Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1963)

unDeR HeDDas HaT When Bing Crosby heard that Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Joey Bishop, Bob Hope, George Burns, Georgie Jessel, Art Linkletter, Groucho Marx, Phil Silvers, Jimmy Stewart and Danny Thomas were recording an album titled “My Favorite Story” with all profits going to the Motion Picture Relief Fund, he phoned Bill Smith of 20th, who put the deal together, and said: “I want in.” And so he’ll be the emcee and either sing an introduction or talk one about each of the stars. These records should make about $300,000 for the MPR Fund. Mike Todd once said, “I may not be a millionaire but I’ve always lived like one.” Gene Barry took a leaf from Mike’s book, bought a $250,000 home in Beverly (next to Debbie Reynolds) and a thirty-six-foot cabin cruiser. “When you’re poor, you’re told to appreciate the simple things in life,” said Gene. “Well, I’ve learned that in order to enjoy the simple things, you need financing.” Four of Hollywood’s biggest all-time glamour girls are candidates for Alcoholics Anonymous — but they haven’t joined yet. And all but one is husbandless. Olivia deHavilland had no comment on the rumors about her marriage to Pierre Galante, and her attachment to Luther Davis. She just boarded a jet to Paris. Her son Benjamin went home a few days before. It was the only way Livvy could get him away from American television. The straw that broke the camel’s back was the day he ordered waffles for breakfast, went into the sitting room, turned off the air conditioning, closed the drapes, put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign and settled down in front of the set. He was so fascinated by the program, he spilled maple syrup all over himself. A few hours later his mama had Benjy Paris-bound. Arthur Godfrey, the greatest salesman since Barnum, did so much for Warners that they invited him out for a scene in “4 For Texas.” They gave him the royal treatment. When he entered a huge stage-dressing room, he found a luscious female, wearing a low-cut gown, reclining on a sofa. Next came a steady stream of helpers from wardrobe, make-up and the press to offer their services. And then they gave Arthur one line to speak. Next time they send for him, it had better be for a good part — or they’ll have me to deal with, that’s who. When John Wayne reached Madrid, Spain, things began to pop. He didn’t like the script of “Circus,” so they changed writers and director and got a new cast. David Niven bowed out (but got paid his entire salary), and Rod Taylor stepped in. Rita Hayworth was signed to play a trapeze artist, and Joe Cotten, a ringmaster. Joe’s wife, Pat Medina, was delighted — her father is Spanish. Even though he’s lived in England for years, he still speaks with an accent. Cary Grant’s mother is the only girl in his life at present. When he visited her in Bristol, England, they had a gay old time motoring through a countryside, dining and entertaining his cousins at tea. “She’s wonderful,” says Cary. “She’s eightysix, refuses to be waited on and lives alone. And, Hedda, she has more pep than I have.” Fess Parker always lands in a pool of money. He thought the “Davy Crockett” shows were dead, but Disney revived them. All the kids who’d thrown out their coonskin caps had to go out and buy new ones. Dan O’Herlihy’s pals were dancing in the streets of Dublin when they found his TV show had been sold in England, Scotland and Ireland. They stopped celebrating when they found out he plays a Scotsman. Cliff Robertson’s making all the columns with Anne Lupton, divorced wife of actor John, but I hear his heart is with somebody much more prominent. Cliff’s cagey, so who knows? Besides, he’s got to preserve his JFK image now, doesn’t he! There was no big blow up between Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty, the flame just flickered out. She still sees a lot of Arthur Loew, Jr. He’s bright, has no overpowering problems and is terribly good for her. That’s all the news for now. I’ll write more next month. • 34