Variety (October 1954)

142 CHATTER Veincsdajr, October 20, 1954 Broadway Gregory Ratoft back from Eu- rope yesterday (Tues.) on the Queen Mary. Don Hartman, Paramount exec producer, back to the Coast follow- . ing the J White Christmas” bow at the Music Hall. Ira Blue, show biz attorney, lias been reelected vice-president of the Federal Bar Assn, of N.Y„ New Jersey & Conn, for another .year,. Robert Shapiro, managing direc- tor of N, Y. Paramount, and Ed Hyrrian, ABC-Paramount veepee, planed to the Coast Sunday (17) to look at new product. Rudolf Bing, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, flew last Friday (15) to San Francisco to atr tend several performances Of the San Francisco Opera. - He returned to New York Sunday. Actress—singer Elise Rhodes and her roommate Meredith Anderson’s apartment on Lexington Aye. made the police blotter when $7,825 in furs and jewelry were stolen this past weekend. Miss Anderson is a freelance writer. Anna and Maria . Calouta, a Greek singing-dancing sister-team, arrived in N.Y. front Athens last Thursday (14), to give a series ol concerts on behalf of Greek relief organizations throughout the U,S., to benefit victims of the recent earthquakes in Greece. Lou (Latin Quarter) Walters’ daughter, Barbara, who has been With, NBC when not associated with her father’s enterprises, went over to Paris June 1 ‘‘for a few weeks’’ and may come back in November with the LQ showman Who is flying over for the Nov. I Command Performance in London. Hurricane Hazel .contributed* to the untimely death of publicist David E. Green's father Friday night (15) when he missed his footing while alighting from a Broadway bus near his home in the 80s, causing him to hit his head on the sidewalk. He died Within a .few hours from shock and concus- sion. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans nahied co-chairmen of the first Na- tional Retarded Children’s Week, scheduled for Nov. 14-23, accord- ing to Martin F. Papish, who heads the organization. Purpose of the week is to inform the public on needs of the mentally retarded child and. to raise funds for handi- capped children. Brooklyn Society 1 of Artists, prexied by Nancy Ranson, stages its 38th annual exhibition at River- side. Museum Qct. 31-Nov. JJ1. Special feature of this year’s ex- hibition is forum on “Art and Atomic Age” moderated by Bert- ram Goodman On Sunday after- noon, Nov. 14. Artist is wife Of WMGM publicist . Jo Ranson. When Gene Mori (Garden State Racetrack near Camden) hosted The Skeeters last Wednesday (13), he also unveiled his new Cherry Hill Inn, at nearby Haddonfield. It was a show biz reunion for many Who greeted Pepind (& Rhode), who danced at the Central Park Casino, Waldorf, etc., and Who is how headwaiter at Mori’s country- style inn. ‘ Leonard H. Goldenson, ABC- Paramount proxy, was named hon- orary “Pennsylvania Ambassador” last Week by the Pennsy Chamber of Commerce for “outstanding achievement in the best tradition of the Commonwealth.” Former resident of Scottdale, Pa., he was chosen for his efforts on behalf of the United Cerebral Palsy Assn., which he organized and heads. After 7V£ years, Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald aren’t sure of their Hay Island (Conn.) summer retreat be- cause William Ziegler, who ^owns that large tract, thinks that Bill Jr. and fiis family should settle there next year, and stay closer to the family. The Fitzgeralds, who Used to alternate their ABC radio shows from there; and N. Y., will now Originate 100% from their East 78th St. town house. hist philosophies and will be ap- proved by India government before production starts, Pakistan government expects to release 10 Indian films now held by customs. Further release would depend on settlement of trade agreement with the government .of India while Pakistan Interests are against importing any In ■ \n. film, “Knock on Wood” C smash at the Madras Odeo. in its first, week. Film held a second week and may go longer. “Knock. 1 !’ did out- standing business at Bombay’s Eros fpr four weeks and at Calcutta’s Lighthouse for two. India Indian Drama Festival opens Nov. 15 and runs a month in New Delhi. “Roman Holiday” (Par) hit, record by running for 27 weeks at Calcutta’s Tiger Cinema, Midland Theatre in Madras, which has been showing Metro films exclusively fpr the last few years, pulled down for reconstruc- tion and reopening as an air-condi- tioned house in November; Delegation of film artists and technicians led by WriterrDirector Ehwaja Ahmed Abbas left Madras for Moscow in connection with Fes tival of Indian films scheduled, to opeil there and other principa cities of Russia. First. Japanese-Indian pic ven- ture being set by Toei Mtoion Pic- ture Company arid A. J. Patel Story deals with Hindu and Budd- By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette ;. Odeon 49-44) Frankie Laine into the Alhambra or a two-shoW stirit, “Porgy and Bess,” getting rave reviews, seems In for a solid run. Xavier Cugat and troupe head- ing for the U.S. after a boff Euro- pean tour. . Terence Rattigan here working on the screenplay of his legiter, The Deep Blue Sea,” “White Christmas” (Par) will be the first VistaVision pic to play here, now being pencilled in for January. ’ RKO having its SuperScope un- veiling this week for press, and producers and distribs from all over France. , Roger-Pierre and Jean-Marc Thi- bault, two young riitery comics, inaugurating their first ty show here, “News for Laughing.” Jean ~ Louis Barrault - Mareleine Renarid Rep Co. has another smash bn their hands in revival of Antort Tchekov's “The Cherry Orchard” (La Cerisaie). Bureau Du Tourism figures show that more U.S. tourists Visited France in the first eight months this year than' in like period of 1953 or 12% more* La Rose Rouge goes back to its revue shows with “Les Carnet De Monsieur Daninos,” directed by Ives Robert. Freres Jacques also come back to this bolte. Artur Rubinstein will . spend his time evenly between New York and Paris to be able to fulfill his many international concerts every year. He now has a house here. Maurice Chevalier publishing sixth volume of his memoirs in conjunction with his 55 one-man shows, now. going on, to commem- orate his 55th year in show hiz." La Nouvelle Eve closes down this month Until next February while its present spec revue goes on tour. Lido also shutters down for two weeks to enlarge its stage capacity for the new show, “Ca- prices/’ due in December. By Hazel Guild (24 Rheiiistrasse; 76751) Columbia set to release London Noel Coward is doing a return date at the Cafe de Paris. John Pertwee planesto Korea Nov. 1 to entertain the troops there. Reilly 'makes her local debut this week at the Betty cabaret Colony. After 30 years, Keith, Prowse Music Co, is moving from Poland St. to the more select Bond St. Lloyd .Williams, BBC-TV pro-, ducer, quitting to become tele con- sultant to an advertising agency. ■Jean Sablon flying from Paris to appear in a BBC-TV edition of “This Is Show Business” on Oct. 25. Muriel Berkson sailed last Fri- day after a six-month tour of Eu- rope. She was in “Summer: House” with Judith Anderson. Several L o n d o h columnists *planed to Le Havre to interview Marlon Brando after it became known he was by-passing London. Raymond Stross acquired film rights to: Charles Terrott’s new comedy, “An Alligator Named Daisy,” which was published last month. Ron Randell, now in the Palace production of, "Sabrina Fair,” inked for the role of. American in the British filmization of “I Am . A Camera.” Sydney Phillips, who quit .Decca Records to join the Phillips label sometime ago, has returned to Decca. Len Smith resigned as recording manager. Arthur Christiansen, Daily Ex- press editor, will he guest of honor; at tomorrow’s (Thurs.) luncheon of the Variety Club to celebrate his 21 years with that paper. To New York: Gregory. Ratoff via the Queen Mary; Sir Kenneth Clark,- chairman of the. Independ- ent Television Authority; on the lie de France; Eastman Boomer and Anna Russell by plane. Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, who ended their ballet partnership a year ago, are to appear together in “Where The Rainbow Ends” which opens a holiday season at the Royal Festival Hall Dec. 27. production of Clare Booth’s “The Women.”. Michael Gough back to London for lead in “The Immpralist,” Ruth and Augustus Goetz: adaptation of Andre Gide’t description of his honeymoon. Noel Coward is to supervise new production of his “Blithe Spirit” at Olympia, Dublin. Play' has Kay Kendall; Dennis Price and Margpt Grahame In leads, and Will tour England after its debut here, The Second Life,” German-French co- production, In Berlin’s Cinema Theatre Oct. 30. Pix opens 14 days later in other key cities. “Fruhjahrsparade/' life of Ger- man composer William August Jureks, starts shooting by Erma Films next year. Ernst Marischka scripts and directs. Herzog will distribute in Germany. Walter Reich, who megged “Die Mucke,” planed back to Hollywood after the preem to Write a Marilyn Monroe pic for 20th-Fox; returns to Germany in 1955 to direct “Mid- nightsun” for Europa Films. German Film Censorship Board lists 594 put- licensed for release as of Sept. 30, including 26 from Universal, 34 20th-Fox, 33 Colum- lia, 28 Metro, 23 Paramount, 21 RKO, 24 United Artists and 20 for WB. The first two-version German- French Cinemascope pic started Oct. 4 in Morocco. German partner is Roxy Films. Titled “Oasis,” it stars Michele Morgan, Carl Rad- datz, Cornell Borchers, with Yves Atlegrets directing. Rome By Robert F. Hawkins (149 Archimede; 87443) Nyta Dover, is new at the Kit-Kat Club. Marie Baxa, N.Y. tele songstress, hooked into Rupe Tarpea. “Caine Mutiny Court Martial” opened to strong reviews, at the Valle. Sixteen dancers here to take part in the first Italo-Jap coproduc- tion of “Madame Butterfly.” Robert Haynes, expected in Rome for stint in “Wives and Lov- ers ” pic Which Sergio Grieco is to direct. Ingrid Bergman in England after finishing German pic work in “Fear,” directed by her husband, Roberto Rossellini. Podrecca’s Puppets held over in local stand at the Italia Theatre. Open Dec. 5 in Paris, with new. repertoire, for world -tour. Hernigio Paone, Italo legit star, may tour “Porgy and Bess” .in key Italian cities, following its recent, hit preem at Venice’s Music Fete. Mel Ferrer and Audrey Hepburn switched plans, now staying in k a 20-room Alban Hills villa while Ferrer finishes pic work in Cine- citta studios. Cristine Carrere here from Paris to co-star with Giho Cervi, Frari- coise Christopher, Pietre Cressoy fn “Donna Libera/' Marcello Pag- liero will direct. Nathan Milstein due here for opener concert (Oct. 23) in Rome University’s Aula Magna. Also booked there are . Edwin Fisher, Elizabeth Schwartzkopf and Mezz Mezzrow. Palm Springs By Frank Scully. . Ellsworth Vines is resident pro at the Tamarisk. Yera-EUen, on busman’s holiday, dancing at Doll’s House. . Jerry Lewis gave last of his jaundice the old sun treatment. Marjorie 'Pohl back at Racquet Club p.a. after 9,000-mile trip around country. Bob Hope, couldn’t make it for the CV amateur golf tilt after that Cleveland debacle. Ralph Kiner Umpired ball game to help Mickey Finn’s Boys Ranch, which ex-L.A, copper runs here, Alex Evelove, Bill Best of« UP, and ChOlly Angeleno (Lynn Spen- cer) gave 100 villagers skull session in publicity. Victor McLaglen gave Tom Hull a birthday cake, the Hollywood Roosevelt owner resting here be- fore plunging into an $8,000,000 Vegas operation.. Ray Anthony band into Prom ballroom Friday night (22), . Henry Youngman held, over at jimmy Hegg’s Starlight Club after fine biz in initial two weeks: . Scheik’s Cafe singing sextet, now well into fourth year of con- tinuous yun, packing them in with program of gypsy airs; produced by Glyde Snyder. Sally • Sweet, zither player and folk singer, into. Covered "Wagon nitery for two-week* date, with Harry Zimmerman, local radio fig- ure, as comic and MC. Edyth Bush Little Theatre, St. Paul, Noy.. 4, will open three- week production of “Life With; Father.” Poll indicated tv show revived interest in veteran stage comedy. ,, Norman Granz bringing modern jazz concert into Minneapolis Audi- torium Monday (25 )\ with Duke Ellington band and Dave BrubeCk, Stan Getz and Gerry ; Mulligan combos. Granz scored 10 days ago with his Jazz at the Philharmonic at same spot. By Emil W. Maass (2 GrosseSchiffgasse; A4504.5.) Josefstadt Theatre will- produce “Caine Mutiny” in 1955. San Francisco cellist Analee Camp gave concert in Schubert Hall, Raimurid Theatre plans Robert Stolz operetta, “Dreams in Blue,” for Xmas. It’s a remake of a 1934 work.-. Radio reporter Heribert Meisel inked by Paula Wessely film for her next production,, “The Way Back.” Melodie-Donau Film working on “You Are Right One” after com- edy, “The First Mrs. Selby.” Erich Engel is directing. Carl Milloecker’s classical oper- etta, “Gasparone,”* being filmed in the Rosenhuegel Studio (Russian zone), with Karl Ptoryla in the lead. Ida Lupino laid up with an In- jured knee. James Cagney celebrating 25 years in films. Helen Traubel suffered another attack of laryngitis. Francis X. Sullivan applying for American : citizenship. Tay Garnett and Mart Aldon re- turned from London. . Greer Garson recovering from ismergency appendectomy. • Anna Magnani arrived from Italy for her first Hollywood picture. Vic Damone and Pier; Angeli set their wedding date for Nov. 25. Fred Sweeney seriously ill at Motion Picture Country Hospital. Albert Marre in from N.Y. seek- ing talent for new play,. “Festival.” Fernando Lamas and Arlene Dahl moved from MCA to Williai Morris, Hoagy.; Carmichael arid . Lucy Marlow will appear at a benefit in Pasadena. George Jessel will emcee: the eighth annual Panhandle Dinner of the Publicists Guild. Tribute to Joe Pasternak for 30 years of film accomplishment will be staged in the Coconut Grove. Film cartoonists tossipg a party to honor Walter Laritz on his 25th anni with Universal-International. . Roy M. Brewer addressed Mo- tion Picture Industry Controllers on ‘‘How ; Hollywood licked the Communist problem.” . By Gordon Irving (Glasgow; Kelvin 1590) Ray Ellington; rhythm quartet leader here in vaude. Grade Fields set'for Scot con- cert dates and milling trip to U.S: this winter. ' David Whitfield, British singer, pacted for vaude at Glasgow Em- pire in November. Regal Cinema, Kilmarnock, cel- ebrating 50th anni, was formerly the King’s Theatre. Joy Nichols, Australian chirper and radio star, set for vaude week at Glasgow Empire, - Jimmy Logan, Scot comedian, touring rural locations with unit under the James S. Kerr (Robert Wilson) banner, Bobby Limb, young Australian comedian, after successful suriimer. season in “Half-Past Eight” revue at Alhambra; Glasgow, joining new. Ted Heath vaude unit, “It’s a Rec- ord,” for British tour. Ronalds. Bros, current at Pre- view Lounge for an indefinite run. Alan Dean, MGM singer, in town, for two weeks to do Howard Miller deejay show. “Peer Gynt” extended at Play- wrights Theatre . Club with “Sea Gull” to follow Oct. 26. Irene Castle Enzirtger, -of once famous Irene and Vernon Castle dance team; leaving home in Chi- cago for retirement cottage in the Ozarks. Black Orchid Jr., new cocktail lounge: adjoining the intimate nitery, opened last Sunday (17) co- incidental with birthday of boni- face A1 Greenfield, likewise cele- brated by firstnight guests. -Bonnie Kroll, former promotion gal aria deejay pusher for Mercury Records, joined Sampson. Co. in promotion capacity for Columbia Records, vice Nat Hale who’s now With Liberace flackery. Marty Hirsch, former assistant to Kenny Myers at Merc, succeeds Miss Kroll. By Maixweli Sweeney (22 Farney Pic.; Dublin 64506) Ballet Rambert in for season at Gaiety, Dublin. Warbler. Cavan O’Connor cur- rently on tour here. Artur Rubinstein inked f6r longhair recital in Dublin Nov. .13; Jack Aronson will stage season at Gate, Dublin, starting in Novem- ber. Grade Fields pacted for Thegtre Royal, < Dublin, arid Savoy, Cork, Oct. 28 and 29. Terence Rattigan’s “Deep Blue Sea” added to fall sked for Olympi , Dubli . Robert Gallico, son of novelist Paul Gallico, named assistant stage manager at the Dbblin Globe The- atre. Brian Durnin, former Radio Eireanri gabber, named first secre- tary of Irish embassy in Washing- ton. Derek Bond and Bernadette O’Farrelt in for leads in John Dighton comedy, “Who Goes There?” Bostonian Vivian Eckstein cast for Edith role in current Dublin By Richard H. Larsh (Press Club; 27-0161) Metro plannirig Tokyo sales con- vention of its Near and Far East reps the latter, part of October. Jean and Wally Nash, Australian, dance team, appearing at the Latin Quarter. He also plays the multi- chord. By the end of January, 1955, there will be at least 105 C’Scope- equipped houses in Japan. There are 49 now and 19 more will be completed by end of the month. Sir v Malcolm Sargent, British baton wielder, guest conducting a series of concerts with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and the Kan- sai Symphony Orchestra in Osaka. Porthnd, Ore. Amato’s Supper ' Club has Nel- son Eddy for one week. Mrs. J, J. Parker,' film theatre exec ‘here, recovering, from near pneumonia. Eddie Bracken in “Seven Year Itch” at Civic Auditoriurri. for Wil- liam Duggan four days last week. Florence Pickett, ace choreogra- pher for the Amato line, making a name for herself as Konny G. Worth at station KGW. By Jerry Gaghan After two weeks of band policy, Embassy Club returned to floor- shows. , The Barton Sho-Bar' changing name to Club Mambo for a try at neW *craze. Gil OrloWitz, local playwright, will have his drama, “Stephanie/ 1 ’ tried out by Group One, oif-Broad- way Theatre. Australian former figure skating champ Melanie Magnan heads .new rink revue at Hotel Benjami Franklin’s Garden Terrace. Norman Granz ’playing return quick date at Academy of Music with Duke Ellington orch and combos of Gerry Mulligan, Dave Brubeck and Stan Getz. Philadelphia Civic: Grand Opera signed two Metopera stars for sea- son’s opener, “Samson and Deli- lah,” Oct. 26, with Ramon Vinay and Jean Madeira in title roles. By Florence S. Lowe Mills Bros, current, at Casino Royal nitery. Sande Williams orch back at it» stand at Hotel Shorehairi’s Palla- dian Room. ‘ r *':"' , The Eugene Van Dees, MPAA’s Rome rep and wife, here to visit the Eric Johnstons.. “The Crucible,” big click at Arena Stage, held over for sixth week, which delayed : skedded preem of "Androcles and the Lion”' to Oct. 19. By Glenn Trump Acts at Ak-Sar-Ben Rodeo hero included Jay Sisler; Slivers John* son; and Connie & B'/rort Hendrix. Tex Beneke sworn in as: hon- orary fire chief at Offutt Air Force Base here while playing dance for airmen. Jack Duffield feports.his Thearle- Duffield Co, of Chicago Will pro- duce fireworks for 21st Orange Bowl celeb at Miami Jan, 1 Art Briese will be in charge, Don Romeo of Paul Moorhead Agency back from Chicago where he inked Herb Shriner to head Auto Show slated for new City Auditorium here in February.