Oct. 7, 1944

Danton Walker says: Agnes De Mille is the unseen star of “Bloomer Girl,” as she is the star of almost any show for which she is choreographer. This much-touted extravaganza, though gorgeously costumed, sumptuously set and brimming over with talent, is too heavily fraught with all this new world a-coming stuff for a lighthearted operetta. Though laid in 1861, its topics are all pointed up to apply to 1944, probably because Hollywood had a hand in it.

Louella Parsons says: One thing about Preston Sturges, he doesn’t underrate his own talents. He was approached recently to act as commentator on a radio show. “Yes I am interested,” drawled Sturges, “providing you give me a two-hour show and build a theater for me.” Which shows how interested Pres really was in the idea. He has just signed Ray Steele, of “Hail the Conquering Hero,” to a long-term contract. Steele, incidentally, is the first actor signed by the satirical Mr. Sturges.*

*Apparently she means Freddie Steele.

LIBRA: Not especially auspicious but with your help, the intelligence you can give undertakings, you need not slip behind in any worthy endeavor. Hard work will advance you.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com
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Sept. 30, 1944

Danton Walker says: Government officials want 20th Century-Fox to release “Winged Victory” on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor day, as a boost to the country’s morale. Lucille Ball, since her separation from Desi Arnaz, has gone to live in the Hollywood home of Jody and Renee (DeMarco) Hutchinson. At one time, Renee was reported engaged to marry Desi.

Louella Parsons says: Can you picture the beautiful Heddy Lamarr doing housework in blue jeans? Well, that’s exactly what she tells me she intends to do. She and John Loder are going to Big Bear, high up in the mountains, on Oct. 15 and have two weeks sans servants, sans telephone, sans company. John, she says, will do the cooking. She is doing “Experiment Perilous” at RKO “And,” she said, “I have never been so happy on any picture in my whole life.” She scoffed when I asked her about forming a company. She said there never was a word of truth in it. “Why should I take all the responsibility of making pictures?” Why should she, indeed.

LIBRA: Church, government and public issues, international interests lead favorites today. Individual recognition may be slow, but no worthy endeavor will go unrewarded.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com.
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