Modern Screen (Dec 1948 - Oct 1949)

Look closely and you'll find that Crosby and Sinatra are the clowns with Shirley Johns. It's a circus benefit for the St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica. This event drew the largest collection of stars in years. $175,000 was raised with the aid of such gentlemen as Robinson Crusoe (Gary Cooper) and Friday (Buster Keaton). est grandmother in the country? (One of the youngest, anyhow!) The Goetz party went on until almost dawn — and why not, with Johnny Green coming in late to play the piano until the wee small hours and Danny cutting up so superbly? How do these movie girls meet millionaires— not only meet 'em but marry 'em? Well, I suppose there is no set blueprint — but it is amusing the way pretty, blonde Jacqeline White met Bruce Anderson, wealthy oil man whom she is marrying in November: Even though she is an actress with a good RKO contract, Jackie is very much a home loving girl and still far more interested in her former college sorority meetings than she is in Hollywood cocktail parties. So, when she was recently invited to one — she found herself just on the outskirts of the group, a little on the bored side. Since everything was being served but water, she decided to wander out in the kitchen and get a glass for herself. There, much to her surprise, perched on the sink, drinking water, himself, and looking pretty well bored — was one of the most attractive men she had ever seen. "Hello, Beautiful, where did you come from?" he greeted. A few minutes later he asked if he could drive her home. The next night they had their first dinner date. Ten days later they were officially engaged! I guess it is easy if fate is on your side. Jacqueline hasn't yet said how her marriage will affect her career. But her friends wouldn't be surprised if she says goodbye to the movies when she becomes Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Dolly Walker, Los Angeles socialite 12 who is not in the picture business, gave a delightful dinner honoring the Maharajah and Maharanee of Jaipur. I had previously met them in Paris last summer. They are very prominent in the international set and the attractive Maharajah is one of the wealthiest men in India. Speaking of the international set — don't be surprised if Dolly O'Brien one day soon becomes Mrs. Clark Gable. Possibly by the time this is in print there will be some definite news, because Clark was right at the boat to greet Dolly when she returned from Europe. (Editor's Note: — For a somewhat different prediction, see page 54.) Another marriage scheduled to take place before another year is out is that of George Sanders and Sari Gabor Hilton. You may remember a few years ago this romance was hot and heavy — then it suddenly broke off. George went to Europe, leaving behind the red-headed Sari, who was madly in love with him. At the time George said he wouldn't even discuss marrying again until his wife, from whom he was just recently divorced, was in better health. Whatever else might be said about George and his haughty attitude, it must be stated that he was devoted to his wife and wanted to do nothing to upset her until she was feeling better. Now she has said that she no longer wants to see him anymore — so there was nothing to block the announcement of his engagement to Sari who is, of course, a very, very happy girl these days. It has been a month of shocking happenings in Hollywood. First, Robert Mitchum. Then Rita Johnson's mysterious accident. The police are now convinced that the blow on the head that brought on the long, dan gerous coma with the blonde actress's life hanging in the balance, was caused by a hair-dryer. Apparently, the machine slipped while Rita was under it after shampooing her hair at home. But, for days, this had all the makings of a Hollywood "detective story." Tips came to my desk by the dozens — all false. I'm afraid too many amateur detectives were writing their own solutions. As I write this, the case is still a mystery. Rita is in the third week of the coma and her doctors do not hold out much hope. My deepest sympathy goes to her mother and brother, who are barely able to bear up under this tragedy I am sure I do not have to go into detail about the marvelous job Hollywood did putting on the big benefit for St. John's Hospital the opening night of the Ringling BrothersBarnum and Bailey Circus. I saw Modern Screen's cameraman snapping pictures of all the wonderful acts — and the event has been much publicized. In these days, when many darts and criticisms are being leveled at Hollywood and its people, I want to ask you all to remember the many fine, good things that come out of movietown and not the occasional — the very rare — disgraces. There is not one single big star in this industry who did not pitch in and do everything possible to help the circus benefit become the sensational success it was. There is never a time when Hollywood does not respond to a worthwhile cause. That is the thought I would like to leave you with this month. The great things that Hollywood does far overshadow the few mistakes of one or two personalities who happen to be identified with this industry. The End