Screenland (May 1943-Oct 1944)

1 in a sweetheart of a picture. You'll be raving with the reviewers who are saying "light and frothy... happy entertainment." (Film & Radio Discussion Guide) "Suspense, heart-throbs and laughs. Mary Lee is climbing the ladder to stardom." (Charm) GEORGE Jackie Morin * Ln Patrick • Bennii Bart litt • Marcia Mae Jones HEAR MARY SING! Blow, Gabriel. Blew! I'm Always Chasint Rainbows— II Had To ll Tm — and more! republic picture I've always thought of a comedian as someone to make you laugh. Now I think of him as a human being. This thought came to me while I was listening to the Abbott and Costello program tonight, November 4. I thought they were at their best, and laughed my head off, until — at the end of the broadcast Mr. Abbott announced the death of Lou Costello's child who was to be a year old very soon. Lou Costello had received the news just before the broadcast. No words can express how I felt. Tonight he had brought joy into my heart, while his was breaking with grief. He proved two things. First, he is a fine showman, and second, how human he is, something we forget too often about the comedian to whom we owe so much. I wish there was some way we could thank Lou Costello. Perhaps the best we can do is to tell him how much that gesture meant to all of us, and how it has endeared him in the American public's hearts. God bless you, Lou Costello. ADELE HOYT, Mount Vernon, N. Y. To me Alice Faye is tops ! Not only does she have a voice.Jbut beauty also. When she sings, it's out of this world. You can have your Sinatras and Dinah Shores. I'll take Alice Faye any day. She really puts her heart and soul into a song. I have been reading in current movie magazines that she might quit the movies. If she does, she will break my heart, for I have been a fan of hers ever since her first picture. That has been a long time now. I know others will miss her too. So please, Alice, stay with the movies. ANNE BESULMAN, McKees Rocks, Pa. Open Letter to Frank Sinatra Not very many people noticed you when you sang with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, but some did and, like myself, knew that someday you would be a great singing sensation. Then, all of a sudden overnight you rose to stardom and became the idol of millions. You ask reporters please not to compare you with Crosby. Well, how could they, anyway? Sure, Crosby is still great, but his style is different from yours. In fact, so different that it's like comparing earth to water. People and magazines everywhere are now asking, 'What will Hollywood do to Frank Sinatra? Will it ruin him?" Of course, Hollywood won't kill your career. After your picture "Higher And Higher" (and that's just what you're doing, climbing higher and higher!) comes out, you'll be twice as much in demand. All the people who now can't decide whether they like you or not, will definitely have it clear in their minds just how wonderful you are. Many psychiatrists are asking the question : "Why do women go into hysterics over Sinatra?" Well, if someone asked me the question, I'd say, "The main thing is his voice. Frank Sinatra has his own style which just 'sends you!'" The way he lets his voice drop dreamily at the end of his song. The other reasons are his personality and his looks. They just go with his voice, somehow. Please keep up the good work which you have so successfully started. For many people who feel blue and unhappy, you are the person who brings cheer and happiness to them. We're all rooting for you ! MARJORY COLT, Dalton, Mass. Give me strength ! I've had just about all I can stand. I just saw "Mr. Big" and I'm boiling. Now don't get me wrong. I thought it was a lot of fun, strictly in the groove and the kind of a picture America needs today. But what have they done to Gloria Jean? Her clothes ! Her hair ! Her personality! Instead of being a teen-aged kid she looks and acts old enough to be Methuselah's mother. Her dresses look as though they were meant for Jane Eyre and her hair-do must date back to the Victorian Era. In every picture I've seen, she's been the same colorless character, absolutely without initiative or personality. If it weren't for her wonderful voice, one would forget she was in the picture after leaving the theater. Listen, Hollywood ! She's got loads of looks, charm and appealing personality, but you've hidden it all under that superficial mask of "Hollywood ingenuity." Wake up! Dress her like every teen-aged girl in America dresses. Give her a big, sloppy sweater, a luscious pleated skirt and a pair of dirty saddle shoes. Cut off those flowing tresses and give her a soft, fluffy feather bob. Kill that shrinking violet personality and let her give out with pep and charm. Then, Hollywood, stand back and watch the change. She'd be an inspiration ! Over night she'd be the American high school boys' heart throb and the sweetheart of Mr. and Mrs. America. Wake up, Hollywood ! The kid's a gold mine ! CHARLOTTE BISKNER, Green Bay, Wise. HONORABLE MENTION For an all-time new-high in comedy, I suggest teaming the bombastic, beauteous Betty Hutton with the hilarious, happy-golucky Joan Davis. With the males chasing Betty, and Joan chasing the males, the sidesplitting possibilities for tuch a picture are innumerable. For some time now, while watching the luscious Betty Hutton on the screen, I unconsciously think of Joan Davis, and vice versa. I only wish I were capable of putting into print the screamingly funny scenes that race across my mind whenever I think of those two darlings of comedy. They both have a naturalness, ease and grace that is utterly lacking in most comediennes. They could easily be the first female "Abbott and Costello." And to complete this mad scramble we might add a dash of Charlie Ruggles, a master in the art of subtle silliness. The result would be nothing less than terrific. I wonder if this idea of mine will ever see celluloid? SHIRLEY LANGE, Toledo, O. A word with Humphrey Bogart, please. In "Action In The North Atlantic" you were grand, as usual, Bogie. But as a practising dentist I found myself puzzled and intrigued by that toothache you had. First it was on the right side of your jaw. Then, in another scene, it had switched to the left. You should make up your mind, or you will have the wrong molar pulled ! Here's a professional tip. When in doubt about the offending tusk, just rap it with any small steel instrument. The tooth that jumps like a bucking bronco is it. You're welcome — don't mention it ! D. W. DAVIES, Vancouver, Can. 12 Because Freedom isn't rationed, the price is high; but in all the world there's no better buy. Invest in War Bonds! SCREENLAND