That’s Hollywood For You

I know Debbie Reynolds and Harry Karl hold hands at the movies. I watched them. . . . Zsa Zsa turned square; she admits on the jacket of her book that she didn’t write her autobiography. . . . Call me what you will, but I think Shirley MacLaine gives a finer and more legitimate performance in “The Apartment” than she did in “Some Came Running.” . . . Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh have a television set in their bedroom. . . . Simone Signoret’s real name is Simone Kaminker. She took her mother’s maiden name. . . . I’m of the opinion Elvis is developing into a good actor; also, despite his name, Tab Hunter is a good actor. . . . Marlene Dietrich’s Quotable Quote: “I’ve spent my life in show business which is supposed to be cruel and selfish. Yet I can honestly say that I’ve never been badly treated by any person.” . . . It could come to the point where her admirers believe a day in the week was named after Tuesday Weld. . . . Hollywood is a place where Kim Novak has a niche in her house waiting for her Oscar.

Lassie is a male. And he gets away with the impersonation even better than Jack Lemmon did in “Some Like It Hot.” . . . Why doesn’t Millie Perkins make another movie? I’m for it. . . . Yul Brynner, with hair, has yet to make a money-making picture. . . . I’d like to see Jayne Mansfield play a role in a movie so that I didn’t know it was Jayne Mansfield. . . . James Garner is as fast on the ad lib as almost any comic you . . . Nick Adams never demands top billing. He’s satisfied that the billing be alphabetically. . . . Hollywood is a place where actors and actresses call themselves honest hypocrites.

I’d answer “Dana Wynter” if asked to name the most beautiful, cooperative and witty actress in town. Dana’s new hairdo was suggested by husband Greg Bautzer. No, he didn’t set it. . . . It’s about time her studio gave Barrie Chase a good movie role. . . . Can you imagine John Wayne a Method actor? Well, I can’t. . . . I never see Ernie Kovacs and his big cigars but I think of Edie Adams warning him to be careful about spilling the ashes all over their new home. . . . Gloria Grahame’s Quotable Quote: “I retire just as I really am. When I go to bed, I’m not acting.” Mamie Van Doren divides her wardrobe into two closets. One for “movie star clothes,” the other for her “around the house and street apparel.”

If anyone tells you that you have to be beautiful to be a movie star, just mention Juliet Prowse. Talent and personality put her over. . . . I’m accepting Alec Guinness as the best English comedian and then they spring Peter Sellers on me. . . . If ever a role was made for an actor and vice versa, it’s Burt Lancaster in “Elmer Gantry.” All the debits about Lancaster work as credits as Elmer. . . . Kirk Douglas, with his flashing teeth, would have been my second choice for the role. . . . Hollywood is a place where, if you exhibit good manners, they think you are a butler, an usher or out of work.

Barbara Stanwyck and her silver hair looks dignified to me. . . . Joan Collins has been very quiet recently, considering the fact she is Joan Collins. . . . I was pleased to read Anita Ekberg is being appreciated by people for her ability and not tape measurements. . . . Hollywood is a place where a vicious rumor is that an actor is getting along very well with his wife. . . . I have a feeling if Robert Mitchum played an entire picture with his eyes wide open, they would say he was a Method Actor. . . . For some reason, I never tire of looking at Jean Simmons.

I keep believing Rick Nelson is going to grow into Elvis Presley. . . . Hugh O’Brian is the fastest gun in the west. He can take off his holster and makeup faster than any actor in westerns. . . . Julie Newmar’s Quotable Quote: “I try to be feminine always. You’d be surprised how it helps, especially with men.” . . . I’m always surprised when I meet Audrey Hepburn in a delicatessen, no matter how many times I meet her there. . . . I don’t believe the rumor that Lassie and Rin Tin Tin are the best of friends. . . . Hollywood is a place where a weary actor will tell you that he’s going to Palm Springs for three days to get a weeks’ rest. That’s Hollywood For You.

—BY SIDNEY SKOLSKY

 

It is a quote. PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 1960