Cal York's Inside Stuff: August 1956

PERFECTIONISTS



Audrey Hepburn, making Funny Face with Fred Astaire, begged him to rehearse their musical numbers on a Sunday. “I’ve never danced for the camera before,” explained little Audrey, “and when you dance with the master, the most you can hope for is to come off looking second best!” Fred says she has exactly nothing to worry about.

STAR DUST

Van Johnson, who always eats his lunch in his dressing room, is Hollywood’s number one fan. At U-I, making Kelly and Me, Van heard that Jimmy Cagney was in the commissary and rushed over to meet his screen idol. When they were introduced Van charmingly dropped to his knees and salaamed the “master.” Tough guy Cagney actually blushed as he grinned his appreciation.

STORK DERBY

Debbie Reynolds, who had to finish Tammy at U-I and Bundle of Joy at RKO while she was still “photographic” was watched over carefully by Eddie Fisher. When cooperative Deb wanted to give up her Sundays for publicity pictures and interviews, that did it! Eddie turned off the phone, placed a “do not disturb” sign on the front door, and insisted that his little mother-to-be have complete rest and quiet…

DATE WITH FATE

James Dean’s sudden death right after finishing Giant was a great shock to Elizabeth Taylor, who had worked with him. So you can imagine how she felt when Montgomery Clift, who plays opposite her in Raintree Country, crashed into a power pole and suffered serious head injuries and a broken nose. The accident occurred after a dinner party at the Michael Wildings, on the steep, winding road leading from their Benedict Canyon home. Riding in the ambulance with Monty, Liz prayed hard the whole way. Later, she was relieved to learn he won’t be scarred for life.

ACCORDING TO RUMOUR

M-G-M is convinced that Grace Kelly won’t return to make Designing Woman. The studio would welcome Audrey Hepburn who owes them a picture, as a happy replacement. Co-star James Stewart echoes their sentiment!

From the Photoplay archives

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