Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1959)

READERS INC. FT The Jov of Living I recently had the pleasure of meeting John Wilder, who starred in “Unguarded Moment and “Imitation General,” and found him to he of the very highest type — intelligent, thoughtful, full of the joy of living, and exemplifying the kind of young people we would all enjoy seeing more of on the screen and in everyday life. EN Falma McCracke h Indianapolis, Ind. Can You Imagine — Can you imagine . . Frank Sinatra bavin g sideburns Unspoiled by Success Orson Welles in blue suede shoes Tony Curtis with blond hair Ed Sullivan being a cowboy Elvis Presley being bald George Montgomery without his guns Lassie and Rin Tin Tin playing in a picture together? A. Kay Rochester, N. Y. I, too, have been impressed by the warm, sincere personality of Miss Connie Francis. Reing a housewife and having no connection with the world of show business, I am always amazed to receive personal, thoughtful letters and postcards from Connie. I first wrote to encourage her when she was virtually unknown. Her success has been phenomenal but she still writes, always inquiring about my family, although we have never met. Her talent will take her to the top — and her personality will keep her there. She is a real credit to her generation and her profession — and both could use more girls like Connie. Mrs. R.C.S. Westlake, Ohio The Performer and the Public Forgive me if 1 take a moment of your time, but I enjoy Photoplay and feel it doesn't lean toward sensationalism, hence my writing to you about something I’ve long thought about: The pious attitude of many people toward the movie industry that is responsible for so much enlightenment and pure enjoyment. Everywhere in recent years we have heard cries of “shame, shame,” from a public which descends on people like Ingrid Bergman, Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher when they fall from the clay pedestals the public has so ridiculously placed them on in the first place. Suddenly, the audi A reader thinks Joanne's a very lucky girl. (Hint! Above right is one reason.) Perfect Ingredients The perfect Hollywood woman would be: Debbie Reynolds — for pesonality Joanne Woodward — for being so. lucky in having Paul Newman for a husband! Janet Leigh — for her happy home life June Allyson — for her voice A Fan from the South Atlanta, Ga. ences which have for so long reaped enjoyment from the skill of these performers’ work and personalities lancy themselves saintly beings whose purpose it is to pass judgment from above. When will the public stop judging the lives and actions of these performers? When a performer has given the best of which he is capable to an audience which has, by choice , paid to see him, the performer’s duty to the public is finished. He should no longer fee] as if he must rationalize every act, however wise or unwise. Perhaps the day will come when people stop building these clay pedestals on which to place human beings. Mrs. Johanna Orchard Hartford, Conn. An Actor and a Gentleman Just saw "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and considered Paul Newman’s portrayal of Brick as Oscar material. His rugged good looks (and those penetrating blue eyes) are so very appealing. More important is the unique acting style he brings to each and every one of his roles. His recent performances have ranked him among Hollywood and Broadway’s finest actors. Don't you agree? Also commendable is the fine way he con Paul Newman: A gentleman actor. ducts his private life. For instance, his refusal to discuss his marital breakup in due respect of his former wife, his three children and his present wife, Joanne Woodward. He is what I would call a gentleman. A Dedicated Newman Fan Hagerstown, Md. Bon Voyage Visit Just thought you'd like to know' that after corresponding with Rossano Brazzi for tw'o years, my daughter and I had the pleasure of meeting him and his lovely wile when they sailed for Europe recently. My daughter and I were treated like old friends. Mr. Brazzi is just as charming off the screen as on. Mrs. Miedred Silver Brooklyn, N. Y. Reduce the Photoplay Way! Two months ago 1 was a very fat 150 pounds. I now feel very thin, though I have lost only sixteen pounds. It seems I have been on a diet of Photoplay for the last two months — I think it was the only thing that kept my mind off food! Losinc Fast Burlingame, Calif. continued