Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1958)

very well cable from Rome to bis friends in Hollywood, “I made it. Mom!” In “The Seven Hills of Rome,” a slimmer, handsomer, brighter Mario has undoubtedly made it. His marvelous voice and amusing take-offs on Perry Como, Louis Armstrong and Frankie Laine, as well as his sprightly acting, revealed Mario is himself again, with the dark, emotional storms that shook his confidence in Hollywood all behind him. We sincerely hope. Hollywood Roundup: Anna Kashfi Brando’s mother in Wales expressed a desire to be with her daughter in Hollywood until the birth of her baby. Only the price of a ticket, I’m told, could keep her away from Anna, who has been so lonely and so forsaken. And whether “she’s just a little Hindu who does the best kin do” or an Irish coleen. doesn't matter in the least. Anna needs comforting. And needs it badly . . . Joan Collins had her option lifted by Twentieth, but not — so far — by Arthur Loew Jr. Joan should realize by this time young producer Loew is harder to land than Aly Khan . . . John Saxon was voted mayor of Universal City before be took off for Europe and “The Reluctant Debutante.” And if John isn't the handsomest mayor in the USA. then who is? Claire Bloom failed to leave the “Buccaneer” group where she found it. At the completion of the long shooting schedule, director Tony Quinn and co-star Yul Brynner suddenly discovered the quiet, demure, soft-spoken Miss Bloom had managed to get her own way almost in every situation. And they still don’t know how . . . Earl Holliman’s first recording “Nobody Knows How I Feel,” for Prep Records, was voted a bit by the Juke Box Jury panel. “I’ve had more attention from teenagers as a result of this record.” Earl told us, “than from all my films combined." And speaking of new recording stars, tall, handsome Dean Plato, the fascinating Belgian actor, is bound to rate another hit when “Imitation General" is released. Carolyn Jones is delighted she turned down several films. “Bell. Book and Candle” among them, to play in “King Creole.” with Elvis Presley. Carolyn became another Presley fan during the shooting of El’s last movie, before the Army threatened to clutch him . . . Van Johnson has been lording it over the toupee lads since that printed prophecy that red-headed men are the least likely to become bald. Those thinning-lock boys, Brando. Bing, and Frankie, could shoot him! Dinner party — Ladd style: I was the “woman who came to dinner” at the Alan Ladd home, and found myself in the midst of a pleasant uproar. A short time Before I arrived, daughter Carol Lee had told a delighted Sue and Alan she planned to marry John Vietch. Warner Studio location manager. A friend P of the Ladd family for years. John, a tall, handsome thirtyseven, and Carol Lee, a beauty at twenty-three, beamed their approval and happiness all through dinner, a meal that became a veritable “Who can we telephone next?” And even nine-year-old David, the star of “The Proud Rebel,” came up with suggestions. At a late hour, the Ladds finally reached their good friends, the Irving Manheimers of New York, to tell them the good news. Mr. Manheimer is president of Macfadden Publishing Company, publishers of Photoplay. Carol Lee. whose short marriage to Richard Anderson ended in divorce, has found that one-in-a-million husband in John Vietch. And Hollywood rejoices with her. Around Town: Liz Taylor asked for Monty Clift for her “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” picture. Something tells me this friendship will go on and on, long after all else has failed . . . The youngest rebel in the making is Tommy Sands, who was paid only $10,000, so I’m informed, for his hit movie “Sing Boy Sing." Unless more rocks off the roll for his next film are forthcoming. Tommy may balk. Just like a little ol’ mule . . . They say Rock Hudson went into a first-class tizzy when Joan Collins should realize by this time young producer Arthur Loew Jr. is even harder to land than Aly Khan! the Ben Hur role was awarded Charlton Heston. Rage at his studio for not releasing him for the Biggest Opportunity of his career, may turn the taciturn Rock into red hot lava. I can just see Rock pouring himself all over Universal Studios. Bob Mitehum’s teenage son. Jim, looks so much like his dad. the two could play brothers. Which is exactly what they do in the movie “The Whippoorwill." Now fans claim they have split personalities, with one-half loyal to Bob and the other half to Jim . . . Tab Hunter, underneath, is still smouldering at Warner Brothers, and flatly states he’ll take another suspension if a good role doesn't crop up soon. In that case, 30