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Home , Buddy Hackett, Charles Lane (actor), Franklin Lacey, Hermione Gingold, Iowa Stubborn, Jack Cassidy

VOICE Journal of the Alex Film Society Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006, 2 pm & 8 pm 07/06 of theTHEATRE Morton DaCosta’s production of ’s

Perspective: By Linda Harris Imagine without he is efficient, inventive and a help to the authors,’’ the Robert Preston as Professor Harold Hill! critic Walter Kerr wrote of his work. Preston remarked, “The critics all came to see the Hollywood fall It almost happened. on his butt, I guess. Just the fact that I didn’t got me First some background. While appearing in ‘’Idiot’s decent notices.” Delight” at the Pasadena Community Theatre, Robert In 1951, stage producers Martin and Feuer Preston was spotted by a talent scout and signed to a suggested that Meredith Willson write a musical motion-picture contract with comedy about his boyhood. With his Paramount. His first major role ‘’Preston has energy and he has common touch it was sure to be a hit they was in Cecil B. DeMille’s Union said. Seven years and thirty revisions later, Pacific (1939) playing Barbara reality,’’ the director observed. he finally got what turned out to be,The Stanwyck’s husband. ‘’He’s an actor who can project Music Man, which Willson said was “An ‘’I’d get the best role in himself larger than life”. Iowan’s attempt to pay tribute to his home every B picture and the second state.” best in the A pictures,’’ he later recalled. Important parts Willson’s producers approached , Art in Beau Geste (1939), Northwest Mounted Police (1940) Carney, , Phil Harris and was to and (1942) found him supporting play the brass, fast-talking con man – Professor Harold , and other major stars of the Hill – they all turned it down. But Morton DaCosta, 40’s. who directed the show, had seen Preston in summer- Preston served in the Army Air Forces during stock shows and had been impressed. ‘’Preston has World War II, then returned to Hollywood and resumed energy and he has reality,’’ the director observed. ‘’He’s making films. He came east in 1951 to replace Jose an actor who can project himself larger than life”. Ferrer on Broadway in ‘’Twentieth Century,’’ and Preston auditioned for DaCosta and Willson and remained in , quickly establishing himself as after they heard him sing ‘’Trouble,’’ considered the a particularly versatile theatrical actor. ‘’At all times, Continued on Page 2

The Music Man, Robert Preston...... 1 Character ...... 5 Perspective: ...... 3 Perspective: Meredith Willson...... 7 Feature credits...... 4 Calendar...... 8 ROBERT PRESTON, Cont’d from page 1 most difficult song in the on behalf of DaCosta and score, they both jumped on Willson convinced the execs stage and offered him the role that you could take a non-box of Professor Harold Hill. office guy off Broadway and With 1,375 performances put him in a big picture! of The Music Man under his The Music Man made belt, and a Tony Award for money for Warner Bros. and his performance, incredibly, gave Robert Preston the best- Preston was not considered for known screen role of his career. the movie role of Harold Hill. Preston continued to appear Warner Bros. laid claim to both on Broadway and in film, The Music Man (1962), and even garnering an Oscar™ had their hearts set on casting nomination for his hilarious either or Cary performance in ’ Grant as Hill. (Yikes!) DaCosta Victor/Victoria (1982). (who was also directing the In 1987, Robert Preston screen version) cried “Hell, no.” died at age 68 of lung cancer in DaCosta and Willson fought Santa Barbara, . Warners and won – basically they told the execs, “No Robert Linda Harris, who last wrote on Ingrid Bergman for Notorious, is a frequent Preston, no movie”. That and an contributor to the Voice of The Theatre. agent who acted as a mediator

VOICE of the THEATRE –  – Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006 Perspective: Shirley Jones by Ronald Bonk

how business seems to Greenwood. Shirley’s performance have been destined for in the film garnered numerous SShirley Jones from the favorable reviews. Miss Jones very beginning. Her mother, the has since also played the role of wife of a Pennsylvania brewery Laurey on stage in Paris, Rome and proprietor, named her only child throughout the US in summer stock. after Shirley Temple, a top film star of 1934, the year Jones was Rodgers and Hammerstein re- born. Shirley demonstrated her teamed Miss Jones and Gordon strong vocal talents right from MacRae for their moving 1956 the start. By the time she was film version of Carousel. The part five years old she was singing of Julie won Shirley the choice church solos to great acclaim. cover spot on Life magazine which Her parents decided to nurture proclaimed the young starlet “a their daughter’s natural gifts by show business phenomenon.” providing vocal training with coach Following the release of Carousel, Ken Welch in nearby Pittsburgh. Miss Jones married musical comedy vocal talents, Richard Rodgers singer Jack Cassidy whom she and Oscar Hammerstein thought By the time Shirley graduated with met while rehearsing for a stage Miss Jones would be ideal for the honors from high school in 1952, version of The Beggar’s Opera in part of Laurey in their upcoming she had appeared in numerous Cambridge, Massachusetts. With film version of Oklahoma! and school stage productions and had this venture she became the step immediately signed the 19 year even won a state-wide singing mother of , Jack’s old to a seven year contract. contest. Soon after she was chosen son from a previous marriage. as Miss Pittsburgh which lead The newlyweds embarked on their to her placing second as Miss With her wholesome good own night club tour and appeared Pennsylvania for that year’s Miss looks and strong vocal talents, together on television and in America contest. This was followed Rodgers and Hammerstein summer stock. During this time by a handful of stage productions thought Miss Jones would be Shirley appeared in two more films: for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera April Love (1957) with Pat Boone including Lady in the Dark and ideal for Oklahoma... and Never Steal Anything Small Call me Madam. But it was a brief (1959) opposite . vacation in the summer of 1953 But it was her performance in a To increase Miss Jones professional that gave Miss Jones her big break. “” television drama experience, Rodgers and entitled The Big Slide that lead Hammerstein cast her in the chorus Stopping over in actor Burt Lancaster to suggest of followed by a on her way to attend a Junior her for the role of prostitute Lulu small role in . By the College in New Jersey, Miss Jones Bains in his upcoming film version time Me and Juliet began its road learned that her old vocal coach, of Elmer Gantry (1960). This risky tour later that season Miss Jones Ken Welch, had arranged for her “good girl” to “bad girl” change was promoted to leading lady. to audition for theatrical agent of pace paid off. Not only was it Gus Schirmer. Schirmer was so met with great critical acclaim Following a successful Hollywood impressed with what he heard and but it also resulted in Miss Jones screen test, Shirley was finally cast saw that he immediately arranged winning the Oscar™ for best as Laurey in the film version of another audition with a casting supporting actress that year. Oklahoma! (1955). This critically director representing Rodgers and acclaimed production introduced Hammerstein. That audition lead After appearing opposite James the big screen Todd-AO process to to yet a third audition directly Stewart in the Two Rode the movie-going public and also for Broadway’s biggest musical Together (1961), Shirley was back starred Gordon MacRae, Gloria writing team of the time. With her Grahame, Rod Steiger and Charlotte wholesome good looks and strong Continued on Page 6

Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006 –  – VOICE of the THEATRE – 1962 – 151 minutes Warner Bros. Print courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio

Cast Robert Preston...... Harold Hill Shirley Jones...... Marian Paroo ...... Marcellus Washburn ...... Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn ...... Mayor George Shinn ...... Mrs. Paroo The Buffalo Bills...... Jacey Squires, Ewart Dunlop Olin Britt, Oliver Hix Written by...... Meredith Willson & Timmy Everett...... Tommy Djilas (Book) Susan Luckey...... Zaneeta Shinn Ronny Howard...... Winthrop Paroo Marion Hargrove Harry Hickox...... Charlie Cowell (Screenplay) Charles Lane...... Constable Locke Produced & Directed by...... Morton DaCosta ...... Mrs. Squires Sara Seegar...... Maud Dunlop Non-Original Music...... Meredith Willson Adnia Rice...... Alma Hix (from musical “The Music Man”) Peggy Mondo...... Ethel Toffelmier Lyricist ...... Meredith Willson Jesslyn Fax...... Avis Grubb Orchestrators...... Frank Comstock, Monique Vermont...... Amaryllis Gus Levene & Rand Barker...... Duncan Shyball* Ray Heindorf Charles Alvin Bell...... Police Officer* Jeannine Burnier...... Jessie Shyball* Music Supervisor & Conductor...... Ray Heindorf Shirley Claire...... Amy Dakin* Vocal ...... Charles Henderson Natalie Core...... Truthful Smith* Cinematographer...... Robert Burks Ronnie Dapo...... Norbert Smith* Editor...... William Ziegler Roy Dean...... Gilbert Hawthorne* Production Supervisor...... Joel Freeman William Fawcett...... Lester Lonnergan* Assistant Director...... Russell Llewellyn Percy Helton...... Train conductor* Casting Director...... Hoyt Bowers* Patty Lee Hilka...... Gracie Shinn* Art Director...... Paul Groesse Rance Howard...... Oscar Jackson* Set Decorators...... George James Hopkins Delos Jewkes...... Harley MacCauley* & Phil A. Ankrom* Ray Kellogg...... Harry Joseph* Ann Loos...... Stella Jackson* Costume Designer...... Dorothy Jeakins Robert Lyons...... Band member* Assistant Set Costumer...... Robert Fuca* Therese Lyon...... Dolly Higgins* Choreographer...... Onna White Ted Mapes...... Townsman* Assistant Choreographer...... Tom Panko Penelope Martin...... Lila O’Brink* Sound...... M.A. Merrick & Natalie Masters...... Farmer’s wife* Dolph Thomas Arthur Mills...... Herbert Malthouse* Make Up...... Gordon Bau & Milton Parsons...... Farmer ()* Jean Burt Reilly Barbara Pepper...... Feril Hawkes (Snapping Beans)* Hair Stylist ...... Myrl Stoltz Charles Percheskly...... Salesman* Miss Jones Make Up...... Robert J. Schiffer* Gary Potter...... Dewey Malthouse* Max Showalter...... Salesman on the train* Dog Trainer...... Robert E. Blair* David Swain...... Chet Glanville* First Assistant Camera...... Bobby Greene* Larri Thomas...... High School Girl* Hank Worden...... Undertaker* Peggy Wynne...... Ada Nutting*

*uncredited

credits from Images courtesy of Stephen Banks. Internet Movie Database: IMDB.com

VOICE of the THEATRE –  – Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006 BUDDY HACKETT (Marcellus Washburn) - born Characters Hackett is best remembered as a popular Las Vegas headliner It takes more than leading actors to create whose “adult” comedy acts memorable films. Here are a few of the were shocking for their unforgettable characters from The Music Man. time. In the 1950’s Universal considered pairing him with Hugh O’Brian as an answer to (Winthrop the popular comedy team of Paroo) - Born into a family of but after actors, Howard made his film the unsuccessful Fireman debut at the age of 18 months Save My Child (1954) the idea in Frontier Woman (1956). was dropped. Hackett eventually portrayed in the Throughout the 60s and 70s TV movie Bud And Lou (1978). Hackett’s best remembered films he frequently appeared on include It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963) and the original television where he was cast version of (1968). Hackett died in 2003. as Opie on “The Show” (1960) and Richie HERMIONE GINGOLD (Eulalie Cunningham on “” Mackechnie Shinn) - One of (1974). He wrote, starred in show business’ most lovable and directed Grand Theft Auto eccentrics, Gingold got her in 1977 and has since enjoyed the role of director. Since the 70s start on the London stage in he has directed such box office hits asSplash (1984), Cocoon 1908 playing Shakespeare and (1985), Apollo 13 (1995), (2005, which he also the classics. By the 1930s her produced) and most recently The Da Vinci Code (2006). He is also interest had turned to rowdy remembered for playing the young boy who brings his widowed music hall revues where she father Glenn Ford and neighbor Shirley Jones together in The perfected her talent for quirky Courtship Of Eddie’s Father (1963). timing. After several years on the legitimate Broadway stage MARY WICKES (Mrs. Squires) she ventured to Hollywood - One of the best-loved light where she made numerous film and television appearances comedic actresses of stage throughout the 50s and 60s. She played a great comedic witch and screen, Wickes worked in Bell Book And Candle (1958) and is probably best remembered constantly from the time she singing the duet “I Remember It Well” with in stepped on the Broadway stage Gigi (1958). Gingold died in 1987. in 1934 until just a few weeks before her death in 1995. Her PAUL FORD (Mayor George 60 year career included over 50 Shinn) - Ford entered show films, 27 Broadway productions business later in life. A master and 10 television series where at puppetry, Ford was in charge she excelled at deliveries of of staging puppet shows at caustic wit. In her early career the World’s Fair during the she was often typecast as either a nurse in films like Now, Voyager depression. Throughout the (1942) and The Man Who Came To Dinner (1942) or a housekeeper 40’s Ford played a wide variety as in On Moonlight Bay (1951) and By The Light Of The Silvery Moon of radio, stage and film roles (1953). In later years she turned to habit roles in films like The where he was usually cast as Trouble With Angels (1965) and (1992). Her last film role a gruff business executive or was Little Women (1994). A longtime friend and neighbor of Lucille military brass. His big break Ball, Wickes often appeared in episodes of “” and “The came at age 54 when he Lucy Show” throughout the 60s. appeared over four seasons as Colonel Hall on “The Show” (1955). Ford was also an accomplished Broadway actor and had the privilege of repeating two of his most famous stage roles Film Society Members make it all happen. in their film adaptations: Teahouse Of The August Moon (1956) and Please join and ‘party’ on us. See page 8. Never Too Late (1965). Ford died in 1976.

Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006 –  – VOICE of the THEATRE Shirley Jones – cont’d from page 3

A young Ronny Howard fixes her up with his widowed father Glenn Ford in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963), she is the object of Gig Young’s romantic desires in A Ticklish Affair (1963) and unwittingly becomes the target of con-men Marlon Brando and in Bedtime Story (1964). But by the mid 1960s the musical genre and romantic comedies were dead in Hollywood and Miss Jones spent the rest of the decade performing primarily in night clubs.

Shirley’s career got a much needed In the Library, Gingold and Jones. boost when she signed on to star On Camera crane, DP Robert Burks in the popular television series and Director Morton DaCosta (R). (1970-74). in the musical genre with The The role of Shirley Partridge, the Music Man (1962). The film teamed entitled Shirley and Marty: An widowed mother of five musically her with Robert Preston who had Unlikely Romance. Miss Jones talented children, gave her the originated his role on Broadway. continues to grace both the small opportunity to once again sing During this time the Cassidys and big screens. The late 1990s in front of the cameras. The show also had three sons of their own: has found her appearing in such was also responsible for propelling Shaun, Patrick and Ryan. Shirley television hits as , her 20 year old step-son David was pregnant with Patrick during The Drew Carey Show and Sabrina, Cassidy to super teen stardom. the filming of The Music Man and the Teenage Witch. Ms. Jones is specially designed costumes had currently providing the voice Shirley and Jack Cassidy divorced to be constructed to camouflage of Mrs. Claus in the upcoming in 1976 and the following year her expanding stomach. Who Stole Santa’s Sack? Jack was killed in an apartment fire. In 1977 Shirley married The early 60’s saw Shirley in Ronald Bonk is the current Secretary comedian Marty Ingles. In 1990 of the Alex Film Society and several other memorable film roles. they collaborated on a book a frequent contributor.

The roots of perhaps quartet in 1950. Throughout the 50’s their THE the best loved big sound and talented arrangements BUFFALO barbershop quartet resulted in offers to perform at military of the 20th century posts all over the world. BILLS originated in 1945 when lead singer Al In 1957 composer Meredith Willson, Shea and three others having become familiar with the group performed as The via records and radio broadcasts, invited Barbershop Four on a weekly Sunday The Buffalo Bills to New York City to afternoon radio program in Buffalo, New audition for his new play The Music Man. York. Two years later Shea and his baritone They were quickly cast in the roles but the friend Hershel Smith wanted to start a requirement of relocating to the Big Apple new quartet of their own. Tenor Vern Reed resulted in Grapes’ decision to leave the and bass Bill Spangenberg provided just Diligence and practice seems to have paid group. He was replaced by tenor Wayne the right voices needed to complete the off for the group. After winning 16th place “Scotty” Ward from The Great Scots four part harmony. While performing at at an international competition in 1948, Quartet of Steubenville, Ohio. The groups the Buffalo Quarterback Club in 1947 they and then 6th place in 1949 (when Smith appearances in the hit Broadway show and were introduced as The Buffalo Bills and was replaced by Dick Grapes), they began as frequent guests on the the name stuck. winning numerous medals and achieving unusual recognition for a barbershop Continued on Page 7

VOICE of the THEATRE –  – Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006 Perspective: Meredith Willson by Frank Gladstone Chaplin’s (1940), Man, originally called The Silver for which he received an Academy Triangle and based on his boyhood Award™ nomination, and Lillian impressions of Mason City, for seven Hellman’s The Little Foxes (1941). He years (and over thirty drafts!) before was a Major in the U.S. Army during the show opened on Broadway in World War II and was the Musical 1957. The New York production ran Director for the Armed Forces Radio nearly four years, winning eight Service. There he worked with stars , including Best Musical like and . Author and Best Composer and Eventually he would be the band Lyricist for Willson. The cast album leader and on-air character for their won the very first Grammy Award radio program. It is easy to conclude ever presented. The movie version that Willson’s gregarious, humorous won an Oscar™ for Best Musical obert Reiniger Meredith and optimistic demeanor was the Score. Willson was born in Mason precursor to today’s musician/ RCity, Iowa on May 18th composer/on-air personalities like Willson also wrote The Unsinkable 1902. At 16, Willson moved to New Doc Severinson or Paul Schaefer. Molly Brown, which opened on York City where he studied flute Broadway in 1960 and Here’s Love, and piccolo at Damrosch Institute As musical director / conductor, a musical adaptation of Miracle on (now the ). In 1921, Willson is known for his work on 34th Street, opening in 1963. He Willson auditioned for John Phillip the popular radio programs Carefree also wrote two autobiographies, And Sousa and got the job, playing Carnival (1933-1936) and Maxwell There I Stood With My Piccolo and flute in the Sousa band for three House Coffee Time (1940-49). The Eggs I Have Laid, as well as a novel, years. Willson also worked with theme song for Maxwell House Who Did What to Fedalia? His Dr. Lee deForest in 1923 on some Coffee Time, “You and I”, became a musical anthology includes many of deForest’s early sound-on-film number one hit. He had another hit more songs, symphonic and choral recording experiments. From 1924 with “May the Good Lord Bless You works. to 1929, he played principal flute and Keep You”, the closing theme for in the Philharmonic Symphony ’s The Big Show In later years, Willson was a six- Society of New York (later the (1950-1953). During this period, he time president of the Greater Los ) under also wrote the Angeles chapter of Big Brothers. the direction of . fight song, and most especially the President Kennedy presented Willson Willson moved to Washington holiday perennial, “It’s Beginning to with the National Big Brother and then California and was Look a Lot Like Christmas”. Award in recognition of his service concert director for KFRC in San and President Johnson appointed Francisco and then became the Many people, including his him to the National Council of the musical director at NBC first in San wife Reni and composer Frank Humanities. In 1982, the National Francisco and then Hollywood. Loesser, suggested Wilson write Academy of Popular Music elected something about his beloved and Willson to the Songwriters Hall of Willson scored three feature films. stubbornly independent home Fame. The Lost Zeppelin (1929), Charlie state. Willson worked on The Music Meredith Willson died in Santa BUFFALO BILLS cont’d Monica on June 15, 1984 at the age The Buffalo Bills made their final of 82. radio program brought them recognition performance at the Waldorf-Astoria they had never even dreamed of. Hotel in New York City on May 24, 1967. AFS Board member Frank Gladstone is At that time it was reported that they another frequent contributor to the Voice of After appearing in the film version of The had made 1,510 Broadway performances, The Theatre. We especially enjoy his annual Music Man in 1962, Spangenberg was 728 concerts, 675 radio shows, 672 Three Stooges Big Screen Event!. forced to leave the quartet due to illness night club appearances, 626 conventions, and died the following year. 216 television shows and 137 state fair He was replaced by bass Jim Jones of the performances. The Music Man was their Sta-Laters quartet. only film appearance. • Vol. 12, No. 2 July 29, 2006 –  – VOICE of the THEATRE www.AlexFilmSociety.org Society News Tickets: 818.243.2539 Before our shows (here at A Hard Day’s Night), members and guests enjoy a drink on us. Join the Society and have Saturday, September 16 at 8 pm only one on the house too. See the application below. Janet Klein Headlines 5 live acts plus & on Screen! Fan’s join EXTRAVAGANZA! Maggie D’Abo, mu- Our 13th season kicks off with the most anticipated sician Ian Whitcomb and KCSN’s Les Perry family event held annually at the Alex. For one night for a drink at the only, AFS pays tribute to the grand theatre’s roots with pre-show Member’s an eclectic mix of live acts that made vaudeville so reception. beloved by a generation of fans. Headlining our seventh annual vaudeville night will be the enchanting Ukulele Chanteuse Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys, performing nostalgic music from the vaudeville era. Other acts include a tribute to Abbott & Costello; juggler Beejay Joyer; glass harmonica and magical transformations. Film program includes Chaplin’s ONE A.M. and Keaton’s PARDON MY BERTH MARKS. Engineers Ken Scott and Brian Kehew Saturday, October 28 at 2 and 8 pm only discuss recording First Film With the Amazing New Wonder EMERGO: The Thrills Fly Right Into The Audience! Moderated by KLOS’s House On Haunted Hill Uncle Joe Benson. Vincent Price invites five strangers to a sinister hilltop mansion for his wife’s haunted-house birthday party, promising each guest $10,000 to spend the night. With a ceiling that drips blood and an acid vat in the basement, it seems only a matter of time before tragedy strikes. Price, membership application ever the thoughtful host, has even provided loaded guns mail with check to: Alex Film Society as party favors. House On Haunted Hill was a blockbuster P. O. Box 4807, Glendale, CA 91222-0807 for exploitation producer William Castle. With the horrifying effect process dubbed EMERGO and the scenery-chewing performances of bug-eyed Elisha Cook and slinky Carol Ohmart, Castle had crowds lining up for this camp horror classic. Price, at the start of his glorious horror film career, is supercilious, sardonic and lethally charming as the demented host. Recreating EMERGO, AFS promises to give you the chills, thrills and laughs that are hallmarks of classic October film events at the Alex. Allied Artist release of a William Castle Production (1959).

Saturday, November 25 at 2 and 8 pm only “Saving Private Curly... Stooges in Arms” Three stooges™ big screen event! We celebrate the 9th year of our popular “Stooge-fest,” a collection of five classic short subjects cherry picked from the ’ vaults by our blue ribbon panel of Stooge-o-philes. Each of the shorts has a military or wartime theme. Voice of the Theatre Published by and for members of the Alex Film Society P. O. Box 4807 • Glendale, CA 91222 • 818.754.8250 [email protected] $3 (mailed free with membership) editor randy carter design/layout brian ellis printer alco printing, glendale

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