Swing (Jan-Dec 1945)

}6 win October, 194^ alone ought to prove the fallacy of the quaint notion that thought inevitably produces ideas. After an exhaustive examination of all Rodin's works, it is my studied opinion that anyone seeking inspiration can find more in the little finger of the left hand of the feminine figures in Eternal Springtime or The Kiss than he can in all the muscle-bound pondering of this so-called "father of man". However, one must accord The Thinker the accolades he so richly deserves as a determined and consistent sitter. Already he has put to shame such outstanding contenders as One-Eyed Connolly and Flagpole Kelly and now he is shooting at the mark established by that admirable old patriarch of the early Christian era, Simon Stylites of Antioch, who achieved no little fame when he clambered atop a pillar 72 feet high and four feet square at the apex and remained there, braving sunshine and rain and Republican and Democratic administrations alike, until his death. Food, jugs of water, and possible changes of underwear were brought to the pillar by his faithful followers, to be hoisted by him to his elevated observation platform. It doubtlessly was a highly inspirational and edifying life, if one is of the type that goes in for that sort of thing. I don't, and am quite frank in my intention not to try it. I see no future in the business. Besides, it is doubtful if a person could remain aperch a column under present conditions long enough to attain immortality. Even if a modern Simon should emerge, the stunt probably would be attributed to some movie publicity man as a plug for some picture called "Pillars of Society", or something like that. It's really remarkable what those boys can dream up, even when sober. Witness the one in Chicago who staged a special showing of "Son of Lassie" for an audience of seeing-eye dogs. Rodin has been called the father of modern sculpture. Possibly for that reason, he was a highly temperamental man and often flew into ungovernable tantrums when at work, especially upon the busts for which he is most noted. When he was in one of these states, his friends would avoid his studio with the whispered explanation: "Rodin is on a bust!" This expression has survived the years and gained an expanded meaning to cover anyone in a temperamental display. It has even reached a point where it is almost impossible for an Irishman to stop at the corner saloon on Saturday night, corral a few quick ones and then go home and start beating his wife without some of the neighbors calling the police to report: "Better send the wagon; Hogan is on a bust again!" lAJordi for our f-^ictureS — f-^a^ei 33-36 FORCED LANDING— "Tex", a volunteer Navy flier from the Olathe base, gets roped in on the War Dads' Rodeo at Kansas City's Ruppert Stadium. It seems Tex didn't steer right. GOAL POST GUARDIANS-Duke Burt, James Irwin, Cecil Longford, Frank Pattee, and Ernest Wallin of K. U. kibitz the night game in Kansas City, as T. C. U. wallops the Midwesterners to the tune of 18-0. Nearly 14,000 fans saw the carnage. ROOM FOR TWO at a grand hotel. MGM gives us a picture of one week-end that wasn't lost— at least, not for Lana and Van, two am3ng many who make "Week-End at the Waldorf" the big picture it is. Loew's Midland will show it late in October. THAT FRED ASTAIRE WAY-is what gets him where he is now, who wouldn't like to be! Some of the luscious scenery attendant on this season's version of the "Ziegfeld Follies," showing at Loew's Midland soon. BACK FROM BATAAN-come Sgt. Dennis Rainwater and Chief B. M. Sidney Await, of Paris, Texas. WHB's Showtime Gal, Rosemary Howard, and newscaster Dick Smith find out about those two years our heroes spent in the Japanese Cabonatuan prison camp. RKO Orpheum shows "Back to Botoan" this month.