Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1952)

INSIDE STUFF A guy and a gob : Mickey Rooney and Dick Haymes in “All Ashore ” Fernando Lamas.” . . . After a series of sophisticated women. Kirk Douglas is taking a refresher course by dating Pier Angeli. He obviously passed the “acid” test because Mama Angeli no longer chaperones her darling daughter on her evenings out. In Case You Care: The William Powells named their French poodle “Bogart,” because when the little beastie smiles, he bares all his teeth . . . She does it strictly for laughs, which she gets, which is why Rosalind Russell sometimes goes to Hollywood parties wearing her son’s Boy Scout uniform ... In case you were a bit baffled by Patricia Neal’s performance in “Washington Story,” you have nothing on the lady herself. When the studio decided to change her characterization, she was called back to dub in new dialogue, but they didn’t re-shoot her scenes . . . Jeanne Crain, whose personal life personifies everything that’s wholesome, is on a glamour kick and is begging the studio for cheesecake photos . . . All the stills had to be retouched for U-I’s “Seminole” because it’s a Breen Office rule that American Indians can’t show their navels! Funny Side Up: Hollywood or Hoboken, it all adds up to growing pains when the following conversation takes place at the breakfast table. Doris Day: “What’s the matter, Terry? You look so unhappy — and today’s the day you're going to your first girl and boy party.” Terry: “That’s what’s worrying me. Supposing I’m the only boy who shows up with all those girls?” Marty Melcher: “You should be so lucky! Carry a rabbit’s foot, son — carry a rabbit’s foot!” Fadeout on a platter of bacon and eggs. Everyone dives into it and registers satisfaction. Cal Believes: That Craig Hill (a former “Choose Your Star” winner) can’t miss being one of the biggest hits in Hollywood. Your fan letters following his touching performance in “What Price Glory” made a big impression on studio bosses . . . That Beverly Michaels will be rewarded for her courage and patience. After she soared to success in “Pickup,” Columbia took over her contract and let her sit it out. She’s now signed a long-term contract with Universal . . . That his bosses now realize Tony Curtis needs good pictures and strong stories to preserve his popularity. Following elaborate announcement of his appearance in person at the local Paramount Theatre, the house was still half empty . . . That Marilyn Monroe is going to suddenly surprise everyone by turning into a top dramatic actress. While she has wisely gone for all the cheesecake art that made her famous. Miss Lush and Lovely has some far sighted plans. She is quietly devoting endless hours to study and improvement. Small Talk: “Mr. Stevens just called,” said the maid to Mrs. Mark Stevens. “He’s bringing Mr. Pidgeon (Walter) home to dinner.” Little Mark Richard let out a war whoop. “Mr. Pigeon’s coming to dinner!” he exclaimed as he danced around the room. His mother drew him to her side. “Now why are you so excited?” she inquired. “You don’t know Mr. Pidgeon.” The little boy’s eyes continued to sparkle. “Yes, I do — yes, I do!” he cried. “I feed him every single day in the park.” Eternal Eve: Even though Linda Christian may be perfectly capable of raising the raised eyebrows of Hollywood society, Tyrone Power still finds her a most fascinating female. At the Tony Martins’ party for the Maharajah and Maharanee of Jaipur, Mrs. P. all but stole the show from the guests of honor. She wore odd green make-up on her eyelids that matched the gown she was wearing. Her accent, her gaiety, her cat-like way of walking across the room attracted everyone. Ty’s face practically beamed with pride as he watched her, too. Broad Shoulders: “It really takes guts to be that unconvincing.” is the way a top director summed up Shelley Winters’ performance in the Circle Theatre production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Cal agrees that Shelley bore no physical resemblance to the fragile heroine of the OF South. On the other hand, you have to admire her ambition, even if Shel doesn’t recognize her limitations. Some of the unkinder reviews upset her, natch. But now that the Vittorio Gassmans are expecting the stork, life is just a big fat bowl of happiness. Around the Town: We’ve got news for blonde and beautiful Lori Nelson. Robert Wagner would like to be your real-life gentleman caller, but you’ll probably have to share him with Debbie Reynolds, too . . . Last month, we said Hollywood wondered why Olivia de Havilland hired a body guard for her son Benjy. The answer to that question might be found in the no-punches-pulled testimony at Liwy’s divorce trial . . . Bette Davis’ sister Bobbe (she’s always wanted to act) may play a small role in Bette's New York musical. In the meantime, the great Davis is celebrating her victory in that ( continued on page 77)