March 15, 1944

HOLLYWOOD, March 14 — “The Green Years,” the new Dr. A.J. Cronin novel, has been purchased by M-G-M from the galleys. While George Landy of the Frank Vincent office, who handled the deal, is unwilling to mention price I am told it is an all time record for a novel and that was $200,000 paid. The closest to this was $170,000 paid for “Saratoga Trunk.” The story is not Cronin’s autobiography, as many thought. It is about an Irish boy who goes to live with penurious relatives in Scotland and is in a way another “How Green Was My Valley.”

CHATTER IN HOLLYWOOD: Kay Hurrell, who in the opinion of many people in Hollywood behaved like the gallant lady she is at the time of her divorce proceedings is being forced to return to Hollywood by George Hurrell, local photographer. He has filed bankruptcy proceedings involving her source and so she must return for a session which … breaking for her, since … to put the whole thing … her mind.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

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March 14, 1944

HOLLYWOOD, March 13 — While Jennifer Jones rests at Palm Springs with her two sons (I almost said “rests on her honors” after winning 1943’s best actress Oscar), David Selznick is readying her next picture. It’s to be Robert Nathan’s “Portrait of Jenny,” a fantasy which the author terms “an experiment in time.” It might also be added, in less high falutin’ language that “Jenny” is a charming story and although it will need rewriting it should be good for the Jones girl.

I still say Jennifer needs extra special care in her story selections. Even if the industry did vote her the best actress of 1943, her histrionic range has yet to be tested. “Bernadette” was a natural for her. Meanwhile, there’s a chance she may do a picture for Twentieth Century-Fox before starting the “Portrait of Jenny” for David.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

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March 13, 1944

HOLLYWOOD, March 12 — One of the most startling books on the war is “A Bell for Adano,” John Hersey’s bestselling novel. Darryl F. Zanuck read it and bought it before it had reached its present tide of popularity. The hero is an Italian American and between you and me Spencer Tracy is yearning for a crack at it, and maybe you don’t think he is the one Darryl wants.

Spence made “Stanley and Livingstone” for Zanuck and liked his assignment fine. So, I reckon a little borrowing will go on, and in return for Spence Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer will get one of 20th’s best bets.

CHATTER IN HOLLYWOOD: Good news to Betty Grable’s friends and admirers that she is coming along nicely and will be able to go home Thursday. The baby is a beauty. She looks like like Betty — same big blue eyes and blond hair and if ever there was a proud mother it is the pinup girl who, like all proud mothers, thinks her child the most beautiful. The baby is thriving and has been all right from the beginning, despite rumors she was sick. Betty feels she wants to rest until November, but I have an idea summer will see her back at the studio.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

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March 12, 1944

Although you may not believe it, Spence [Spencer Tracy], like all the Irish, has a very sentimental streak in him. He likes to pretend he’s tough, but he’s one of the kindest, sweetest guys in the whole town, and the type of man to whom friendship means a lot.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

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