Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1950)

cal york’s gossip of hollywood Oscar winners: Mercedes McCambridge, best supporting actress for “All the King’s Men,” Brod Crawford, best actor for same film, Olivia de Havilland, best actress for “Heiress,” Dean Jagger, best supporting actor for “Twelve O’Clock High” Oscar Doings: Come backstage with Cal and let’s gather a few impressions of the 1949 Academy Award winners. It’s the greatest show on earth — stars, lights, enchantment . . . faint hearts, high hopes, laughter, tears. There’s Olivia de Havilland in a daisy-trimmed white organdy. She’s almost too beautiful and almost acts too calm and collected. This is one occasion when emotions should be boundless. It’s a great and deserving night for Helen Broderick’s son, who was once told by a producer to get out of Hollywood because he didn’t have a chance! Hollywood loves a success story and was especially thrilled for Brod Crawford, who never stopped trying until he won. Less than a year ago, Mercedes McCambridge was unknown on the screen. Now her tears are splashing unashamed — down the front of that thirteen-year-old “good luck” dress. “I feel as if I just gave birth to a baby instead of an Oscar.” She starts ci’ying again when she says it. Dean Jagger seems to be taking his “medicine” quietly. But his face is red and the corners of his mouth are twitching. It’s a night of special significance for Dean and his beautiful young Chinese wife. Time and again he’s given great performances in Hollywood pictures, only to return to the theater “to make a living.” Academy Award night in Hollywood! The night when broken dreams — come true. p 10 Vera-Ellen and escort Peter Thompson outside the Hollywood Pantages Theater where Awards were made