Oct. 9, 1944

Walter Winchell says: Wendell Willkie* didn’t know the real reason for his hospitalization. Intimates persuaded news and air reporters to “play it down.” … When the flash of his passing reached midtown spots at 2:30 Sunday ayem — it sent many people home depressed … Beatrice Lillie was welcomed back to the U.S. with a barrage of legal entanglements, aimed at the contract she has with Billy Rose.

*Willkie died Oct. 8, 1944.

Louella Parsons says: Overheard two party guests recently discussing which is the more enthusiastic new father — Ronald Colman or Charles Boyer.

Danton Walker says: Luise Rainer, recovered from malaria contracted during her tour of the African war zone, returns to show business via radio’s “Here’s to Romance” Oct. 26, about the same time confirming her engagement to the heir of a major aviation firm.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com.