TV Radio Mirror (Jan - Jun 1957)

information bootii The World's His Beat How about a story on NBC-TV commentator Chet Huntley? Mr. S. and Sons, Cleveland, Ohio For Chet Huntley, it was long a toss-up between medicine and speech, but the many readers of TV Radio Mirror who have written in to praise this popular guy know quite well what he finally chose. . . . Chet was raised on a Montana ranch and, while still aspiring to be a medico, won several state public-speaking contests. There followed three years of pre-med work at Montana State College, but a subsequent win in a National Oratory Contest settled the matter once and for all. Chet was awarded a scholarship to Seattle's Cornish School of Art, later received his bachelor's degree from Washington University. . . . Chet's first radio job consisted of reading local newspaper items, and he later did radio news work in Spokane and Portland, before moving to Los Angeles in 1939. There, the handsome six-footer amassed a huge following of loyal admirers, who vigorously applauded his intelligent news commentary and easy delivery. Critics agreed, and Chet has been the recipient of several honors, among them two highly-cherished Peabody Awards for "courageous and thoughtful radio journalism plus a craftsman's knowledge of the medium." Chet's transfer to New York occurred las Spring, when NBC-TV signed him to a long-term contract. His choice assignments have included an anchor-man role in NBC-TV's convention and election coverage last year. . . . Chet is co-editor, with Dave Brinkley, of NBC-TV News, seen each evening, and is editor of the much-praised Outlook, a news-in-depth show seen Sundays. In private life, Chet is a shutterbug, and collects books for a Manhattan apartment, wherein he resides with a charming wife, Ingrid, and two lovely teen-age daughters, Leanne and Sharon. 16 Chet Huntley Mary Patton Face Is Familiar . . . fFhat information do you have on Mary Patton, who played in Search For Tomorrow? E. A., Palos Verdes, Calif. Versatile Mary Patton is a firm believer in not confining herself to any one medium of show business — and she has plenty of credits to prove it. Since her 1937 debut in a road company of "You Can't Take It With You," the brownhaired, blue-eyed charmer has appeared in over forty feature roles on TV, radio, the stage and in films. . . . Mary, the daughter of a traveling doctor, was educated in several Eastern and Southern schools, and trained for the drama at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse. Since Mary plays a wide variety of parts, her appearance sometimes provokes a "she's-so-f amiliar-what's-her-name" r e a c tion. But if her name doesn't always ring a bell, her performances most assuredly do. Recently, Mary was appearing as the home-wrecking villainess. Hazel Tate, in Search For Tomorrow. During this time, Mary was out, as she puts it, "fighting the battle of the A & P." "I hate you!" hissed a righteous feminine voice. "How could you be so evil?" Mary's mother had similar misgivings about Hazel, and finally called her daughter and questioned the wisdom of playing such a horrid woman. "Mother, don't be upset," soothed Mary. "I'm being murdered next week." "Oh, fine!" exclaimed her much-relieved parent. . . . Mary's household consists of husband Warren Parker, himself an eminent TV-radio actor, and a cute little armful of poodle named "Tony." The Parkers and pet live in a charming apartment on New York City's East Side. Lately, Mary has been busy demonstrating for various sponsors on cross-country industrial tours. It's just another side to an amazing, many-faceted personality. From Owl To Hero Could you please tell me something about John Lupton of ABC-TV's Broken Arrow? /. S., Maiden, Mass. The Broken Arrow half -hour television series had been in the planning stages for some time, but studio executives were stumped. Who would they cast in the leading role of Tom Jeffords, Indian agent? When John Lupton undertook that role in a full-hour TV version of the film, their worries were over. For John, it was the happy result of hopes and plans that began back in Illinois. . . . John was born there on August 22, 1926. While other boys talked about being doctors, cowboys, or sailors, John set his sights firmly on one goal: Acting. He packed in all the experience he could in high school and summer stock. John joined Edwin Strawbridge's Lyric Theater, and toured in children's shows for two years. "I drove a truck, moved scenery and impersonated an owl and a pussy cat," he recalls. His Broadway debut was a role in Mae West's "Diamond Lil," followed by an appearance in the Katharine Hepburn production of "As You Like It." When this show went on tour, movie scouts spotted John, and he was signed to a contract. Minor parts were his lot, until Warner Bros, cast him as the sensitive marine in "Battle Cry," and John clicked in a big way. Shortly afterwards, he did a complete switch as "The Mojave Kid," a coldhearted gun-slinger, on Climax! Both qualities — sensitivity and manly determination— fuse nicely in his current assignment. . . . The versatile young actor likes swimming and tennis, lists sculpture as his favorite hobby. In films, he recently wooed Margaret O'Brien in "Glory," and currently supports former-roommate Fess Parker in "The Great Locomotive Chase." Wedding bells rang last spring for John and the former Anne Sills ©f Chicago. I John Lupton