Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1951)

WHAT HOLLYWOOD’S WHISPERING ABOUT 15 Y HERB STEIN Betty Hutton’s ex, Ted Briskin, finally caught up with Liz Taylor at Palm Springs, made the rounds with her — at the same time her ex, Nicky Hilton, was there for a “golf tournament.” Young Hilton, by the way, kept hanging around the Beverly Hills hotel when Liz checked in, hoping to see and reconcile with her . . . Butch Jenkins former big child star at M-G-M, who was slugged with TB (but now over it) has been working as a soda jerk in a Santa Monica drugstore. His actress mother, Doris Dudley, is now in the real estate business . . . The local bars that are featuring Jane Russell martinis — served with two jumbo olives! Warners’ interest in Tony Martin to play the Jolson role in the remake of “The Jazz Singer.” Nobody thinks of George Jessel, who only originated the role on Broadway, years before Jolson soared to film fame in it . . . Los Angeles Board of Education asking parents to herd moppets under eight into bed by 7:30, nine year olds ditto by eight. The reason : Staying up to watch television prevents needed sleep — and the kids’ grades are slipping . . . Bill “Hopalong Cassidy” Boyd’s newest venture: A new Hoppyland being built at Venice as a playground for kids to the tune of $50,000 — and the tie-up with a bank here which will permit youngsters to open “Hoppy” savings accounts, for which they get special passbooks, an eight-piece “Hoppy” thrift-kit — also fifty cents for each new adult account the kids bring into the bank . . . Howard Hughes’s most recent order: A huge RKO build-up for Margaret Sheridan, along the lines of Jane Russell, Faith Domergue and the late Jean Harlow. Watch for it. Allan Nixon’s black eye: Received by Marie Wilson’s former spouse from one of her new escorts when Allan decided to drop into her house uninvited one night and was mistaken for a prowler. The excuse he gave his current date, Lynn Bari, ain’t printable . . . Eddie O’Brien’s wonderful comment when he caught stripper Lili St. Cyr at Ciro’s for the first time: “She’s got the kind of shape the world should be in” . . . The easy way to make a buck: RKO paying M-G-M $2,000 a week for the loanout of Sally Forrest. Know what she did for three weeks to earn it? Took tennis lessons from a local pro for an added scene in “Hard, Fast and Beautiful.” The new fashions here will show girls wearing fur bracelets! . . . Dick Powell and June Allyson looking for a Vermont farm where they can spend the summers . . . John Agar’s utter seriousness about a singing career. Taking voice lessons and begging David Selznick to let him do a musical, either on the stage or in a picture . . . Ava Gardner’s health — she’s a very sick lass . . . The small mortuary here that slogans: “Those whom we have served recommend us to their friends.” INSIDE her famous son’s kidding, replied: “Why, of course. This is Gloria Swanson!” Gary tried again. Finally, he gave Mrs. Granger his phone number and she checked it with the Goldwyn publicity office. Of course they had a big laugh when she called him back. For the record, Farley took Barbara to the party. In case you hear they’re having a romance — you’ll know how such ridiculous rumors get started. Negligee News: In “Strictly Dishonorable,” Janet Leigh will introduce something new, according to studio information. For some scenes (that she does not do with Ezio Pinza) Janet wears a combination negligee and nightie. What Cal wants to know is: Does that mean something you can parade in which is also suitable for sleeping? Or is it something you’re supposed to sleep in that looks well enough the next morning to parade around in after a hard night’s snoring? . . . Nancy Davis (at this writing still Ronald Reagan’s dearly beloved, no matter how many weak denials they get printed) was just one of four gals who tossed bridal showers for Arlene Dahl. M-G-M made Arlene a present of her wedding nightgown and negligee — just as they did for Liz Taylor. (See the July issue for a luscious color picture of Arlene in this confection.) Let’s hope this studio present portends more happiness for Arlene and Lex than it did for the Nicky Hiltons ... In “Texas Carnival,” Esther Williams will wear a negligee and lace panties fashioned especially for an underwater ballet she’s doing in that movie with Red Skelton. She’s swimming in this gadget, too. But so far, no one has explained how such a costume could look like anything but a clingy thingy when it gets wet! Forward March: Douglas Fairbanks, as a citizen and representative member of a town that has too long been a tar P Glamorous Jane Russell and her football star husband. Bob Waterfield, chat with Joe E. Brown at recent party. Joe, who has been on tour with “Harvey,” is back in Hollywood again for “Show Boat” Keeping her eye on Dad : Patricia Hitchcock, who now is in Broadway play, gets some fatherly advice from director Alfred Hitchcock on set of “Strangers on a Train” 14