St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 95

Gene Barry in 'Kismet' at Muny Opera At the Movies MyJcs Standish Shirley deBurgh--What Nationality? "WHAT NATIONALITY am repeated exotic-looking Shirley i if" l(vo By Myles Standish ANGRY ISLAND An intensely realistic Japanese film about the slavery of rower-boys on a Japanese fishing island. Pathetic, and almost too grim to stomach. APOLLO ART. THE GIANT OF MARATHON Steve Reeves, the American muscle man, is still playing his original role of Hercules, although this time he's called Philippides, based on the Athenian runner who summoned Spartan aid to the Athenians at Marathon, then died carrying home news of the victory. Only Steve far outdoes him.

Another muscles and gore Italian spectacle with badly dubbed-in English dialogue. LOEWS STATE. CIRCUS OF HORRORS-Mediocre English horror film about a mad plastic surgeon who makes disfigured girls beautiful, uses them in a circus, then murders them. ST. LOUIS.

THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN All the searing bitter-comic irony on the antics of humanity has been eliminated from the Mark Twain classic to make it merely a boy's adventure story, appealing enough to youngsters, I suppose. Eddie Hodges is too cute and stereotyped as Huck. Archie Moore is all right, but lacks pro finish as Jim. Tony Randall is best as the glib con man, the King. ESQUIRE.

EXPRESSO BONGO-English satire on the rise of a 'teenage singing idol through sharpie manager, which exploits the sleezy Soho night-club area and the manipulations of recording and TV managers. Sharp and witty, with Laurence Harvey excellent as the brash and amusing manager. PAGEANT. BEN-HUR Exciting spectacle, i beautiful canvas in dazzling hues and splendors and with towering sets, but above all a fine, moving, deep and immensely engrossing story. The film deserves its 11 Oscars.

Charlton Heston's powerful, sensitive acting in the title role. William Wyler's direction and the script are outstanding. LOEW'S MID-CITY. CAN-CAN The Cole Porter-Abe Burrows musical is something of a disappointment as a depiction of gay Mont-martre, circa 1896. With Frank Sinatra and Shirley Mac-Laine in the leading roles, it seems more Broadway than Parisian.

Three fairly good dance numbers, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan and Todd-AO photography on the credit side. AMBASSADOR. CARRY ON NURSE A raucous, ribald and hilarious English comedy which takes a jolly view of the goings-on in a male surgical ward. SHADY OAK. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS-The return of the Cecil B.

DeMille Biblical spectacle, with some gaudy scenes on the flight from Egypt. Strong performances by Charlton Heston as Moses and Yul Brynner as the Pharao'n. FOX. 5 deBurgh in an English accent. "Well, really, I honestly don't know what to say.

International, I think." Shirley, a lissome dancer-actress with an arched, not-quite oblique look about the eyebrows that reminds one of Kipling's "the owld Moulmein pagowda, lookin' eastward to the sea," blue eyes and soft brown hair in a pony-tail, was talking to me in a rehearsal pavilion at Municipal Opera between rehearsals for her role of Princess Zubbediya of Damascus in "Kismet," which opens tomorrow night at Municipal Opera. She has a fair skin, isn't as dark as she appears in makeup in the group picture in the adjoining column. She was wearing a pair of bright blue rehearsal pants laced at the front something like a long pair of pedal-pushers a brilliantly striped blouse, and canvas shoes of the basketball variety. Now here's Shirley's problem. She was born in Bombay, India, 24 years ago, the daughter of an Irish member of the British police force and a mother who was half French and half East Indian.

She was educated as a teen-ager in Catholic schools In Singapore, Perth, Australia, and London, England. Her mother, having divorced her father, married an American living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between going back to visit her grandmother In Bombay and her mother in Brazil, she attended the Segat Russian School of Ballet In London for two years. The second yeaf, at the age of 17 she traveled with its company all over Europe as a ballerina Brussels, Paris, Holland, Switzerland, Italy. So she went to Yugoslavia and studied for six months under "a wonderful teacher," Ana Roje, prima ballerina of the Yugoslavian State Ballet, and had feature roles herself with the ballet, such as one of the three swans la "Swan Lake." I THEN, AFTER finally leaving Bombay six years ago, and stopping off in England, she came to the United States in December 1954.

From New York to Hollywood was a quick jump. She played bit parts in a half dozen movies including "The Ten Commandments," "Guys and Dolls" and "Carousel," and finally did a dance duo number with Dan Dailey as a Mexican girl in the forthcoming all-star "Pepe." Principals of Municipal Opera's revival of "KISMET," which opens tomorrow night. In foreground, from left: SHIRLEY deBURGH as Zubbediya; JACQUELINE JAMES, Lalume; GENE BARRY, Hajj; standing, JAMES KING, the Caliph; BEVERLY ALLYSON, Marsinah; EDMUND LYNDECK, Omar; MICHAEL KERMYON, the Wazir. "KISMET," the musical Ara- ner role in the original play by tin and her husband, George 583 performances on Broadway, bian Nights, will be the second Edward Knoblock from which Martin, are again staging the beginning in 1953. production of the season for this was adapted.

In support will dances as they did in 1956 and THE STORY, laid in old Bagh-Municipal Opera, opening to- be Jacqueline James, repeating are leading dancers. dad, is about Hajj the beggar morrow night for a week's run. her role of Lalume in the 1956 THE BOOK is by Charles Led- and his beautiful daughter, Mer-Show time will be 8:15. Muny production, and Beverly erer and Luther Davis. The sinah.

She falls in love with the It stars Gene Barry, tele- Allison, last seen as Tuptim score by Robert Wright and Caliph, who represents himself vision's Bat Masterson. He is in "The King and at Muny George Forrest is based on the as only a gardener. After re-no stranger to the big outdoor Opera, as Marsinah. music of the Russian composer, sisting the wiles of Lalume, the stage, having played there in IN THE CAST will be James Alexander Borodin. corrupt Wazir's favorite wife, "I have played all sorts of foreign types," she said, "Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Polynesian.

The trouble with Hollywood, everyone immediately types you. I am about to get a Spanish part, when I tell them I was born in India. They get a little glassy-eyed and murmur something about 'Wrong accent. Can't use Shirley nibbled on a hamburger. "My problem is, I'm a bunch of contradictions.

I look like a Latin or Far East type, but when I came over here I had a thick British accent, plus blue eyes. I was almost thrown off the 'Ten Commandments' set when Cecil B. DeMille discovered I had blue eyes. Everyone For instance, the two most the Caliph finds his beloved has 1950 in "Lady in the Dark," King as the Caliph, Michael Ker-and "The Pirk Lady." As a moyan as the wicked Wazir, matter of this will be his Ethel Martin as Princess of popular songs, which were long become a member of the Wa-on TV's Hit Parade "Stranger zir's harem and sets about put-in Paradise" is from Borodin's tin? things right. "In the Steppes of Central Barry has had a long that of "This is My Be- mate stage career.

He had the FOREST PARK but everyone had to have dark eyes on that, no matter how first legitimate stage role since Bangalore, Shirley deBurgh as many miles away from the camera. I did manage to hang on that time. He was featured in Princess Zubbediya of Damas- two dozen movies since then be- cus, Wallace Acton as Jawan, mm BHD mm for starting TV series. and Judith Panzer, Pua Gaheton loved" is from the composer's lead in "Rosalinda," was in He will have the role of Hajj, and Marlene Dell as the three Quartet No. 2.

Mike Todd's production of the beggar-poet, the Otis Skin- Princesses of Ababu. Miss Mar- The musical had a run of STARTING JUNE 21 EVERY TUESDAY IS "DATE MIGHT" 6 P.M. UNTIL PARK CLOSES 20 RIDES FOR YOU AND YOUR DATE FOR JUST $2.50 "Sporttr HaHr" Party Highlands Pool Evtry Friday 7-II P.M. featuring DICK CLAYTON, Wll "Catherine Was Great," with Mae West, played in Moliere's "The Would-be Gentlemen," and acted in the off-Broadway production of "Idiot's Delight." This is the fourth Muny Opera season for Miss James. She appeared in 1955 and 1957 as Miss Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls," in "Roberta," and "Silk Stockings," in 1958 and in "Bells Are Ringing," last season.

Kermoyan first appeared at Muny Opera in 1957 as Papa Yoder in "Plain and Fancy." The opening show, "Meet Me in St. Louis," will have its last performance tonight. It stars Peggy King, Virginia Gibson and Howard St. John. Wi pros! minnK ntyryr i If i Jtl i n0T Linn i-AV, farefc --iri-iraiMiTiiininiim-- i- LIGHT GAY ENTERTAINMENT 'MI unmni at- Ibid OpenAIr Theatre a Forest Park ALWAYS 5000 RESERVED SEATS AT 75c and $1 for bacchanal dance scene.

Oh, how I hate bacchanals. "I recently tested twice for a Metro TV series to be made In Europe, on the basis of Sherwood's play, 'Idiot's Delight," in which a hoofer tours Europe with four typically American girls. The producer's idea of typically American girls was 100 per cent artificial blondes of the Mamie van Doren variety, although you know most American girls are actually brown-haired. They told me, 'Face It, dear, you're simply not the All-American So I have to make up my mind what I really am. I am buying contact lenses here in St.

Louis to make me dark-eyed when I want to be, so when I apply for a Latin role, there won't be any confusion." "I still want to know," I said firmly, gazing Into those smoky blue eyes. "What nationality are you?" SHE KICKED it around in her mind for a while. "Well, call me Irish," she said, "although with the dozens of countries I've visited, I've never set foot in Ireland. My father was born there, on a visit by his parents from India. My great-grandfather deBurgh originally came to India from Ireland with the Ninth or Twelfth I forget which British Fusileers, and the deBurghs have lived there since.

Most people think the name is Dutch. Actually it's an old name in Ireland, from the fourteenth century, and originated in France." I sighed, "am more confused than ever. What do you do in 'Kismet'?" "I do a belly dance," she giggled or as close as a nice young lady of breeding can come to a giggle "I have never done a belly dance before, but I learned fast. I don't have a line to say I express everything with my stomach muscles, which really is expressing. Later, in 'The Desert I play Azuri, the native girl in love with the villain." "You mean, you make with the flashing eyes, the flashing teeth and the flashing knife?" "Yes, but don't laugh.

I know it's a corny role, and It will be all I can do to keep from laughing myself. But you have to take that kind of role very seriously, or the whole thing will be lost." SHE'S HAD SOME FAIR Broadway experience a dancer In "The Ziegfeld Follies," the one with Bea Lillie, understudy to Mme. Danilova, who was the ballerina in "Oh Captain!" and a dancer in "Redhead." In television, besides the variety shows, she played a Polynesian girl in a "Death Valley Days" episode. How in thundernation did a Polynesian girl ever find her way to Death Valley? Well, it's a long story. I half expected her to slither up to me and intone silkily: "I am Tondalaya" you remember Tondalaya, the aexy native girl in "White Cargo." But instead, she shrugged daintily and said: "I don't know what I am.

I just don't FEEL exotic." Complete Air Conditioning for Your Comfort" Be eomlortoble. Come droned you likel Expreii bu, gervico from all part; of the city dirert to mein entranre Free Parking for 5000 earl TONIGHT AT TIME kinSi Virginia ciosori BORN YESTERDAY with N.Y. Cast Thru Junt 25 EDDIE HODGES, as Huck Finn, finally cornered by those rascals, the King (TONY RANDALL) and the Duke (MICKEY SHAUGHNESSY) in the screen adaptation of the Mark Twain classic, "HUCKLEBERRY FINN," now at the ESQUIRE. Seats Avallabli jjj OPEN 10:30 A.M. Adults Only I out.

Till 11 P.M. Cool Air-Conditioned 40-Mlle DAY TRIPS 10 am to 4 pm tvry JOHNNY POLZIN'S I AND TOMORROW NIGHT at 8:15 Tie Glorious, Spectacular, Song-Filled Romance of Old Baghdad Greater Than Ever STARRING TV's "BAT MASTERSON" 1ST RUN Downtown SAT.AFT. JO-MH. Tript-W0ti7 WIGHT TRIPS pm to 12 ffVWT HAL HAVIRD'S BAND mm mm S((X 1 Guy Williams 4' WKAi I 'AMiiiHr IP mwiu AIR-CONDITIONED nU PARKINS AT STIAMR STARTS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22nd at thtst TStotrti PLUS Dayfighl tavldfl Tims PT. Of WASWNOTON IT.

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CharlM, Ma. VARSITY RONNIE'S Drivt In GRAND Alton, III. LINCOLN Itlltvillt, III. with MICHAEL KERMOYAN ETHEL MARTIN PUA GAHETON GEORGE MARTIN WALLACE ACTON BEVERLY ALLYSON JAMES KING EDMUND LYNDECK SHIRLEY DE BURGH RON LEWIS Righli of Admlision Raisrvtd Bui Scrvic to nd from Boat Day Trips Transfir to Bui it 3rd and Washington. No Butra Far.

HURRY HURRY MARLENE DELL Such groat love longs as "Stranger In "Boublti, tangles and "This If My Beloved" and mere! NOW ON SALE TCCTS I 1 hi -ITT 9r MOOLAH TEMPLE, ARCADE BLDG, or ANY SHRINERv iuiT? Week Beginning Monday Night, June 27 Fast-Moving Farce of a Hilarious Atlantic Cruise with Hit Parade of Cole Porter Sengs Including "You're The Top," "All Through the Night," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow." SUMMER MUSIC STUDY PIANO YOICE ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS Individual Instruction Outstanding Teachers mWVffltva BILL IOuS AND JULIE IVILSP MWM FIREWORKS it St mm 1 1 JUNE 29 JULY 4 NORMAN BURKESMITH as Harry Brock, the rud, crud milllonair funk dealer, in the Garsort Kanin comedy, "BORN YESTERDAY," at the Crystal Palace. WITH PRE-COLLEGE SPECIAL THEORY COURSES for Mon Fri. Teachers of Piano Tuition $2000 ond School Music Class Instruction In Voice, Conducting, Arranging, Thiory, Ear Training, Muslo History and Literature Colleg Credit for Qualified Studtntt ADM. Children 75c Reserved Seals 75c Extra BOX SEATS $1.25 Additional BETTY GILLETT 10 RINGS STAGES 10 W0RL0 FAMOUS CIRCUS ACTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STADIUM GROUND AND NOVELTY THE GREAT HUGINO. Euront'i Dauntlaii Cannon King ihot ikywnid Irom a mighty Howitior: THl 8VN.

DOWN MARGUERITE SHAW WALLACE ACTON EDMUND LYNDECK JAMES KING LEE GREEN PAUL UKENE PARADE JAY VELIE WILLIAM KELLOGG MARJORIE RIVINGSTON LUCILE CALVERT 8i30 P.M. JUNE 27 DER AND VICTOR TKIUH. rram. pollix Tiiir.blori; THE PAUL LO-RCN20 TROUPE. Dinlnl Somoflault.

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WILLIAMS' LIBERTY STALLIONS. Intrlrato Muneuvr'l and Oriln: CAPT. JAMES' SEA LIONS. Juggler, Whn Demand 1 Miiiic; pod Elepnanti, Doge, Brora, Music Under the Stars LITTLE SYMPHONY CONCERTS Washington University Quadrangle First Concert Friday, Junt 24, 8:45 p.m. Irwin Hoffman, Conductor Vivian Wilktnon, Pianitt Buy Season Tickets Now and Save! SEASON TICKETS: $7.50 reserved.

$4.80 unreserved Ticket! at: laldwln Piano Doubltday look Shops, 7nro lrfi Sfcoo. Playroom MeMoom Sop (Non-profit) BUY TICKETS NOW DOWNTOWN: Lobby Arcade 8th and Olive Stt. Open to 5:30. WEST: Municipal Theatre, Forest Park, 9 to Famous-Barr Clayton Store, Vandervoort's Clayton and Crestwood Plata Stores; Stir Baer Fuller West-reads. SOUTH: Famous-Barr Southtown.

NORTH: Famous-Barr Northland. EAST ST. LOUIS: Sears-Roebuck. Tickets available at Stores 9:30 to 5:30 TICKET PRICES: 75c, $1.25, $2.00, $2.75. $3.50 MORE THAN 2000 MARCHERS.

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June 19, i960 ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Belgian saner Jet negation. 4.