Screenland Plus TV-Land (Jul 1955-May 1957)

So popular did he become that Howard decided to try using that voice professionally. He quit his aircraft work and got a job as a singing-waiter. But he didn't like it, left after a short time and went back to Douglas. However, he didn't stop warbling. As a matter of fact, he started going to evening classes in singing at Los Angeles High School and there he auditioned for the operas being produced in English by George Houston with conductor Hans Lert. But nothing happened. Lert at that time was also rehearsing the oratorio "Saul And David'" with a 70-piece symphony in Pasadena. Three days before the performance the basso was called to Texas. Lert, recalling Keel's audition, located him and asked if he could sing the part. Howard then sang only bass — he didn't get into baritone roles until he was signed for films. His honest answer was "I don't know, but I'll try." With only three days' rehearsal, and singing for the first time with a symphony orchestra, he made it. In fact, his performance was so good that after the final curtain George Houston, who had been in the audience, told him, "I'd like to talk to you about your future." And thus did the influence of Houston enter Keel's life. "George, by this time, was still in pictures, but regrettably not in singing roles. He devoted his evenings to coaching or directing — without fee. He always wanted to direct movies, but never did. His consistent advice on acting was 'Naturalness above all.' He wasn't the type who gave a lot of advice or spouted sage sayings — his actions spoke for themselves. And his philosophy always was, T don't want anything from this except the pleasure of working with young talent.' " Keel's work for Douglas took him to the Middle West in 1944 and, with the confidence instilled by Houston, he entered the Mississippi Valley Music Festival and the Chicago Music Festival. He won in both contests. Back in Los Angeles, the following year he auditioned for the National Concert Agency and was signed immediately. He kept his Douglas job and sang in spare time. Then, in 1945, came the break which sent him to New York for "Carousel" and "Oklahoma!" and after a year's run with the latter in London, came his film debut. "It was George who had convinced me I had to stand on my own two feet and try concerts. Additionally, he suggested some of my numbers and coached me. "He went through life trying to help others. It's typical that he had joined the French Ambulance Corps in 1914 before the United States entered World War I. then switched to our own service in 1917. His greatest talent, apparently, was helpfulness. And for that, who can deny that George Houston was a great man?" asks the star of "Kismet," adding, "I hope someday I too can help young talent develop their potentialities." END Direct from Hollywood... Read Sheilah Graham's llCttMOte &W4t{) In every issue of Silver Screen Magazine Famed columnist Sheilah Graham takes you behind the scenes to learn all the latest inside news about Hollywood's glamorous stars! Don't miss Sheilah Graham's revealing column in the current issue of SILVER SCREEN Magazine! Another exclusive Silver Screen feature you'll want to read regularly. . . Dennis James, popular television star, writes how Hollywood' s most famous stars achieved success. Tune in to Dennis James, host of "On Your Account," daily on the CBS Television network (sponsored by Procter and Gamble). Check your local listing for time and station. Buy Silver Screen Magazine today at your favorite newsstand 61