Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1949)

BY ERSKINE JOHNSON Tune in Erskine Johnson’s “ Hollywood Story,” Mutual Broadcasting System, Wednesday, 9:30 p.m., E.S.T. FOR twelve years, William Powell has been having an argument with his dog, the lowest-slung dachshund I have ever seen. The dog still barks at Powell when he comes home at night. “If a burglar knocked at the door,” says Bill, “the dog would lead him to the safe and the family silverware. But when I walk in he barks. So I just bark back. We’ve been doing that for twelve years.” * * ❖ James Mason’s widely publicized love of cats is consistent. He wound up a letter to Charles Chaplin concerning “Monsieur Verdoux” with: “Needless to say, my wife and I were delighted to note that Verdoux had the right attitude toward cats.” ( Bluebeard Verdoux murders his multiple wives but scolds his young son for pulling a cat’s tail.) * * * Not in the script: “My only fear in Hollywood is the close-up. Every time I shake my head, my nose keeps getting out of focus.” — Jimmy Durante. * * * Someone told Abe Burrows that there was a noiseless popcorn bag on the market. “A noiseless popcorn bag?” said Abe. “Hooey. Tell ’em to make ’em noisier. I can still hear the dialogue.” * * * Doris Day tried to look sultry when she first arrived in Hollywood to crash the screen. But it wouldn’t work. Doris says: “I tried making like Bacall and Lamarr and keeping my eyelids three-quarters shut. But it looked silly and I ran into things because I couldn’t see. So I opened my eyes and then Hollywood discovered me.” * * * No hamming allowed at the Joan Fontaine-Bill Dozier home. Whenever Joan goes into an overdramatization of anything, Bill cracks: “Watch it, Smithfield.” * * * Because of various and sundry obstacles, a kid picture took about two years to make. The juvenile hero was a boy of twelve at the start. “We finally managed to get the film in the theaters,” a make-up man said, “but we had to shave the boy first.” * * * Pat O’Brien and Gene Fowler were discussing a certain Hollywood director noted for his fisticuffs while in his cups and also for the fact that he usually gets knocked flat on his face. “Has that guy ever won a decison?” asked Pat. “Once,” said Fowler, “against a door.” 'DISGUISE' Pot £2421541 Iferover or wherev flrst • *« -scj—. gathers the ottlght o ..D,sguise to attract the » *'th presents U can he J°our insta V»ar b“st k ol pertect the vcr* styled • • * rU Correctly removab' concealed ; Feather**'* lMe^\gure „ers her "ads the illusion or to J** features are iection. » oe foam**berPodS • Removable 0eep-PW«9eHet MeW C'°SP balk i» n°' . -\539 .nioF HOU-<y'°°Jy“"d »■ „th. SB# — — HEDY OF HOLLYWOOD 6253 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 28, Calif. from friendly shelves and pages One of the many things that makes home the best place in the world is the array of old and trusted friends, always there to greet you ... in the kitchen cabinet, the medicine chest and on the shelves of the household. Every family has its coterie of favorite brands, familiar packages and products that have made life comfortable and enjoyable for many years. No two family assortments exactly match — and that is as it should be, since tastes differ. Your Photo by Underwood & Underwood brand friends mirror your tastes and unique requirements. The circle is by no means so exclusive that new brands are not always welcome. Every so often another name joins the trusted group. You greet new candidates for your loyalty with open minds and a ready welcome if they “make good.” This magazine, too, is brighter for the messages of many of your old brand friends and quite a number of new ones asking for your friendship. *lFia cfladi leu iillica t ions, incorporated 205 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y.