Hollywood Studio Magazine (November 1971)

before switching to crooning. He hit the big time when he teamed up with a long-jawed comedian named Jerry Lewis. After their breakup, Martin amazed everyone, including himself, by becoming a bigger star on his own. Dino looks great and credits his daily round of golf with “Making me feel like a 21-year-old, all day long. But where you gonna find one when you need one?” Ringsiding opening night were Dolly and Bobby Vinton, Carol Channing and Charles Lowe, Doris and Jules Stein, the gambling mecca’s most beautiful press agent, Jean Magowan and her well-mannered sons, Kevin and Kelly (he was celebrating his 14th birthday, but confessed he’d like to be older - like 16). “Harvey” — that tale of a long-running rabbit (he’s been at it since 1944) was with us again at the Hartford. Opening night brought out the town’s elite to give a rousing welcome to the play and its stars. Gig Young and Shirley Booth. He was born Byron Barr in St. Cloud, Minnesota, 58 years ago. A Warner Bros, scout discovered him at the Pasadena Playhouse, and he was signed to a long term contract. His first picture was “The Gay Sisters,” and Byron took the name of the character he played in the film. Gig Young. She was born Thelma Booth Ford in New York 62 years ago. Because her father refused to have his name connected with the stage, she became Shirley Booth. A mellow-faced, plumpish actress, she aged into fame, achieving national prominence as the half-quacked Mrs. Duffy on radio’s “Duffy’s Tavern.” At that time she was married to the show’s star, Ed (Archie) Gardner. They were divorced and a second, happier marriage to broker William Baker ended, after eight years, with his death. Miss Booth has been a widow since 1951. Following the performance, a black tie supper dance was held at the Beverly Wilshire honoring the cast. It was the last party arranged by Mrs. Howard Taylor as chairman of the Founder Patron Committee. The new chairman is Mrs. Alan Gordon. In addition to these charming ladies, we enjoyed talking to Jo Ann Pflug and John Roland, Roxanne Wander and Jack Carter who will probably be married by the time you read this; Betty and David Rose, Hope Lange and Hall Bartlett. It was a strange masked ball - no one danced and no one wore masks. And no cocktails before dinner, just wine. Nevertheless, La Vetta King’s Mardi Gras at her Cafe de Rex for Norma Foster and James Doolittle a couple of days before their marriage was festive with a Dixieland band giving it a New Orleans beat. I sat next to Zsa Zsa who kept me smiling with her remarks about women (unkind) and men (very kind). The garrulous Hungarian explained “Ven I vass sex months old, if a voman bent over my crib I cried, but if a man, I cooed.” Also at our table were Zsa Zsa’s favorite ex-husband, Herbert Hutner with his wife, Juli; Norman Alfi from Mexico City, Wendy and Lottie Mirisch, and Jim Gruzal, whose wife, Barbara Rush, was in Chicago doing “Fourposter” at the Drury Lane Theatre. Joe Bolker introduced his bride, Christina. They are planning a big celebration on December 11 when she becomes 21. On that date she inherits 75 million dollars. That’s on her mother’s side. At the moment, her father, Aristotle Onassis, has not forgiven her for marrying Joe. It may have been a cool evening, but Liza Minnelli soon had them warmed up at her Greek Theatre opening. Just back from Germany where she filmed, “Cabaret,” Liza is sounding and looking more like her late mother, Judy Garland, but not quite so pretty. Liza has an attractive gawkiness about her, the look of a waif combined with the sophistication of the European. Following the opening, we drove across town to the Bistro and a black-tie supper dance in honor of the excited star. Naturally, her proud father, Vincente Minnelli was there. Her former stepfather, Sid Luft attended the show with Liza’s half brother, Joey, but they skipped the late party. *** “If she were Catholic, she might be called Saint Sybil.” George Jessel was referring to Sybil Brand at “A Night of Nostalgia” celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Ambassador Hotel and Cocoanuit Grove which benefited the America^ Cancer Society. Agreeing with Jessel thit Sybil is one of the great ladies of our town, the crowd gave her a standing ovation. She worked tirelessly for this good cause and was largely responsible for making it such a successful evening. Entertainment was provided by Jessel who introduced everyone but Calvin Coolidge, Jack Benny who quipped, “I’m doing so many benefits I’m known as the Jewish George Jessel,” and George Burns who did his usual spontaneous material which we’ve all heard for years. Ah, yes, it was indeed a trip down memory lane. Society and celebrities mingled and once again, it was Mae West, making an early entrance for a change, who caused the most commotion. With her dislike of liquor and smoky rooms, she almost never goes to night clubs. Freddie Martin added to the spirit of the evening by playing favorites of yesteryear including, of all numbers to resurrect, “The Hut Sut Song.” Guests helping with the nostalgic feeling were the Edward G. Robinsons, Ida Lupino and Howard Duff, Rita Hayworth, Agnes Moorehead and Cesar Romero, Lita Baron (with George Burns), Walter O’Keefe, Anna Lee, Jeanne Crain, and Irene Ryan. *** A Warner Brother at Columbia? That’s what’s happening with today’s Hollywood. Jack L. Warner launched the start of his production “1776” by playing host to a large group on a Columbia sound stage reproducing the chamber of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Jack, last of the big movie moguls, sat with us for a short time wearing the rosette in his button hole which he was awarded by the French Legion of Honor. The movie pioneer stayed until the end, drinking bourbon (in small quantities) and making jokes. Members of the cast were there in costumes of ruffled shirts and satin knee britches, and with their long hair, they really didn’t look very different from the other guests. Benjamin Franklin would have felt right at home. *** 26