Screenland (Jan–Jun 1948)

Inside Hollywood's Social Circle Continued from page 29 at large gatherings, like the recent Hollywood Women's Press Club meeting where he was chosen as the most cooperative male star, and he was the life of the luncheon. To prove how considerate he is, in addition to being such fun, he always remembers to send his hostess flowers the next day, along with a little note thanking her for having had such a wonderful time. And show me a woman who wouldn't be delighted to receive such attention, especially from Cary Grant. While it has been said that he is very shy, Jimmy Stewart, believe it or not, is a riot of fun at a party. Not only is he one of the town's most eligible bachelors, but he is a good dancer and has a fund of droll stories, which are always hilarious and also in good taste. Jimmy is particularly thoughtful to older people and will go out of his way to see that elderly guests enjoy themselves. Jimmy doesn't care for large parties, either, but he always has the best time when there's a piano around. If there is a pianist playing, Jimmy will sit on the bench watching and sometimes will join in with a one-finger accompaniment, especially if his pal, Hank Fonda, will join him. The two of them have worked up a series of variations on "Chopsticks" that's practically a concerto! For a one-man "Information Please," director Eddie Goulding wins the giltedged volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica! Eddie can recite, from memory, everything from "Hamlet" to the Hollywood Reporter. He knows all the answers, and if there's a quiz game of any sort you can be sure it will be an authentic one. Eddie also has a large store of amusing anecdotes, and his pixielike sense of humor will lead him to give impersonations of many of the famous stars he has directed. However, he never teases anyone, unless he thinks they are big enough to take it. Recently at a party, he gave an impersonation of Bette Davis on the set that sent Bette herself into gales of laughter. I think Turhan Bey represents the ultimate in suave polish and perfect manners. While he is very much a man's man, he has a finesse and amiable charm that endear him to all the ladies. He has perfect taste in everything, too. He is an authority on good music and can discuss the subject intelligently with leading critics and famous artists. He is also a connoisseur of the finest wines, the most lovely women, and the most haunting songs. No wonder he is such a soughtafter escort by all the unattached ladies in Hollywood. Recently I asked Turhan what he considered were the most desirable requirements in a guest and he said, "Cobina, I believe that a guest should realize what his host's or hostess' responsibilities are, especially at big parties, and try to be as helpful as possible. If the guest knows his host well and has been a frequent visitor, then he should even act as a sort of assistant host and help to entertain other guests who are invited for the first time. Of course, I think this holds true primarily in the case of male guests, but I do think it is one way of solving some of the problems of large parties." Another handsome young man who is most "eligible" is my friend Tyrone Power, who is really one of our most effective "Good Will" ambassadors. Whether Ty is at an embassy party in Rome or at a beach barbecue at Malibu, he is always the same polite, courteous and charming person. He is also very well liked by the men and recently, upon his return from Europe and Africa, the Mocambo tossed one of the rare stag parties in the Champagne Room honoring him, and a host of Ty's men friends packed the place. That was, naturally, one of the parties I couldn't attend, but I had plenty of "spies" on Romantic co-stars of Allied Artists' "Song of My Heart," Audrey Long and Frank Sundstrom, share the leaning chair on the set. hand and they all remarked on how pleased Power was over this tribute. Reggie Gardiner, Greg Bautzer, Walter Winchell, "Hank" Fonda, Louis Jourdan, Bob Hutton and the Ritz Brothers were just a few members of the all-male contingent of guests who appeared to welcome Ty home. Speaking of Reginald Gardiner, he certainly belongs on the list of "ten most popular males," for the irrepressible "Reggie" can be the life of any party. His impersonations, whether it be of women shopping or of a wallpaper design, are screamingly funny. Only recently he "stopped the show" at my house, by doing an operatic duet with my little singing poodle, Vivace. The other night at Mary Pickford's he introduced a new game for picture people which is played with noises. Reggie makes a noise and you have to guess the star and the title of the film. For example, "Glug, Glug" is Ray Milland in "The Lost Week-end"; "Clank, Clank" is Ingrid Bergman in ar mor in "Joan of Lorraine," and — this is strictly Reggie — "Zip, Zip" is Linda Darnell in "Forever Amber." While we are on the subject of clowning, we mustn't forget to add the name of Phil Silvers, who can make even the most stately dowager laugh until her tiara tilts. Phil is a renowned gagster and he will go to any length to play a prank. Not long ago at a party of a wellknown producer who has a beautiful home, Phil insisted on masquerading as a sort of assistant butler. He kept serving all the wrong drinks, joining in the various little conversational groups and generally cutting up until the host had to reveal the identity of his uninhibited "butler." The climax came when he went up to a titled Englishman with a cigarette in one hand and said, "Pardon me, sir, but may I trouble you for a light?" Frequently those stars who play the most rugged and the toughest roles on the screen are the most affable and courteous guests to have in your own home, and I believe that this is certainly true of Robert Mitchum. I must say I had some misgivings when I first encountered him at a party after having seen him in pictures. To my surprise he proved to be one of the most entertaining guests at the party, and was so extremely considerate of his hostess that I immediately wanted to invite him to my next party. Since that time we have become great friends, and he has captivated so many hosts and hostesses that I know his morning delivery of invitations almost rivals that of his fan mail. While Bob prefers outdoor parties with riding and swimming as the main feature, he is equally at home in the drawing room and he is surprisingly adept on the dance floor. One of Hollywood's inveterate partygoers is my pal, Edgar Bergen, who is always in demand and who never fails to provide something new and different for every occasion, whether it be a large public gathering or a small intimate social affair. Generally he is accompanied by his wonderful and obstreperous little sidekick, Charlie McCarthy, who has the habit of popping up at even the most formal functions. Edgar always tells me that he leaves Charlie at home snugly tucked in bed, but that the little imp of a two-by-four finds some way to get out and hide in the trunk of Edgar's car. But Charlie is always such a riot that we just have to include him on the "ten most popular" list because I have never been to a party where he was not most welcome — sometimes even outshining Edgar when it came to fascinating the ladies. Of course, no popularity poll — party or otherwise — would be complete without the name of Bob Hope. Bob is one of the most amusing and clever people I have ever known and his gift for adlibbing is as reliable as it is sensational. When I was in England for the royal wedding, I saw a great deal of Bob, and I saw how delighted the King and Queen were with his unfailing humor and neverflagging wit. After he had been presented to His Majesty, I said to Bob that I had seen him entertain thousands of people but that that was the first time I ever saw him win a royal laugh. 60 SCREENLAND