Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-11-17

Jerry gave 1t to him In one word.
'Romance!"
Romance" Max gasped
Exactly" Jerry levered himself
from the couch and moved excitedly
up and down the room. Stop and
think for a moment, Max A big part of every
radio bands audience is composed of young
people You agree? Good Now why do band
leaders like Kelvin Holden lead in all radio
popularity ratings?"
IT,"
Il know what you're going to say. Holden
wouldn't know bar of music if it jumped up
and kissed him. You've said so many times.
But he's young He's handsome. He's had a
highly publCized romance with Janet Kern,
of World Art Pictures. First he was engaged.
Then he wasn't" Jerry's voice rose rap
turously. Engaged. Not engaged They have
phhft They haven't phhft Phhft Not phhft!
Every paper in the country took it. Holden's
rating jumped point week. Why? Ro-
mancer'
lHE maestro regarded him coldy. Are
you trying to tell me am something that
frightens horses in the street, Wyatt; that |
am leading my band with one foot in the
grave?"
"Of course not You're - you're in your
prime. But you don't get my point. You need
an in with the younger element. That's the
audience you've been losing to the glamor
boys Now Star Pictures is just going into
production on film called The Maestro and
the Maid It's supposed to give Anne Wharton
her comeback chance. Maybe you remember
her? She was marquee name at sixteen.
Then she faded. Now she's twenty four.
That's funny, isn't it? Trying to make come
back at twenty four But pictures are rummy.
like the radio"
Il am waiting for the big idea, Winkewitz
said ominously.
Jerry took deep breath. Mike Handlon
is handling publicity for Star. It's true that
he doesn't like YOU But he's good friend of
mine. and he wants all the zing he can get for
Wharton's picture So I've set deal for big
romance between you and the girl"
But don't even know this girl ="
you don't have to know her. This is only
a synthetic romance. She's on the coast.
You're in New York. But we'll build it up
plenty torrid. Well make great lover out of
you, Max"
Il don't think -" the maestro began un-
easily He moistened his heavy lips.
IF you're thinking of Patty" Jerry in
serted slyly.
The maestro stiffened Patterson is only
singer with my band" he announced loudly.
1--WE - we're good friends only
"Of course" Jerry agreed swiftly. But
Anne Wharton is beautiful. spent three
years on the coast before came with you and
l know She'll play ball. She's great kid.
And you won't have to get into the thing at
all. I'll be your proxy. Send the letters, put in
the long distance calls, telegraph the flowers,
60 through all the other motions of lovely
romance Come on, Max, let's be gay! That's
the name of your program, isn't it?'
The idea don't sound bad" Winkewitz
agreed, ignoring the invitation.
Its a natural! First we'll pass the word
out that you two are that way about each
other Then we'll deny it. Then we II turn on
the heat again. Flowers. kilograms. Well
feed the fan magazines plenty of art and
tripe. BY the time the picture breaks, you'll
be giving Holden and the rest of the glamor
boys a run for the top-band spot, and it
ought to add ten grand week to your Der
sOnal appearance gross Your sponsor will he