Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1952)

What Hollywood's WHISPERING About By P. S. LOWE Bing Crosby’s desire to get into the science-fiction mood of film-making. He suggested his next “Road” picture be changed from “Bali” to “Road to the Moon,” and in all seriousness, too . . . Bob Hope’s wonderful remark when someone admired his new tuxedo: “Did it with an old suit of underwear and some boot polish” . . . Anne Baxter’s unsuccessful effort to charm a policeman out of giving her a parking ticket. Evidently the officer remembered her “Eve.” He wouldn’t be taken in. Rhonda Fleming’s hair-raising experience in England when she got locked in a Westminster Abbey Tower and, unable to attract the attention of any of the king’s men, was not rescued for over an hour . . . Sterling Hayden’s sudden interest in his career. Sterling always said sailing came first. Now he’s done an about-face and even sold his boat . . . The New York Palace’s pipe dream of getting Ava and Frank Sinatra to follow Judy Garland there. The violent protests of Ruth Hussey’s brood when Ruth became a blonde for her role in “Minnesota” . . . Joan Crawford testing the cameramen who will photograph her next, “Sudden Fear” . . . Joan Bennett’s plans to open a chain of beauty parlors in Manhattan. Rhonda Fleming John Agar’s turning down a huge check and one of the best parts in Hollywood when he learned the independent producer intended cashing in on the publicity which ensued from John’s prison term . . . The movie biography of his grandfather’s life as a Florida cracker that John Mitchum is writing . . . The new mink coat Ginger Rogers is wearing, rumored to be a present from Greg Bautzer. J ean Peters’s revelation that she has kept a diary every day for five years and plans to publish it . . . Liz Taylor’s demand for a $3,500 increase over her current takehome pay, if she re-signs with Metro — and everyone’s speculation as to whether she’ll receive it when her present deal is up this July. Also, before she starts her next picture, Liz wants to fly to Korea to entertain the troops . . . The shiner Robert Ryan got from teaching the kids in his Valley school the art of self-defense. The partings between Joan Crawford and Warners, Dana Andrews with Fox and Goldwyn. Both wanted the right to work on TV . . . The beautiful blonde Gary Cooper is dating quietly, who is anything but the spittin’ image of Patricia Neal . . . The reason Judy Holliday and Bette Davis will never become friends. INSIDE STUFF ( Continued from page 17) Richard Ralph, looked up with adoring eyes. “Oh, mother!” he exclaimed breathlessly. “You’re the prettiest woman in the whole world!” Joanie thanked him profusely. “Why, mother,” he added, “you’re even as pretty as Dale Evans!” Date with Fate: It was such a happy tenth anniversary for the Gene Nelsons: The Gordon MacRaes and the Gower Champions gathered ’round Miriam’s bed in the living room where Gene had placed it in front of the television set. Just four months more— in April— his wife would be up again with the new baby Gene hoped to call Jennifer. Eleven days later, on New Year’s Eve when happy people celebrate, Gene rushed Miriam to the hospital. Sadly they somehow managed to explain to their little son that he’d have to wait patiently for the little sister they still hope and pray to give him. Hollywood Looking Glass: As proof that he isn’t marrying Jane Nigh, dapper Dan points to his new bachelor apartment which he says, “I’ve furnished in Early Dailey” . . . The unworthy material given to Errol Flynn for his TV debut with Abbott and Costello proves that movies are better than ever . . . Practically half of Hollywood is plugging for Joyce Holden who is merely perfect for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” . . . Economy note: Claudette Colbert, who hasn’t given a big party in seven years, dreamed up a dilly for the Jack Bennys’ 25th wedding anniversary . . . They wanted Katharine Hepburn to wear shorts or abbreviated skirts for her tennis playing scenes in “Pat and Mike.” P.S. She is wearing slacks! . . . Ida Lupino, in her new role of expectant mother, is playing it like the grand trouper she is . . . Fortunately for Shelley Winters, she didn’t overhear the conversation between Joseph Cotten, who plays opposite the bombastic blonde in “Untamed,” and Frank Sinatra, who wishes it hadn’t happened in “Meet Danny Wilson”. ( Continued on page 20) p 18 Kim Crawford feels like a real cowpuncher in his new Western togs. He and mother Kay joined Brod in Yuma, Ariz., where Pop’s on location for “The Sabre and the Arrow” Jim Stewart, behind prison walls for convict scene, in story of “Carbine Williams,” who invented carbine gun