Variety (February 1956)

62 CHATTER Pfatatrr Wednesday, Febrnafy 8, 1955 Broadway TV Guide had two issues In Jan¬ uary exceeding 4,000,000 copies. John F. Royal following eye op¬ eration has doctor's okay to start seeing legit shows. U. S. pianist Lou Busch will visit Europe in May and will spend* part of - his tour in Britain seeing music publishers. Dorothy Salisbury Davis, novel¬ ist and short story writer, new pr'ez of tyfystery Writers of Amer¬ ica, succeeding Georges Simenon. John Houseman taking a leave of absence from Metro to direct the American Shakeapeare Festival Theatre's second season at Strat¬ ford, Conn. Clifford I. Cane, business man¬ ager of Universal's pub-ad depart¬ ment for the past nine years, has resigned to join the Wall St. firm of Bache & Co. as an investment counsellor. Publicist Virginia Wicks lost a suit in N. Y. City Magistrate's Court last week against Ed Smol¬ lett, a press agent who formerly worked for her. Miss Wicks sued Smollet for return of the last sal¬ ary check she paid him, claiming that he didn’t work a full week. The judge dismissed the action. Smollett acted as his own lawyer in cross-examining Miss Wicks. Palm Springs By Frank Scully (Tel. 4077) Kirk Douglas shopping at Thrifty. Leo ,Carrillo emceed a fur show for charity. Reginald Gardner keeping wawm at Doll House. Spencer Tracy lost his way trying to find Sinatra's house. Gail Patrick with spouse Corn- well Jackson at Racquet. Peter Lawford and femme Pat back to a tennis routine. Mickey Finn back to running his boys’ camp after bit part in “Pard- ners,” M and L; latest. Bill Todman keeping his secrets at . the Biltmore. But not from femme Fran who’s along. Eddie Horton and Laura La Plante split 1 billing on “White Sheep of Family’’ at Playhouse. No planes in for weeks but Con¬ tinental promises passenger jets by 1958 for people who are willing to’ wait. On eve of $15,000 pro tourney at Thunderbird, the bunch, including Phil Harris and Desi Arnaz of Thunderbird, announced they were . . .building a new golf course nearby to cost $250,000. Burt Lancaster tried La Quinta for quiet and found Marlon Brando, Rita Moreno, Deborah Kerr, Marge and Gower Champion, Barney and John Balaban, Mr. and Mrs. Vince Minnelli, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schwartz, Arthur Hornblow and Bennett Cerf. > Ankara By N. Zarar. Italian chanteuse Nina Ferrari Is featured at the Bulvar Palas nitery. Turkish soprano Layla Gencer off to Milan to sing at the San' Carlos. Ayhan Ay dan and Umur Pars will sing the leads in Lehar’s “Paganini.” Menotti’s “Telephone” and “Me¬ dium” replaced “Don Pasquale” at the State Opera. State Theatre director Mahir Canova will fly to Izmir to direct “Teahouse of August Moon” for Izmir Municipal Theatre. Cuneyit Gokcer closed h i s “Blithe Spirit” and mow will play the lead in his own production of “Henry IV” at the Kucuk Tiyatro. Heinz Arnold and wife arrived from Berlin. He will direct the new production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the State Oper opening this week. Legit actor-director Saim Alpago staging “Dunku Cocuk” (Born Yesterday) at the Ucuncu Tiyatro. American comedy was a great hit in Istanbul two years ago but never done here. By Lary Solloway Columbia will preem “Picnic” here Feb. 16. ASCAPer Ruth Lowe vacationing at Biltmore Terrace. Morty Gunty and Eydie Gorme current in Roulette Room of Monte Carlo. Bill Millers here for several weeks of sun before heading back to Las Vegas. Maxine (ex Loper &) Barrat, now a Miami resident, active on local station WITV telecasts. Arthur Tracy, radio’s Street Singer of the 1930's, plans huge realty development in this area. Clover Club shuttered for altera¬ tions after struggling along several months with a small-budget show policy. Harry Belafonte in Haiti, brush¬ ing up on locale of film in which he will be featured. Due back Feb. 16 for return date at Eden Roc. Dean Murphy emceed show featuring Vaughn Monroe for annual March of Dimes benefit at Felix Young’s L’Aiglon; $40,000 realized. Paris By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Odeon 4944) Armand Salacrou feting his 30 years as a playwright with 30 pro¬ duced plays. H. G. Clouzot winding editing of his full length documentary, “Le Mystere Picasso.” “Helen of TroV” (WB) opening here practically simultaneously with its N.Y. dating. Marcel Carne soon to start a new , Pic, “Le Pays D’Ou Je Viens” (The Country I Come From). Bruno Coquatrix, director of the Olympia Musichall and Comedie Caumartin Theatre, getting theatre directors together to ask for a hike in legit tab prices. Top three pix grossers this week are Gallic comedy, “Papa, Maman, Ma Femme Et Moi”; Italo explora¬ tion pic, “Lost Continent"; and “To Catch A Thief” (Par), Just the firstrun grosses of Rene Clair’s color film, “Les Grandes Manoeuvres,” came to $477,000. Richard Davis, owner of the Fine Arts, has this pic for the U.S. Carl Foreman in to huddle with Italo producer Dino De Laurentiis on doing the script for the next film of Gallic director Rene Clement. It will be a Franco- Italian pic. Elisabeth Bergner in to ogle the Theatre En Rond and its current play, “Entre Chien Et Loup” (Between Dog and Wolf), of Paolo Levi, prior to opening this type of theatre in London. Twelve countries already ac¬ cepted invitations for the Cannes Film festival which will unspool from April 10-24.' They are U.S., England, Philippines, Finland, Po¬ land, Czechoslovakia. Three Gallic films are among the 10 top Swiss grossers this season. They are two gangster films “Du Rififi Chez Les Hommes” (Brawl Among Men); “Razzia Sur La Chnouf” (Raid on Drugs), and Sacha Guitry’s “Napoleon.” Carl Dreyer, Danish film direc- color heads before embarking for Israel where he will make his next pic, “The Lief of Jesus,” in color. Pic will be made in Hebrew with commentaries to be added for other countries. U.S. capital is behind this project. After world preem of “The Con¬ queror” (RKO) here, John Wayne headed for Germany, Italy and Holland for further openings of the film before heading for U.S. This is probably the first European opening of a major U.S. pic before playing its home territory. Anatole Litvak bought the rights for the hit legit revival, the Ar¬ mand Salacrou play, “Histoire De Rire” (Funny Story), which he will bring to the screen after complet¬ ing “Anastasia” (20th). He also has legit rights for London. Play also has been set for U.S. stage next seafon. London Miami Beach Boston By Guy Livingston Ames Bros, current at Blin- strub’s. Leona Anderson inked by A1 Taxier, Bradford Roof boniface>for opening Jan. 8. Frank Cronin, w.k. Hub press agent, ill in City Hospital follow¬ ing heart attack. Sherm Feller back at WVDA for his late show after road trip dur¬ ing which wife, warbler Judy Val¬ entine, subbed for him. Genevieve Owens, following singing date at Steuben’s, did three nights at Hotel Bostonian’s Jewel Room before reporting for new musical, “The Most Happy Feller, 1 in New York. Clayton (Lone Ranger) Moore in for opening of v Ranger pic at Roosevelt. Deejay Howard Miller penning a weekly disk column for the Chi¬ cago American. Ron Terry and his tele group signed recording pact with Mer¬ cury. First pressings are couple of Terry’s polka originals. Columnist Nate Gross back in his regular corner in Chicago Ameri¬ can after his stint in Florida sun and a quickie trip to Spain. Studs Terkel to give 10 lectures 011 jazz for Chicago this spring semester; also working on a scries of teen-slanted biographies of jazz greats. 1 George Tagge, political editor of the 1 Chicago Tribune, is the new president of the Chicago Press Club. He succeeds George Brand¬ enburg, Editor & Publisher mid-1 west editor. I (Temple Bar 5041 9952) Perdita Chandler opened a cab¬ aret run at the Colony this week. Ron Randell, Donna Reed and Tony Owen back from African locations. Hal Hackett, Official Films prexy, here for confabs with Hannah Weinstein. Tyrone Power filled guest spot in last week’s tv presentation of “I've Got a Secret.” British film actor Dirk Bogarde to be profiled in a BBC radio pro¬ gram next Wednesday (15). Visitors to London include Ar¬ nold Picker, Max Youngstein, Jim Moran and Mel Ballerino. Muriel Pavlow signed to long- termer by Rank studios. Her first pic under the new pact will be “Eyewitness," Robert S. Wolff, RKO Radio's topper in London, sailing on the Queen Elizabeth today (Wed.) for his annual visit to the homeoffice. Orch leader Ivy Benson engaged to Master Sgt. Bertold Calloway, Entertainments Officer of the U.S. Air Force at Upper Heyford, Ox¬ fordshire. . Bud Flanagan underwent sur¬ gery at a London hospital last week and is temporarily out of the cast of the Crazy Gang revue at Victoria Palace. Danny Kaye guest of honor at a Dorchester cocktailery on Mon¬ day (6). He’s here to attend tomor¬ row’s (Thurs.) preem of “Court Jester” at which Princess Margaret will be present. Exclusive producer Michael Car¬ reras, accompanied by associate producer Micky pelamar and scrip- ter Lawrence . P. Bachmann, m Berlin to pick locations for their upcoming production of “The Phoenix.” W. H. (Jamie) Jamieson, publici¬ ty controller of Rank’s overseas division, gave a farewell party last night (Tues.) prior to leaving for Buenos Aires where he’s to take charge of. publicity for the com¬ pany’s new South American dis tributing outfit. Ian Bevan, head of agency divi¬ sion of Harold Fielding organiza¬ tion, planed to N.Y. last weekend 011 seven-week round-world -tour which will include stopovers in Hollywood, Australia and India. He’s on prowl for new attractions for his organization as well as to offer talent for legit and pix, Doretta Morrow, who recently left the cast of the London produc¬ tion of “Kismet,” is doing two tv spots, one for BBC and the other for ITA, before returning to N.Y. She’s committed for two spectacu¬ lars in America, “Marco Polo” with Alfred Drake May 12, and “Sweet¬ hearts,” with Gordon MacRae, on June 9. Cortina, Italy, next week for con¬ fabs with Stanley Kramer, Yesterday’s openings on the Gran Via were “Broadway Melody ; of 1955" (M-G) at Palacio de la 1 Presna; “Man from Laramie” (Col) at Lope de Vega; San Sebas¬ tian prize-winner, “Giorni de Amore” (Days of Love) at Pom- peya and Palace; “Tempi Nostri” (Our Times) at Palacio de la Mu- sica; and “La Huida” (The Run¬ away) at the Avenida. Lisbon Houston Houston Club upping Its name- act bookings, Tito Guizar playing there recently. Hal McIntyre* orch, Diana Lynn slated for St. Thomas U's Mardi Gras benefit Feb. 13-14. New private club with entertain¬ ment policy opening in swank Park Towers apartments. Bobby & Lieux slated to open. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, with Pat Brady and Sons of Pi¬ oneers set for Houston Fat Stock Show rodeo Feb. 22-Mar. 4. Shamrock-Hilton due to open public cocktail lounge in unoccu¬ pied store space. Up to now inn has had only private Cork Club. Houston’s infant Grand Opera Assn, got underway with, two nights each of “Madame Butter¬ fly” and “Salome” to favorable re¬ views. Walter Herbert is musical director. Madrid By Ramsay Ames (Castellana Hilton; 37-22-00) Mexican Rosa Carmina starts soon on “Secretaria Peligrosa” (Dan¬ gerous Secretary), which will be directed by her husband, Juan Orol. Director Jose Maria Elioreta starts immediately on “La Isla Blanca” (The White Island), which will star Maria Martin and Antonio Almoros. The Francis Lederers will stay in Madrid to relax until he reports to Poitier in Paris late this month to start shooting on “La Chate¬ laine du Liban” with Italy’s Gi- anna Maria Canale. Francisco Rabal, who recently made “Revelation” in Italy with May Britt, and is now shooting “La Mentira” with Aspa Films here, goes immediately into “El Cid” for that same company when this one winds up. Sophia Loren, who will play femme lead opposite Frank Sina¬ tra and Cary Grant in Stanley Kramer’s “Pride and Passion” here this spring, is also star of the telecast Ed Sullivan will make in Madrid Feb, 26. She flies in from. By Lewis Garyo (Tel. 32 479) Swiss violinist Honneger con- certizing in Portugal under the management of the Sociedade de Concertos. The ex-prodigy Pierino Gamba, now 18, appearing at the San Luiz Theatre and at the Coliseum Circus directing the National Symphonic Orch. Amalia Rodrigues, back from a six-month tour of Latin-America, appeared at the Estoril Casino before going to Paris where booked for the Olympia. Hotelier Manuel Carvalho, who practically controls the restaurants of the Tamariz, Golf Club and Parada in the Estoril district, took over the 175 year-old. Tavarez, deluxe eatery here. Carvalho had the Tavarez refurbished while keeping intact the old style and valuable painting. All U.S. pix playing firstruns here doing well. Among those already in their third weeks are “That Lady” at the Tivoli, “To Catch a Thief” (Par) at the S. Jorge, “Last Frontier” (Col) at the Capitolio; “Moon is Blue” (UA) at the Eden and “Good Morning, Miss Dove” (20th) at the Politeama, Dan Dailey returned from N Y Elizabeth Taylor bedded with * spinal injury. a William Perlbergs celebrated their 28th wedding anni. ea Nate Goiter elected prexy of itt Studio Club for third time. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis lining up a 25-city tour for.June Jack M. Warner elected to board of trustees of National Jewish Hospital. King Bros, proposed that Oscar Winners make an international goodwill tour. IATSE tossed a testimonial din¬ ner for its international prexv Richard F. Walsh, Joseph Cotten, Cameron Mitchell and Virginia Grey made a short subject, “Nobody Runs Away,” for United Jewish Welfare Fund. By Les Rees Edyth Bush Little Theatre con¬ tinuing “George and Margaret.” Fernando Ppevitali guest con¬ ductor with Minneapolis Sym¬ phony. Thrush Felicia Sanders back at Hotel Radisson Flame Room for another return date. Metropolitan Opera mezzo - prano Blanche Thebom soloist with Minneapolis Symphony. Four Lads, here for Prom Ball¬ room one-nighter, also played Kato Ballroom, Mankato, Minn. St. Paul Auditorium gets “Anni¬ versary Waltz” Feb. 19-20. Show plays Lyceum here Feb. 21-25. Persian Palms’ all-girl show- in¬ cludes Wanda Goodrich, Ingrid Meredith. Delsey McKay, Sandra Lydell, Exila and Foster & Harris. . With Phil Silvers and Patti Page as headliners, first Minneapolis auto show in 18 years drew 138,108 in eight days and resulted in 400 car sales; rated a financial success. "Can Can” jumped 1,700 miles from San Francisco, losing Sun¬ day, and Tuesday performances, to play four nights at Lyceum here, show’s exclusive Twin Cities’ en¬ gagement. Announcing It has become “the house of Western swing—newest musical fad,” Flame nitery has taken on Johnny T and his Tennes¬ seans and Texas Bill Strength, KEYD radio staffers.. . Nine Minneapolis quartets to participate with outside Society for Preservation and Encourage¬ ment of Barber Shop Quartet Sing¬ ing vocal groups in Northrop Auditorium benefit concert Feb. 11 . Philadelphia „ By Jerry Gaghan Gloria Mann, local chirper, inked pact with Decca on Coast. Booker Jolly Joyce setting up southern tour for Bill Haley and Comets. Residents of Bristol, Pa., signed petition to halt plan of local cafe owners Buddy Ottenburg and A1 Nirehberg to convert Grand Thea¬ tre into burley house. Cosy Morley signed the former Charlie Ventura rhythm section for his new combo: Frank Perrone bass; Tony DeFee, drums; and Johnny Michaels, piano. Pittsburgh By Hal V. Cohen A1 Nobel and his wife, Vera, celebrated their 12th wedding anni. Roily Rolls at the Ankara for his first nitery date here ’in several years* Meg Miles at the Copa this week playing date postponed from last December. Sun-Tele sportswriter Chilly Doyle planed to Ireland for three- week vacation. John H. Harris made honorary member of Phi Kappa fraternity at Carnegie Tech. Dave Kimelman. Par brancn manager, operated on at Montefi- ore Hospital for ulcers. Gene Kelly flew in to spend a couple of. days with his father, ail¬ ing in Shadyside Hospital. DeWitt Clinton, head of SW transportation department for last 20 years, retired at age of 65. Marty Allen and Mitch DeWood booked for return to Hotel Lu¬ cerne in Miami Beach when they get back from an Australian tour with Nat “King” Cole. Cleveland By Glenn C. Pullen Rose Murphy back on Theatrical Grill’s piano again. Lou Ann Sims doing two weaker at Statler Terrace Room. Desi Arpaz and Lucille Ball here last week to plug their pic, “For¬ ever Darling,” due at Loew’s State Feb. 8. Howie ' TVIather organized new musical trio, including Gayle Staf¬ ford from Los Angeles, with break- in date at Hotel Alcazar. Tracey Twins, local singers built up by Bandmaster Henry George and Sandy Beck on their newly formed Reserve Records label, get¬ ting their first big downtown nitery date at Alpine Village. Herman Pirchner changing his club's entertainment policy Feb. 20, dropping variety. revues and installing more intimate acts Of Continental type. Three nightly performances planned instead of usual two. Dave Ennis’ house orch given two week notice, and Lucky Girls line also being dropped, Scotland “Jul- Washington By Florence S. Lowe Fan dancer Sally Rand headed show at Casino Royal last week. Lew Ayres here for four per¬ formances of his religious pix at Lisner Auditorium. tt switched from Lnited Artists’ Dallas (Tex.) office to head D. C. branch. . Yugoslav National Ballet booked into Constitution Hall by Feld Brothers for one-nighter Thursday Universal and RKO Keith’s held special invitation preview of “Ben¬ ny Goodman Story”, in screening room of plush new Teamsters’ h.q, By Gordon Irving ( Glasgow ; Kelvin 1590) Citizens’ Theatre readying ius Caesar” for-Feb. 13. Gordon Jackson, Glasgow actor, into new film “Sailor, Beware.” Later starting times skedded for Empire, Glasgow, so as to catch bigger quota of early-evening cus¬ tomers. Scottish Theatrical Benevolent Fund running “Night with Stars” ball at City Chambers, Glasgow, Feb. 16. / Freddie Carpenter, Howard & Wyndham production boss, to Edinburgh to direct Sunday char¬ ity show. Ann Dyet, Scot soubrette. pacted by Clarkson Rose for his “Twinkle” summer revue and changing her name to Ann Daly. Tom Arnold to Glasgow to 0 . 0 . his “Just Daft” revue and okay its holdover for one week, with two- week stint lined up at Edinburgh.. “Love from Judy,” last year’s Christmas show at Glasgow, to re¬ turn under Emile Littler banner March 5. Emile Littler presenting, with Jillian Comber in the lead. San Francisco Charlie . Bratnober, t longtime field man for Chatton Distributors, has joined Eric Distributors in San Francisco. Edward S. Fitzgerald has been installed as new president of the Frisco chapter of Show Folks of America, with Eddie Helwig, Mary Regan and Louis Lee» as vice- presidents; Bonnie Townsend, sec¬ retary; O. H. Mattley, financial secretary, and Albert T. Roche, corresponding secretary.