You Read It First In Vintage Paparazzi

Sights You See: Lana Turner shopping for Ezio Pinza recordings, they co-star in “Mr. Imperium”. . . Dan Dailey waiting on tables, beating the drums and greeting customers at “The Curtain Call,” his restaurant-bar in the Valley . . . John Derek giving an autograph to the diaper service delivery man . . . Maddest about America is Swedish siren Marta Toren. Since returning from her native land, she dresses in red, white and blue . . . For the first time, Fred Astaire attended a preview of one of his own pictures—“Three Little Words.”

Inside Hollywood: The town wonders what Tyrone Power meant when he dashed home to dub dialogue for “An American Guerrilla,” then back again to rejoin Linda Christian in London. “Next time we expect a baby we’ll handle it my way,” he’s reported saying. The inference could be that too much traveling caused his wife to lose the baby both wanted so badly . . . He may not be a body-beautiful boy, but don’t be surprised if Louis Jourdan ends up in a sarong. Boss-man Zanuck ordered extensive tests on the fabulous Frenchman for the remake of “Bird of Paradise”. . . June Haver’s many friends are hoping she won’t become too serious over writer Cy Bartlett when she recovers from her serious abdominal ailment. Opinion is that Cy’s mighty nice but too sophisticated for Twentieth’s idealistic blonde beauty.

Me-ow Department: So help us, we heard this converior glamour girls, who would love to land one of those fat and fancy acting roles usually allotted top-flight stars. “Isn’t it wonderful,” exclaimed the first, “that June Allyson’s going to have a baby!” The second looked a bit bewildered. “But I thought you couldn’t stand her,’ she replied. “That’s just it,” came the ready answer. “I can’t! But she’ll be off the screen for a whole year. Maybe now I’ll have a chance.”

Visit with Farley: He met us at the door; shirt hanging out, in old slacks and beat-up loafers; book in hand, horn rims on his nose. “Oh? Come in!” There was sort of a surprised but friendly note in Farley Granger’s voice, almost as if he hadn’t invited us for cocktails the day before. Cal’s known Farley since his post Navy days, when he used to drop by to see us (for a Coke instead of a cocktail). To his growth and maturity, we noted something new’s been added—a restless eager kind of energy. He prowled the room as he talked, stopped by a table, glanced fondly at two “Tree of Life” figures he’d carefully carried by hand from Mexico. Almost unconsciously the words, “Shelley says this”—or “Shelley says that,” crept into ‘his conversation. Probably next to Shelley, good books and music, Farley adores New York. Humorously, he told us about the girl who followed him through Central Park one early morning. Finally, he stopped and asked her if there was anything she wanted. “Yes,” she answered, “I wanted to see if you are a regular guy!” We’ve got a flash for the young lady. He is—and always will be.

Dahl Face: Next to Ava Gardner, seems to Cal as if Arlene Dahl is the most discussed belle of Hollywood. At a recent dinner party, for example, four eligible bachelors who had dated the beautiful Dahl were having a lovely, lively corner conversation. Arlene was charming, intelligent and most appreciative of their attentions. However, it seemed the second they became serious, the sudden change in room temperature forced them to run for their overcoats. As one of the Dahl devotees expressed it: “Whenever I hear them play, ‘I Can’t Get Started with You,’ I think of Arlene.”

Rampant Rumor: That there will be enough film on the cutting room floor after “A Place in the Sun” is edited to make a second feature. Brilliant director George Stevens always knows what he wants and never hesitates to “shoot” for it. Stevens conducts endless rehearsals. However, ofttimes just before a “take,” Montgomery Clift retired to his dressing room where his good friend Myra Rosovskaya was waiting. A few minutes later he was in front of the camera but to everyone’s complete consternation, he had an entirely new interpretation of the scene they had rehearsed for hours!

Names in the News: Red Skelton says, as a wedding present from his father, Nicky Hilton received a hotel called “His” and Liz Taylor one called “Hers” . . . A sensational social season being planned for Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, returning to Hollywood after ten years . . . Cal predicts. a Honolulu honeymoon for Ida Lupino and Howard Duff (if and when they marry) who vacationed on the fabulous island and yearn to return . . . An announcement from Hedy Lamarr, who should know, she has no plots to become Mrs. Herbert Klotz.

Merrill-y He Rolls Along: Had you mentioned the name of Gary Merrill six months ago, the answer would have been: Oh, he’s that actor who played the commanding officer in “Twelve O’Clock High.” Mention his name today in any Hollywood drawing room and the answer is: Oh, he’s the actor who plays opposite Bette Davis in “All About Eve” and may marry her! At this writing Bette has yet to secure her divorce, so the future is problematical. However, the fact remains that now something more than one actor’s regard for another does exist between herself and Gary. Upon completion of their picture, he announced his fourth separation from actress Barbara Leeds, whom he married in 1941. Since the break-up of her marriage, Bette has been lonely and, needless to say, not too pleased over the front page publicity given her private life.

Modest Maiden: For being the most “regular” girl in Hollywood, we personally nominate Ann Blyth. Possessing rich Irish humor, the lovely little lass is still quite serious about life and her profession. What others say or do concerns her not one snit. On the other hand, she doesn’t smoke or care for cocktails. Nor has anyone ever heard her use profanity. Put these ingredients together and place them on the set of “Katie”—where they adore Ann and show it by teasing her. One day when Mark Stevens was holding her in his arms, director Fred De Cordova rehearsed their love scenes again and again. Finally, Ann’s cheeks began to turn a pretty pink. “I’m sorry, Mark,” she apologized. ‘‘But your whiskers are so rough—they’re bruising my face.” He began to grin. “You’ve gone out with so many young: boys,” Mark kidded her, “you’re just not used to it!” When the whole set roared, the best little sport of all laughed with them. No wonder everyone loves her.

Nature Boys: This month Cal went that-a-way! Out to the “Kansas Raiders” location, where men are men and the plumbing’s something that shouldn’t happen to a movie star! “The Bronx was never like this,” Anthony Curtis hailed us with gun on hip. ‘One more hour in this boiling sun and they can poke an apple in our mouths,” grinned Scott Brady. “Sho am goin’ to miss this lovely dust,” sighed James Best. “Me too, pardner,” chimed in Richard Long. “Also these friendly fleas!” “Whoo-o-o-Whoo-oo” screeched an owl in a tree. “Why me of course,” kidded Audie Murphy as he stood up and took a bow. Following several unsuccessful takes, the man in charge of horses broke in: “Look fellows, these animals have been acting in Westerns for fifteen years and they know what they’re doing. You-all are just new, so let them have their way.” Step right up folks and meet Cal, the cowboy from Hollywood and Vine!

Now You Know: That Virginia Mayo has been anemic since she returned from making “Captain Horatio Hornblower” in England and must have medical attention . . . That Wanda Hendrix is now a carrot-colored brunette, has gained seven pounds, is taking ballet lessons, learning to ride cowboy fashion and has completely altered her personality—which only adds to her enchantment . . . That Rhonda Fleming, who secured her release from her long term contract with David O. Selznick, declares she’ll never be caught alive signing with another studio . . . That Jeff Chandler is so fond of spinach he could even “take” it in a sandwich.

Racquet-eers: Cal can’t tell you what they do on a rainy night in Rio, but here’s what happens on a Sunday afternoon at Lana Turner’s. “Don’t get dressed up and don’t make a date for dinner,” she warned us. No arm-twisting was necessary! Our tennis opponents were such super servers as Errol Flynn and the Princess Ghika, Bruce Cabot, Ginger Rogers and Greg Bautzer. Looking lush and lovely in a white pique tennis dress, Lana managed to swat a few swift ones and be graciously attentive to everyone. The game stopped promptly at six. Colder cocktails followed cold showers and at seven forty-five, the famished folk descended upon the Topping barbecue pit. We had ribs, rolls, salad, hot dogs, beans. While his Princess watched adoringly, Errol quietly consumed five ears of beautifully barbecued corn! With enchanting music pouring forth from the pool house, a magic moon suddenly appeared. Fun-loving Lana looked up. “Those M-G-M prop men!” she cracked. “They can do anything.”

Grant Takes Anderson: His face has never appeared in movie magazines but, take it from Cal, it won’t be long now! Cary Grant agrees with us, but we’re getting ahead of our story. We first saw Dick on the set, playing a small part opposite Bette Davis in “The Story of a Divorce.” With the combined charm of Farley Granger and Gregory Peck this boy still has a personal quality that leaves a deep and. lasting impression. Cary Grant recognized it the second he saw him in “Lights, Camera, Action” on Television. Imagine Richard’s surprise and shock when a voice called him after the broadcast and said: “This is Cary Grant. I just saw your excellent performance and I was wondering if you’d come out to M-G-M and have lunch. I’d like to talk to you.” And that’s the way it happened. Richard Anderson, still dazed by it all, not only has an M-G-M contract, he’s already playing in “Grounds for Divorce” with Van Johnson and Kathryn Grayson. He even has the right to make one outside picture a year for the man who had the kindness and foresight to give a talented boy the chance he deserves.

The Bouncing Berle: According to our special spy, “Always Leave Them Laughing”—didn’t! That is, Milton Berle’s cinema salad clicked in certain cities but it still didn’t garner gigantic gold, as expected. Now it’s announced that TV’s famous comedian needs a rest and won’t make a picture this summer. Could be! Also could be as rumored that Warners would just as soon not make a picture with Milty-Wilty and with this in mind, offered him “Call Me a Doctor,” the script that Danny Kaye and Lauren Bacall turned down. Seems like yesterday to Cal that Milton Berle was up to there in Hollywood red carpets. How fickle can fame be.

Roman Deal: “If you’ll do me a favor I’ll take you to dinner!” And that’s how Cal and luscious Ruth Roman wound up in the Brown Derby. “Will you please firmly deny that I’m married to Bill Walsh,” pleaded our favorite steak-and-potato girl. “Ever since the rumor started, no man will take a chance and invite me out. The phone hasn’t rung in a week.” With our ol’ fat heart breaking, we parried, “But what’s to prevent you from changing your mind before this even gets into print?” Declared rugged Roman, “I’ll put it in writing.” On the back of a Derby menu she wrote: “Bill Walsh is a wonderful guy, but we are not going to get married!” P.S. She picked up the check too.

Stars in Straw Hats: Almost every day for the last few weeks, Cal was bidding goodbye to friends who heard the call of the summer theater managers—and who were bravely going forth to do their first play in years. Paulette ‘Goddard went Shavian in “Caesar and Cleopatra.” Lon McCallister took his |first crack at comedy in an oldie called “The Poor Nut” which Bill Eythe superivised and directed in roaring twenties style. Zachary Scott rode the subway cireuit for four weeks as the maniac killer of “Blind Alley,” facing New York audiences for the first time since Warners discovered him in “Those Endearing Young Charms.” Among others who braved sunburn and mosquitoes were Laraine Day, Eve Arden, Franchot Tone, Susan Peters, Shelley Winters, Tom Drake and Celeste Holm. The Sunset Strip looked absolutely deserted.

Keeling Over: Metro knew they had something in Howard Keel right from the start—but the national reaction to this new star has surpassed their fondest expectations. Back from Hawaii and “Pagan Love Song,” Keel was rushed into a non-singing lead opposite Jane Wyman in “Three Guys Named Mike.” After this he’ll have only a short respite ‘before he makes “Show Boat.” M-G-M waited four years for the right leading man for their remake of this musical classic. Now that they have Keel, they want to start the cameras rolling—but fast.

—CAL YORK

 

It is a quote. PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 1950