Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1956)

ijive signed any new actors recently, beiiuse there haven’t been any newcomers ^th odd first names. . . . Watch new)mer Tony Perkins. He’s on the road to ardom. . . . Joe E. Lewis, who will be iprtrayed by Frank Sinatra in “The Joker , Wild,” says a racetrack is a place hich costs you money when you’re just indow-shopping. I I’d like to hear a recording of Zsa Zsa abor and Hal Hayes while they’re on : date. . . . Rock Hudson makes no secret E the fact that his favorite movie acjess is Lana Turner. Now that Lana is I make a movie at U-I, they might be ’he Jack Lemmon break-up surlirised Sid — but he won’t be surprised if people say Hollywood’s to blame! teamed. . . . Cyd Charisse and Tony Martin believe that the fact that they’re both professionals gives them “something to talk about and helps the marriage.” ... I’d say that two of the bestliked actresses on a movie set are Jean Simmons and Deborah Kerr. I believe a poll of co-workers would prove me right. . . . Debra Paget is always pleasant on a set whether the going is rough or smooth. . . . Look at the record and you’ll see Montgomery Clift always makes important and prestige pictures. . . . To m , Mitzi Gaynor is a picture-stealer and not a picture-carrier. . . . Donna Reed offers this advice to beauty contest winners: BY SIDNEY SKOLSKY Anita Ekberg with fiance Tony Steel. Now they are calling Tony the English Defroster! “Forget your looks and go to work. Act anywhere or anytime you get the chance. Keep on acting if you want to be an actress.” ... I believe that the only two performers who were stars in silent pictures and are stars in the talkies are Gary Cooper and Joan Crawford. If you know of others, let me know. . . . Fame: Whenever an actress occupies Greta Garbo s old dressing room at M-G-M, the studio immediately sends out publicity about it. . . . Ava Gardner prefers to sleep in smooth, soft white silk (men’s) pajamas. She sleeps with the windows open. . . . Producer Joe Pasternak talking about Gene Kelly : “Gene ought to dress better. He’s always running around in an old pair of Gunga Dins.” Bill Holden is always leaving the caps off toothpaste tubes. . . . Jeff Chandler s real name is Ira Grossel. He got his screen name from a character in a movie and from an actor: Van Johnson was called Chandler in “Easy to Wed.” and Gerald Mohr supplied him with Jeff. ... By the way, Van Johnson washes those red socks he wears himself. . . . I’d say Vera Miles is an actress who has started on the road to stardom. . . . My favorite character. , Mike Curtiz, talking about an executive said: “He believes there are two sides to every question. His side and the wrong side.” I’ve been told George Nader is wellliked by many actresses because he’s eligible and he doesn’t kiss and tell. . . . Robert Taylor is always prompt for appointments. “It’s just common courtesy to be on time,” says Taylor. . . . The Elizabeth Taylor-Mike Wilding modern, all-glass house on a hilltop features a tree growing in the living room. The beautiful portrait of Liz, which also graces their home, was done by Mike. It proves he’s an accomplished artist. . . . Sheree North gets her best opportunity to date to display her talents in “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” because in it she does the hot dances of the 20’s. . . . Doris Day always looks freshly scrubbed, regardless of the role she’s playing. . . . Anita Ekberg is becoming an actress, improving in every picture. In the Dean MartinJerry Lewis picture, “Hollywood or Bust,” she cites that she is the only actress in town who could play Anita Ekberg. Incidentally, since Anthony Steel became engaged to the Swedish Iceberg, he’s been known as the English Defroster. . . . When an interviewer asked Frank Sinatra what he thought of women, his answer was: “Well, it’s the best the opposite sex has to offer.” That’s Hollywood for you. George Nader, with Martha Hyer, Julie Adams and Ray Danton, is the kind of guy the gals like because he doesn’t kiss and tell ! 81