publicity manager Dan Terrell returned from Coast con- fabs yesterday (Tues.). Universal hot ’n’ bothered be- cause a “phony Race Gentry” ap- peared on the arthritis-rheumatism telethon pitch over ABC-TV. Warner shorts subjects topper Norman Moray back from Holly- wood where he set release plans on new one and two-reelers. Sonia Arova, Continental balle- rina, in yesterday (Tues.) on the Queen Elizabeth, to join Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer. Seymour Mayer, regional direc- tor of Near and Far East of Loew’s International, back after three- month survey of his territory. Walter Reade Theatres, which recently moved its headquarters to Oakhurst, N. J., holding open house Friday (13) at the new site. Bing Crosby has an affectionate vignette titled “Happy Birthday, Dear Irving!” saluting the song- smith, in the December Town & Country. Philip M. Sherman, son of RKO Theatres film buyer-booker Robert Sherman, engaged to Doris Gott- lieb. An April wedding date has been set. With three pix under his belt (“Battle Cry,” “Cell 2455” and “Man Without A Star”), William Campbell returns from the Coast today (Wed.) for a two-week home- town visit. The Jose Ferrers’ (Rosemary Clooney) Xmas greetings include a compelling blank-check RSVP for donations to the Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children (non- sectarian). Denver. E. G. Marshall, Sylvania award winner as tv’s best supporting actor, en route to the Coast for film assignments. He recently com- pleted a role in Warner Bros.’ “The Silver Chalice.” Yvonne De Carlo planes to the Coast tomorrow (Thurs.) after sev- eral days in town plugging AlHed Artists’ “Tonight’s the Night” in which she costars with David Niven and Barry Fitzgerald. Gogi’s LaRue becomes Nino’s LaRue, when the host of the East 52d St. eaten' bearing his name transplants himself to the 58th St. spot, which has been dark since its financial debacle a year ago. Jinx Falkenburg and Nina Foch added to list of sponsors of New Year’s Eve Celebrity Ball of United Epilepsy Assn., which sup- ports Variety Club clinic at Co- lumbia-Presbyterian Medical Cen- ter. Sam Stark, collector of old the- atre, minstrel and kindred memo- rabilia, corrects Variety’s Philly mugg Arthur B. Waters that the late Powers Gouraud made his S rofessional debut in 1905 in “The ew Yorkers.” Lucille and Harry E. Gould fly- ing to St. Moritz Jan. 15 for the winter sports. Theatre owner and industrialist is sparking a $3,500,- 000 building fund drive for the new Beth David Hospital on a site vir- tually next door to United Nations. Longtime Paris resident, Ameri- can showman-agent Irvin Marks- invited to Grosse Point, Mich., for Xmas and thence a Florida yacht- ing excursion with his host in quest of sun, which hasn’t been around much on the Continent, including on the Riviera. Jose Ferrer, east on an exploi- tation quickie for his “Deep In My Heart” (Metro biopic on Sigmund Romberg), did some tv guesters and was impressed by the occupa- tional travail that goes with video work. “They all look like they’re gonna keel over,” said the actor- author-producer. RCA prexy Frank M. Folsom was awarded the 1954 Catholic Ac- tion medal by St. Bonaventure U., which makes the award annually to an outstanding Catholic layman. The Olean, N.Y., institution cited Folsom’s “faithful profession of the Catholic faith in and through the achievements of a useful pub- lic life.” Edwin K. Hastings, who is re- signing as managing director of the Waldorf-Astoria to head up all the Matson hotels in Hawaii start- ing with the new year, hirfhday- surprise-partied Claude C. Phil- ippe, who is generally known as “the new Oscar of the Waldorf.” Incidentally, a farewell party to Rene Black, who shifts to the new Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, as maitre d’, was a sentimental eve- ning last week. Vernon Duke back to his Holly- wood home for the holidays, hav- ing completed three symphonic works for the Vienna Philhar- monic. His score to Theodore Pratt's “Miss Dilly,’* book by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee, is virtually set for Broadway production, and he has an Edwin Lester musical on the horizon. Duke’s memoirs, “Passport to Paris,” is due via Little Brown publication next month. Trip-Charge Inc., S. J. Rudolph president, with head office in Pitts- burgh, has gone the Diners’ Club and kindred charge-it outfits a step further. Oae credit card is good for all sorts of merchandise, from restaurants to specialty shops to hotel-motel and similar accommo- dations in the U.S., Europe, Central and South America and North African countries. Paris By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Ode on 49-44) John Ringling North here ogling the circus prospects. Mel Ferrer in for gala preem of “Knights of Round Table” (M-G). Minerva Pious hospitalized here at the American Hospital for minor surgery. Spivy back in nitery biz here with a new saloon off the Champs- Elysees. Larry Adler recording an album here for U.S. Angel Records called “Paris Pops.” Ava Gardner here on her globe- girdling tour for forthcoming “The Barefoot Contessa.” Henri De Montherlant’s “Port Royal” preems at the Comedie- Francaise this week. Suzet Mais’ illness closing down her legiter, “Souviens Toi Mon Amour” (“Remember My Love), for a week or more. Brigitte Bardot to play the daughter of Dany Robin in Franco- Italo pic, “Frou Frou.” Miss Bar- dot is 19 and Miss Robin 25. Sheldon Reynolds preparing his* first full length pic version of “Foreign Intrigue,” which he will do here in color and C’Scope. Comedie-Francaise will play Mo- liere’s “Le Bourgeois Gentil- homme” in Boston, N.Y. and Wash- ington next October and November. “Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde” get- tP z legit presentation here at the Grand Guginol with two actors playing the good and evil counter- parts. George Bernard Shaw’s “Pyg- malion” gets a reprise here at the Bouffes-Parisiens Dec. 20 with Jean Marais directing and starring; also features Jeanne Moreau. Rome By Robert F. Hawkins (Archimede 145; 800 211) Keita Fodeba’s African Ballet group filling in at Sistina Theatre. Spyros Skouras and Albert Corn- field in from Paris for huddles with local film industry officials. Skouras goes on to Greece. Jane Powell and new husband, Pat Nerney, spending large part of their honeymoon in Italy and Rome. Hefe by way of Milan. Rhonda Fleming to Montreux, Switzerland, after ending stint on “Semiramis” Leonor Marla Ballet current at the Open Gate Club nitery. Carmine Gallone signed by Rizzoli Film to direct third pic in the “Don Camillo" series. New one, with shooting to start in spring, will be called “The Honor- able Peppone.” Vittorio DeSica in new pic, “Sign of Venus,” opposite his new team- mate, Sophia Loren. Duo recently completed “Peccato Che Sia Una Canaglia,” and go into “Ferdinan- do.” for Titanus, nex spring. Anthony Quinn, who’s starred in several Italian productions during the year, is being sought for a return visit to star opposite Silvana Pampanini in “The Beauty from Rome,” based on Goldoni’s “La Locandiera.” Pittsburgh By Hal V. Cohen Evans Family taking club dates so they can stay home for Christ- mas this year. Jean Wolf, wife of Tiny Wolf, the Copa maestro, into West Penn Hospital for an operation. Sid Dickler broke his right leg when he slipped on the ice while crossing a downtown street. Bebe Sherman coming home New Year’s week for a singing date at the Merry-Go-Round. Frankie Elia, who used to have a cafe on Liberty Avenue, opening a new one, the Bandbox, on Grant Street. Eddie Bracken’s “Seven Year Itch” will give a special matinee at the Nixon Dec. 30 for benefit of Actors Fund. Jack Lester’s bad leg is okay again and dancing fmcee is off op a Southern tour opening in Bir- mingham, Ala. Drama League honored Robert Anderson, author of “Tea and Sympathy,” with a dinner at Arts and Crafts Center. London Rawicz and Landauer celebrating their 25th anni as piano duetists. Orson Welles in town to start his role in John Huston’s production of "Moby Dick.” Mai Zetterling planed to N.Y. last week for her Broadway role in “A Knight in Samarkand.” Variety Club holding its annual Christmas party tomorrow (Thurs.) when they’ll be hosts to the Water Rais. Irene Hilda, star of the Coliseum production of “Can-Can,” cele- brated her birthday with a back- stage party last Friday (10). Nat Cohen, Anglo-Amalgamated topper, postponing his N.Y. trip until next month because of illness of his partner, Stuart Levy. Frank Westmore due today (Wed.) from Cairo where he has been on the Cecil B. deMille loca- tion for the “Ten Commandments.” In his last day in office as the president of the Royal Academy, Sir Gerald Kelly opened an exhibi- tion sponsored by Granada Thea- tres. James E. Perkins, chairman and managing director of Paramount in the United Kingdom, sailed on the Queen Elizabeth, last Thursday (9). Lizbeth Webb and Harry Mor- ris are making the journey on the Caronia via Bermuda. Bernard Del- font and George Black returned last week via the Queen Mary. Madrid By Ramsay Ames (Castellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) Legit theatre Lope de Vega be- ing converted into a cinema. Richard Burton due soon to be- gin preparations for his starring role in UA’s “Alexander the Great.” John Hauser, veepee of the Hil- ton hotel organization, here for final negotiations on contract to build the new hotel, the Cavagliere Hil- ton, in Rome. The Zambra, a sort of Spanish tourist club, opened here with the blessings and aid of the American Embassy. It has two Flamenco floorshows nightly. Mexican songstress Ana Maria Gonzalez in Madrid to record for Columbia. Most exciting of the new disks is her version of Car- melo Larrea’s new “Camlno Verde.” Algraga Films tossed a cocktail soiree to celebrate start of its pic, “Un Hada en la Ciudad” (A Fairy in the City). It stars Susana Can- ales and will be directed by Rafael Salvia. Producer-director Juan de Or- duna, whose latest film, “Canas y Barro,” starring Virgilio Texeira and Italian actress Ana Amendola, opened strongly at the Teatro Ri- alto, plans a busy film lineup for 1955. Memphis By Matty Brescia Boston Pops concert skedded for Feb. 20. Lind Bros, were socko for Mem- phis State of Israel Bond drive last week. John Rogers, Press - Scimitar sports scribe, back from covering Look Mag sports and show event in N. Y. Linda Burson, 11-year-old daugh- ter of promoter Leo Burson now- directing Children Theatre produc- tions here. Hal McIntyre orch to Peabody for two weeks with Don Reid and crew skedded fqr two weeks begin- ning Dec. 30. Hippodrome shuttered to Negro traveling shows and now doing biz as a skating rink for Negro patrons under the banner of a Kansas City group. Bill Trotter, WMPS. Memphis ABC outlet, and Max Michel, WHBQ, Mutual station here, both honored as top radio hucksters here by local Ad club. Philadelphia By Jerry Gaghan Hugo Winterhalter was in mak- ing rounds of radio-tv stations. Dr. William B. Richter, songwrit- ing dentist, elected to membership in ASCAP. Dorothy George, long a chorine at Big Bill’s, created Latin Casino’s new chorus line. Don Redman, former band mae- stro, playing the chief of police in “House of Flowers,” musical at the Erlanger. Jack Silvers, former operator of Little Johnny’s and the Chancellor Bar, moved to Miami to launch a drive-in restaurant. Vince Carson substituted for Gaylords at opener in Chubby’s (Fairview, N. J.) when one of sing- ing group became ill. Eura Baileyi Pearl’s sister, is topper at the Creole Cabana, Mar- ket St. club, which has 'just switched to sepia policy. Joan Weber, the Paulsboro, N.J. singer who clicked 'with “Let Me Go, Lover,” is slated for appear- ance on “Toast of Town” Dec. 28. Goddard Lieberson and wife, Vera Zoriha were guests at sub- scription dinner of Philadelphia Orch at the John Bartram Hotel Dec. 8. Edna Phillips, harpist, will preem original work for instru- ment at New York’s Town Hall, Dec. 16. Work was commissioned by Samuel Rosenbaum, Miss Phil- lips husband and head of Musi- cians’ Transcription Fund. Frankfurt By Hazel Guild (24 Rheinstrasse ; 76751) Spyros Skouras due here Dec. 17 for a looksee. Ava Gardner due here for Christ- mas bally of “Barefoot Contessa” opening. N. Peter Rathvon in town from Paris, setting release deals for his Trans-Rhein films. Peter Ostermayr’s “Martin's Cell” is due for U.S. release with sub-titles in 1955. Universal’s next German release will be “Bengal Brigade,” now be- ing dubbed in Berlin. Richard Widmark’s acting in "Inferno” (20th) rated rave re- views in German press. T. S. Eliot’s “The Private Sec- retary” debuts in German on Hes- sischer Rundfunk (tv) here Dec. 20. Robert Siodmak’s color film for Allianz, “The Last Day’s March,” into second week at two theatres here. Austrian opera singer Lea Seidl signed by Romulus Films for the German production of “I Am a Camera.” Shooting in Wiesbaden is the German - Spanish coproduction, “Duel of Hearts,” to be released by Doring. Swedish actress Ulla Jacobsson set to star in “The Holy Lie” which Constantin Film starts shooting here in January. Omaha By Glenn Trump Ed Wilken re-elected as prexy of Adams County Fair Board at Hastings. Ed Sullivan and his “Toast of the Town Revue” booked for Sioux City, la., Aud last week for two shows at $4.25 top. Harry Fowler bringing* in the Harlem Globetrotters at Ak-Sar- Ben Coliseum Dec. 18 to follow run of the “Hollywood Ice Revue.” Don Romeo of local Paul Moor- head Agency last week hosted press, radio and tv reps at a steak dinner to announce his signing of Mills Bros., Monica Lewis, Gil Lamb, Darling Debutantes and Eddy Haddad orch for February’s New Auto Show. Ottawa Canadian Repertory Theatre do- ing Jean Cocteau’s “The Eagle Has Two Heads.” Gatineau Club billing Dorothy Kramer Dancers as “The Queen and Her Ladies.” Eddie Ackland, local drummer- chanter with Harry Pozy’s Gati- neau Club band, in stage lighting business as side line. Stan Helleur, former showbiz columnist with Toronto Telegram and later flacker with Warner Bros, in Canada, resigned as National Film Board publicity chief to re- join Telly as chatter-column writer. Reno By Mark Curtis Rose “Chee Chee” Murphy do- ing late hour biz in the Mapes Terrace Room. Harolds Club has underwritten practically all of the “Five Against the House.” Columbia pic. It stars Guy Madison and Kim Novak. Local tv station. KZTV, brought coals to Newcastle. Station now running a weekly Marko game which originated in Los Angeles. Beatrice Kay opened Dec. 6 in a Reno Little Theatre production, “Personal Appearance.” Leading man is Riverside orch leader, Bill Clifford. Washington By Florence S. Lowe Frances Langford marquee top- per at Casino Royal nitery last week. Met star Jan Peerce due in Dec. 26 to top the “Big Show For Is- rael.” Tele actress Maria Riva, daugh- ter of Marlene Dietrich, here to plead for United Cerebral Palsy. “This Is Your Army,” new docu- mentary being distributed under the COMPO aegis, launched at Stanley-Warner’s Metropolitan with a brass hat preem attended by top military execs. Hollywood Jose Ferrer in from N. Y. Wesley Ruggles in town after a long stay abroad. Kurt Neuman returned after nine months in Europe. Morey R. Goldstein in from N.Y. for Allied Artists huddles. Marvin Sugarman in town for huddles with Gene Autry. June Foray planes out this week to entertain troops in Japan. Mary Grant to Philadelphia to visit her husband, Vincent Price. Frank McDonald leaves for Rome this week for 12-week stay. Jane Powell and Pat Nerney re- turned from their European honey- moon. Turnabout Theatre celebrated its 4,000th performance Friday night. Dore Schary, afflicted with an ulcer, ordered to rest for next two weeks. Henry Fonda leaving next month for a three-month vacation in Europe. Dana Andrews received the "Nurse of Mercy” award from City of Hope Bob Hope and Margaret Whiting sold Christmas Seals at Hollywood and Vine. Johnnie Ray, ready to plane to N. Y.. sent to hospital with in- fected foot. Protestant Motion Picture Coun- cil named “White Christmas” as picture-of-month for December. Aldo Ray, Tab Hunter and Perry Lopez will ride the U.S. Marine float in Tournament of Roses parade. Rose Joseph and Sam Froelich, married a year ago in Las Vegas, celebrated their first anni by being married in California. Johnny Puleo, star of Borrah Minevitch’s Harmonica Rascals, and his wife have bought a new home in North Hollywood. Motion Picture Permanent Char- ities Committee reported 19.904 subscriptions amounting to $954- 927.50 to date in the 1955 cam- paign. This represents 76.4% of the $1,250,000 goal. Of this sum, $548,860 will be turned over to the L.A. Community Chest fund. Final report meeting will be held Dec. 17. Chicago Betty Jones ankled Max Cooper flackery last week to open her own office. Frank Sinatra here yesterday (Tues.) to visit plant of the Toni Co., his radio sponsors. Stuart Hamblen, composer of “This Ole House,” making rounds of deejays here with new material. Bob De Vere, music publisher who stopped for a single week and stayed eight, returned to N.Y. this week. Joan Weber, Columbia artist, meeting Chi disk jocks for first time on arm of Col chieftain Mitch Miller. • ’ Joe Delaney and Jimmy Hilliard, Label X toppers, in city briefly this week for dealer contacts and pro- motion. Joe Kayscr, MCA agent who’s being retired after 12 years, feted in farewell affair at Edgewater Beach Hotel by local staff. Bill Russo spelling Gene Krupa in first Jammin’ In Jazz concerts this week at Orchestra Hall and Austin High School, with Cozy Cole also on bill. Randolph Square bought out by Johnny Annes and renamed Ran- dolph Rendezvous, with Johnny Kaye ^nanaging. Billy Devroe and Devil-aires are current. Ernie Harper, keyboarder at Chez Paree Key Club, hosted to small party of personal friends by Chez management last week to mark his first anni in the room. Ed Seguin, B&K publicist, plan- ning onstage 25th birthday cele- bration for Julius La Rosa at Chi- cago Theatre on Jan. 2 per urging of his fan club here, the “Juliets.” San Francisco By Ralph J. Gleason Muzzy Marcellino in town mak- ing the d.j. rounds under wing of Bill Bisthum, Decca distributor. Mambo has proven so successful at the Mocamba that a second club, Mambo City, will be opened shortly. Gjon Mill flew up from L.A. to finish shooting a film on Dave Bru- beck for possible future use on Omnibus. Mary Kaye Trio off to slow start at the Fairmont but snowballed into success largely because of unusually solid press coverage. R. H. Hagen. San Francisco Chronicle second string music critic, doubling between music and drama to assist Bill Hogan, drama editor.