Evening star., 1942-11-19

lows more bookings IN tank towns
and tangled romance. For the as
piring male is an opportunist, al
most succumbs to a more alluring
offer for himself made by a head
line singer. When the big moment
does arrive and the bookers pencil
him in for the Palace, his draft
summons appears. Since they were
to be married after the first Palace
matinee, the hoofer refuses to let
war check his life ambition. He
mangles his hand and Judy, who
has lost a brother overseas, re-
nounces him. Eventually he be-
comes a YMCA worker, has a
chance to assert his courage at the
front, with the inevitable reunion
end marriage after the troops re-
turn. George Murphy is long
suffering, noble and patient admir-
er OF Judy. whom many will think
would have made the better choice.
Loaded With Song.
Told with liberal spicings of senti-
fnent, it is also highly seasoned with
drama, music and laughter, despite
its cliches. For Judy Garland it
marks the first time she has had
an opportunity to express herself
histrionically, as well as musically.
When the tale moves to Paris there
is the chance to introduce the never
to-be-forgotten songs of the past,
including Over There" Long.
Long Trail "Tipperary," "Oui, Oui
Marie and How You Going to Keep
En- Down on the Farm After
They've Seen Paree" Others from
the memory album are When You
Wore a Tulip" "Oh You Beautiful
Doll, Till We Meet Again." Balm
the Jack" and the melody which
brings the principals together, For
Me and My Gal"
Judy Garland has never had such
wholesome and heart appealing
role, serves it beautifully. In Paris
she makes the most of an Elsie
Janis opportunity as overseas en-
tertainer. The studio beginner.
Gene Kelly, is given abundant
chance to reveal that he knows
most of the tricks in the acting
book. AS dancer he is superb, best
number in the. picture being the
Garland-Kelly team In Balm the
Jack" Martha Eggert, Ben Blue,
Horace McNally and keenan, Wynn
give flrst-rate support, but the high
honors go to the three talented
principals who make it moving
tale. Busby Berkeley's direction is
speedy and is aided by splendid
production. Those who like screen
musicals can approach For Me and
My Gaf' assured of an enjoyable
lo3 minutes.
The shorts program at Loew's
Palace includes cartoon comedy,
Pine Feathered Friends" and MGM
novelty reel, Famous Boners" and
the current issue of News of the
Day.
Musical Was Failure.
Count Me In" the Catholic Uni
versity musical which was given a
professional production on Broad
way, closes Saturday night, goes
into the books as a failure.
Georgette Cohan, daughter of the
late George NJ. is a Washington
visitor and called upon her fathers
former general manager, Edmund
Plohn, yesterday.
Ann Rutherford. jeanette Mac
Donald, Claire Trevor and Ruth
Hussey will tour from Hollywood for
the United States Treasury boost
ing women at War" week to stimu-
late bond sales Among the tour
managers will be Steve Cochran.
former manager of the National
Theater. Others are Lester Peter
SON William B.. Dover and John
MCGEE.
Actors Present Case.
While George Murphy was in
Washington he submitted ID
page brief to Government officials
outlining inequalities for actors in
the salary freeze order, Murphy
is vice president of the Screen Ac-
tors Guild. He was Joined yester-
day by Kenneth Thomson. execu-
tive secretary of the guild, who has
further questions to be clarified by
the United States Treasury.
X X
Lloyd C. Douglas, best seller au-
thor. whose recently published The
Robe" has already been sold to the
movies for 100000, is coming to
Washington for lecture series De-
cember l-2-3 at the First Congre-
gational Church, Tenth and G.
streets NV. Before he became an
author he was. an ordained Luth-
eran minister.
Usual Birthday Celebration.
Now that President Roosevelt has
decreed that his 6lst birthday in
January will be noted by the usual
celebration for the Infantile Paraly-
sis Foundation, Broadway producers
are eager to get the honor OF the
command performance in Wash
ington.
F1rSC enlIy SupIIlllteu Is play
vet to be produced in New York.
Called "Cry Havoc" it was offered
by amateurs in Hollywood, in
theater that seats but IS people.
When Metro -Goldwyn- Mayer scouts
saw it the picture company bought
the right for $4,000. Author is 35-
year-old Allen Kenward, studio
employe, and it is his first play. A
one-set show, 1t concerns nurses at
Bataan, with the action set in a
shelter, and an all-female cast. The
Messrs. Shubert will sponsor the
New York production.
X
Military Honors Roxyettes.
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