Hollywood Studio Magazine (August 1971)

BANKAMERICARD MASTER CHARGE Expert French Weaving 840-4101 846-6660 3710 W.MAGNOLIA MAGNOLIA PARK CLASSES IN OIL PAINTING CAPRI PLAZA 780-9693 19562 VENTURA BLVD. TARZANA best-sellers, and Judy was in great demand again for films, concerts and night clubs. Suddenly her personal life took on more twists, turns and traumas than any film she ever starred in. But Judy always went on; more movies, concerts in Metropolitan Opera House in New York, appearances in Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Amsterdam. Fans flocked to see their beloved Judy, thundering their love in stormy applause. TV specials were followed by her CBS series, and then more records, concerts and one grim day, ‘The End’ flashed in rainbows. Liza Minelh, Judy’s gifted daughter has scored in movies, teevee and personal appearances and is now in Germany starring in “Cabaret” on location. Daughter Loma is in New York preparing her act for September night-club debut. Her young son Joe is attending high school in West Los Angeles. Judy Garland film festivals around the world continue to entertain her loyal fans. Re-issues of her records, and re-runs of “Wizard of Oz” and “A Star is Born” on teevee keep Garland before the public eye. Books and magazines abound with stories of her fabulous career. In the hearts of loyal fans the world over, Judy’s star shines forever at full magnitude. Fan clubs in London, New York, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, Chicago and Los Angeles keep exchanging tapes, photos and Garland memorabiha. Judy’s No. 1 Fan In Hollywood I visited Wayne Martin, who is considered high priest of the Garland cult, and Judy’s number one fan. The walls of Wayne’s cheerful Hollywood apartment are covered with posters, photos and movie-ads dealing with his idol, Judy Garland. Wayne, a pleasant man with a warm smile explains, “I first heard Judy Garland’s voice when she was appearing at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933. The moment I heard that tiny girl with the magnificient voice singing I knew I was listening to a rare phenomena.” And then? “I came to Long Beach in 1934 and saw Judy performing at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. She was still called Frances Gumm. Then, coming home from work one evening my cousin excitedly told me,” ‘Wow’! You should have heard this little girl sing on the radio on a record. I believe her name is Judy Garland, she’s only thirteen and she’s wonderful, what a voice!” Martin relates he caught her first film appearance in a short with Deanna Durbin “Every Sunday Afternoon” and then he wrote her a fan letter. He was invited to all of her press previews and for a time had his own movie column “Movie Fan Fare” and thus was able to meet Judy. Wayne explains, “I made tapes of all of Judy’s radio shows and motion pictures. Judy told me she was delighted that I could furnish her fans with tapes and photos of her life.” At first Wayne’s contact with Judy was usually connected with interviews or mentions in his column. Later, it became a personal friendship. “Judy provided me with 12 tickets a week to bring my friends to CBS during her telecasts in 1963 and 1964. She gave me a special seat next to the runway for 26 weeks.” Wayne reflects, “Judy was about the most kind and thoughtful person you could imagine. Once when I was ill and didn’t want to be bothered with the phone I had it temporarily disconnected. Judy couldn’t reach me, and became so concerned she phoned the pohce department to check on me. You can imagine how surprised I was to answer the door and have two officers tell me Judy Garland had sent them to see if I was okay.” “Did you ever go out to visit her at home?” “Yes,” Wayne nodded, “she sent her car to bring me to her house on several occasions. She gave me her own scrapbook of her various newspaper and magazine clips.” Wayne’s closets bulge with chps, photos, and stories on Garland. Most of the pictures on Garland in Film Careers Magazine were supplied by Martin. Life magazine has even used stills from his collection and in the book JUDY, photos of Martin are featured along with the story of his famed collection. “My wish for the collection is that it might perpetuate the talent of Garland. I have a three hour radio tribute with my tapes and have had numerous window displays.” Recently a special premiere party was held at the opening of the new D’Antan Cinemateque theater in Beverly Hills where “A Star is Bom” plays again. Martin’s collection will be on display in the lobby. Perhaps most touching of all is a letter to Wayne from Judy, dated Feb. 1, 1956; “Dear Wayne: Of course I read your very kind letters and am very touched by your many kindnesses for all these many years. I’m sorry to have been so remiss about dropping you a line and think it’s so very nice of you to keep writing in spite of my bad manners. Give your dog Trippi my love and tell her how flattered I am that she enjoys and can relax in the ‘Judy room’. all love and keep me posted please. Judy.” As Judy gave all love to her fans, they give all love to Judy forever. 8