Modern Screen (Jan-Jun 1945)

in with the band, as did Roy Eldridge. Lana Turner was in several times, though Buddy Rich told me he's engaged to someone else. Tommy made a sensational move in adding Charlie Shavers to his trumpet section. In spite of the big string section, the band swings, thanks to terrific work by men like Buddy and Charlie. At a couple of after-theater gab sessions, sitting around with Artie Shaw and Ava Gardner, I found him as stimulating a talker as ever. He's on a rampage against people who make fast distinctions between "jazz" and "classical" music. Said Artie, "There's no such thing as writing a classic. When Beethoven sat down to write his Fifth Symphony he didn't say to himself, 'This will be a classic' The Fifth Symphony is good because Beethoven was a great musician, and a hundred years from now the really fine music of today will also be classic. Classic applies to any work good enough to be a model of its kind." This Shaw man makes a lot of sense. Some day I wish he'd write a book. Talking of which reminds me that Barry Ulanov, most literate of all the jazz critics, is working furiously on a fulllength book on Duke Ellington which will be published in the fall. Barry and I spent a wonderful day out at Louis Armstrong's house in Queens. Louis's sister, up on a visit — first time in her life — made us the most fantastic Louisiana gumbo, a gourmet's dream. Louis, still the same wonderful-natured Satchmo whom I first met in 1932 at the Palladium in London, reminisced about his 28 years in the music business. Louis also spoke very forcefully about the need for progress — he just can't understand some of the jazz fans who worship the musicians he played with in the 1920's, in preference to the great young musicians of today. When we asked Louis to name the great hot jazz trumpet men of today, the first name that sprang to his lips was that of Roy Eldridge. t Oh, before I forget — this department, only in its second month, has already seen one of its predictions come true! Pearl Bailey, the great singer about whom I raved last month as a movie bet, just called to tell me she'll shortly be signing a seven-year pact with MGM. Don't forget to watch for her — remember Pearl Bailey! w Dear Boys: What can I give Modern Screen for her birthday? She wouldn't care for perfume or hankies — or even a diamond bracelet, if I could afford it. I can't cook, or I'd bake her a birthday cake with fifteen candles. That's what I did for my mother once and, when I wasn't looking, she threw it in the garbage can. So you can imagine — So I'll give her the only thing I can. The grin on my face when you ran my first picture — my yips and gurgles over every story about me — the way I laughed and cried when I made the poll. I don't know what she'll do with the silly bundle, but here it is, all wrapped in love and tied up with gratefulness. Please hand it to her for me, will you, boys? And I hope she'll be as happy on her birthday as she's made me. June Ally son BLENDED BY ENTIRELY NEW COLOR-PRINCIPLE Makes even a bride look more romantic! Here's something entirely new and different in a shade of face powder! Lady Esther's exciting new "Bridal Pink" is not just for one particular type of skincoloring. Blended by means of a new patented color-principle, it's intensely Battering fo these four basic types: IF you're a Blond, "Bridal Pink" will intensify your blondness, make you look softer, more feminine! IF you're a Brunet, with fair skin . . "Bridal Pink" will intensify the contrast, make you look more romantic1. IF you're Brown-Haired, with a medium skin . . . "Bridal Pink" will give an exciting lift to your entire appearance! IF you're Auburn-Haired, with a pale complexion . . . "Bridal Pink" will wafee up your skin, give it life and warmth! Lady Esther -"Bridal Pink" Now at all Good Cosmetic Counters Look different tomorrow! Look more interesting, more exciting! Apply Lady Esther "Bridal Pink" — the new powdershade that's so daringly romantic! See how it lights up your face with inslant new life and warmth. The medium-size box of Lady Esther Face Powder is sold at the best stores for 55c. There are also handy pocket-book sizes for 10c and 25c. Get your box of Lady Esther "Bridal Pink" today! FACE POWDER