LATEST DOINGS FROM THE STUDIOS

Chronicle (Levin), 1 February 1947, Page 7

LATEST DOINGS FROM THE STUDIOS

i. M.

Murphy)

(SPECIAL — From Les

Lana Turner revealed to her close friends in Hollywood last week that Tyrone Power is the only man she ever loved. So it seems that there might be some truth in the rumour that has been going the rounJs of the studios that Tyrone and Lana's friendship is more than platonic. It is a baby girl for the Ted Briskins — Mrs. Briskin being none other thati that dynamo star Betty Hutton, of Paramount. This news was received from Hollywood eurl;, in the week. Marjorve Reynolds (Mrs. Jack Reynolds), who is a great friend of Betty's, also had a baby girl last week. Making her screen debut in "The Long Night," Miss Barbara Bel Geddes is causing a costly hold up in production while recuperating from an appendectomy. Miss Geddes, who is the daughter of Norman Bel Geddes, famous stage designer, was stricken on the R.-K.-O. set while celebrating her 24th birthday. Miss Bel Geddes won the annual award of the New York drama critics for her stage performance in "Deep are the Roots." "Song of Love," starring Katharine Hepburn and featuring the music of Robert Schumann, is on the schedule at M.-G.-M., while Tschaikowsky probably will be made famous all over again when Hal Wallis fllms "Life of Tschaikowsky," and Monogram that same composer's life, this time titled "Pathetique." Irene Dunne, with two more films to go at Columbia, has left the studio — by mutual agreement. Irene disapproved of the script for her next film, "No Sad Songs for Me," and also demanded the right to approve of her director and leading man. Likeliest candidate as Irene's successor in the film is Olivia de Havilland. Ron Randell, the Australian star of "Smithy," has finished his first Columbia film in Hollywood, "Bulldog Drummond at Bay." After having spent a brief holiday with Irish actor Pat O'Moore he is now waiting a call to the studio for his next Bulldog fllm. He is making three altogether with Anita Louise as leading lady. Producer Sidney Skolsky has in his Columbia picture, "The Story of A1 Jolson," more than 30 popular song numbers, but he bows to the trend towards classical music by presenting .Schubert's "Ave Maria" in a memorable choral •-ondition by the Bob Mitchell boys' choir. Tony Martin will wear a moustache for his role in "The Kissing Bandit," in which he co-stars with Kathryn Grayson. Producer Joe Pasternak considers that "kissing a man without a : pio!usta(jhe t&ulike eating an egg' witho!ut ;-Salt; :No self-respecting 'Kissing ' ' Bandit' would be without ' one., Note :eaders: Joe Pasterrfak Is clean shaven. Van Johnson will start preparaions for "The Romance of Rosy Ridge" as soon as the completion of "High Barbaree" is made next month. "The Romance of Rosy Ridge" is a story set against a hillbilly background during the 1860's. It will be Van's first appearance in o, period film. Production is under way on the oomedy-musical, "Life's for the Loving," Gene Kelly's first postwar film. He has with him as his feminine lead Marie (The Body) MacDonald, which will be her first appearance in an M.-G.-M. film. It took Marlene Dietrich nine years to convince Paramount that ?he again rated a long-term contract. As a result of her good work m "Golden Earrings" the company has given her a new seven-year ' contracts Jane Withers, former child star, now nearing 20 years of age, will laurch her grown-up career in the ' leading role of "Danger Street." She will portray an associate edi|tor of a national magazine. For years one of the top ten moneymaking stars, Jane has appeared in "growing-up"' roles on the screen, radio and stage during the past few 1 years. Hollywood rumour has it ' that Jane is flirting with Cupid. At the completion of "Sea of Grass," starring Spencer Tracy and jKatharine Hepburn, which is expected next month, Melvyn Dougas will prepare- production of his second, so far untitled, stage musical. His filst film "Call Me ' Mister," proved a great success. Sixteen-year-old songbird Jane Powell has been chosen to co-star with Jose Iturbi in his new musical, "The Birds and the Bees," in which ihe pianist conductor will play his first romantic role. Iturbi and Jane previously appeared together on the screen in "Holiday in Mexico," which is now being shown in New Zealand.