Modern Screen (Dec 1954 - Dec 1955)

I nominate for stardom RUSS TAMBLYN ■ He looks about as much like a movie star as Dennis, the Menace. Yet, when MGM's musical Hit The Deck is released, his name will be in letters as big as Debbie Reynolds'. Not yet old enough to vote, with a smile as wide as a Halloween pumpkin's, a frame as skinny as Frank Sinatra's, and a tendency to turn a somersault in the middle of the most casual conversation, Russ literally tumbled into a career at the age of five. It was at this tender age, while impatiently waiting for a Saturday matinee to start at the Granada Theatre in Los Angeles (his birthplace) that Russ got up on the stage -and did a dance that brought down the house. He's been a "pro" ever since. All during his grade school and high school days, he was a championship tumbler, which accounts for his current nickname, "Tumblin' Tamblyn." During his childhood he played bits and then featured roles in the movies and in local stage presentations. But he didn't make the big time until Take The High Ground. Later, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers set Hollywood producers and the movie fans a-talking about this youngster with the fresh, zestful personality. He may not be a Tony Curtis or a Rock Hudson for looks, but my money says Russ has what it takes to get to the top and stay there. 12 off with Lex holding up her long gown over the cobblestones. It was simply amazing to me — and to everyone I talked with — that Carol Lee, with all she had on her mind, could thank everyone she greeted in the receiving line for the correct gift! Before I left, I noticed a tall, distinguished man standing quietly in a corner with his wife. It was Dr. Joe Harris. He had brought Carol Lee into the world — and he looked like a proud and happy man. It will be a long time before Hollywood again sees such an elaborate home wedding so perfectly appointed — or one which inspired more real sentiment and good wishes toward two such fine young people. THE MORE OF DORIS DAY I see, the more I wonder how she ever happened to be splashed with the title of "I954's least cooperative actress," by the Hollywood Women's Press Club. I dined recently with Doris and Marty Melcher at Chasen's, popular hangout for the movie crowd, and I've never seen a more relaxed, better-natured gal than Doris. She even got a kick out of the other movie stars present. If she was ill, worried and nervous last year (which she was) she refuses to use that as an alibi. She isn't making any alibis. I know she was hurt. But she isn't crying on my shoulder or anyone else's. Certainly, what happened hasn't affected her appetite. Man and girl! You should have seen Doris tie into her big steak, potatoes, salad and dessert. "I even eat steak sometimes for breakfast," she said, when she noticed I was all but open-mouthed over her healthy appetite. I'm used to dining with figure-conscious lady stars who just push food around their plates in the battle to keep their twenty-three-inch waistlines. . One thing Doris did want to straighten out was the rumor that she and her studio boss. Jack Warner, are at odds. "He is one of the most sympathetic men I know," she said. "He let me keep every nickel of my salary on loanout to MGM to make Love Me Or Leave Me and believe me, very few producers do that." HOLLYWOOD WORE ITS HEART on its sleeve at the nightclub opening of Sammy Davis, Jr., at Ciro's. I've covered nightclub openings in my time but never one to compare with this astoundingly talented young entertainer's first appearance since he lost his eye in an automobile accident. And, in appreciation, this boy Sammy knocked himself out for two solid hours showing the brilliant first-nighters just how much he loved them. Who was there? Better ask who wasn't. Judy Garland and Sid Luft, Judy with tears in her eyes. June Allyson, who dislikes nightclubs, was still there with Dick Powell until long after the two o'clock closing. Sophisticated Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart applauded and applauded. So did Donna Reed and Tony Owen, Dan Dailey and Gwen O'Connor (not yet married), Dolores Gray, Dorothy Dandridge, Liberace, Julie London Webb. Few entertainers have ever played to such a house.