Variety (March 1950)

CHATTER Wednesday, March 15, 1950 Geraldine Fitzgerald back from « trip to Ireland Saturday (11) on the America. . • Hedy Lamarr, who just com- pleted “Visa" for Metro, left Fri- day (10) for Florida. Show biz attorney Paul O’Brien planes to Rome today (Wed.) with his wife for a two-week Holy Year visit. : Ann Vernon, French actress, re- turned from the Coast Friday (10), where she was screentested by Uni- versal-International. The Benny Fields (Blossom See- ley) feted backstage at the Capitol theatre, last week, on their 30th wedding anniversary. John A. Cassidy, RKO Thea- tres' flack, addressed Fprdham U. journalism students last night (Tues.) on theatre publicity. George Raft off to Europe to co-produce and star in ‘Til -Get You For This,” Which Joe Kauf* man is making in Britain and; France. Pat Ballard, songsmith, to con- duct; summer course in television and pop songwriting at N, Y. State Music Camp in the Adiron- dacks. ; The Arthur Schwartzes (Kay Carrington) to Palm Beach this weekend, directly after his, final "Inside U. S. A. for Chevrolet”, video show. The Fitzgeralds (Ed and Pegeen) made it an all-Viennese soiree when Anton Karas, composer of "The Third Man” score, gave out with his zither at their apartment last' week. ; . Coleen Gray in from the Coast Monday (13) for short vacation be- fore trekking to Europe to appear In the George Raft starrer, “I’ll Get You For This.” George Sidney, and his wife, Lillian Burns, ailing With colds which they contracted shortly af- ter arriving front the Coast for a three or four week Vacation, Ruth Draper, Danny Thomas and former silent screen star Leatrice Joy (Mrs, L. J, Wester- mark) sailing for Europe today (Wednesday) on the America; Tenor Donald Dame sailed Sat- urday (11) for his first concert tour of Europe. Johanna Beek, Dutch concert manager, has set up a tour that will cover six. countries. Henry R. Arias, film exporter and importer, sailed front New York Saturday (11) for a two-month swing through continental Europe, to look over new foreign product. .Paul Henried returned from Cannes this week, where he filmed "Pardon My French” with Merle Oberon. Headed immediately for the Coast to do "Last of the Buc- handling of newsreel assignments durihg and after the war and for work on feature films with a war Susan Peters, here in Barretts of Wimpole Street,” rates as num- ber one guest of week, with par- ties by Senator Harry Cain, and Rep. Walt Horan, tossed in her honor, plus invitation to Congres- sional Club party in honor, of the Vice President,,.and Mrs. Barkley. By Helen McGill Tubbs Director John Brahms vacation- ing in Vienna. . Hollywood scripter Richard Shermah visiting Rome* W; Lee Wilder left for, J Holly- wood, but returns to Italy dri June. George and Gwynne Pickford Ornstein returned^ from a month in Austria. Hollywood scriptwriter Homer Croy seeing Rome on his way back from Egypt. ; , Walter and Ruth Resce in Italy to do a series of documentaries on Italian subjects. The Wanda Osiris Revue fea- tures the Nicholas BrolS. at the Teatrb Adriana. . • Maurice Chevalier did a sellout concert business at the Teatrb Palazzo Sistine March 5. Faye Marlowe, noW playing in "Thief of Venice” in Italy; is the daughter of Fanchbn and Marco of Hollywood; Vittorio DeSica’s new film, Miracolo A Milano,” with story by Cesare Zavattini and DeSica, Will be made in Milan, Starting late. March. cancers at Columbia. Sol A. Schwartz; RKO Theatres veepee-general manager, arrived on the Coast Monday (i3) after a stop- off at 20th-Fox’s showmanship meet in Chicago. Stays a fortnight in Hollywood to O.O. fresh product. Charles Schlaifer, head of the ad agency bearing his name, in Washington this week to appear be- fore the Senate Appropriations Committee in behalf of the nation- al committee for mental hygiene. William Horning, art director for Metro’s "Quo Vadis,” planed to London and Rome last Week in ad- vance of other unit members who start leaving the Coast the end of the month for the Italian produc tion.' Joseph H. Moskowitz, 20th-Fox veepee and eastern studio repre- sentative, leaves for the Coast to- morrow (Thurs.) for a series of huddles With production veepee Darryl F. ZanUck and other studio •xecs. Bryan Dority, of Chicago, and Robert Kurka, of New York, both ex-GI’s, are Winners of the fifth annual George Gershwin Memorial Contest. Dority’s prizewiiining work, "Allegro arid Pastorale,” will be given its first performance at the memorial concert at Carnegie Hall, March 26. London By Lewis Garyo Ferruccio Tagliavini and wife Pia Tassiriari singing at the San Carlos theatre until mid April; Songstress Amalia Rodrigues back from Brazil; Will return to Rio de Jarieiro in May to work in radio. American tenor Riccardo Manin (Richard Manning) touring Spain and* Portugal With Opera Comica Co. from Milan. J. G. Priestley’s "Dangerous Corner,” produced at Estrela Hall, was a sock; Will be transferred to the Teatro Nacional. Spanish revue company of Ja- cinto Guerrero, president of Span- ish Society of Authors and Com- posers, is at the Teatro Variedades until Easter. Teatro Apolo’s big success at the moment is "The Light of Heart,” by Ertilyri Williams, star- ring Alves da Cunha, Maria La- lande and Alvaro Benamor. Swedish artists Lisa Ericson, Gunnar Bj ornstrand, Karl Holm- Ster and Jan Molander, with di- rector Allen Ekelund, in Portugal and Madeira for a month to film location scenes for a pic produced by Aktiebolaget Svensk Filmin- dustri. George Formby in hospital re- covering from appendectomy, Mary Ellis' husband, J- M; S. Roberts, killed while mountaineer- ing in Scotland. . Ben Henry sailed for vacation to South Africa and due badk shortly after Easter. . .■■ ■ . Oscar Barber appointed ‘ drive captain” for RKO’s 20th anniver- sary ..sales campaign. Anne Shelton is booked for six weeks With option in South Africa, opening sometime in May. Gabriel Pascal in town ana al- ready lining rip cast for filming of Bernard Shaw's "Androcles ana the Lion.” Arthur Pincus to Frankfurt and Berlin on the first leg of his con- tinental survey and due back here end of . April. Theo Lageard producing a new Columbia British film "Midnight Episode” in Which Stanley Hollo- way is starring. Jack Hylton's new ‘‘Crazy Show,” starring the Crazy Gang, to return at the Victoria*Palace tomorrow (16) with $70,000 advance bookings Councillor Harry P, E. Mears elected new Cinematograph Exhibi- tors Assn, vice-prexy by ballot, scoring an almost 2-1 victory over his opponent Dennis Walls. William Douglas Home, author of "The Chiltern Hundreds” and "Now Barrabas,”. making a stage adaptation of Desmond Young’s bestselling book, "Rommel.” John C. Dennett, of the Hank Organization, elected chairman of the Film Industry. Publicity Circle, succeeding Jack Griggs, of Asso- ciated-Britlsh Pathe, who held the post for two years. Renown Pictures added "Tom Brown’s S Ch o o l d ays” Thomas Hughes* classic, to its 1950 pro- duction slate. Film is due to roll in midsummer with John Howard Davis in the title role: Noel Lan- gley is writing the screenplay. By Les Rees V Irik Spots underlined for Radio cinema, Cine Coliseo, it operated for some time in Tbluca, the state capital, and will use. proceeds to build a 300-bed public hospital, Sidney T. Brukner, long chief here of Col's Spanish pic produc- tion department, readying to make pix in Spanish on his own. A No- velii takes over , as department chief. Manuel Espinosa. Iglesias, cine- ma chain operator, is the new prez of the national cinema operators association. Other officers are Luis R. Montes, veepee; Antonio de G. Osio, secretary; and, Adolfo La- gos treasurer./ By Hal Cohen Lois Dorin is taking a rest on the orders of her doctor. Wyriters and Angelina playing their eighth date at Terrace Room. ; Evans Family signed for spot on Ken Murray’s. TV. show March 18. Connie Sawyer heads for Eu- rope- in July to play London’s Col- ony. Reuben Rablnovltch in town beating drums for Les Ballets de Paris. •Stan Kenton brings his new band to Syria Mosque for concert Friday (17); . Eddie Klein, former nitery own- er, out of danger On Coast after a heart attack. Bobby Breen joined Doraine and Ellis and Duke Alderi in show at Monte Carlo. • Lawrence Welk band gave Bill Green’s the biggest Saturday night in its indoors history; Pneumonia has delayed Gordon Contee’s departure for Washing- ton to take over UA exchange. Billy Hinds pinch-hitting for vacationing Rosey Rowswell on latter’s daily WJAS waker-upper. * J; English Smith, head of school of acting at Pittsburgh Playhouse arid frequent actor in community theatre productions, has resigned to join promotion staff of Ket- chUm, Inc., here. New post also washes up Smith’s summer-time connection with Civic Light Opera Assn. Jack Carson arid his Hollywood revue to Fox stage March 24. Russ Hall, former summer re- placement announcer at WXYZ, added to regular staff. Singer Dee Parker and her orch- leader husband, Phil Brestoff, opened Sunday (12) at Statler Ter- race Room. Fred Wolf, WXYZ sportscaster, named outstanding sports broad- caster by the Detroit Council of Management Clubs. John Pival, WXYZ-TV program director, off to Lakeland, Fla., to direct filming of "Detroit Tigers in Training," a video feature, Alexander Uninsky here for piano recital. Dome has Red Allen orch With J. C. Higginbotham. Martha Raye back at Club Car- nival with Ben Yost Singers. Carol Bruce and her husband here from NeW York to visit .tat- ter's-'relatives.', Jimmy Nederlander, manager of Lyceum, legit house, in N. Y. in search for more shows. Hotel Nicollet Minnesota Terrace has Bert Wheeler, Slate Bros, with Linda Bishop and Cecil Golly or- chestra. •' A1 Bloom, vet explbiteer, han- dling Northwest V a r i e ty club safety slogan contest to raise more funds for its heart hospital project, Myrus into Hotel Radisson Flame Room for fourth engagement '.there, heading show that also in- cludes Jean Nelson and Bob Cross orch, Luba Malinri went from Minne- sota Terrace here to New York to confer with Jed Harris about role in his forthcoming new show, "Gala Premiere.” By Florence S. Lowe Nathan Golden, Dept, of Com- merce film Chief, back on job after two-month tussle with illness. Alec Templeton, here for a con- cert, feted with Mrs. Templeton by American Newspaper Women’s Club. Sidney Farr, of Corpus Christi, Texas, joined staff of National Assn, of Broadcasters as an at- torney and assistant to Don Petty, NAB general counsel. •MPA A- prexy Eric Johnston named by Tau Kappa Alpha; na- tional; speech honor society, as year’s outstanding speaker in field of business and commerce. Robert Young, screen and radio star, in town last week for series of p.a.’s on behalf of National Committee for Traffic Safety cause he espouses weekly on his NBC •irer, "Father Knows Best.” Tony Muto, Fox Movietone News City Arid 20th rep here, received Army _ Certificate of Appreciation for his 1 rado production. By Joaquina C. Vidal-Gomis Dancer Jeanne Essex at Rio nitery. Angela Maria Vargas, singer, a hit at Bolero nitery. Hawaiian trio, TaU Moe, at the Bagdad nitery; also the Marley Ballet. Fernando Fernan Gomez to star in "El Ultimo Cabello,” Edgar Neville production.. Anriabella, for the time being, has fixed her residence in Madrid. : Henry, Salvador at Rio nitery. Valeriano Leon and Aurora Re- dondo company give first perform- ance of comedy; "Algo fiota sobre Pepe,” at the Barcelona theatre: Quiritero and Guillen have pre- sented a new play at the Comedia theatre, "Johnny Lobito,” story of a Spanish gangster in New York. Lola Membrives’ legit coinpany has arrived from Buenos Aires. She’s due in Madrid April 8 to be* gin spring season with Peman’s play, "Pepa Almuzora.” After minor throat surgery, pic star Alfredo Mayo made final scenes in "Maria Antonia, la Caramba,” arid is in Barcelona to work on "Debla,” the Rariion Tor- By D. L. Grahame Zully Moreno, Argentinian ac- tress, here to play in a pic. Pepe Iglesias, top Argentinian comic, here to play El Patio nitery. John Jones has taken over as WB manager. He Came here from Havana. Pianist Beatriz Murillo and Juan Garcia Esquivel, orch leader, married; Stella In-da'' (Soledad Garcia Co- rona) back to pix after long stage trouping. Arturo de Cordoba back frorri a long stay' .in South America to make three Mexican pix. Pay paid actors in the 110 pix produced iri Mexico last year totaled $1,500,000, a nbw high. Cesar Santos Galindo, manager ! of the Azteca studios, organizing a Mexican pic distribution company. Opening of the swank 4,000-seat Real Cinema by» Luis Castro brings to 111 the number of cinemas here. Pedro Infante inked for lead in j the pic, "Sobre las Olas” (‘‘Over the Waves”), with Ismael Rodriguez to*produce. . Rosita Fornes, Cuban. corriedi- enrie, now a naturalized Mexican. She and her husband, Manuel Me- del, Mexican comic, to produce re- vues here. Teatro Lirico, revue house, has inked Charles Trenet, French sing- er, and Sofia Alvarez, Colombian comedienne who’s a Mexican stage and screen star. Government to build a 60,000r seat national stadium here, replac- ing the 55,000-seat bowl that’s being razed to make a site for ,a 1,000-family apartment house. The State of Mexico has sold the By Maxwell Sweeney Forsyte, and Seamon in for vaude stint at Olympia, Dublin. Sean O’Casey reported to have two new one-acters ready for pro- duction. Jimmy Campbell named as resi- dent musical director, Belfast Opera House. Tenor Christopher Lynch skedded for concerts in July on re- turn from U. S. Attorney James C. F$gan has been named as 1950 prexy of Irish. National Film Institute. Ida Shepley, Earl : Cariieron, Dorothy Rolston inked for Illsley- McCabe presentation of "Deep Are the Roots” at Gaiety, Dublin. . Michael A. Bowles, foriner con- ductor of Radio Eirearin symphony orch; leaving for New Zealand soon on three-year stint as con- ductor of«N, Z. National Symphony. Buenos Aires Nini Marshall back from making pix in Spanish studios. Imperio Argentina signed for broadcasts on Splendid network. George Abbott giving B. A. the onceover as guest of U. S. Ambas- sador Stanton B; Griffis. Mexican: pic star Maria Felix to broadcast for Belgrano web in June at $1,000 US per half-hour. Oliver S. Johnston of Walt Dis- ney Productions in Argentina to in- spect Walt Disney Dibujos Anima- dos, B A. affiliate. Cinemactress Mirtha Legrand and director husband Daniel Tinayre postponing European junk et to make- two pix. each Artistas Argentinos Asociados. Carlton Alsop laid up With virus pneumonia. Stewart Granger hospitalized with pleririsy, Ruth Warrick to Phoenix for a strawhat stint. Jimmy Van Heusen in town after a siesta in. Acapulco. Charles Coburn celebrated his 60th anni as an actor. Alfred Hitchcock in from N. Y. for huddles at Warners. Samuel GoldWyn tossed a lunch- eon for Sarah Churchill. Jack Baur moved from Warners’ casting department to join MCA. George Jessel opened the Na- tional Orange ShoW. iri San Berna- dino. Jimriiy Durante in. from Chicago for L. A. operiing of "Great Ru- pert.”. Richard Thorp leaves for Lon-. don next month to Work in Metro’s “ivanhoe;” Ruth Roman laid up With virus while "Lightning Strikes Twice” is shot around her.: Nick Castle named stage director .of Academy Awards show at Hol- lywood Pantages.: Jean Hersholt s p o k e at Occi- dental College to honor a delega- tion of Danish gymnasts. Marilyn Maxwell joins Bob Hope this week in 12-day personal ap- pearance tour of -.midwest; Franklyn..Farnum s tart Cd his 550th film role in "My Friend Irma Goes West” at Paramount. Henry Wilcoxslon off for the midwest on his fourth plugging tour for "Samson and Delilah.” Charles Heston in from N. Y. for huddles with Hal Wallis about a picture to-be made in London rieXt surnrner. Albert Rogell was named prexy, pro-tem, of new Irving Thalberg Lodge, an entertainment affiliate of B’nai B’rith. . Ann Blyth won the Ancient Or- der of Hibernians’ award as out- standing Iris h personality on screen and radio. Joe Kirkwood wound up his film acting for a time and left for Georgia to practice for Masters Golf Tournament, Francis, the mule in Universal- International picture, will be jest- of-honor at luncheon tossed by the N. Y. Comedy Writers Guild. Frank Whitbeck and Cary Grant made a short subject at Metro for Variety Clubs International’s Will Rogers Memorial Hospital at Sara- nac Lake. By Jerry Gaghan Dick Mabry, WIBG gabber, leaves in April to join staff of new Cleveland station, WDOK. Sidney Bechet’s combo, cur- rently at Rendezvous has had its one-week run extended to three. Marie Powers will sing the Mine; Flora role in "The Medium,” which will be filmed in Italy this fall. Metropolitan Opera Assn, - an- nounced Philly would get only five productions next year. In previous seasons Met has given as many as 22 operas here. "The Consul,” which preemed at Shuberi here, picked as the bene- fit show, which Toscanini will conduct in New York, March 21, to aid the Casa Verdi rest home for musicians which Verdi founded in Italy before his death. By John Quinn Ice-Capades set for Pla-Mor rink on annual stop April 3-9. \ Smiley Hart,. AGVA rep, back on job after bout with flu; Hamid-Morton shows into Muny Auditorium for Police; Circus for 10th straight year. Bob Hope and troupe set for matinee and night March 19 with $4.88 top in Muny Auditorium. Georgie Gobel set to open at Statler, Washington, D. C., March 20; following fortnight at Eddy's Restaurant here. El Casbah, dinner-dance spot .of the Bellerive hotel, went to a $1 cover charge policy during date of Henny Youngman. Katharine Cornell returns Or- pheum. to legit, after a run of films, when she brings "That Lady” in for five-days March 14. Hess Mayer moving his booking office out*of town to take over a deal for booking and publicity at Shamrock hotel in Houston. By Lary Solloway Teddy Powell’s orch into Ciro’s. Red Buttons and Sophie Tucker at Lord Tarleton. Buddy Lester follows Lenny Kent into Five O’clock club at end of month, Henny Youngman. due to follow Joe E. Lewis into Copa City in two weeks. Lewis opened Sunday night-(12). Leon Enkeri, Jr;, son of the ex- Leon & Eddie’s, N, Y., boniface, is a junior partner in the operation of Wplfie’s, Miami Beach, . . AGVA benefit show) ait Roosevelt theatre here disappointing in at- tendance to toppers Reriry Dunn and Jack Irving, W 7 ho are in town. St. Only two plays so far on Theatre Guild-ATS series: * Mae West in “Diamond Lil ; set for St: Paul Auditorium April 1. Ice-Capades grossed $117,000 at Auditorium arena Feb, 28-March 5, Television sets have been seljing at rate of 2,000 weekly, but warm .weather has started decline m 'sales., . . . , ■ Macalaster College Choir, under Hollis Johnson, which is on nation- al broadcast over Mutual, finisnea a record album. . • _.. "Excursion” at Edyth Bush Lit* tie Theatre. After, this show, ■ di- rector Howard Lambert is leaving with no new director selected*