Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1953)

INSIDE STUFF CONTI NUED T nice called — between battling Sinatras, as they depart for A frica and “Mogambo” June Allyson visits Dick Powell, Lana Turner on set of their film “The Bad arid the Beautiful” Below, Linda Christian, baby Romina in New York M-G-M pictures such hits you can het they’ll he kept busy on the sound stages in Hollywood . . . Dale Robertson tried to talk Tab Hunter into changing his neune. And when Tab told him it had already been changed, Dale tried to talk him into changing it back again! GENIAL GENTS: It’s Bob Hope’s crack after returning to Hollywood from making that smash hit in London’s Pedladium; “I just got back from England and your money sends regards to everyone!” . . . According to Red Skelton: “If the John Hodiaks have another baby, Anne Baxter (who now smokes ’em! ) will pass out th6 cigars” . . . It’s Jack Benny’s definition of the most practical man in the world: “A guy who would throw away a Marilyn Monroe calendar — because it was no longer up-to-date!” . . . Clifton Webb S2iid it to Barbara Stanwyck when they' were trying to think up 'a title for their new picture. It concerns the sinking of the Titanic, only the names can’t be used. Cliffy boy suggested: “Bottoms Up!” IT'S MERELY MONEY: When she was at Warner Brothers, Joan Crawford received $250,000 per picture. Eventually they came to the parting of the ways. A settlement was made because, “Crawford’s name no longer draws at the box ofSce.” Believing poor scripts can kill any star, Joan went out and set up a terrific independent deal for herself. By the time the now sensational “Sudden Fear” completes its run, Joan’s percentage alone will net her around $800,000. Needless to say, every studio in town is trying to get La Crawford imder contract again. EVERYONE'S AMUSED BY: Those “dirty” looks Terry Moore’s casting in Mitzi Gaynor’s direction these days. It all revolves around rumored reasons concerning that fabulous top studio executive . . . The siUy scuttlebut that the Humphrey Bogarts were such rabid Stevenson fans, they fired their vegetable man when he voted for Ike . . . That fan letter received by Ray Milland, which reads: “Am looking forward to seeing your picture on television when I get out in 1963.” It was signed: “The Thief.” HOLLYWOOD HIGHS: Carleton Carpenter and Barbara Ruick’s recording of “No Two People.” No two people have ever been better . . . Ethel Merman’s admiration for Donald O’Connor’s talent. She even came to the studio on her first day off to watch him do a number for “Call Me Madam” . . . Marlon Brando’s stirring speech as Marc Antony in “Julius Caesar.” Hundreds of extras (who understood every word) applauded like mad , , . Aim Sheridan’s “Academy Award” performance. She kept right on acting during a scene for “Flame of Timberline,” when a bee flew into her bustle! HOLLYWOOD LOWS: The disheartening waste of Van Johnson’s name and talent. His glorified bit in “Plymouth Adventure” gives credence to the rumor that he won’t re-sign when his M-G-M contract expires . . . The casting of Ray Bolger opposite Doris Day in “April in Paris.” Talented and terrific the dancing comedian is, but as a romantic lover he makes a charming story seem ridiculous . . . The way gossips are trying to make a romance item of Barbara Stanwyck’s friendly and professional interest in her young co-worker. Bob Wagner, ACCORDING TO CAL: Robert Horton has every director on the M-G-M lot trying to reserve his services for future pictures ... By the time you read this, that secret we promised Angela Lansbury we’d keep — may be public property . . . Pity poor Rock Hudson! He’s tom between sex and selfishness. Marilyn Monroe looked at his hide-away house in the hiUs while he was in Europe and now she wants him to forfeit his lease so’s she can buy it . . . Janet Leigh is exhausted from making so many movies, she says she’ll have to have a baby to get a good rest. Tony promises to cooperate. . . . Glimpsed at a recent Palm Spring tennis tournament: Ginger Rogers and Jacques Bergerac holding hands. Ginger is taking French lessons now that handsome Jacques has an M-G-M contract. After all, a gal does have to understand a guy — ^just in case he pops the question.