Cumberland Sunday Times from Cumberland, Maryland • Page 27

TWENTY-BIGHT SUNDAY TIMES, CUMBERLAND, APRIC Producer Of Musical Hit Gives Recipe "My Fair Lady" Has Good Story, Expert Casting, Good Songs BY JOAN HANAUER NEW YORK, March for a Broadway hit musical: "Good story, good songs, beautiful costumes, expert casting." That comes from Herman Levin, currently the very happy producer of "My Fair Lady," the musical version of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," which received rave reviews from all the New York critics. Broadway history reveals he also produced "Call Me Mister" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." "If I knew a sure formula for what makes a hit I'd be a millionaire," Levin said, grinning broadly as he thought of the coins clinking at the "My Fair Lady" box office. "Good notices-certainly help." When pressed, he admits personally he thinks the story is an all-important part qf the musical production, something that wasn't recognized around the Great White Way until about 1940. "The story must have truth, it must be believeable, it has to catch you up. The audience has to about what's happening and what will happen to the characters.

"I see nothing criminal or wrong in taking your story from an established work. Then the story has been tried, and you know good. "You hear the songs, read the book and something clicks. And it'i been my experience that good musicals don't need much out-of- town rewriting or revamping." The ex-lawyer leaned back in the chair behind his desk and patted a brand new telephone. "So many calls for tickets, you with forgiveable smugness.

"Had to have direct lines'installed to the theatre." He brought his mind back to the subject at hand what makes a successful -musical when asked if money is a necessary part of the "My Fair Lady," backed by the Columbia Broadcasting System; cost $360,000 to bring -to "You've got to have money," he said, "but a show should be produced in the way which will add most to its success. purposely produced 'Call Me Mister' on a low budget because costumes had to be authentic and realism was called TONITE MONDAY TUESDAY 10th CENTURY-FOX PRODUCED TWO OREAT MOVIE FIRSTS AND CINEMASCOPE 55 IS OUR SPECIAL EASTER SHOW! STARRING VICTOR MATURE JEAN SIMMONS PIUS ROBERT WAGNER'S BOYS CHOIR SINGING "THE LORD'S PRAYER" CO-FEATURE COLOR WESTERN DAWN AT SOCORO" and "NIKE" th. Guid.d Mini, P'oi Cartoon ONE COMPLETE SHOW ONLY 'WESTERN at 7 P. Ift. "THE ROBE" Easter In Hollywood Cameron Mitchells Typical Family Of Movie World By LOUELLA HOLLYWOOD You may put it down in your book that it's a very happy Easter today for Cameron Mitchell, his wife, Johanna, and their four children, Robert Cameron, 14 Mitchell Frederick, 10, Charles Emil, 5, and Camille Jan- claire, 2, and the only girl in the family.

The Mitchells, who parted briefly, are fully reconciled and today there is a general feeling of peace in their eleven room modern house in the. Pacific Palisades, with an Easter egg hunt for the younger children. As far as Cameron is concerned, the children can bring the bunnies into the house, carry their Easter eggs into the" living room, and in general have a good time. But Johanna, who was born in Europe, believes in the European approach to the child-raising problem and a that much stricter discipline than is common in the average American home. Cameron is something of a dreamer, a writer of songs and books a truly spiritual man and one of those raii; intellectual people with whom spending an hour is a real He is so intense and so-highly strung that it's easy to see why he and his beloved Johanna came to a breaking point while he was making "Carousel." Cam, himself, says that his nerves were in a frightful state.

"I was bitterly disappointed because my big number, ''Blow High, Blow was cut out of Cam told me. "I had a dance, and the amazing thing is that my long, with my voice, is being played by disc jockeys. Insult was added to'injury when a reporter wrote that Gordon MacRae had sung the song." Cam laid at the time he left home, it was actually because he was so run down and had worked so hard that the noise of the children disturbed him. really was no quarrel with Johanna. "But that happen often," he assured me, "only when I'm for not rhinestone studded uniforms.

At the same time, this show should be done in no other way. "But no matter how- beautiful a show is, if the story isn't good it can't compete with the beauty you see on the street. Girls, for A new comedy Alex Gottlieb called "Wake Up, Darling," is due to go into rehearsal Monday with Barry Nelson, Barbara Britton and Russell Nype of "Call Me Madam" fame as the leading players. The Off-Broadway Phoenix Theatre will stage an intimate musical called "The Littlest Kevue" as it's fifth and final production of the season. The show, which will star Charlotte Rae, will-follow Turgen- ev's "A Month In The Country," now in rehearsal under Michael Redgrave's direction.

"A Month In The Country" is scheduled for an April 3 opening, and "The Littlest Revue" will bow in during mid-May. March 28 marks Cole Porter's 40th anniversary in the Broadway arena. On that date in 1916 a Porter musical called "See America First" opened. It was such a flop that Porter joined the Foreign Legion. Today Porter is represented on the main drag by "Silk Stockings," which recently celebrated its first anniversary at the Imperial Theatre.

Last week two new shows came to town "Mr. Wonderful" with Sammy Davis, and the WiE Mastin and "The Beautiful Changes" with Ruth Altshul. Coming up this week is a period comedy starring Eva Gabor and Reginald Gardiner called "Little Glass Clock." Also on hand will be "Mister Johnson," presenting Earle Hyman, William Sylvester and Gaby Rodgers in Nigerian setting. big trying to concentrate on a role." I asked him if the' children had seen his pictures. "Not all of them," he replied.

"Do you realize that in of I've been a villain who richly deserves the punishment he receives. In some of them I die. and in others I just get punished, don't want the children to see me as a criminal." He on to say: 'Love Me or Leave Me' was one of the most rewarding pictures I've ever played, because the character' was more or less sympathetic. I also played a nice giiy in 'Command' on television, which gave me a complete change of pace. I received many fan letters abofll it, and was particularly pleased when Glenn Ford sent me a telegram saying he liked my performance.

I'd like to do something like that on the screen so that my children can "see more of my pictures." He was very interested in rhy trip to the, Middle East, and especially Jerusalem. I found that he is well versed in all religious sub ects. In fact, he said that his one jreat ambition is to write the life of Christ. 'I wouldn't write about Christ as has been done in many of the stories," he said. would show (H) is human side as well as -(H) divine character." One of Cameron's was speaking the voice of Christ on the cross Robe." To obtain the quality of agony in voice, had a man twist his arm severely while spoke the words.

Cameron really was trained to a His father is a Reformed Lutheran minister and tie was very eager for Cameron, to follow the ministry. But now lie is completely reconciled to the. fact that his son is a successful actor. "My father really became reconciled to my becoming an actor when- he read all the favorable publicity oh Taming of the in which I appeared," said C. "He knew bow long the Lunts had been happily married and decided there were some good' people in the theatre after all.

"My father is an amazirig Cam continued. "Once he was drafted on the Farm-Labor ticke' for Congress. He could easily have been elected, but he felt that his true business was serving human ity through the church and nol through. politics. All of his ideals are wonderful." It was while Cameron was ap pe'aring with the Lunts in "Taming of the Shrew" that he met his Movie Called Tremendous With" John Wayne and Susan Hayward co-starring at the head of.a big Howard Hughes $6,000,000, CinemaScope techni color production.

"The Conquer er," is announced as the special Easter attraction at the Strand Theatre, starting Friday. Recognized as "of the biggest ilms ever to come from Hollywood, this RKO Radio feature tells toe story of the.virile and hot- blooded Mongol' leader whose conquests changed the face of the world, and of the beautiful Tar- ar woman who melts his fire with ice until he succeeds in tak- ng her for his bride. Two years were devoted to its making and not only does it present a spectacle of barbaric splendor in its quieter scenes but climaxes them with of the most vivid and exciting sequences of violent ac- ever filmed in the battle be- the Mongol and Tartar wrdes. Thousands of men. and mndreds of horses were used in 'ilming these thrilling moments amidst the miilti-hued crags, desert and cliffs of sites near St George, Utah.

John "Wayne, in the. most unusual role of his career, portrays femujin, the Mongol leader whose conquests were to mark him in history as Genghis Khan, "The Perfect Warrior." His rugged physique, expert horsemanship and daredevil skill fit him excep- lionally-well for this important signment and he is equally convincing in the fiery love scenes as in the spectacular action; Susan. Hayward is ideally cast ai Bortai, the beautiful Tartar daughter of Temujin'i hated foe who fights every step of her transition from fierce hatred to ardent love. Her wardrobe ranges from daring 12th Century Oriental creations in which she dances for the first time on the. screen to barbaric" covering, all skillfully conceived by Designer Michael Woulfe to accent the red-headed star's full-blown beauty.

German-born Johanna to whom he's been married over 15 years. Johanna retired to raise her family, but. about a year ago when Cam went; to Japan to make "House of Bamboo," she went with him and when they couldn't fine anyone to play a mother superior, Johanna was drafted and playet the role." What do I think are the chances of the Mitchells marriage contin uing? I'd be the most surprisec person in the world if they ever really separate again. HOLLYWOOD Is Talking By LOUELLA O. PARSONS Hollywood is talking about: The beautiful meaning of Easter morning and the upsurge of hope in the hearts of the Christian peoples of the world The Hollywood film families in church this morning The gay, Easter bonnets with sows and flowers Children squeaking down church aisles in new shoes The Easter lilies blooming everywhere The Easter egg hunts The joy of organ music The beautiful serenity of this loveliest of days The "simple, simple, simple" wedding gown as described by Margaret Truman that turns out to a Fontana creation made in Rome and trimmed in hand em- aroidered lace made in Venice Overheard at the "Moby Dick" preview showing when John Huston walked in with overly plump Bobo Rockefeller: "Bobo isn't gaining weight, she's just wearing all her money tonight' The tributes still pouring in on the great M.

C. job Jerry Lewis did at the Academy awards, the zany comedian doing himself and Hollywood in a masterful job And someone is sure to come up with a TV show for that arch charmer, Maurice Chevalier, a sheer delight on the -Academy Awards program, who is just as delightful today as he was 22 years ago in the days of his movie stardom The growing possibility pictures will finally be released behind the Iron Curtain now that the Russian trade commission is making overtures to the Motion Picture Export Association about releasing pictures to the Soviets, this heightened by the fact that Spyros Skouras is making a trip to Russia in May Frank Sinatra's crack about the showing the Italians made in the Oscar race, "they should have given pizzas instead of statues" The Warner Brothers wardrobe department already at work on the coolest most luxurious, highly styled pajamas ever created for "Pajama Game" and. the effect this may have on the nation's bedroom fashions Noel Coward howling to high heaven with indignation over a TV network changing the title of his next and last (for. them) telecast from "The Happy. Breed" to "Family Life" The misfortune that seems to Pier Angeli, broken pelvis bone in a plane accident when she by a broken ankle and now a virus infection she can't shake and which kept her from working in "Some- I body Up There Likes Me" for days at a time Mary Pickford's charming gesture in honoring many, many silent stars of yesterday's screen at A who tamed giants! RAT COLUNS-etEfiORY PLUS: HIT NO.

SWITZERLAND Donald O'Connor and Francis, the talking mule, are teamed for the sixth time in Universal-International's new comedy hit, "Francis in the Navy," at the Crystal Drive-in Theatre starting today, which is the opening of the Season at this popular outdoor theatre. Their lovely co-star in the new film is Martha Hyer. Above, Francis aid O'Connor are shown discussing important military-move. son. of Mr.

and Mrs. James P. Blizzard, 12 Fourth Street, recently was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. A cook in 32d Regiment's Service Company, he entered the- Army in March, 1954 and completed basic training. at Fort Dix, N.

J. to civilian life he was employed as a cook by Johnson's Cafe. Mr. and Mrs. Harold S.

Goff, 163 Street, Keyser, report their son, Harold Lynn Goff, is receiving basic training at Lackland -Air Force Base, Texas. He February 21. Coleen Gray and Bill shown abort, await word from Arapahoe their. faU, in a (ran Wild Dakotas," which starts Friday at Embassy Theatre. Co-hits are "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" and "The Man From Bitter Ridge." TBE FIDO FOUR" sings "dog pound style" in Walt Disney's "LADY AND THE TRAMP," first cartoon feature in Cinema- Scope.

In color by Technicolor, starting tonight at the Super 49 Drive In for four days. a big Easter party at Pickfair today And, Mary's blast at Hollywood producers- for letting plans for a motion picture museum lapse, "because of their flagrant shortsightedness, I shall will my own valuable mementos to film musums in other cities." Tab's Brother On Visit Tab Hunter's brother, Walter, arrived in San Francisco over last weekend from the Philippines after a ten-month tour of duty in the Far East with the Navy. Tab's Drother went to Hollywood for a visit on the set of Warner "The Burning picture. Hills," the star's U.S. farms had 50,000 farm autos in 4,400,000 in 1952.

TV Top Ten NEW YORK, March Here are the most recent ratings of the "Top Ten" TV programs, 'as compiled in audience polls by 45.0 41.2 35.8 Trendex TOP. TEX 1. I Love Lucy 2. 564,000 Question Tuesday 3. Perry Como Saturday vs.

Stage Show's 16.9; Como 25.1 vs. 26.1 4. Ed Show 5. Jack Benny Show Sunday .6. Red Skelton Show Tuesday 7.

Person To Person Friday 8. December Monday 9. Disneyland Wednesday 10. The Lineup Friday Special Survey: Motion Picture Academy Awards 37.0. Top contenders: I've Got A Secret 27.3: Video Theatre 27.3; Phil 23.6; Big Surprise 22.8; Zdgar Bergen 21.8.

Front and Center 24) in October, 1954 and arrived over seat last May. Charles W. Nash of Cumberland, recently was commissioned a sec ond lieutenant in the Army after being graduated from the Artillery and Guided Missile Officer Candidate School at: Fort Sill, Okla. His wife, Emma, lives at 654 Fayette Street. entered the Army in 1949 and is the son of Oscar J.

515 Pearre Avenue. Pfc. Donald L. Clem reported for duty with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N. C.

He is the son of Mr. -and Mrs. Louis C. Clem of 214 South Maine Street, Keyser. Before entering the Marine' Corps in June, 1954, he graduated from Keyser High School and was employed by the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company.

Specialist M. Blizzard, James Cagneyi In Super Film -l Of Early West? James Cagney heads' a stellar cast in "Tribute to a Bad Man. an M-G-M. picture in and color Friday at the Maryland Theatre for Easter week. The outdoor drama, laid in tho horse ranch country of in 1873, marks the culmination a series of outstanding Cagney, pictures, including "Mr.

Roberts," "Love Me Or -Leave Me" and his appearance with Bob Hope in Seven Little Foys." A The eye-filling picture was ed on Ideations 10.000 feet high in the Colorado Rockies, with some 500 horses and their foals playing a prominent part in the action. Irene Papas, an acting personality last Sgt. Archie J. Roberts, husband of Agnes Roberts, 119 Spring Keyser, has been assigned to 1 Corps' 96th Field Artillery Battalion in Korea. A chief of section in the battalion's Battery entered the Army last November.

His mother is Mrs. Lena Roberts, 138 Street, Keyser. He was employed by the Railroad. exciting nevf hailing from-. Greece, makes her American film debut'opposite Cagney as the latest addition to M-G-M's crop of new stars.

A brunette beauty, she plays the role of a woman who finds Cagney's devotion to his horses a formidable rival to her own love. Another "newcomer in the cast is Don Dubbins, who scored an outstanding hit with Deborah Kerr on the tour of the national company of and Sympathy," and'-who now plays a young Easterner who learns about life in the pion- eer West. Stephen McNally, one of Hollywood's, most-in-demand "heavies," plays a ranch foreman who triei to two-time Cagney. Vic Morrow, who scored as the knife-wielding hoodlum in "Blackboard Jungle," plays a boy who tries to avengt his father's death. The screen play of "Tribute to Bad Man" was written by Michael Blankfort from a story by Jack Schaefer, author of Insects breathe through tubes which run, all through their bodies.

FORTHE TODAY RICHARD ERDMAN JIM BACKUS-MYRfW HANSEN Ht Plus Color Short and Cartoon The heart of a 50-ton whale may weigh 250 pounds. YOU WONT BELIEVE YOUR EYES! THE MOST GLORIOUS ENTERTAINMENT EVENT OF YOUR LIFETIME! RODGERS fcHAMMERSTEIN'S COLOR by DELUXE THE FIRST MOTION PICTUtt IN THE NEW CINEMASCOPE' f'i? lUirini GORDON SHIRLEY MacRAE-JONES CAMERON MITCHELL- Brtw lluick Turner Rowisevill. SMI TODAY AT: 9:45 SPECTACULA barbaric passions end tavagt conqutstsl si.rfAj.l*'.^i/S^'w.y£'*:t?''('&'.-?^uar A BIG BLAZING DRAMA OF THE WEST ADDED: Tom Jerry Cartoon STARTS FRIDAY EDW. G.ROBINSON JOANNE DRU 'MELLON FRISCO BAY 9 AMoVMUtNERCpjUOR COMING Soon Watch For HI (ACADEMY AWARD INNim PICTURE ERNEST BOR6NINE WITH ERNEST (AtMwny Awcrrf Cttl Of TMT).