Hollywood Motion Picture Review (1944)

Ik N THE SCENE with Eddie Cherkose LeRoy Prinz, whose interest in flying hasn’t waned, since his service in the air corps during World War I, has just become the proud father of an Aircoupe. His wonderful work at Warner Brothers has netted him a brand new seven year contract. Having just completed the first all classical ballet in the history of motion pictures, for “ESCAPE ME NEVER,” a short featuring Desi Amaz, he is now preparing the musical sequences for Jerry Wald’s “SILVER LINING”. . . Incidentally, M. K. Jerome and the kid with the mustache, are writing the special material for the last mentioned film. , Sally Goldner, who owns a theatre ticket agency has automatically become a member of the SWITCH club. It seems that “FOOLISH NOTION” is currently packing them in at the Biltmore, and the best that Sally could do for herself, was a seat in the last row. When she arrived at the theatre, she found herself sharing an arm-rest with Helmut Dantine! She said it was the first time she’d ever taken a back seat for anybody, and enjoyed it!! . . . Hans Ludwig, whose racket is tennis (wow), is happy to serve Mrs. Irene McAvoy these days. If I were a punster, I’d say it looked like a ‘love match’! . . . When Bobby Breen first set foot upon home soil, he lost no time in phoning 20th’s June Haver. She celebrated by stepping out with attorney M. Vernon Pollack!! Women! ! ! Sidney Sternstein, who wears a duplicate of my typewriter ribbon for service ‘somewhere on Washington Boulevard,’ is, what is known as, “music supervisor” on Warner’s “HUMORESQUE.” ... A tune written by Eliott Tobias, late son of song-writer, Harry, is fast becoming a hit. It’s called, “A THOUSAND TIMES A DAY,” and has been performed on the air by Frank Munn, Judy Canova, Jack Owens, and a host of others. The melody, penned originally for Elliot’s graduation from Fairfax High, is on its way to the HIT PARADE, with a new set of lyrics by his Dad, and Uncle, Henry Tobias. Its success, however, won’t be due to the efforts of any publisher, but to Harry’s inspired and un¬ tiring will, that this song become a hit, as a tribute to his son’s talent, which, unfortunately, was called forth too soon from this earth. . . . Harry, after having had the song turned down by too many publish¬ ers, has printed the song himself. . . . Good luck, Harry. The advertising copy, extolling the lasting qualities of a certain fountain pen, has had to be re-written. Even you , wouldn’t have sub¬ mitted a phrase which said, “Soandso INK STAYS!!! Now, wouldja? . . . Alan Hale’s daughter, Karen, debuts in Warner’s “CINDERELLA JONES.” . . . According to a recent Reuter’s Dispatch, Barry Bernard, whom you must remember for his fine portrayal of the blackmailer, in “THE TWO MRS. CARROLLS,” has just been awarded a strange sort of verbal “Oscar,” by the critics in his native England. They call him Cockney, Number One. ... As a child, I understand, he sang alto in the church choir. Would that make him an Alto Cockney??? Huh? . . . Leon Belasco phoned to ask which I prefer: BEETHOVEN’S “SEV¬ ENTH,” or MANVILLE’S “EIGHTH”!! Having attained the questionable importance of a columnist, a certain lovely lady, to whom I’m related, has advised me of the pleasure she would derive in seeing her name in print . . . Sooo . . . watch out now . . . here it comes . . . MIMI CHERKOSE!!! (How’s that Ma?) . . . Gene Grant, whose paintings have brought forth raves in New York, is finding the same reaction to his work right here in Hollywood. Edward G. Rob¬ inson, famed for his first rate art collection, has just added one of Gene’s finest, to those gracing the walls of his gallery. Nice going, Remgrant! . . . Radio’s well-liked, and talented writer-producer, Manny Mannheim, is happier these days, on accounta his charming wife, whom he calls Mazel, is well on the way to complete recovery from her recent illness. • . . 1 might add, that Manny’s new airshow, THE MERRY MAC’S MUSICAL DRIVE-INN,” written in collaboration with Charlie Isaacs, is in the “closing” stage, with the sponsor just about reaching for his pen. Nicholas Farnsworth and “Slugger” Strongheart, are making our town take notice. Their new script, which I’ve just read, is great. . . . Every line, a howl!! They are ‘out-of-this-world’ satirists, and can act too. . . . What they do to “TREES,” kills ’em!! Funny thing, too, both of them started out to be boxers. . . . Did you know that Harry Warren, who, in collaboration with Arthur Freed, wrote “COFFEE TIME,” got the idea for the song, while spending a lost week-end with a milk shake, at the Farmer’s Market??? Well, it’s so, and I’m glad!! . . . Johnny Mercer, who, many years ago, tooted a trombone for Pops Whiteman, is blowing his own horn again, and how!! The guy is forgetting that lyrics alone, do not make a song. His constant “lapses of memory,” are not endearing him to the hearts of his co-workers, and such treatment to his collaborators, are neither deserved, nor ethical. So there!!!! Jack Lloyd, who has brought his talent for cartooning, to Hollywood, is impressing the folks. If real talent means anything, Jack should have no trouble finding the right outlet. •. . . Dave’s Blue Room, which is the answer to the prayers of the ‘stay-uppers,’ is featuring, along with good food, the Trunnel Twins, who get you coming and going. Margie (or is it Millie), checks your wraps, while Millie (or is it Margie), makes the cigarette habit, a pleasure. . . . Max Lurie, will be glad to see you in the new King Cole Room, which opened February seventh. With Max at the helm, and the famed trio to entertain you, it’s a must!! Hal Schaefer’s piano playing at the Mayfair in Glendale, is something to hear, with or without the sensational steaks served there. . . . Let me see, I mentioned my Mom and my assignment at Warner’s. How can I go this far with¬ out telling you, that my gorgeous wife (Eve Whitney) had a birthday last Wednesday!!! (Are you kiddin’??? I’d have mentioned her some¬ how! ! ! ) If you are near a radio any evening except Sunday, between the hours of ten and twelve P.M., run, do not walk, to the dial, and twist it to KFWB’s Eastside Show. The well balanced selection of records twirled by Gene Norman, becomes more listenable, because of his intelli¬ gent wordage, and mellow voice. ... No wonder then, that Gene has done the commentation on many, though not enough, film subjects. . . . Guy Cherney, whose future in radio seems under control, since his recent guest shot, is much smarter than most artists. Celebrating a cold, and with no home to go to, he decided to get some sunshine in Las Vegas. So what does the GUY do ? ? He gets booked at the El Rancho Vegas, and gets PAID while he recuperates!!! Nice going! Tanis Chandler, whose name was linked recently with Fred Cavan¬ augh, doesn’t even know the man! Radio is missing a great bet, if they overlook Ray Wencil, whose fast patter, and ad-libs, slay the patrons at Billy Gray’s Band Box. I know you’ll be glad to know that Horace Schmidlapp is back in town. . . . With that parting shot, may I remind you to be around next week, ’cause I will. Please be ON THE SCENE, with EDDIE CHERKOSE. . . . Our New Address . . . Hollywood Nile Life New Offices Are Located at 7264 SUNSET BLVD. New — Old and Rare Books — Books Bought Gordon’s SATYR BOOK SHOP 1620 No. Vine St. Hollywood 28, Calif. 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