Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1957)

Address your letters to Readers Inc., Photoplay, 205 E . 42nd Street, New York 17, Neiv York . We re .ret that we are unable to return or reply to any letters not published in this column. If you want to start a fan club or write to favorite stars, \ address them at their studios. — ! d. HEADERS INC... Elvis Avalanche Wow! Were still digging out from under the avalanche of mail, all favorable, we received concerning “God Is My Refuge” the Elvis Presley article in our July issue. One of the most interesting letters came from Colonel Parker, Elvis’ manager. — Editor’s Note “We were very pleased to read your story, “God Is My Refuge.” It well expressed Elvis’ religious attitude and was in good taste. As you know, Elvis does not want to use religion as a prop for his career. We respect the dignity of religious expression and would never wish to convey the idea that we are attempting to commercialize on it. I'm sure that you can appreciate our policy.” Colonel Parker Hollywood, California Foreign Stars “What Has She Got That Hollywood Hasn't?” The answer is a flat “nothing.” You’re talking about the best girls in the world when you’re talking about American girls. If you want to see the “girl next door” sparkle, give her some stories to portray. Give her just as big a buildup as the sexpots. Mary Stoner Lancaster, California Why is it that actors who are stars in their own right in foreign countries are brought over here and doled out mediocre roles? About the only foreign actor I can think of who was given a good part is Mario Mareno (Cantinflas) who was in the film, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Yet after it had been previewed, I heard people say, “Who was the guy who played the valet?” Everyone should know Cantinflas. Why aren’t the foreign male stars given a buildup? Josephine Williams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Can’t Fill His Shoes In regard to the late James Dean, why is it that every time some young actor appears on the Hollywood scene, he is immediately compared to Jimmy? In one month I have read at least ten articles entitled “Is So and So the Next James Dean?” This is a vacancy that no one can fill. Believe me, it’s getting sickening. Mary Swanbeck Springfield, Minnesota Why hasn't Hollywood been able to find a replacement for Jimmy Dean? Sure he had talent, but was he the only good actor in the United States? Joan Blak,e Edgartown, Mass. Complaint Nobody Asked Me But ... I’d like to see a little less of Tony Perkins ... a lot more of Jack Webb . . . Perry Como make a movie . . . Jayne Mansfield retire . . . and Jane Russell in a straight dramatic part. Karen Greene East Corinth, Maine German Fa n Sometimes, my aunt, who emigrated to America many years ago, sends me the Photoplay, and 1 do like to hear something of American movie stars. My favorite stars are Pier Angeli, Robert Wagner, Doris Day and, of course, James Dean, but most I am fond of Jeffrey Hunter. I should like to see him in a serious character role ( but without spectacles, please!) Heidemarie Benstem Salzgitter-Bad. Germany PUS®* You’ll get your wish with “No Down Payment.” It’s a fine film in which Jeffrey gives an excellent performance, one of his finest Dear Sidney Now, hold on there, Mr. Skolsky! I’m downright ashamed that it had to be my favorite Hollywood writer who did it, but you did it, fella . . . and I’m hopping mad! “The New Look in Hollywood Men,” indeed! I'll grant you this; movies are more realistic these days. Therefore, men are allowed to display some perspiration. And if a fella had been in a brawl, the technicians, in their wisdom, see to it that he has ruffled hair when he drags himself out of the alley. Apparently, this doesn’t seem quite dignified to you. Just because the Hollywood actor looks and behaves like a real person (on screen anyway) instead of like the slick-haired, sweet-smelling romeo of yesterday, it’s not any cause for alarm. I feel you’ve done our fellows a great injustice. Don’t be hard on these boys, Sidney. Evelyn Irwin Jacksonville, Florida Who set you up as a judge of people? Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but why don’t you stop blasting the young actors? After all. that is what people want them to be like, or they wouldn’t pay to see them at the movies. Judy Akam Highland, California You ask, “Why are old reliable favorites still carrying the big boxoffice burden and running away with the heroine at an age when they might well be settling down to pipe and slippers?” Now don’t try and put an age limit on romance, Sidney. As long as a man is attractive and masculine, he’s convincing in a romantic role. R. M. Luollin San Diego, California Good work, Mr. Skolsky — and thanks for your broadminded view. Instead of blasting the guys, you have showed the peo ; pie what the hoys actually are. Anyone can be the sophisticate, the romantic, hut how many of the stars are really themselves? Maybe these guys aren’t really, either, but they’re getting much closer to the human race. Dee Parry Biglerville, Pennsylvania To Each His Own Photoplay is one of the few movie magazines which doesn’t “peddle gossip.” Please continue your wonderful work. Margaret Stephenson Eureka, Montana (Continued on page 30) 28