The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 27

Itoaag, jjf ffla iyj Stem MOVIES Br William Auerbach-Levy 'DESIRE' AS A JAZZ BALLET Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," in the new hit version at the Century, casts Mia Slavenska as the neurotic Blanche, Frederic Franklin and Lois Ellyn as the Kowalski pair. Operation Christmas Cheer Is Under Way in Hollywood By JAK CORBY HOLLYWOOD, which does everything on the grand scale, is just as splendiferous about celebrating Christmas. Only, instead of whooping things up around the family Christmas tree, many of the stars and starlets will be off somewhere in the mud and slush of G. 1. camps, helping to bring Christmas cheer to the boys who can't get home for Christmas.

News about where this star and that will be spending Christinas has been coming to this desk for some weeks past, and all such items are heart-warming. But there is one announcement that not only promises to be good for C. I. morale abroad, but seems to me to he interesting to the public at large. It comes from Paramount Pictures and it begins by saying that: "Paramount's Christmas present to the American troops stationed in Alaska will be actress Sally Mansfield, who is making her screen, debut in Ring Crosby's new picture, 'Little Boy Miss Mansfield, the announcement adds, has left.

Holly, wood by plane to spend 17 days in Alaska entertaining the troops over ChrLstmas and New Year's. "Clad in sweater and shorts," thp release goes blithely on, "she will sing and dance for the boys who are standing guard at the Arctic rim of America's defenses. Since of the actress' entertaining in Alaska and the Aleutians will he done out of doors, studio designer Edith Head has fashioned for Miss Mansfield a sweater with its own built-in heating plant. Employing a principle similar to that used for the electric blanket. Miss Head worked electric wires into the decorations on Sally's sweaters.

Power is supplied by a small battery unit slung from her belt." Anything any of the male stars can offer in the way of entertainment for G. I will probably be appreciated, but they can hardly hope to rival Sally's sweater. However, the boys are going to do their best, evidently. Bob Hope will spend Christmas at the Long Beach, Navy Hospital, entertaining the boys there. Paul Douglas and Jan Sterling will be in Korea with a show that includes in its cast Walter Pidgeon, Keenan Wynn, Rory Calhoun, Joan Peters, Debbie Reynolds and Lita Baron.

Raymond Burr will be with a troupe touring Greenland and New-foundland. Lois Andrews will help put on a show for the boys in the Caribbean. Beverly Michaels will sing Christmas carols in Alaska, but there's no mention of a self-heating sweater for her, so presumably she will wear a fur coat. Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy are bustling about wrapping or having wrapped 1 10,000 Christinas presents for the G. I in 30 Army and Navy hospitals all over the I'nited States.

This is the second year for Bergen's "Operation Santa Claus" on his CBS radio show. He asks the public to send in gifts for the G. I.s, then he and Charlie and a group of other entertainers go by plane from Tacoma, to Key West, stopping at the selected hospitals and sleeping on the floor of the plane In between stops. The New York Women's Advertising Club has sent along 2.000 gifts. The town of Barstow, sent two carloads of gift oranges.

Various manufacturers are presenting truckloads of candy, chewing guin and shaving kit. As an added gift from himself, Bergen pays the salaries of four girls to gift-wrap the stuff, with the name of the sender inclosed. These names by no means exhaust the list of Hollywood celebrities who are planning varied entertainment for the boys in service, at home and overseas. Among those scheduled to make overseas trips to military posts in time for holiday celebrations are Dawn Addams, pretty newcomer who is seen in "Plymouth Roscoe Ates, Peter Lawford, Susan Morrow. Evelyn Russell.

Wanda Iv TU at nas i The Bette Davis Musical Is, It Seems, a Success By lXf 18 SHEAFFER EVERYTHING is fine, it appears, at "Two's Company," tie unlikely vehicle that has returned Bette Davis to the stage after gome 20 years of heavy dramatics in Holly-. wood Everyone connected with the new musical revue at Avin is, It seems, going to get rich. Thanks to the lady's moviprestlge and the publicity value of her being involved in Botie musical high-jinks, the show if you don't mind my talking sordid finances reportedly has an advance sale of over the management expects the figure to remain pretty constant, if not grow larger, and they are confidently talking of a year's run, at the least. It doesn't mat- ter il the critics were not bowled over exactly by the film star's contribution, except for her determination and good sportsmanship, or the entertainment quotient of the show Itself The Broadway columnists, who tan help sell tickets, were impressed, and they trotted out their lushest adjectives and superlatives. The "Two's Company" people, so long as they are interested only in making money, no longer have anything to worn about.

No more tinkering or revisions or dropping some material and adding other in an attempt to make the best possible show of it. Just keep selling tickets and putting oi a performance, six nights a week, two matinees. It turns ut that "Two's Company," In its opening night form, has erough for popular appeal. It's a hit. it seems.

Veil, I had things figured wrong. After the opening last Monday I would have given odds that the producers wouH jump at the chance to take advantage of their long peri(d of grace, underwritten by the healthy advance sale, and continue working on the show. But, as I've been told, this is not the They are content to ride along with its success, and, frankly, I am disappointed not only in them but a conscientious, hard-working actress like Bette Davis, who, it is safe to assume, has an important voice in the show's fortunes. Perhaps I'm naive, but it seems to me that they.as professional show people, should be happy from a sens of professional pride, as well as for their audiences' sake, of a second-chance to make improvements. It may sound like too harsh an analogy, but ''Two's Compmy" owes the extent of its commercial appeal to the same iactor that helped the box office of John Barrymore's last Broadway appearance, in a piece of third-rate trivia callec "My Dear Children." The once-great actor, who tragically frittered away his talent in later years, was unpre-dictalle during the play's engagement even the other actors didn't know what to expect next and the "public went out of cu'losity.

Some people went more than once; his per-formaice varied nightly. And now the crowds are flocking, largeV from curiosity, to watch the screen's two-time Aead-; emy ward winner cavort as a shimmying Sadie Thomp-. son, i hillbilly singer with her teeth blacked out. a giddy Hollyvood belle in Italy, a gosh-awful looking household drudg harassed by a ridiculously jealous husband. 11 say this much for Miss Davis: She is a game sport and never condescends to her material.

In fact, the Hollywood great lady brings as much vigor and enthusiasm, if not much skill, to her, musical clowning as to the im-pressve screen portrayals that brought her fame. She is de- termhed to give the best that's in her and keeps pitching all e-ening, though the material isn't suitable for her and wouli not, as a matter of fact, look good on any performer. Exceit for an enjoyable sketch in which she portrays Tallu-lah Iankhead breaking up an audience at a Bette Davis show a number that allows her tovprovide some pointed fun a her own expense, her songs and sketches are pretty ordimry. Although Bette Davis doesn't have the right sort of talent fir a Broadway musical, the Bankhead sketch, with its feline sense of humor, is one indication that the show-makeB could have exploited her much more effectively. I'm surprised that no attempt was made, except for one brief reference to a letter it drew a big laugh, incidentally to rapitalze on some of her more famous screen roles.

Amusing sletches could be based, I'm sure, on "The Little Foxes" or "Tie Letter" or "Of Human Bondage," or, for that matter, oi her general position as a celebrated actress of neurotic five-letter characters. Aiywa.v, whatever my reservations and misgivings, I'm A Elaine Went From Flatbush To B'way Via Baby-Sitting Today's word of advice: Treat your baby-sitter with respect. For all you know, she might turn out to be a Broadway star one day. At least, that's what has happened to Elaine Malbin, erstwhile baby-sitter in Flatbush, who shares stellar billing with Dorothy Sarnoff, anotherj Brooklvnite. in the Winter, neighbors' children.

She asked Garden's hit musical play, "My Darlin' Aida," It was with money earned as an infant-watcher that Elaine first managed to pay for her that it be kept a secret from her parents because they might feel that she was wasting her time, foolishly aiming too high. What does a girl, who's hardly past the childhood stage herself, know about what she wants to become? Elaine's ambition tame out when she sang in a Christmas i play at P. S. 231, attended by Mama and Papa Malbin. and they were very much surpised and properly impressed by their daughter's ability, Sacrifices, they decided, would be made so that she could study with thei best teachers, and the family's; hopes began to materialize in I'M'), when she was 14 and made; her debut on radio's Town' Hall program.

VonngPKt Muitrtta The local girl, ever sifire then, has sung professionally and, on graduating from James Madison, was as a staff 'WORMY' AND HIS PICK-UP Johnny Stewart finds himself out of his depth in "Bemardine," at The when he winds up in Beverly Lawrence's apartment. The Play Sampler i Elaine Malbin soprano by NBC and became a regular on several of the network's important music programs. From radio she pro-j gressed to grand opera and, debuted three years ago withi the San Carlo troupe at the City Center. The youngest, singer; singing lessons, and now, only 22 years old and five years removed from the senior class at Madison High, she From Mary Chase "Bemardine," at the Playhouse: Teen-age Wormy Weldy (Johnny Stewart) has succeeded, much to his own surprise, in picking up a smart-looking votnan (Beverly who is )nntiratcd by kindness and. curiosity about the.

big-talking youngster. They're in her apartment. Curtis. Richard Morris, Eve Halpcrn and New Movies Only two new pictures arrived on Broad- I way last week, in the lull before the rush that starts tomorrow. "Two Cents Worth of Italian import, opened at the World Theater and "Pony Soldier'' arrived at the Globe.

for the role, she jhas won enthusiastic notices; ever chosen as Musetta in "La from the press for her singinglappeared Un.l Unhanm acting Next, Gilbert and Sullivan Look, you're so darned nice. Nobody was ever Wormy: mounted show. Hut if her Brooklyn neighbors hadn't been and the standard operettas "Blossom Time." "The Desert Song." "Rose Marie," etc. in St. Louis and Dallas, and bv jahle to keep a secret, she might, instead of starring on Rroad- wav.

still be reading about the glad hat "Two's Company" is a success and that a few-dozen more performers are gainfully employed in the 6hrurken Broadway theater. If the Alvin's tenant doesn't hit ar exhilarating pace, neither is it a dull show, for it has Miss 3avis' driving force behind it, as well as a number of tainted musical comedy performers and some bright spots. Hiram Sherman, an exceptionally ingratiating comedian, las only to walk out on a bare stage and begin talking to male an audience happy. David Burns, an alert funnyman, raises some good laughs as a Itammy star involved with a show-off child actor. But the brightest moments are sone dances, excellent Nora Kaye in both comedy and serious numbers, and Maria Karnilova in a delightful Mexican thing.

i glamor and excite-: last year she had sung in three ments of the theatrical life. I New York City Opera engage- i When Elaine first planned to! ments. Word of her ability Worm)' reached producer Robert L. lo- become a singer, she was re seph, who had her sing for the other top brass of "My Darlin' Enid: luctant to ask her family to spare some of their limited funds for singing lessons and decided to pay her own iy by baby-sitting after school for the! nice. So I've got to be on the level ith you, before I make another pass at you.

I'm not what you think I am I've just got to tell you that." (With an amused smile) "Oh!" "I'm. and you maybe I've been a heel with ou bin you're pretty gullible, sugar. You belter get smart "Don't you know any better than to believe what any guy comes up on the street and tells You shouldn't bring just any fellow up here to your place. Don't you know guys? Well, 1 do, and 1 know how they talk You better hang around the back room of the Shamrock if you want to learn about men. Because they 're-wolves, most guys, and what am I talking about I'm just the same as the rest of them." "I don't think so, Ralph "Two Cents Worth of Hope'' is a realistic picture, ritten and directed by Renato in and around a small town on the slopes of Mt.

Vesuvius. Brilliantly natural, its cast is made up of mm -professionals, with Maria Fiore and Yincenzo Musolino. two youngsters, in the leading roles. "Two Cents Worth of Hope" is a fine example of the modern Italian realistic type of film. "Pony Soldier'' is a 2t)tb Century-Fox Technicolor adventure drama, starring Tyrone Power.

It includes several real-life exploits from the early days of the Royal Canadian Mouuted Police and wa- filmed in the rugged mountains of Coeonmo National Forest, northeast, of Flagstaff, Ariz. "Pony Soldier's" problem comes mostly from trouble with the Cree Indians, who are crossing from Canada into Montana, raiding buffalo herds and carrying on warfare 'with the Hiackfeet and the American cavalry. Two white captives, one of them a girl, are about to be kiled when rower puts in a timely appearance. This is somewhat tame entertainment, in spite of the time and place and the dauntless Motilities. Aida," and one audition was all; yol.nl,-she required to win the title! role and co-starring spot.

Stage's Most Famous Lively at 60, Marks Birthday the curtain In the middle of the lact. The Duke of Cambridge I was so overcome his seat col Enid: lapsed beneath him and lie remained seated on the floor "speechless with tiie yellowed clippings have it. Within a month "Charley's By ROBERT MUSEL Loncon, Dec. 20 (U.R) The world 'i most famous aunt cele-j brates its 60th birthday tomor-j row sc' full of life that people I on both sides of the Atlantic will drnk a toast to: "No ordinary woman." The oasts will be to "Char- ley's Aint," possibly the greatest box office hit in theatrical Idstory. It opened in the now derelict Royal Theater in London on Dec.

21, 1892. It has been playing somewhere around the world ever since Wormy: "Oh, you bet your life 1 am. So you better remember that from' now on and be careful- Enid that was a line 1 gave you to bring me up here. I'm not from Idaho and I'm not an orphan. I've neVer been in an orphanage even on visiting da.vs." Eniil: Laughing) "Now don't, be upset.

You're not the first MAN who has invented a story to tell a Wormy: "And furthermore, I'm not leaving for San Francisco tonight to board a destroyer and be gone seven years." En id: "I'm glad you're not." iuiu was iransterreu a larger theater and ran for four years. It had its New York pre miere on Oct. 2. At une the play was being performed in 18 places on the Inicht. Jevon Brandon-Thomas the family company which has! Wormy: "And I've never even been in Idaho.

I was raised, right here in this tow n. "I understand it all Old day bills show that "CliarleVs Aunt" actually had premiere in the Theater Itoyal at Suburban Bury St. Edmunds in February, 1892. But Jevon Brandon-Thomas, son of proiitaoiy licensed "inarieys Aunt" to amateur and proie--sional companies the Enid: of it believe me. dear, under- stand it." "I was raised right out here on Benson Parkway (Laughs i "That doesn't make you a criminal.

Now stp being so disturbed. (She leans over and takes his hand. I You're young and you're lontiv and confused the autlpr, said today that that vas mere in the nature of a preview" and that the decades. He keeps aiist of cants, and at one time or another, Wormy these have Included Noel Cow-' ard. John Gielgud.

Rex Harrison, Leslie Howard and Herbert Marshall. The most unusual perform- snnivenarv is calculated from That part of it is still true. 1 tell you I understand it WITH AND WITHOUT MUSIC Ray Bo'ger scored his biggest hit to date in "Where's Charley?" musical version of hardy "Charley's Aunt." Jose Ferrer cavorted in the successful 1940 revival. ancc, Jevon Brandon-Thomas Wormy: "You're wonderful everything wonderful and beautiful thinks took place in Cairo when, that's you." (Kisses her hand again.) eit-u uit3 an uau piayeci ni; some actors of different nation- Knid: "Thank you and you are very, very attractive. Wormy: "You can call me by my right name from now on, too.1 alities met at a bar and discov vited them to huddle together for warmth in the front rows.

But the house was full in Lon Brandon Thomas, who died in 1914, wrote "Charley's Aunt" at the suggestion of an actor-manager, W. S. Penley who, the old records show, "slid down "i nariey Aunt." They gave at the stat of tie London run. Toinoirow actors who have played tie title role in Europe end North America will drink toasts the durable old lady. Two American Aunts These include John Mills and Arthur Askey in London and Ray Boger and Jose Ferrer in the Unted States.

In addition, A E. Matthews one of the urvivi members of the original company and still a stage) and soften featured player -at 62 wil mark the event here. My name isn't Ralph "Even that was a line don when it opened on bor-; performance for iiiiiiiJriHiifljt I She laushs I charity, but; Kn(J. no one lan-! rowed in after beinu'siiice there was turned down for financing by guage spoken by all, each acted! Wormj on the floor and lay there help less' with laughter when the every theatrical management. in his own tongue.

Enid: in London. "The audience had no troii nl.niv author read him the first draft. can call me Wormj." "Wormy! "A nickname my best friends call me." "Whatever your best, friends rail you too Wormy." PUPPETS FROM AUSTRIA The famous Salzburg Marionette Theater will perform Fndav night and twice on Saturday at the Academy of Music Mozart's music is used in most of the acts BROOKLYN EAGLE, SUN DEC. 21, 1952 27 There were so few people at I'll I'l'ijllllhC 111 til ui il. ui onuuir i uuilltis li'l Knid: will all oil its world premiere at Bury laughed so much he fell against' they kne.vv the play almost as Edmunds that the manager in-ithe alarm bell and rang dowit well as the actors did." I.