Variety (November 1954)

78 CHATTER Vdiicaday, November 17, 1954 Broadway Metro director George Sidney a N.Y. visitor between picture signments. Catholic Actors Guild’s annual dance and entertainment on Friday Uight (19) dh the Astor Roof; Margaret Sande, former prima ballerina, upped to ballet director at the Radio City Music Hall. The National Council To Combat Blindness* “fight for sight’’. drive being pfessagented by Mai Braver- man, Margaret Hayes en route to the Coast following her inking for a part in Metro’s “Blackboard Jungle.” Nat Lapkin, Stanley Warner v.p. in charge of Cinerama production, back from Coast talks on possible Cinerama ventures. Spencer Tracy arriving from Eu- rope tomorrow (Thurs.). He'll re- main in Gotham for a week before returning to the Coast. Attorney Milton Diamond, W.k. in show biz, sailed on the S.S. U.S. for two months’ winter holiday in Majorca, off the coast of Spain. , The Joe (Leonore) Hummels back to their Paris hq after an an- nual N.Y. and Coast o.o. He’s Continental manager for Warner Bros. Sir Arthur Jarratt, managing di- rector of British Lion, and agent Bernard, Delfont in from Britain yesterday (Tues.) On the Queen Mary. Director Robert Wise returned to the . Coast following a Gotham stopover qfter a year in Europe during Which he directed Warners’ “Helen of. Troy” in Rome. Theatrical attorney Max Chop- nick, whose Wife, Marjorie, con- ducts, a travel bureau, accompanied her to Tokyo oh: pleasure-business, following the travel agents’ Con- vention in San Francisco last Week. Violinist Isaac Stern arrived in N. Y. Saturday (13) : from his sec- ond arpund-the-world concert tour in 16 months. He begins his 13th North American concert tour un- der direction of S. Hurok tonight (Wed.) in Providence. Elizabeth Taylor and Van John- son in for the .charity premiere of Metro’s “The Last Time I Saw Paris!’ at the Capitol tomorrow (Thurs.), proceeds to the N,Y. In- firmary for Women and Children and North Shore Hospital, Man- hasset, L. I. Rene Black, longtime maitre d’ at the Waldorf-Astoria, round- robining his friends in announcing his new association: VFor the privilege .1 have had in the past in demonstrating to you arid your friends the art of gastronomy at its best, iny sincere thanks, I hope you will give me further oppor- tunity of doing so at the Fontaine- bleau, Miami Beach.” Pierre Galante, roving reporter for Paris-Match—the Life mag of Ffrance—now on the Coast to meet his fiancee, Olivia deHavil- land. Both return east next month, following her chore in a Stanley Kramer film, and will marry in a Small town just outside of Paris, some time in January. Jean Pro- vost, publisher of Paris-Match 'and other French periodicals; is mayor of that Paris Suburb and will offici* ate as the J.P. be the two soldiers in Alex Joffe pic version Of hit legiter, “Les Hussards.” This is the play Jose Ferrer is slated to do on Broad- way this year. Alexandre Salkind to U. S. to negotiate for a director and star for his coming film version, of Arthur Koestler’s novel, “JtJark- ness At Noon.” Pic will be riiade entirely in England as an Alsa Film production. Andre. Malraux’s colossal novel, “La Condition Humaine” (“Mari’s Fate”), will be given a legit mount- ing here in a 29-scene version by Thierry Maulnier in December at Theatre Hebertot. Directed' by Marcel Tassencdurt, it will have about 30 actors playing more than 60 roles. Eitel Monaco, and Nicolas De Pirro here for confabs on forth- coming ' Franco-Italo pic agree- ment with Jacques Flaud. Only possible difficulty standing in way of new accords is Frerich resent- ment at Italo censoring of various coproductions, made in Italy, be- fore they are sent here for dub- bing. San Francisco By Ralph J. Gleason Oakland Tribune drama ed Wood Soanes home after a siege in the hospital. He’s resumed his column but: riot on a fulltime basis. Xavier Cugat played: a pne- nighter at the El Patio on two-day notice. His .scheduled date in Salinas was cancelled put. The 181 Club, owned by singer Anri Dee and impersonator Lynne Carter, folded, Spot , had booked April Stevens and Champ Butler on a name policy- but- was off limits, to troops.. Dick Bock of Pacific Jazz re- corded Gerry Mulligan concert at Stockton last week. ' _ The, Mary Kaye Trip follows Tom Ardep into the Fairmont, op- ening Nov. 30. Paris By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Odeon 49-44) Brigitte Bardot to Hollywood under a seven-year Warner pact, Betty Riley here from London before heading for a hinterlands tour. Sidney. Bechet into a pic, "Le Tdurnant Danqeureux,” in which he plays himself. Mony Dalmes bringing cheese- cake to the Staid Comedie-Fran- caiise in a Georges Feydau comedy. ./ Paul Derval publishing his me- moirs dealing mainly with. the Fo- lies-Bergere. \ It is.. called “Mes Folies-Bergere”. ^ “Mogambo” (M-G), .after a highly successful run iri its origi- nal version, now at- three.first-runs in dubbed version. Larry AdlCr finishing his; auto- biography, “From Hand To Mouth,” which will be published by Doubleday in U.S, Monique Van Vooreri playing Op- posite Eddie Constantine in Gallic tough guy pic, “Ca Va Barder” (Things Will Jump). “Love of Four Colonels,” by Peter Ustinov, in an adaptation by Hare-Gilbert Saiivajon finally gets a theatre date here at the. Fontaine \ Dec, 15. Metro has taken over a build- ing on Avenue plena the Champs-Elysees; and will move its , offices there, from the present Pigalle site. m Anatole Litvak preparing a C Scope version of. “Deep Blue Sea _ (20tli.) here with Terrence Rattigari doing the screenplay from his own legiter. , Bernard Blier and Bourvil will! Festivals’ Pledge ■ Continued from page 5 aiid “regional” awards, such as the Grand Prix for South America. Apart from listing authorized film competitions for 1955, the council tightened Up on the basic conditions under which it okays the fests. It had been suggested prior to the meet that the festivals be split into two groups; one sub- ject to the conditions and the other one not. However, at the Madrid meet, it was decided to make con- ditions applicable to all. From the American point of view, these , are the three most important basic conditions on which Federation authorization for fests is contingent: (1.) All foreign films shown at the festival may be distrib- uted commercially within,that’ country over and ■above any import quota ot similar quan- titative .limitations. (2.) All funds deriving from such commercial distribution, in So far. as due [to producers outside the country, will be freely remitted over and above any. remittance limitation or agreement relating to remit- tances. (3. ) The Federation will not recognize any. festival which by the nature of the prizes to be. awarded, the terms of the invi- tation, or for some other rca- , haVe any kind of political significance. Added is the provisiori that “un- dertakings with regard to condi- tions 1 and 2 (extra-quota licenses and. remittances) must ,be accom-, panied by evidence of the agree- ment of all government authorities Concerned. This reflects United States con-, cern over the way these rules have been enforced in t the past. While extra licenses for pix chosen for the festivals have been granted, remittances have not been forth- coming, The Federation has prom- ised to prod member orgs on that blatter, . As for the Cannes-Venice rivalry, organizers of these two festivals were told they’d have. to agree by May 31, 19.55, on which of them will be competitive in 1956. If they can’t agree, the Federation is to make the decision for them. Cannes., arid Venice were warned that, should they decline to accept the Federatiori’s conditions, they stood the risk of riot being recog : nized at all in 1955. Administrative council’s next meet is skedded for Paris- in May, 1955. At that time it’ll be decided whether additional fests should go on the 1955 list. Up to May, the list is closed. Charles Chase topping cabaret at the Albany Club. Tom O’Brien, M.P., hospitalized with a back Injury, Jose Ferrer, in* London on a quickie, discussing projected film and legit ventures. , Sir Arthur Jarratt and Bernard Delfont to N.Y. via the Queen Mary. Rudy Horn and Carol Bruce sailed on the Liberte. The Queen arid the Duke of Edinburgh paid a: surprise visit to Her Majesty’s theatre to see “The Teahouse of August Moon;” / Ronald Rogers/featured in the Victoria Palace revue “Off the Record;” returning to N.Y. next month after TO months in Britain, Henry Hewes, drairia critic of the Saturday Review, in from N.Y, for opening, of “Accounting for Love” which he adapted from the French. ' Vida Bendix back from Italy and opened a cabaret season at the Don Juan last. Monday. Trude Adams operied at the Colony'ori the sdme night. , Lucille Lortel to Paris for look- see at the new shows after gender- ing club theatre productions in London. She sails for home at the end of November. Patricia Cutts ankled the panel of the new BBC-TV parlor game. “Find the Link” and planed to N.Y. yesterday, (Tues.) to join, her hus- band John Findlay. Tessie. O’Shea due back in Lon- don tomorrow (Thurs.) from a tour of. British installations in the Canal. Zone arid Malta where she’s, been entertaining the troops. “The Mousetrap” celebrates . its second birthday next Thursday (25). Peter Sauriders, who presents this Agatha Christie meller at the. Ambassador Theatre, is. currently in/N;Y. for upcoming production of "Witness for the Prosecution,” “Elektra,” presented by Minne- apolis Symphony. Metropolitan Opera warbler Jan Peerce to give Israel bonds’ bene- fit concert at Lyceum Dec.. 12. Local Tommy McGovern band departing from Starlight club to launch its oWn hideaway nightspot. “jailor’s Delight” slated as The- atre Guild’s second season sub- scription offering at Lyceum Jan. 4, Yma Sumac and her troupe drew capacity audience; of 4,800 to Northrop Auditorium: for one nighter. Kansas City By John Quinn Yma Sumac playing the Music Hall Tuesday (16). Ararat Shrine Circus in Munici- pal Auditorium Nov. 15-21, playing to 30,000 kids for free,, iri addition to its regular gate. . Vera-Ellen lending a hand in trie United Funds campaign while here ahead of “White Christmas” open- ing at tlie Paramount. Elmer Rhoden huddling at the Fox Midwest headquarters for a couple of days before he goes back to the Coast and his new position as National Theatres prexy. Portland; Ore. By Ray Feves Duke Ellington orch. at Jantzen Beach Ballroom Nov. 13 for nighter.; Oregonian Drama Editor Herb LarSen back iri the hospital after a relapse. David Rose here next Friday (19) as guest conductor of Portland Symphony. Shep Fields orch played one nighter at the Columbia Athletic Club Nov. 12. Earl Mossman received his AGVA franchise last week and operied offices here. Brims Twins & Evelyn, Burtons Birds and Royal Guards did a week at Amato’s Supper Club. Wayne Roland, Toni LaRue, Briney & Carter, and Joe Termini & Co. in at Amato’s Supper Club for a week. Mills Bros, follow. Melvyri Douglas in “Time Out Fpr Ginger” iri: at the Auditorium for one matinee arid, night per- formance No. 17. William Duggan inked Helen Hayes in “What Every Woman Knows” for three days, next week (23-25). Melvyn Douglas in “Time Gut For Ginger” set for two perform- ances at the Civic Auditorium this week for William Duggan Attrac- tions. Helen Hayes in “What Every Woman Knows” set to follow over Thanksgiving weekend. Reno Mark Curtis Lena Horne skedded for the Riverside Nov. 25. It’s her first appearance in. Reno. Life’s Reno gambling story aroused so much ire here that Time Mag is looking for. a favor- able piece tq do. Esther Williams' Riverside stanza cancelled when fountain and pool proved to be physical unsuited for the Riverside stage. Second Police All-Star Benefit Show set for Nov. 21, with . all talent appearing here at that -time cleared for appearance. Theatre Audience Continued from page 4 Honolulu By Walt Christie (P O. Box 3080; 5-7911) Eaton Magoori Jr. planed to Coast about possible film sale of his. musical comedy, “49th Star,” which has modern Hawaii setting. John and Gerald Lipham, once among -show biz’s top acrobatic teams, bought two Waikiki hotels and will make their permanent home here. Faith Hardy, former specialty dancer In ;Farichori & Marco and Pantaiges units, operied a sidewalk cafe across from Waikiki beach. She is. now Mrs, George- Costa. Eddie Sherman back in- town after five years of Mainland night club stints. Exrcomedian has re- turned to KGU as staff announcer, spot lie held before he left in 1949. By Les Rees Herb! Fields orch at St. Paul Flame. . Hotel Radisson Flame Robin has Russell Nype. Sauter-Finegan played Prom Ballroom one- ighter. "The Hasty Heart” on tap at Star Playhouse for fortnight. Hollywood Ice Revue rounding out 13-performance run at Arena. London’s Festival Ballet playing Northrop Auditorium for three nights. i Louis Armstrong and his “All! Stars” scheduled for Lyceum one- ’ nighter Nov. 26. , Richard Strauss’ musical clrama, dustry, arid whatever other schemes are come upon to stimulate the public's interest in pix. The tv show was first proposed by NBC v.p. Fred Wile. He suggest- ed it in a letter to Robert J. O’Don- nell, general lrianager of Interstate Theatres, Dallas, and. O’Donnell presented the idea to the Theatre Owners of America convention iri Chicago early this month if There’s been a switch, though, for the COMPO-ites decided to riiake the program' open to nego- tiations-with all networks, mean- ing it could wind up on a non-NBC channel. O’Donnell was present at the COMPO conclave to discuss the details. COMPO meet, presided over by Snaper, took up a variety of sub- jects but subscription tv, which^j had been informally suggested, as an agenda item, was barred from the discussions. It’s understood that Snaper and other representatives of Allied States, had wanted an air- ing of toll video as means of determining the pro and/or con positions of all distributors con- cerning the matter. Monday’s conferees accepted a proposal by CQMPO special coun- sel Robert W. Coyne to maintain the org’s special tax-committee and to keep up the industry’s liaison with the nation’s law-makers. COMPO finds objectionable the Federal admissions tax, now down to 10%, but is holding off on an “aggressive campaign” against it, until the “timing is right,” stated Coyne. Meeting also . Voted to admit to the COMPO directorate a rep of the Southern Califbrriia Theatre Owners, namely, Harry Arthur. Re the audience pall, the COMBO leaders acted. the as- sumption that the film companies wanted no part. of a plan whereby they’d sponsor quarterly tv shows; These . had been proposed for the purpose of airing details of the balloting and subsequently an- nouncing wi Metro’s Bard Continued from page 3 accounts won’t go for Shake- speare.” The film peddlers are urged to make tieUp deals With the local high schools even before approaching the local theatreman. Assumed of school cooperation, the exhibitor, it’s pointed out, can’t turn the picture down. The special sales policy set for “Caesar” has placed the picture among the company's top grossers in the past two or three years. Bill Millers off to Honolulu. Alan Ladd hospitalized with virus, Rosemary Clooney planed in from N.Y. Robert Wise returned after year in Italy. Dorothy Blair / recovering from minor surgery. . Sarita Montiel left for a tour of South America. : Andrea ’ King Willis becariie an American citizen. . Mitchell Leisen back after three months In Europe. Louis Hayward resumed work after a week of flu. Marilyn Morirqe up arid around after minor surgery. . Clark Gable leaves for Hong Kong tomorrow (Thurs.). Barney Elmore to San Jose to stage the annual Elks.charity show. David Rose to Portand, Ore., as guest conductor of Portland Sym- phony. Helga Moray in town to view the film version of her novel, “Un- tamed.” . George Murphy planted his foot- prints in the forecourt of Grau- man’s Chinese theatre. Forrest Tucker booked to head a. USO unit to entertain troops in Europe during the holidays. W, K; Craig, head of • Metro Studio Club since its formation in 1935, is retiring from studio activi- ties;:. Screen Producers Guild post- poned its Milestone Dinner be- cause of inability of Nicholas M. Schenck to be present > Nov. 21. Frank Taylor, GAC acts booker, operated for appendicitis last week; Pat Breen, onetime film critic and theatrical publicist here, back from .Europe, and' working for CARE. Lee. Schei man back to Allied Artists agency iri Atlanta after ad- vancing; oti road for. Sauter- Finegan. . Mrs. Dane-Clark, who paints un- der the name, of Veres, exhibiting 20 clown paintings at Sherman Hotel currently. Ed Lee, general manager of Fred Waring, iri town conferring with booker Art Goldsmith over unit’s current protracted tour. Paul Sills, Playwrights Theatre director, to the Coast for several months to plan children’s theatre in Los Angeles with his mother. Ginger Rogers arid husband Jacques Bergerac making person- als here last week to plug “Twist of Fate,” current at Monroe Theatre, ... Count Basie iri to play for an- nual bash of Waiters Union, AFL Local 356, which is being emceed by Black Orchid waiter Eugene Cheatham who has handled the chore for last 16 years. By Hal V. Cohen Bill Milie, local dancer, on tour this season with. Mata and Hari. Bill Kenny, formerly of the Ink Spots, heading the Copa this week. Ethel Waters arid her one- woman show booked for Nixon week of Jari. 17, Jerry Mayhall, musioal director of “Ice Capades,” rejoiried show after surgery here. Paul Slantis, of Post-Gazette, elected prexy of the local Press Photographers for 1955. Mack Murray will be around towri for the next six weeks play- ing pre-holiday club dates. Local singer Johnny Kirby quit- ting “That’s Life” at end of San Francisco run Saturday (20V Bill Roberts', discharged after wo years iri the Army, back at the Playhouse as house' manager, Lt. Morton Silverman, son of RKO exchange manager Dave Sil- verman, left, for overseas duty in Europe. Istanbul Avni Dilligi will star , in his own productiori of Robert Morley’s “Edward My Son.” Legit actress Lale. Oral formed a film company with first pic to be based ori Gide’s “Symphony Pas^ torale.” She will star. Sukriye Atav of the Municipal Theatre pacted by Max Meinecke for his productiori of "Colombe,” in which she will play Mme. Alex- andra. Group of English players headed by, Margaret Vaughan signed, by Kontiyai for six weeks. The group is presenting four plays iri' No- verriber. Haldun Dbrmen and Canit Irgat pacted for the.two leading roles in Samuel Beckett’s hit, “En Atten- dant Godot.” Play will preem Nov. 20.