TV Radio Mirror (Jan - Jun 1955)

Being a Father Is Fun (Continued from page 55) Forget, for a moment, about the goodlooking guy with sculptured features, the dental-ad smile, and melody-making voice. Try to think of Tony as his family and neighbors see him — Mr. Martin, the AllAmerican Father. After their game of catch, Tony and Nicky sat on the lawn for half an hour while Tony told his foster-son about babies, in terms Nicky could understand: A new roommate, another player on the team, and someone he could someday teach how to pitch. Tony's and Nick's "you pitch, I'll catch" lessons continued as usual for the next four months — with sideline comments about babies and new team members introduced whenever feasible. When the big day arrived, Nicky was well prepared to accept the new player into the household: Tony and his wife, Cyd Charisse, in fact, had sent a new bat and ball to Nicky as a gift from Tony, Jr. They didn't want any jealousy to arise during the first few weeks when the new baby would demand more than a fifty-percent share of their time. The card on the gift read: "To Nicky: It'll be nice meeting you. With love, from your new brother, Tony, Jr." Though Nick was well prepared, Tony, Sr. admits he was in quite a stew: "I'm not a cigar-chewer and I'm not a floorpacer," he says. "But, believe me, when the nurse brought in the baby, it was the biggest thrill of my life! "Last week, I was reminded what a thrill it was," says Tony. "I was a contestant on Place The Face and the nurse who had brought our baby in was the face I had to place! The night the baby was born, I must have been in shock — because I didn't recognize her at all]" In the four years-plus since Tony, Jr.'s arrival, Tony and Cyd have shown no favoritism to either boy. They try to devote an equal amount of time to each. It's tough on Tony — because the two boys are so far apart in years (Nick is now 12, Tony, Jr., 4)— but he thinks the double effort is worth the trouble. "We spend a lot of time on the merry-go-round with Tony, Jr.," he says. "And, when Tony is in bed, we go to ball games with Nicky. And, since Nicky's twelve, this gives us a chance to talk about the facts of life." The kids are crazy about their dad. They think he's the greatest. Says Tony, "But next to their mother and me, they love Walt Disney the most. Mr. Disney and his animals have captured all our hearts." The children's love for Tony is well illustrated every Christmas morn. The children know Christmas is Tony's birthday. Christmas morning, before they go downstairs to the tree and their presents, the children tiptoe into Tony's and Cyd's bedroom to wake him up with kisses, presents, and happy-birthday songs. The children feel that the most important thing on Christmas morning is Tony's happiness. They make a big thing out of trying to find a special gift for him. Tony is sure to let them know that whatever they get is "just the greatest!" With the time and attention that Tony and Cyd devote to the boys, no jealousy has arisen between them. In fact, the youngsters are a modern-day version of Damon and Pythias. Nicky, now in a military school uniform, is Tony, Jr.'s idol. "When can I have a suit like Nicky's?" he asks. ( And Tony, Jr. takes orders from his "military idol." Last week they were at a restaurant for dinner. Tony was about ready to have at his grapefruit cocktail Only genuine KURLASH refills this new automatic way Rubber bow pops out — Open KURLASH w-i-d-e no pins or screws Refill slips in— locks automatically when you close KURLASH Here's why it's easier than ever to be the girl with the wide-awake look Now — a new Kurlash* to give you sparkling eyes, the wide-awake look. It's so easy! You just touch your lashes with Kuelene cream . . . then, curl them with new Kurlash. Shaped to your eye, Kurlash cushions lashes gently up in a laughing curve . . . your eyes look bright . . . your whole face — wide-awake! And, after months, when Kurlash rubber wears down — exclusive new automatic refill snaps instantly in place. Try new Kurlash eyelash curler tomorrow. $1 at drug, department, variety stores. Kurlene, 50c plus tax. For personal advice — write Jane Heath, Eye-beauty Consultant, Dept. J. *Patenled Mufash KURLASH available In Canada COMPANY, INC. • Rochester 4, N. Y. HERE IT IS the jCitotoce MINIATURE PIANO LIBERACE says: "I love this piano — it looks so real!" You'll love it, too, it's so charming and so practical. Available in amber, ivory and mahogany. Approximate Dimensions: 4"x5"x7", l3/i"deep. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Send check or money order — sorry, no C.O.D.'s. Specify color desired. Please print name and address. FREE of extra charge! A 5" x 7" picture of Liberace suitable for framing in every package! $9.00 POSTPAID Every piano with the Llb&Um signature I PLANTER JEWELRY BOX THREAD BOX CANDY DISH HOLLYWOOD PRODUCTS CO.-BOX 1343-DEPT. A-3, CLEVELAND, OHIO 83