Screenland (May 1943-Oct 1944)

Gay gathering at the Mocambo, left, Includes Bill Lundigan, now in Uncle Sam's big show; best girl Marguerite Chapman; Victor Mature, Anne Shirley, Virginia Field. Far left, George Tobias, Janet Blair, Rosalind Russell and Brian Aherne at first anniversary of Screen Guild. TF THERE'S one thing Bette Davis *■ won't tolerate, it's pity. She'd never let you know it, but she's really one of the loneliest girls in Hollywood. A picture of the late Arthur Farnsworth sits right on her dressing table, at home and in her portable on the set. During unguarded moments, Bette's eyes automatically seek out that picture. The one at the studio is autographed, "To Bess, with all my love." It's that love she is no longer able to give in return that is causing Bette's darkest moments. May the sun shine soon again. QUCH baby talk going on in Holly^ wood these days! Ann Sothern and her Lieutenant-husband, Robert Sterling, have the welcome mat out, hoping the stork will see it. Eleanor Powell and Glenn Ford have selected a name already — in case "it" happens. Dorothy Lamour is hoping, too. Who said the war hasn't changed things? QOME WHERE overseas there's a big ^ surprise in store for our deserving boys. Humphrey and Mayo Bogart are on their way over with a TJSO unit. A wonderfully amusing act they've cooked up too! Just before they left, Bob Hope sent them a list of things to take along and things they wouldn't need. And Bob should know. 1VTOW Hollywood knows why Maureen ^ O'Hara broke dates at the last min ute and behaved in such a mysterious fashion. Maureen and her husband, Will Price, are expecting the stork next spring. Yes, they are slightly hysterical with happiness. pESAR ROMERO is paying Holly^ wood a visit, probably his last for a long time to come. He expects to be given a new and important assignment. While here, "Butch" ushered at his Coast Guard pal, Richard Quine's wedding to Susan Peters. Hollywood hasn't been the same since Uncle Sam took up 20th's option on Cesar. May he be back with us soon. Yes, Virginia Bruce hopes so too! HPHE George Murphys were hoping and -■ praying for a little daughter. Young Dennis Michael Murphy wanted a baby sister. So the little lady received a royal reception. For the first week after she came home from the hospital, Mrs. Murphy saw all her friends. Each in turn always asked Dennis how he liked his little sister. One night when he came home from the studio, George found his son looking troubled. When he asked why the scowl, Dennis replied, "Everyone keeps asking me how I like my new sister. Why don't they ask her how she likes me!" ACTUALLY, that sarong Dorothy Lamour wears in "Rainbow Island" requires nine stitches to keep it where it should be kept. That old one about a stitch in time saves nine really applies in this case. BOB HOPE was telling Bing Crosby about his new contract with Paramount. "They must like me," said Bob. "But there's one thing that bothers me. I notice the producer's pats on the back are getting lower and lower!" REMEMBER Gordon Jones, who played the "wreck" in "My Sister Eileen?" He's now a Captain, somewhere in Persia. When Jack Benny went overseas recently, Gordon was assigned to handle Jack's company. They had never met in Hollywood. Gordon, who was starving for news from home, really had a field day. He writes back that Benny gave shows in sand storms and under the most gruelling conditions. To quote Gordon, "The boys will never forget Jack Benny. He made them laugh and he never stopped trying. To us he is the greatest guy in Hollywood." FEELING gay and adventurous, Alexis Smith, looking like anything but a Seen around Hollywood: Janie Wyman, Lt. Ronald Reagan Bob Hope and Cary Grant, awaiting their turn to entertain at Hollywood Canteen. Carole Landis and Roddy McDowall greeting Commander Anthony Kimmins of the Royal Navy at National War Fund Drive held in Hollywood Bowl.