Hollywood Party Line

TWO BIG PREEMS this month. First was “The Country Girl,” with all proceeds going to the Olympic Fund. When it was over, just about everyone agreed that its three stars, Bing Crosby, Bill Holden and Grace Kelly rated Academy Awards for their performances. Among those agreeing were Betty Grable and Harry James; Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis; Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall; Judy Garland and Sid Luft; Lana Turner and Lex Barker. Bing Crosby turned up double-dating with son Dennis and his date Carolyn Wilson. Bing’s date for the big evening was Mona Freeman who looked lovely in a chiffon gown with a full, full skirt and a delicate beaded top. Most of these and scads more were at the gala preem of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” a few nights later. And, oh, the raves for that one and its topliners! Probably the individual hit is Mitzi Gaynor. Mitzi’s Hollywood stock has soared with this picture and she’s in demand like crazy at all the studios.

I was flabbergasted when, on a few hours’ notice, Terry Moore invited me to what she called an “impromptu reception” suddenly whipped up for her chum Susan Zanuck and Susie’s groom, Andre Hakim, fresh in for a visit from Paris. Terry started out to have a few people, ended up with a hundred invitees! She borrowed Jay Robinson’s house, which he bought from Dr. Lew Morrill when Rhonda Fleming decided the house was too small a couple months ago. The affair was strictly casual. Terry was in wool. A black jumper with a stunning tailored Don Loper white silk blouse with a high neck. Terry’s going in for high-necked dresses—part of her “subdued routine” as she puts it. (Another gal who’s sticking to the subdued look is Piper Laurie who showed at a luncheon for Prince Axel of Denmark in a lovely wool dress with long sleeves and high neck!

Virginia Mayo’s another gal who looks good in both high and low necklines, She wore a high neckline, too, at Prince Axel’s party.) Terry’s date for the evening was Nicky Hilton, who incidentally gifted Terry with a gorgeous sapphire mink jacket (for no special reason) the week before. Susie Zanuck Hakim sported one of those short and madly streaked French hair-do’s. The gals seemed to go for it—so we’re probably in for some rainbow-hued heads hereabouts! Terry left the next day to entertain servicemen.

Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis hosted Photoplay publisher Irving Manheimer and his wife, who were also feted at a dinner party by producer Stanley Kramer and his wife with many, many celebrities in attendance.

Proudest gal in town was Esther Williams at the City of Hope party which honored her as top Hollywood Mother of the Year. Other mommas like Ann Blyth, Donna Reed, Patti Lewis, Gale Storm, Maureen O’Sullivan and Sheila MacRae got some “honors” too. Jerry Lewis, working with his usual zest, auctioned off toys and things and raised plenty money for the children who benefited by the affair.

—BY EDITH GWYNN

It is a quote. PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE MARCH 1955