Alton Evening Telegraph from Alton, Illinois • Page 27

FLASH PREVIEW "Tortilla Flat" urM'S screen versipn of the John Steinbeck novel stars Hedy Lamarr, Spencer Tracy and- John Carfield. with His old friends Aklm Tamlroff, Allen Jenkins and John Trac seeks a way to live Without working. Spencer Tracy seeks a way their pal John Garfield Inherits a watch and two houses next door to Hedy Lamarr, they think the future will be rosy. But Hedy objects to Garileld's easy-Roinfr friends and the two lovers quarrel violently in the cannlnK factory where she works. When Ciarfield is injured in the conning machinery she blames Tracy, but learns that he has gone to the cathedral to prnj.

MEET THE STARS of tho best that Hollywood can do. To have written would have been to compromise honesty, but the enJCB ouw have been equally remiss in their duty not to have cited per formance of Truman Bradley, the one i tut the offering, and they praised him in the cie served measure. However, they Intirnated by the tenor of'their remarks that Truman Bradley "'as a discoxc herewith unveiled. The truth is th. oy has been around the shop for a 10 auietlv tending his patch without holloing 101 Ktlon to his corner.

What hasn't been generally realized Is that he is capable of considerably potatoes than he has, given. k. His latest picture, now showing througl the help to make this ear; ihnrn nre somo things about his rccoiu, api ontly Cwn Hollywood, need to be tolil, for they will further establish his case for pictures. In Hie first place, Bradley did not come to Hollywood as one seeki entry into the films, He had tho entry when fll iv loo exuberantly, in 1938, with a contract in his otkct wood had, come to him. It had stalked him in Chicago nou cine on him vflth such enthysiasni and rich offers that he rou no in honesty refuse.

At first resisting, he was oullianKca, 0 and finally annihilated in his position that ne 1111 nght in Chlcagq, Hi- was. As a forcrpost radio personality, nis i outstanding In the profession, was for years dont fied with Vnrd Sunday Evening Hour in Detroit, to whlch he flew cacn wpfkcnd from Chicago, covering a distance equal to thiee cutuiu "i iljo globe in the Jong period of this chore. 101 selected Bradley as announcer for the progrui magnate became his good friend, ns did wimum In addition, Bradley at the time was the Mid-West's leading "W's commentator. He had built up a large following in the wide "rcn served by the koy station pt.tho network on which he wm, ht six times a week for two years, arid commanded many civic issues of thf day. gave up all this for Hollywood.

PciOuips some day tho town 4V wake up to prospnce, ''I'liViiii'i ll Margaret McKay Fashion Scene By Margaret McKay Queen Cotton moves Jnto fashion long before her usual summer visit since silks and woolens are limited by government decree. Cotton looms are also being diverted to output for war, but we (grow so much I cotton in this I country civi- Illan needs will I not be affect- Jed very much. Naturally means will be used ingenl- lously in femi- I i ward' robes. For instance, In i mm inc; frocks, white cotton braid will be much in Veronica Lake, who just finished in "This Gun For Hire," bought herself a new gadabout spring suit in black, on her first shop- iPing spree, with a white cotton- braid scroll pattern edging the front and shoulder line of her short fitted She wore this outfit with a hand crocheted white chenille hat, open- worked around the edge of the brim. Ginpham is another Cinderella material that comes right out of the kitchen to go to the ball, in an evening jacket just turned out by designer Adrian.

His version is a quilted wrap. picking cotton is Ginger Rogers, who has a tailored gingham suit in tobacco brown checks with matching gingham sailor-style hat. Ann Sheridan just purchased three gingham bathing-suits, which also means this fabric will take to the water this summer. Olivia de Havilland is introducing another cotton novelty in the new cotton string gloves which she is wearing with her afternoon and sports frocks. Pique will also 6e used a great deal in pique hats, gloves and evening, gowns.

Janet Blair's new pink and black pique dance frock is at the head of the smart fashions list. BEST DRESSED GIRL OP THE WEEK. Gail Patrick, listening to Mike Riley and his band at the Vine Street Radio Room, in a black rayon shantung suit with peg-top skirt, short Dutch boy jacket and linen blouse of lime green. With this striking suit she wore a Chinese coolie hat in lime green rayon shantung, which is real headline news. Your Questions Answered Members of the Hollywood Today Fan Club are invited to submit their questions about Hollywood and its stars; to be answered at regular tervals on this page.

Simply address your questions to Hollywood Today, Crossroads of the World, Hollywood, California. If you are not yet enrolled In the Fan Club, write to the same address and your membership card, entitling you to this and other privileges, will be mailed to you at once. In either case you must mention your newspaper when writing. QUIZ BOX Q. From Fred Aniie, Bloom- Inglon, California.

Can you give me the address of a Tex Ritter Fan Club? A. There are two Tex Rlttcr Fan Clubs, one The Tex Ritter Rangers at Staunton, Illinois; Mr. Charnack, president. The other, The Tex Ritter Fan Club, Clostcr, New Jersey; Margaret Hunlukc, president. Q.

From Roxanna Faye Barber, Big Spring, Texas. Can you tell me if John Garfield is married and if so to whom? Also, what is his next picture? A. John Garfield was married In 1081 to Roberta Mann, a non- proiosslonal. His next picture will be "Tortilla Flat," in which lie co-stars with Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr. Q.

From Lucille Fern Low- pry, Eugene, Oregon. I would like a brief biography of Charles Luughton. A. Charles Laughton was born July 1st, 18UU, at Scarborough, the eldest of three sons. Ills father was a hotel owner, and at sixteen Charles was appointed as a cashier's clerk in London's fumed Clarldge Hotel, from which Job ha was drafted and sent to the front.

Ho was gassed in 1018, and on his return to London entered the Royal Academy of Art, Where he graduated year later as tho star pupil which won him his first stage appearance. Ills rise was rapid and he starred In a variety of roles In both London and on Uroadway. This led 'to picture assignments, and In 1083 he won the Academy Award for his In Kordu's "Henry VIII." In 1020 he married Elift Lanebes- ter, noted KiiKllnb actress, Latest role Is la RKO'it "Tuttlei of Tahiti." Ida Lupino, on loan-out from Warners, has just, completed "Moontide," with jean Cabin, at 20th Century-Fox. JOE FISHER'S Reviews of Previews Comedy dominated the Hollywood preview scene this past week, and oddly enough Miss Joan Bennett carried the feminine lead in the two top farces, first in Edward Small's revival of the always popular "TWIN BEDS," and second in Columbia's anti-Nazi farce, "THE WIFE TAKES A FLYER." Joan Bennett and Mischa Auer illustrate one of the 'hilarious comedy episodes in Edward Small's "Twin Producer Edward Small very smartly has brought the story right up to the minute and with a cast headed by Miss BcnnoU, George Brent, Mischa Auer, Una Merkel, Glenda Farrcll and Ernest Truex, has turned out picture that is hilariously funny and a sure-fire hit. nji.ii As brought up to date the story is of a disgruntled husband who feels, first, that he is losing his attractive wife, Miss Bennett, to the USO and then to a philandering Russian baritone, a role that is tailormadc for Mischa Auer and which he hits so heavily that he literally steals the film, a stunt in itself when you consider the fast company ho is playing in.

The sight of him in long underwear, sporting a topper and carrying spreading umbrella is one that you'll not forget for some time. Miss Bennett is an enticing eyeful as the bride, and a welcome sight is Glenda Farrcll. as Aucr's attractive wife who knows all of his tactics and who isn't fooled a minute. To Director Tim Whelan must go a nod for the expert timing of the farce which builds from snicker to laugh to scream and closes with the customers wiping their eyes and onto the seals. Our advice is not to miss- "TWIN BEDS." Take your family and your friends and forget the whole sorry worry that is life in 1942.

Columbia's "THE WIFE TAKES A FLYER," starring Miss Bennett and Fnmchot Tone, is a frank burlesque of the "yes men who surround Der Kuhrer, und under the expert direction of Richard Wallace and smash performance of a Gestapo Major by Allyn Joslyu the picture emerges as just about the funniest anti-Nazi film as yet produced. The story is of an RAF flyer, Frs(nchot Tone, who is marooned in Holland and trying to escape with the plans for a German submarine base, lie is befriended by a Dutch family and is passed off on the Gestapo Major as the husband of the household's Miss Bennett, whose attractive ankle and general loveliness have caught the Major's eye to such a point that he has installed himself in the family circle. The pushing around the posturing Major takes from all hands makes lor comedy situations that will rock any audience with waves of howls all complicated by a fake divorce scene and the induction of Miss Bennett into an old ladies home with thirty spinsters. Of course Tone and Miss Bennett escape, but not until the audience has reached a point where to cutch your breath is a major accomplishment. The two stars, both accomplished players, hold up their end, but nothing can take from Allyn Joslyn his steal of the picture.

The man is simply out of this world. "THE WIFE TAKES A FLYER" is an escape film that will offset many a depressing newspaper headline. It's jusl too bad that Columbia c-an'1. arrange for a first run throughout tho Reich; but on second thought we don't believe they could take it over there. YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE PHOTO This work we offer you u.

wielu selection from which you may chooso uny ono or all-all you have to do Is write HOLLYWOOD TODAY, Crossroads of the World, enclosing 5 cents In coin or stamps for cuch photo desired, which covers the cost of pontage mid mulling to you. Cary Grant Irene Dunne Ann Sheridan Ginger Rogers Krrol Flynn Ulng Crosby Clmrion Boycr RIU Jtayworlh Gene Autry Gary Coopor Tyrone I'owur Mickey Rooncy Clark Gable Betty Grablc Joun Fontaine Curolo Lombard It Is Necessary That You Mention This Newspaper Read Johnston On the Sets 'With Rccd Johnston There are three young men but on the Hal. Roach lot these days who, in a way, have a tough trail uhoad of them, because each of them is attempt- Ing lo follow in his father's footsteps and 1 close comparison will be inevitable. Just now they're busy, with a picture called "Calaboose" and the three youngsters in question are Hal Roach the director, Noah Beery and Will younger'Ron, Jimmy, the latter two playing friendly rivals in this western comedy with a modern background. They've already made one previous picture together, but in case you haven't seen it yet, you'll' probably be wondering just how closely the two actor members of the trio resemble their fathers.

Well, you can certainly distinguish some of the family features in young Beery, though it can be said without offense to his elders that lie is denfiitely more handsome tliart his father, or Uncle Wallace, and without that cast of countenance which might condemn him to a career of villainy on the screen. As for Jimmy, you would know him anywhere for Will Rogers' boy by the bashfully endearing grin and the membcrcd habit of ducking his head occasionally while talking. They say has something of his father's gift for turning neat phrase too, but as to actual facial resemblance this observer cannot report with any degree of accuracy. It seems young Mr. Rogers had been given the once-over-liRhtly by a horse a few days previously, and his nose had not yet returned to those proportions originally established by nature and inheritance.

The third representative of the second generation must also inherit some of his father's qualities, for Hal Roacli pictures have always been distinguished by their lively action, and during my visit to the sound stage the Junior Roach was providing action in Rood plenty. For first he shot some scenes in a jail-house, with the Messrs. Beery and Rogers running' about the. corridors brandishing pistols, (-western style), and then there was a crowd scene in a bar-room, with a mob of citified gangsters also brandishing pistols (city style). This latter episode involved considerable breakage in the glassware department, with the furniture coming in for its share of the wear and tear, and for the moment it seemed the gangsters were having a bit the better of the contest.

But these things always have way of working out for the best, so that it will require no great assurances on my part for you to assume that the forces of evil arc well taken care of before the final fade-out. Johnion Georgia-born Evelyn Keyes appears next in Columbia's "He's My Old Man." ERSKINE JOHNSON'S Hotly wood EXCLUSIVELY YOURS: After all those years of losing the Ral in the last reel of his films, Ralph Bellamy finally gsts a break in Universal's "The Great Inspiration." Two Evelyn Ankerrf and Kaarcn Verne, pursue? HIM throughout the film and he marries'Evelyn. Osa Massen, who's playing the important role of Sonja Hcnie's sister in "Iceland," started her flicker career in the cutting rooms at the Palladium studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, and then she was a cutter for Paramount, in London. Osa lifts had a yen for a fling at cutting again and now she learned it's to be realized. Jerry Bnindt.

producer of the "Scattergood Baines" pictures, has invited her to collaborate on the cutting of his new picture. Greta Oarbo and Raymond Hakim, onetime owner of a French movie company, have discovered each'Other Tommy Manville is again proposing marriage to Elinor Troy Woolworth Donahue, the New York socialite, is due in, from New York this 'week to see Ms favorite girl friend, Dorothy mow and then join the Sign at the House of Murphy: "Don't think our waiters are just serve in silence" Leon Errol, one of America's top comedians, is considering a $100,000 offer for a 10 week tour with the United Circus Co. 1 A strip teaser in a hideaway nightclub is doing an "All-out for Victory" number in which she appears clad in sheets of defense stamps which are sold to the customers Talking about Veronica Lake's hairdo, One of Paramount's wagsters cracked, "She looks as if she had put a wig on backward" Hal Roach is talking a deal with pint sized comic Jerry Bergen to costar in a series of shorts with lanky Slim Somerville Hildegarde. "the dear that made Milwaukee famous," is being paged for a picture at RKO Ted McKay, who had the top American band in Europe when war started, has joined the Bob Crosby outfit as a saxophone player. For a scene In "Road to Morocco," Bob Hope drinks a mysterious potion, cries out "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle then an undersized chimpanzee takes his place beside Blng Crosby, making it appear as If Hope's wish has been "You'll have to stand very still throughout changing of places, Bing," warned director Dave Butler.

making a monkey out of Hope, and you think I won't stand still for that?" said Crosby. "Try me, brother. I'm a statue!" Betle Davis, the gal who never hesitates to sacrifice glamour for sake of her art, will surprise her fans again in the opening sequences of "Now, Voyager." She wears spectacles, thick false eyebrows and 25 pounds of padding to make her loofe heavier. Later on, though, it becomes her best dressed role- after the first shock Dickie Monahan, the kid actor who George Jess'el as a boy in the Broadway hit, "High Kick' ers'," can't go on the road with the show because of child labor laws in some states. So they've hired a midget to play the lad midget two years OLDER than Jessel.

Warner Brothers studio topped all the other movie plants with a 99.8 per cent record in the sale of war bonds and stamps. Sight of the week: A midget, doubling for a little girl In "A Yank at Eton," wandering around the Metro lot in pigtails and short skirt and smoking a cigar Add oddities: Harry Rosen- thai, the pianist-actor, has memorized 3000 musical numbers. And I can't even remember "Chopsticks" After polishing off a heaping plate of food at a buffet dinner the other night, Guy Kibbee commented: "This is one of the refleshing moments of my life" Sonja Herile's husband, Dan Topping, reports for duty with the navy in three weeks. Eugene Pallette is playing his 500th father role In Harry Sherman's "Silver Queen." Prlscllla Lane Is calling him papa this time Recommended: Billy Gray's warbling of Billy Lalnlcln's latest song, "Closed for Repairs," at the Band Box Lela Rogers, mother of Ginger, makes her film debut playing Ginger's mother In "The Major and the Minor" Jack Benny felt the material In gag writer Wllkie Mahoney's suit the o'ther day on the set of Warners' "George Washington Slept Here" and remarked, "Nice piece of wool." "Yes, Isn't It," replied Mahqney, "Boh Hope gave me the suit for helping on his last picture." "Hmmm," hmmed Benny, "I should have kept my mouth shut." KEN MORGAN'S Hollywood Keyhole A surprised gal is Maria Montez! Recently when she returned from appearing at the Pan-American celebration at Corpus Christi, Texas, she found a letter for her from her former "amah" (nurse), Nasa Kouri, who took care of her when her father was stationed at Casablanca, Spanish Morroco, on a special diplomatic mission for the Spanish government. Maria had been corresponding with the woman for years and her last letter informed her that arrangements were being made passage to K.n Morgan America.

Brendu Joyce, who wears glasses, is about to launch a cam- to glamorise "specs." She has convinced studio producer Ralph Dietrich to allow her to wear her own glasses "The Postman Didn't Ring," and she'll don them for 17 sequences in the film. Effect of the wearing of glasses by a glamorous movie star will undoubtedly be far-reaching with tho thousands of sensitive girls all over the country. A lot of Interest Is being shown around town in Margaret Hayes studios and swuins! Reports from those who have snc'n the early film on "Scattergood Bulnes Survives a Murder" have been excellent, with producer Jerry Brandt Impressed enough to negotiate with her agents on a personal representa- tlvo contract. Her personal life is also beginning to get complicated. Engaged to Jeffrey Lynn before he left for the Army, Margaret was more or less free from the wolf now with l.ynn 3000 miles away, her phone's getting a workout.

TI1K GOOD RUMOR Couple of contacts have spilled that all is not well in the menage of Katharine Grayson and John Shclton Things are getting so bad as far as 'cad- ing P.en leaving for the Army is concerned that director Archie Miiyc predicts leads will soon bo DRAWN in by Walt Disney. George Montgomery and William Tracy are having Arthur Murray teach them dancing in a hurry. Arlcen Whelan will soon bo boomed as a Technicolor bet Is it truo that because of tho success of daughter Gloria Warren, her parents arc changing their namo from Weiman to Warren Thought "Meet the People" was a showcase fur now and young Rogers and Patsy Kelly join the show in New York this week Linda Darnvll helped Eddie Albert celebrate his last week. Margaret Lindsay is still being followed by so.ialite Michael Ardmuro from Palm her in Florida, saw her in New York and is following her to Hollywood Tina Thaycr, now in "Yank at Eton," will be accorded big parts at MOM Martlm Raye is breaking her old records on her current personal appearance lour Hinds finally gets bcene with Abbott and Coslello after working with the comi in three first together will be in "Pardun My Looks like our Up that Alary Martin will get her wish to dance with Fred Astulre will soon come true. Rex Bell In town selling homes lo tho Army Remount Depot and visiting In Dick Fora at Universal.

Irene Hervey will Icnvi. for New York to join her husband Allan Jones, who' on it concert tour, us soon us her assignment in "Destination Unknown" Is riinipliMcd And Jerry Bergen says that money inuy talk but nobody Its.