Screenland (Jul-Dec 1948)

a real hit in this famous show, with audience and cast alike. We went backstage afterward and, while we were waiting, joined up with Van and Frances Hefiin in a few thousand words of admiration for Gertie, who is one heck of a "performer. Said good-bye to Gertie, who uas leaving for a long engagement in Houston. Texas. Like we said, if Texas is invading Hollywood, Gertie is reversing the situation. She's had enough offers from that state alone to keep her busy for the next year. Harriet Parsons' ma, Louella, gave her dotter one of the most beautiful birthday parties on record a coupla weeks after she returned from Europe. Complete with tent, orchestra, dance floor, some of the best vittles this side of a gourmet's dream, and a gang of gay, fun people. There was some right fine square dancing, led by LOP, and a Charleston contest that Sally Cobb won — not in a walk,. either. Betty Hutton told us about the things she'd done to keep her two little girls amused while she went to London for her personal appearance at the Palladium. She'd recorded all of Lindsay's favorite lullabies so the nurse could play them at bedtime, had bought toy boats and hotels and theatres for every step of the trip so the nurse could explain just where Betty was and what she was doing all the time. Great gal, that Hutton — and a wonderful mother. Amid all this confusion, however, we did manage to get down to the La Jolla Playhouse to see "The Glass Menagerie" with Ann Harding, Richard Basehart. Betsy Blair, who in private life is Mrs. Gene Kelly, and John Ireland. After the theatre we went back to the Casa de Manana where we were staying and there was much excitement among the kids in the cast. On account of Gar Moore and Nancy Walker were going to Mexico to be married that night. We were asked to go along but not being fond of late hours — not much! — had to beg off. After the wedding Gene Kelly gave the newlyweds a supper at Tiajuana's Havana Club, where the m.c. got a little confused and announced that Gene Kelly had married Nancy Walker. Gene was a little confused, too, since his wife was sitting right there beside him. Just for the record, Gar is the handsome new Selznick star and Nancy is the Broadway comedienne who was such a success in "Look. Ma. I'm Dancin'." Later ice stayed at La Jolla's newest resort. Summer House, which is but deevine, and saic a rehearsal of "Ultramarine," with Diana Lynn, Reggie Gardiner, and Gar Moore. As we checked out of Summer House, Ida Lupino and her entire wedding party including her groom, Collier Young, moved in, amid much excitement. After a short honeymoon there Ida and Collie moved into their peachy new house up in Laurel Canyon. Had a small talk with Ava Gardner after the preview of "One Touch Of Venus'* and she was all flushed and happy over the reception given it by the audience. Ava, who shivered through a lot of that picture in a slightly scanty Goddess costume, went through another gruelling experience while she was making "The Bribe" with Bob Taylor. Clad in a still scantier white two-piece bathing suit, she's taking a dip for herself, see, and she lets out a loud scream and scrambles back out of the pool. Because her director, Pop Leonard, had put a huge cake of ice in the pool without her knowing it. The water was just above zero — not Ava's favorite temperature when she's going swimming! Remember that cute guy, Richard Jaeckel. who was such a hit in "Guadalcanal Diary?" If you do, you know that he gave up his motion picture career after he came back from the Merchant Marine. Well, now Dick's decided maybe he was a little hasty in throwing away the good start he'd made as an actor. He says he's grown up a bit and is beginning to appreciate the advantages of a motion picture career. He acquitted himself so well in "West Of Tomorrow" that his home studio, 20th Century-Fox. is going to give him another contract. Larry Parks has made up with his studio. Columbia, and has reported for icork in the sequel to the money-making "JoIsoji Story," called "Jolson Sings Again." And that other rebel. Cornel Wilde, is now more or less happy with Hollywood and his bosses. Reason: He was given an eight weeks vacation with all expenses paid by 20th Century-Fox. He and Pat went to Europe as soon as they heard the good news. — o — Before Ann Sheridan took off for England to do the picture "I Was A Male War Bride" with Cary Grant, she had her beautiful red hair cut off. but short, not just to follow the current fashion but because she plays a WAC in the pic. It's getting so there isn't a long-hair in Hollywood among the glammer gals. Joan Crawford's another who has cut hers and, psst, don't say I told you, but Alan Ladd doesn't like Sue's cute new short coiffure one little bit and says so right out loud. Around the sets: Lucille Ball could be a press-agent if she ever got tired of acting. In a scene for "Interference," Lucy's typing away like mad but instead of aimlessly turning out a bunch of meaningless words she's writing. "Desi Arnaz is the best musician in America," over and over. Lizabeth Scott, on the same set, tells everybody who will listen about her new aquarium. So far she has eighteen different kinds of tropical fish but no eatin" kind. Shirley Temple had to learn to drive all over again for "Baltimore Escapade," because the model she wheels around in is a 1905 vintage with a steering handle instead of a wheel. She said it 'most scared her to death before she learned to handle it. Elizabeth Taylor's so thrilled because her father has bought a horse-breeding ranch and the horse which she rode in "National Velvet," named King Charles, will be the poppa of all her little colts. June Allyson's dropped half of her eight-month-old daughter's name. She and Dick Powell named the baby Leslie Allyson. Now she's just plain Allyson Powell. But June was afraid people would call the baby "Allie." Her pals on the set of "Little Women" have dubbed the cheeild "Little Jo." June, as you know, plays Jo in the picture. Petey Lawford, who's Laurie in the same film, looks real romantic with hisjong sideburns and shaggy neckline. Dick Widmark, that lovable villain, has had to start working out at Terry Hunt's for his rugged part in "Down To The Sea In Ships." Terry kidding! y told Dick he teas going to take four inches off his waistline and add it to his chest. Dick says life in California is so easy and pleasant that he's gained twenty-five pounds which he is noic busy distributing in the right places. A coupla national magazines on the track of stories about how Dick became such a villain had a rough time finding any material. Everybody icho knows Dick has nothing but praise and stories about what a strictly nice guy he is, which is a true thing. There isn't a star in town who has a Sonny Tufts and his wife, with two of the performers, at the opening of the "ice Follies." Mrs. Tufts has just recovered from a serious operation. SCREEXLAXD 55