Dewey Looks for Greener Pastures

Dewey Martin

Dewey Martin

Is expected to file for divorce soon, and that’s a pity.  He and his wife went through some mighty lean years together.  Now that his career is clicking, his marriage seems to be doing just exactly the opposite.  The price of fame can be high.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Dewey Martin and Peggy Lee

I assume Movieland is referring to his first wife Margaret Ann Havelhurst.  I cannot find any marriage dates for the two.  Martin was also married to singer Peggy Lee from 1956-1958.  

Jimmy and Ingrid are Tempted

Director Leo McCarey

Leo McCarey

Has never given up the idea of doing the story of Adam and Eve for the screen.  At first he wanted Jimmy Stewart and Ingrid Bergman for the leads.  Now he’d settle for John Wayne and Audrey Hepburn.  How’s that for casting the Biblical version of the original man and woman.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Unfortunately McCarey never was able to make his film because of the necessary nudity.  Those in charge of the production code would not approve the script, let alone the filming.

James Mason Quits Acting

James Mason

James Mason and Judy Garland in A Star is Born

After making a neat fortune from “A Star is Born” is thinking about quitting acting and devouting his time to producing.  The Masons, who blasted Hollywood before coming here, are now two of its staunchest citizens.  Well they might be.  The movie capital has given them undreamed of wealth and opportunity.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Mason and Garland in A Star is Born

While James Mason is known primarily for his fantastic acting skills, he did write, produce, and direct.  I'm glad he didn't quit for we never would have seen his delicious performance in North by Northwest, one of my favorite films.

Police Chief Mamie

Mamie Van Doren

Police Chief Mamie, Mayor Tony Curtis, and Fire Chief Mara Corday

(After being elected chief of police at Universal City)  “Now I’ll be able to pinch producers instead of vice versa”.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Mari's Romance Goes Bust

Mari Blanchard

Mari Blanchard’s romance with that confirmed bachelor, Greg Bautzer, has gone completely bust.  She held onto the handsome lawyer about as long as any girl has.  Greg was dating Vera-Ellen shortly before she announced her engagement to Victor Rothschild.  That announcement caused about surprise in Hollywood as did Jean Peter’s marriage.  Almost everybody thought that Vera-Ellen was real gone on Richard Gulley, who is said to be carrying a huge torch for her.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Ethel Merman - Housewife?

Ethel Merman

Ethal Merman and Irving Berlin; 1950

Who is Miss Broadway Musical in person, is deserting the stage to devote her time exclusively to television and motion pictures.  Between jobs you can just call her madam.  She’ll live with her husband in a twenty-seven-room house on a six-acre estate near Denver, Colorado.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Ethel Merman and Irving Berlin; 1950

The husband Movieland refers to was Ethel's husband number three, Robert Six, president of Continental Airlines.  They were married from 1953 to 1960.  According to several sources, Six was upset that Ethel was satisfied just to be a housewife.  He expected her appearances to be free publicity and good will for Continental Airlines.  They would divorce following discovery of Six's affair with actress Audrey Meadows.  While it didn't work out for Six and Ethel, Audrey Meadows and Robert Six were married 25 years, from 1961 until his death in 1985.

Robert Six and Audrey Meadows Wedding; 1961

James Dean Gets Serious

James Dean

James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor Reading

“I’m a serious minded and intense little devil – so tense I don’t see how people stay in the same room with me.  I know I wouldn’t tolerate myself”.

[Source:  Movieland;  February 1955]

Jennifer Jones Redeems Herself

Jennifer Jones as Nicole Driver

I have to say that when someone redeems themselves in my eyes, I have to admit when I'm wrong.  Jones is on my Least Favorite Actresses list, and she did a fantastic job in this film.  I finally watched Tender is the Night (1962), based on the book by one of my favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Jennifer Jones plays, Nicole Driver, a rich mental patient whom Dr. Dick Driver, played by Jason Robards, cured and then marries.

Jason Robards and Jennifer Jones

Jones played the role to perfection.  Robards was admirable as well.  The film is mature and thought-provoking, if not for the bright colors one might almost think it depressing.  But that's a Fitzgerald story.  If only it didn't have Tom Ewell in it.  Could someone please describe the appeal of him to me?

Jane Gets Stopped on her Way to Her Wedding

Jane Powell

Pat Nerney and Jane Powell

And Pat Nerney, after waiting all this while, got stopped by a cop for speeding on the way to their wedding in Ojai.  Pat explained the situation.  The cop wished them lots of luck and handed them a ticket anyhow. Jane had an interchangeable wardrobe made for her European honeymoon; so she could get all her fine feathers in two suit cases, an overnight bag, and a hat box.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Pat Nerney and Jane Powell

Jane Powell and Pat Nerney were married from November 8, 1954 until 1963.  

Pat Nerney and Jane Powell

Jane has been married 5 times, currently to former child star Dickie Moore.  I find Jane's films simply delightful and it is too bad that classic movie musicals went out of style and we have been deprived of this wonderful star on screen.

Ursula and Bob have a Cozy Christmas

Ursula Thiess

Ursula Reading a Script

Is hoping to get her eight-year-old son here from Germany by Christmas so he can join her. Bob Taylor, and his sister for the holidays.  The boy’s travel was held up by an appendectomy.  It’ll be curious to see Bob with two children on his hands and living in a new house of his own.  He was never very much of a family man even when married to Barbara Stanwyck.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]