The Morning Call from Paterson, New Jersey • 19

1 1-0 Magazine For a il Reference To Week's TV Proer ams THE CALL'S WEEKEND MAGAZINE, 13, to Feb 20, 1960 It Betty Mutton's Star Begins To Rise A Change In Style Pays Off Thislsthe M4f Hi in I 1 1 4 I 0 11- 'A -Dennis Joel Rising Fast In Show Biz By IDA BRULLO Twelve-year-old Dennis Joel has launched a highly promising stage, motion pie ture and television career after he convinced his ents'Mry and Mrs. Alphonsc I'litirn yi uauiciu, new nar sey, that he was destined to perform "in show business." lie did this at the early age of 8. Dennis became the first in his family to become a theatrical performer when he sang a radio jingle for his father's chocolate beverage company. His father, 'Atphonse Olivieri, is co-owner of the Yoo-Hoo Beverage Co. of Garfield.

The young actor is seen weekly on the Betty Hutton television series where he has the co-starring role on the Thursday night program. He is cast as Roy Strickland. Career Soars Dennis' career in the entertainment world soared during the twoiseasonBroadwajr run of the comedy "Auntie Mame." In December, 197, was chosen for the Broadway as understudy for the part of the Dennis Patrick rale played by Jan Hanslick. He replaced Jan and scored a hit, appearing with Rosalind Russell. Later he played with Greer Gar-son and Beatrice Lilli.

"I am sending you a copy of a letter Greer arson sent to Dennis a few weeks ago, but please send it back to me," Olivier! told me- when I called him on a story about his son. Miss Garson wrote: "Dear Spunky, We 'all watched your show and thought you were splendid Your ever loving "Auntie Mame" was very proud of you you induced laughs and lumps; who. could ask for more. Ellen (her daughter) joins me in sending our best to alt the Olivier! family and a special share of warmest affection as -alwaySr-forouriavorite-youni actor. Love and a big hug, your Auntie Greer." Young Dennis and Miss Gar-son toured with the road company of "Auntie Mame" from June 1958 until December 195(1.

A year 4 ago "Auntie Mame" opened on the West Coast with Eve Arden'ln the starring role. Dennis continued hU major role of Dennis Patrick. "It was while he was with the show on the coast that a pilot show of Betty Hutton series was Dennis father related. "And he was selected for the part of Roy Strickland. It was his first television series Tole." Born In Garfield Young Dennis Joel Olivierl was born ta Garfield on Aug.

20, 1947. He is the youngest of three'childreri of the Alphonse wiio owri and operate" SV- 7 frf sp J' (I- if -r. second of a series of three articles on Mhs Hutton.) By MARK NORMAN Betty Hutton's reversal of type in her new CBS-TV series may well be the climax to a personal odysspy the search for Betty Hutton, nee Betty June Thornburg of Battle Creek, Mich. To understand the wellsprlng of Betty's inner drives and inner conflicts, you have to go back. And when you do," you find at odds Betty's desperate desire for the kind of homelife denied her as a chjM and her fiery determination to succeed.

She not only wanted to crosS the tracks but to burn them up. The search leads you to 1954 five years ago Betty decided to quit, show business for good. That decision followed her" TV debut, plus years in movies: and nightclubs, and it came just as4heshadow of a second divorce clouded her search for happiness She was earnest in her desire to quit and said that she had planned to abandon show business long before critics I reaction to that first color spectacular" capped her intention. Behind it all, she added, was the hurt she had ex- periehced from another source. She said: (you could only realize what it does to me to have my children say: -'But, Mommyr-do we have to-go away again? As a kid, Betty sang arOund fceer joints in her native Battle Creek (where, with poetic justice, -her present sponsor: is basedTrHer father had left her mother with two small daughters Marion and younger.

Betty. Life was gritty and wearisome. Mother worked in an auto factory. One thing was bright if not TeatrTJf earns. 1 was an ugly brat," Betty recalled.

"All freckles and not enough hair to braid. When I was a ktd singing in those beer joints, I used to read movie magazines and look at the pictures of the swell omes and clothes the movie stars had. I decided that was (or -me. I had to be a success or I just couldn't stand it. We were" so poor." The key-to-Betty is there: "I had to be a success There was another force at work moulding Betty's person- ality, toughening her up the eventual plunge into the I jungle of show business.

Sister Marion, prettier tbeiL was Betty has said -this made a tomboy of her and helped develop the rowdy Continued on Page A-HJ OLIVIERI BOY MAKES GOOD Dennis, Joel, twelve year old young local actor, has chalked up a bright future for himself. He is the son Malcolm Garfield and has the co-starring role in the Betty Hutton Thursday night television comedy series. The young actor has Abrighi, and motion picture list of creditsf Mirn(frsrAlptionseIlvierrorr29T' cord them. Dennis, isn't acting or rehearsing for a television scene takes, he indulges in his favorite pastsime of bowling. J' Just like his father, he loves-it," says dad.

He loves to swim, water ski, -roller skate and- enjoys horseback riding. Dennis is a charmer on looks, he has brown hair and bright brown eyes. provide Kim with, vocal and dancing lessons. Dramatic lessons followed and soon he was performing in front of the cameras on the "Star Time" television show." "Then "when Eddie Bracken auditioned dozens of youngsters, for a comedy skit for the General Electric 50th' Anniversary Show, Dennis en-. tered and won the part.

Signed By Disney After his first West Coast per-' forma nee in "Auntie Mame," Dennis was signed for his first motion picture part in Walt Disney's production, "Toby Taylor." Whenever Dennis Joel has any "spare time he follows hisTThTer--est in music by composing. He -has-written two-rock and role--numbers and is planning to re a chocolate beverage firm in Garfield. He completed the sixth grade in Our Lady of Mount Virgin School in Garfield prior to moving to Hollywood for. his new television assignment. He is living there now with bis mother and an older brother, Ronald, 17, while the Hutton Show is being filmed.

He has a year-to-year option on the- contract, signing yearly. His dad visits him whenever his business affairs permit him to leave. OUvieri is a championship semi-professional bowler in Passaic and Bergen Counties and is a former Golden Pin champion. He competes' in all the. bowl! ournament In this area.

Dennis revealed his tal- cots at 8, especially his singing Voice, bis; parents decided to- "R.F.D. Tab HuiUer" HOLLYWOOD A. new Tab Hunter record called F. D. Tab Hunter" Is announced by Warner Bros.

Records. In a departure for the "Teen age favorite Hunter performs the Tgreatest "country" hits of recent years. Tab is backed by Grady Billy Byrd and others top country musicians..