Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1944)

he was approached for this work by an official. “What did you do before the war?” he was asked. “I was an actor,” Bob said. “Oh.” The answer frankly expressed distaste. “Why?” demanded Bob, his ire up. “What’s the matter with acting? Are we a race apart or something? Or aren’t we men who also seem to know our job in this war?” He was given the post. These are not particularly happy times for Bob Cummings in his own private life, but he never once lets it enter his work. His suit against Universal Studios, asking for his release, is being handled by his two brothers who are attorneys in Los Angeles. They will fight the suit for him to the bitter, final end. He’s just that determined. After two years of knowing their marriage was over, Bob and his wife recently came to a final decision to separate. Mrs. Cummings, at Bob’s suggestion, went to Reno and took her final flying course for a civilian pilot license. She, too, is a fine flier. At the completion of her course she quietly received her divorce papers. Billy Gilbert, with whom Bob shares a workshop, Gilbert’s wife Ella, and sister-in-law Fay McKenzie, are his closest friends. Some say Bob and Fay are a seriously romantic twosome. After talking with Bob, Cal feels the two are rather warm, personal friends. But as to the future — Anyway, we thought you’d like to know about Bob Cummings and his work. At least you couldn’t be informed about a grander guy. Close Ups and Long Shots: About this time each spring, Hollywood closes its books for the year and takes a look backward and forward. Who has made the biggest strides of the year? Who has slipped backwards? Who will leap ahead to be 1944 stars? Seems to old Cal a lad named Sonny Tufts, with a single picture to his credit, “So Proudly We Hail,” created the greatest hullabaloo. Sonny, whose mannerisms can grow monotonous, has a long pull ahead in 1944. Can he keep pace with his past, we wonder? Among the girls, Jennifer Jones in “The Song Of Bernadette” seemed the And of the year. Whether her particular type of simple appeal will flt into a more diversified schedule also remains to be seen. At any rate. Cal nominates Sonny and Jennifer as the surprise hits of 1943. Alan Ladd, 1942’s sensation, who was off the screen for much this past fiscal year, we predict will equal, if not surpass, his popularity in ’44. Paul Lukas registered a strong comeback in his “Watch On The Rhine,” but both Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy failed to reach their peak of other years. The popularity of Mickey Rooney seemed definitely on the wane as Donald O’Connor climbed higher and higher. And Susanna Foster in “Phantom Of The Opera,” hit the spot left void by Deanna Durbin who was off the screen too long during the past year. Speaking of singers, Frank Sinatra gave Bing Crosby a race for his money in the movie “Higher And Higher” as well as on the air. The name Betty Hutton became important and will become even more so as time goes by. Katina Paxinou, the Pilar of “For Whom The Bell Tolls,” emerged the greatest character find of the year and will clmb even further, to our notion. Charles Coburn leaped (well, at least galloped) to the front with his wonderful performance in “The More The Merrier,” with Monty Woolley giving him a close chase in “Holy Matrimony.” Jackie Jenkins, of “The Human Comedy,” and Margaret O’Brien who began her climb to stardom with “Journey For Margaret,” won honors for the year in the juvenile department. And just because he’s Bob, Hope became the man of the year in 1943. And what’s to stop him from carrying on? Susan Peters leaped ahead, only one jump ahead of newcomer Dorothy McGuire, however, and the public became aware of Helmut Dantine and Lon McCallister, the California of “Stage Door Canteen.” Humphrey Bogart took a brand-new lease on life (love life, too, kiddies) with his role in “Casablanca” and Sydney Greenstreet became the character villain of the year. Jim Brown and Van Johnson captured femme hearts by the score and Robert Walker leaped into prominence with his young character portrayal in “Bataan.” p M HI That “Irresistible something” is IRRESISTIBLE PERFUME 10*' We dedicate to tke ARMY nan corps IRRESISTIBIB «to^5P^lIPSTICK A brave, bright red as spirited as its name. Wear it like a badge of cheer as a "pick-up" for service shades or any costume color! Easy to apply, nondrying... Irresistible Lipsticks ore whip-text through a secret process to stay on longer . . . smoother. Brilliant time-saving aid to the clear shining beauty of today's American woman. Complete your make-up with Irresistible's matching rouge and face powder. 10c AT ALL 10c STORES TO STAY ON LONGER., S-M-O-O-T-H-E-R! 12