Hollywood Studio Magazine (July 1972)

Lee Graham's MAN ABOUT TOWN CESAR ROMERO, FRED MacMURRAY & JUNE HAVER at the opening of Romero’s cafe, Cesar’s Cappuccino Ristorante on La Cienega’s “Restaurant Row.” / fDebbie Reynolds, with a beaded behind, came on like Halley’s comet at her Grove opening and showed the hometown folks why she’s such a hot attraction throughout the country. Admittedly a ham (“I do 20 minutes when the light in the refrigerator goes on”), Debbie had more fun than anyone — singing, dancing, doing impressions, and being a clown. On second thought, the audience had more fun watching her. Her’s is a real Cinderella story. She grew up as Mary Frances Reynolds in a small house in El Paso. When they moved to Burbank, her dad got a job with the railroad and spent $4,500 for a house. “It took him 20 years to pay it off, but we were a happy family.” Her lack of popularity at Burbank High School didn’t bother her. “She was cute,” a school mate recalls, “But she didn’t have any clothes. I think she was asked to one prom.” All that changed, just as she did - from extra to starlet, to supporting player, to star. Her girl-next-door image also disappeared along the way as she divorced Eddie Fisher (“he became involved with another woman”) and married Harry Karl, the wealthy shoe showman. I •Even though she presents a devil-may-care attitude, I suspect that underneath she’s really very sensitive. One thing for sure - Debbie knows what’s good for Debbie. *** The town has been quietly whispering for some time that there was trouble in the nine year marriage of Elizabeth Montgomery and Bill Asher. Now it’s out in the open. Elizabeth has fallen hard for TV director Dick Michaels. Michaels and his wife have separated. I’m told Elizabeth and Bill tried to work out their problems for the sake of their three children, but it’s no good. It looks like a divorce will be forthcoming. *** The Huntington Hartford was the scene of the greatest acting seen here in years. We are indebted to James A. Doolittle who scored the booking coup of the season by bringing Jason Robards, Maureen Stapleton, and George Grizzard in “Country Girl” direct from Broadway. Taking a cue from the play’s title, a country style party was given opening night by Norma and James Doolittle at their marbled Trousdale “farm.” Ginghams and cottons, overalls and Levis were the prevailing dress although a few city slickers wore suits and ties. Keeping in the country spirit, we had fried chicken and corn bread for supper. The informality made guests friendlier as they do-si-doed and yelled “howdy.” Maureen Stapleton, totally untheatrical, was disheveled but glowing. She looked more like a suburban housewife who had been bargain hunting in tight shoes than one of our greatest actresses. On the other hand, Jason Robards is like a reincarnation of John Barrymore. Of the “theatah,” with a deep, resonant voice, the 49-year-old star is outspoken and outgoing. He was with his fourth wife, Lois, who looks like a younger version of his third, Lauren Bacall. The other member of the star trio, George Grizzard, was overwhelmed by the party - “Things aren’t like this in New York. Ohmygawd! Look! There’s Jeanne Crain.” Yes, Yes “No, No, Nanette” at the Ahmanson is a zingy musical. The New York version is zingier, but that’s due to the inspired casting of Ruby Keeler and Patsy Kelly. Locally, June Allyson, Dennis Day and Judy Canova are serving nostalgia. However, the best thing about the show are the songs and dances. The big number? “I Want To Be Happy” - and the audience is. Opening night there was an added touch of nostalgia provided by such rare theatre goers as Barbara Stanwyck, Jane Wyman, Ann Blyth, Edgar Bergen, Ida Lupino and Howard Duff (he was on crutches as a result of a fall while fixing the kitchen light bulb). DEBBIE REYNOLDS and the Man about town - proving that what they say about Crest (or something) is true!