Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-07-29
.LOueIla
Parsons
in UoM~ool

iii TIL
HOLLYWOOD. July 2e-Josn
Blondell is training 10 New York
right this minute 10 huddle with
Mike Todd and George Kaufman
about a two-year contract TO star
in their Ghosts in the Woodpile'
on Broadway. This is the show
authored by Gypsy Rose Lee,
which kaufman Is directing and
Mike producing. As Jal with
the stories whipped up by Gypsy,
this is another murder yarn with
high comedy antics.
The only fly in the ointment Is
that Joan wants 10 sign for only
one season-not two. I can see
her point. Her movie career is
looking up nicely. thank you,
after a fine performance in Cry
Havoc" And. then, husband Dick
Powell and the two children are
here, and two years is long time
to be separated.
HOTTEST PROSPECT
The hottest acting prospect In
town is Gregory Peck, who seems
in one jump 10 have landed where
other actors take years 10 get. j
heard today that Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer is trying 10 borrow him
for the lead in Quo Vadis' and
that the deal looks very promiS-
ing.
With Keys TO the Kingdom"
all set by Daryl Zanuck. Peck
has a head start on any other
actor in the business, with the
possible exception OF Gary Cooper,
Cary Grant, Spencer Tracy and
Humphrey Bogart. all Of whom
remain on top.
LOOK OUT, SINATRA
Out al Twentieth there was
discussion about Perry Como. who
has just been signed in New
York. He is Frank Sinatra's
greatest rival" said one Of the
executives. He is second Bing
Crosby" said another. Well, l
have TO admit my ignorance. j
don't know Mr.. Como. who has
been singing at the Copacabana
In New York. and I've never
heard him Groom. But II he is as
good as the Twentieth gang
claim, look out. Bing and Frank
He has been signed for the
George Raft role ,n THE Bow
cry" This is TO be a musical, so
his voice will come in handy.
ELUSIVE SOMETHING
Attention. Jack Warner in New
York: / think yol muffed some
thing pretty good when you didn't
put your lovely young step
daughter, Joy Page. under con-
tract. M-G-M is all set TO sign
her for one Of the important roles
in "Kismet, the Ronald Colman
picture.
She has tested for producer
Everett Riskin, and he thinks she
not only has beauty. but definite
and exceptional talent. JOY had
lust a bit in "Casablanca" at
Warmers, but you would single her
out. for she has that elusive some
thing that clicks on the screen.
CHATTER IN HOLLYWOOD
Interesting to Hollywooders is
the news that Capt Sandy Cum
mings, nephew of Irving Cum
mings. was married Saturday at
Fort Riley, Kan. 10 Marjorie Ann
Hartman. Az one time Sandy was
hitting this column regularly as
Alice Fay's most constant beau
before she up and married Phil
Harris. The bride Is pretty
Beverly Hills socialite, and their
romance started just before
Sandy reported at Fort Rileye
EXCESS AvoRDUPoIs =.
" tic sde w. Ny Nina after Sd"
Gloria. Dixon in Lady OF Bur-
leSque" that would say a word
right out loud in print about her
avoirdupois. She has gotten so
fat that I wouldn't hate known
her. but IL she had reduced she
would have lost the role of the
lady barber in "Rationing." She
is the girl who tries to steal Wal
lace Beery from Marjorie Main.
Even so. Gloria should really ct
rid of some of that weight.
COLLECTED At RANDOM
Billie Seward once wed 10 ",
Y Wilkerson, and Ricardo CorteZ
are expected 10 take the big leap
any day; Mrs. Gig Young has
taken a Job in shipyard ut San
Francisco, TO be near her hus-
band; Pat Dane and Tommy Dor
ey. who have been living in the
gorge Fitzmaurice house, are
aiming 10 buy a home here.
Olivia dc Havilland leaves for
'hicago 10 see Capt. John Huston,
HON she will wed here the mo-
ment his wife gets her freedom:
Gloria de Haven. Carriers 10
year-old beauty. celebrated her
birthday on the M-G-M lot,
where she is one Of the most