Variety (Sep 1947)

MISCEULAJW Wednesday, September 3, l °i7 Debate on H wood Commie Influence Snowballs Into a Major Hassle W. ertfields' Widow Gets Mo. Allowance Los Angeles, Sept. 2. IWrs. Hattje V. Fields, widow of the late W. C. Fields, was granted an allowance of $800 a month out of the $800,000 estate by Judge Harold B. Jeffrey in L. A. superior court. ... Counsel for Carlotta Monti, con- testing the widow's claim, declared Mrs. Fields was not entitled to a share because she was "not a mem Radio's Town Meeting of the Air>- tpparently s kirted a complete bog-^ down Th casting the affirmative roles to the moot question it wanted de- bated, "Is There Really a Com- munist Threat in Hollywood?" Pro- gram was 1 set for airing last night (Tues.) over the ABC net, but for b time it looked as though George B. Denny, program director, would not Jiave anything but a .series of false starts to show for his efforts to hook onto Hollywood names to chorus "amen" to the oft-aired Con- gressional charge. Denny finally secured Mrs. Leila ! D er of the family" at the time of the Rogers, mother of Ginger, to op- | comedian's death, pose Emmet Lavery, prez of the Screen Writers' Guild, and Albert Dekker^both in the negative. Orig- inally, he had slated Hedda Hopper and Howard Emmett Rogers for the affirmative.' Latter duo later- with- drew. Rogers punctuated his with- drawal, with a lengthy letter to Daily. Variety explaining the reasons for his action. James Kevin McGuinness and Adolphe Menjou were then tapped' for the same roles. Last week Denny announced that neither Mc- Guiness nor Menjou would be avail- able. Menjou supplemented by de- claring he had never definitely ac- cepted the chores. In his letter, Rogers asserted he •was perfectly willing to argue af- firmatively on Red influence in Hollywood but that he had later been asked by Denny to switch into a spiel on Red propaganda in Amer- ican films. His objection, Rogers said, was because "the subject of Communist propaganda in pictures Is one that could be argued for days on' end without getting anywhere." Whether a film sneaked "in Kremlin Ideology was strictly a matter of opinion, he added, whereas he "was prepared "to debate the question on the basis of facts." • Lavery was to plug four points as disproof of the threat in Hollywood. If there was a real emergency, he argued, Congressman J. Parnell Thomas wouldn't have found it pos- sible to adjourn his committee's hearings in June and pick them up in September. "You just don't ad- journ .national perils," according to Lavery. Claim of threat was unfounded, the SWG prexy felt, because it would require cooperation of studio heads and they're "strictly big busi- ness." Moreover, a real threat would have been uncovered a long time ago by Senator Jack Tenney and his California committee on un- American activities. More Showmanship to Parisfashion Showings Than a Hoflywotfd Preem BEAUtOUP SHOW BIZ AIR TRAFFIC AT LaG. Among the ' scores of stage and film personalities passing through New" York's LaGuardia Field this week were: Conductor Bruno' Walter on a thvee-mohth concert tour of Europe; French singer Charles Trenet re- turning home after six months in the States; director Gregory Raton" off to film for UA, "Cagliostro," in Rome; Todd Duncan, baritone, off on three-month concert tour of Europe; Lawrence Tibbett returning after two-month European and South Africa tour; the Ink Spots to London for a six-week engagement at the Casino theatre; Edward Ar- nold in N. Y. to do his radio show; Sonja Henie returning to the Coast Faye Emerson Urges ILS. Pix Abroad If Only To 'Sell'Yank Way of Life Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Sept. 2. . American motion picture produ- cers should make "a great effort to obtain distribution of American films in Europe, even if they lost a little money doing so, because our pictures help to sell democracy." So Fays Emerson, who starred last week in the new comedy, "Profile,' 'at the Spa Summer Theatre, and who will soon sail with her husband, Elliott Roosevelt, for his second journalistic mission to the Continent, told Variety backstage Thursday night (28). Miss Emerson included Russia, which she visited with FDR's; son last December, among the countries where American pictures should be released, "on fair terms." There is a demand for our screen product in the Soviet, which has 40.000 theatres and halls available for movies. However, when the Roosevelts were there, no American picture—at least no new one—"had been shown since President Roose- velt died. Miss Emerson stated that the situation might have changed since, but it Was her understanding at the time that negotiations had been carried on to effect a release of each country's movies in the other's. One of the things the Russians want- ed was the right to make a selection of-American films. There were dis- cussions, too, of equitable terms. Miss Emerson reported Deanna Durbin ranked first among U. S. stars with the Russian people, and that Bette Davis' pictures also were very popular with them. She point- ed out that the Durbin releases were light stuff, principally musicals. They had no "message," yet they pleased the Russian audiences and did an effective job of "selling" our country. The Russians, like all other, na- tionalities, hold a very high regard for "things American," according to the highly articulate and observing Miss Emerson. "They consider our automobiles, jeeps, household fur- nishings, products and gadgets as the last word in efficiency, comfort and style," she commented. 272nd WEEK! KEN MURRAY'S "BLACKOUTS OF 1947" El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. Coming soon, the most unusual picture ever made. KRN MUR- RAY'S Production, "BILI, AND COO," in Truoolor. A Republic re- lease. Michael Loring Doing Ecclesiastical Assist Minneapolis, Sept. 2. Samuel Mirviss, formerly of Min- neapolis, who has appeared in films, Stage and radio and night clubs as Michael Loring, will be cantor and assistant to Rabbi Morris Gordon -&f Adath Jeshurun synagog here at youth services during the high holy days, starting' Sept. 14. Mirviss, now employed by the Fed- eral government at Portland, Ore., is the son of M. D. Mirviss, long sex- ton of Adah Jeshurun. Metro's'Edward'Buy Seen Tracy Starrer London. Sept. 2. Metro closed a deal with Gilbert Miller and Henry Sherek for. the film rights to their production of "Edward, My Son" currently at His Majesty's theatre. Spirited bidding brought the price up to $160,000. Spencer Tracy may play the Robert Morley role while Edwin Knopf will produce. Metro producer Ar- thur Hornblow, Jr., when here with Legion Auxiliary Asks Better Pix, Radio Shows But Soft-Pedals Blast U. S. radio" programs and motion pictures could be improved, of course, the American Legion Worn- en's Auxiliary decided last week, but they're not nearly so bad as the auxiliary's Indiana Department feels them to be ; Indiana Department delegates ar- rived at the Auxiliary's national convention in New York last week armed with a biting resolution "con- demning radio programs and motion pictures which tend to glorify crim- inals, immorality and propaganda contrary to the interests of our fu- ture citizens and our American ideals, in the minds of receptive children." Resolution noted that "during the past months there has developed an alarming pendency on the part of moving picture producers and radio to glorify gangsterism and foreign influences through the subtle propa- ganda oi entertainment." Measure further . deplored "the influence of foreign films from any country which tends to be the medium of any foreign propaganda or philosophy however seemingly worthy, in the guise of entertainment." In passing, the resolution also de- nounced "emphasis upien actors and actresses whose private lives are not models for impressionable youth." The Auxiliary's national radio committee, to which the Indiana resolution was referred, took excep- tion to it as "misleading, wordy" and uncalled-for, and adopted instead a comparatively mild measure pro posing that the 950,000-member Auxiliary "encourage radio networks and motion picture companies to produce more and better programs and pictures directed to the devel- opments higher ideals of living and better citizenship." Convention later adopted this res- olution without debate. Mrs. John A. Lakeman of Spring- field, Mass., radio committee chair- man, told Variety the group felt that radio "has grown and is con- tinuing to grow along the right ten- dencies," that the ' ..etworks "have cooperated excellently with our people" and that the committee saw no burning cause for adopting a measure such as the Indiana Depart- ment submitted. Implication was that the same feeling applied to the film industry. after a month vacation in Europe; his wifeon yac8tion_recentlXi_re- ' Robert AHa to the 1 Coast for new film; tenor Richard Tucker home after a five-week tour in Italy; publicity director Jane Lait here to get the Bing Crosby and Burl Ives show going; actress Betty. Caulfield east and Vivian Blaine and husband, Manny Frank, home from Paris. Trenet caused the slight delay of the Air Fiance plane that was Ink poitedly was instrumental in ar ranging the purchase. New play in three acts by Morley and Noel La'ngley, "Edward" opened auspiciously last June. Variety de- scribed the piece as the "saga of a wicked newspaper baron, his spoiled and drunken son, his wife and his "' tress. It's another 'Citizen Kane' except that the sets aren't so vast ing him hor>e. Franctically paged by I'or as arty." Morley has the part employees to board his plane, he showed up laier with a vacuum bot- tle filled with vanilla ice cream. He said that he was taking it home to his mother and fiancee. He was told that, the trip would take about 18 hours. Originally set to sail on the S.S. America the Ink Spots were in a of the newspaper editor. Show is slated to transfer to the Lyric .theatre in three weeks replacing "Peace in Our Time" there. Hotel Plaza, N.Y., Again Trying for Formality In 'Most Expensive' Room The Hotel Plaza, N.Y., celebrating its 40th anniversary this fall, will climax the event by reopening the grillroom which has been shuttered for over a decade and which, at one time, enjoyed the rep of being the most expensive room in New York. It will again have its own separate entrance on the 59th street side- and will give the Persian Room a tussle as "the" boite in the hostelry.. Now a Hilton chain-operated hotel, the Plaza in 1896 originally was a skating rink, later a six-story hotel, but had to be razed in 1906 because it was too hazardous to build on top of the basic structure. The new Plaza opened in 1907 with the late Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and Mrs. Clarabelle Walsh as original tenants. Latter, w.k. in show-biz circles, is still resident there. The Plaza grillroom will have only dance music and, possibly, again at- tempt a strictly formal policy. COMIC BLASTS RIVAL FOR COPPING MATERIAL Lifting of material among comics, longtime sorespot in the trade, had its natural aftermath last week at the Concord hotel, Kiamesha Lake, N. Y., when Eddie Schaeffer pub- licly blasted another ' comedian for using his major bits. at that spot three days before he opened. Schaeffer stunned' the guests in this resort spot when he turned loose his accusations at the start of his regular turn on the floor. Schaeffer revealed that he had asked the rival comic to lay off, especially at this spot, inasmuch as he (Schaef- fer) was to follow him in. Accord- ing to Schaeffer, other comic agreed, but when he reported for rehearsal, the orchestra members told him that his pieces had been done in previous show. „ Schaeffer was very forceful in his assertions and declared that al- though he may never appear at the | the Riviera to order her fall clothes. '* By LUCETTE CARiw^ Paris, AuglSt . Following Christian Dior's ralher y "S i ; sensational opening, all Paris coutu- riers have shown their winter col- lections.. Each opening (more than 25 in one week) has the glamour of a theatre "premiere." There is the same agitation and tenseness—the press and overseas (chiefly Ameri- can) buyers are all there, ready to admire or criticize. Molyneux, Schiaparelli, Lelong, Fath, Balmain. ..almost all have adopted the famous new figure: 100% feminine with superfine waist, bust, hips, corsets and pads in unexpected places. The evening gowns and wraps are so sumptuous that all are fit to be worn at court receptions. Fashion experts' seem to sense some- thing historical is happening: and they are on the front line of the new Fashion Revolution. ,■: They see 500 models daily from 10 a.m. to midnight. They occasion- ally have to be revived with cham- pagne, but luckily there is very little monotony in the clothes. Behind the scenes, the dresses are sketched by 10 people at once, jour- nalists get interviews, photographers want exclusive pictures. Buyers can- not make up their minds: everything is lovely, but what fabulous prices! Finally they are tempted and buy a great many things.. Publicity di- rectors are in a daze, mannequins can hardly stand up. It is the great- est triumph the French couture has known for a decade. Dictators' Op'nions Here is what some of the fashion dictators say about their own col- lections. 5 Robert Piquet: "A woman will not resemble a flapper any more. From, now on she will at last look a lady..." Lucien Lelong: "The 1948 woman will appear to be walking against the wind. Clinging material will re- veal her body, as if she were a fig- urehead on the prow of a ship." Jacques Fath: "Mine is a style for a sumptuous but severe winter, covered with snow and enchanted by violins .." Countess de Polignac (Lanvin): "...Now that a leveling uniformity tends to replace quality, it is vital to fight for beauty and give it the importance it deserves.. " As for Captain Molyneux, he is conservative: no extreme styles. Per- haps this is the reason why he may be picked out to make Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress? Two of the most spectacular col- lections are those of Jacques Fath and Pierre Balmain. Fath had his opening at J) p.m. in his garden just back of the Hotel George V. The trees were illuminated and crowds watched from windows and roofs of adjoining buildings. Fath has just made the dresses which Parisian' torchsinger Edith Piaf will wear in New York where she is to open shortly. Maria Montez rushed to see him the minute she arrived! Sonja Henie is returning this week from Concord again, the " "audacity such thievery" should be known. of SELZKICKS DIVORCINa Hollywood, Sept. 2. Irene Mayer Selznick has filed suit for divorce from David O. Selznick spot with their opening tomorrow i on grounds of grievous mental suf (4) so they decided to fly by way cf j fering. She also asked custody of American Overseas Airline plane ; their two sons, Lewis Jeffrey 15 that would get them m London in less than a day. Returning they will appear at N. Y. Paramount and Daniel Mayer, 11. They were married separated in 1945. in 1930 and Rita's Back, Col. Got Her Rita Hayworth arrived in New York Monday il) aboard the Queen Elizabeth after a five-month tour of Europe. She made many p.a.'s and also appeared at the London preem of her latest film, "Down to Eearth." Miss Hay worth, who said she. en- joyed the junket, trained to the Coast yesterday tTues.). She ex- pects to start work on a new vehicle late this month and described the part as a "dramatic" role. Nate Spingold. Columbia veepee, headed the reception committee at the pier. Inr Ashers Back The Irving Ashers (Laura La Plante) returned from a European vacation Monday (1) aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Producer declared "we went away on a two-week vaca- tion and stayed three months." Couple plans to remain in New York until the end of the week and then plane to the Coast. Asher stated his next production would be for. RKO in Dec; mber but film's title as yet is not set. Col. Looks Set to Pay 750G for 'Yesterday' Columbia appeared close this week to making a deal at a near record figure for screen rights to the Among his customers are Mrs. Evita Peron, Mrs. Ray Milland and Yvonne Printemps, Sacha Guitry's wife No. 2 (he is to marry No. 5 very soon, beautiful dark Lena Marconi). At Pierre Balmain's it was hardly possible to get a seat, but four chairs in the front row had been reserved for Viveca Lindfors, Mrs. Delmer Daves. Mrs. Joe Hummel (Warners) and Mms. Victor Franccn. They all Broadway longrun legit hit, "Born [ arrived together and Miss Lindfors Yesterday." Price is reported to be j ordered four dresses. Balmain is go- $750,000, plus-a—percentage- of the ; ing around -the- -world—on-a—two - profits. The 750G would be divided j months' tour. He will be in Holly- wood for two weeks in October with his assistant, Irish John Cavanagb. William Wyler, Daves and other friends will entertain him there. He has been to America be- fore and his English is perfect. Christian' Dior by now will have made his first voyage to America. Among other things, they want to check American women's reaction to Paris fashions and see how these fashions are adapted in America while, at the same time, they will bring home many new American ideas that will be profitable t» the women of France. over a 10-year period. Col wants the property as a Rita Hayworth starrer. Also in the run- ning to obtain it is Paramount, which wants it for Betty Hutton. Par's interest waned somewhat, how- ever, when Abe Lastfogel, of the William Morris office, representing author Garson Kanin and producer Max Gordon, made known the price. It has only been exceeded by the $1,000,000 Universal-International is reported to have paid for "Harvey.'' Comedy of postwar Washington is now in its 83d week on Broadway. It has only been recently offered to films, Kanin and Gordon having previously held onto it with the con- tention they would picturize it themselves. With the offers becom- ing so fabulous, however, it is said that they and their backers—who include George- S. Kaufman and Moss Hart—felt that it would be more profitable to sell. Welles for 'Moby' Paris, Sept. 2. Orson Welles reported planning to do a stage version of Herman Mel- ville's novel, "Moby Dick," in Lon- don. Also wants Joseph Gotten for the lead.