text: SPBBBBUi < : '.Jit, SbB^K wk. : 1 B J| e. 9 w B\MnB jBB ik \ mI» •'. ■ ■ :; " •'' \ ; \ r; ; >'' - : -■/> •• ; "■• ;V V ; ‘ r.\A ■ wr - / ■ 8B iH icAfe, _*** Bp TTB' * '£fMs&i# < s. H sJB A WHIMSICAL COMEDY COMES TO TELEVISION Julie Harris, a current toast of Broadway as Joan of Arc in “The Lark,” will turn to lighter things on TV today. She plays the leading role in Ferenc Molnar’s “The Good Fairy,” which Maurice Evans will present on “Hall of Fame” this afternoon at 4 over WRC-4. Too Early to Write Off 'Comedy Hour? Most of NBC’s moves to bolster the “Comedy Hour” haven't made much sense— but here's one that ought to at least improve it visually. Gale Storm will commence tonight's show (8 to 9, WRC-4) as well as perform. Two weeks ago, NBC announced that Walter O’Keefe would emerge, then promptly withdrew the nomination, which it described as "preminency." NBC's Chairman of the Board Pat Weaver (who was on Person to Person Friday night) says it's too early to write off the show as a casualty. "Give it a chance" if the way "Variety" recorded his remarks. Miss Storm, a performer who is currently popular with youngsters as a result of "My Little Margie" and record hits, represents quite a departure for programs of this type. Others who have been added to the program's roster (see highlights) include Eddie Bracken and Peter Donald. Art Carney, nearly everybody's favorite straight man, is booked for "Star Stage" (Fridays, WRC-4) in the near future. Art generally undertakes serious dramatic roles when he isn’t playing Gleason's sidekick, but this one will be a comedy. "The Man Who Was Irresistible to Women." Rod Steiger, who got his big break on a Kraft production, Critics Were Surprised And Now Hal Is Miffed By GEORGE N. ALLEN NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (NANA).—When a man works hard all his life to make himself a good actor and then makes an explosive success in another field, he’s liable to be a bit miffed. That’s just how things are with Hal March, the likeable, unassuming chap who emerges “The $64,000 Question” on TV. “Just how serious can life be when a fellow slaves, sweats and starves to make himself a good actor and then scores his biggest success in a different field that he had never even thought about?” March demanded in an interview. "The critics were all surprised that I could turn in a decent job of emoting a few weeks ago when I did ‘Dream Girl’ with Vivian Blaine. Where have those guys been all the time? I’ve been in about 12 movies, was half of the Sweaney and March Comedy Show for more than a year on a Nation-wide radio network, played inogene Coca’s husband on her television show a year ago. and all last summer did a comedy show on television with Tom D’Andrea.” Life Exploded You need listen to the 35-year-old March only a few minutes to learn that his heart is in the acting trade rather than with emerging. “But don’t get me wrong.” He hastened to assure you, “The $64,000 Question’s the greatest thing that has happened to me. My whole life has just exploded. I’m getting offers to some other shows and to do plays and movies. It’s a thing every actor dreams about.” March was chosen over 200 other persons for the quiz master job. He still doesn't really know why, since he had never done anything similar before. He refused the offer at first hand and had to be talked into it by his agent. “But now I feel that my training as an actor is my best asset on the quiz show. An actor has to listen carefully to the other players in a scene to catch his cues and to establish the necessary rapport with them if they’re to do a good job. My experience as an actor has made me sensitive to the moods of the people around and hasn’t done much since "Marty” is also upcoming on a filmed "Screen Director's Playhouse" drama (NBC-4)... He'll star with Ray Milland in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Markheim." Queries: Reader G. S. wants to know if Dennis O'Keefe broke Felicia Monteleagre's neck when he kissed her at the conclusion of last week’s Kraft production. Frankly, I thought Dennis was going to throw her over his shoulder and claim the New York TV Judo championship. On the Run: Ronnie Burns, son of George Burns, will be involved in next Saturday's “Honeymooners” episode. Frankie Laine (with Paul Weston’s ork) has recorded the Robin Hood theme for Columbia. WMAL-7, which recently revised its 6 to 7 programs to capitalize on the Mickey Mouse Club's success, reports the channel now tops the town in the 8 to 7 period. The Joyce Hour, a Sunday half-hour religious music program, is now being carried by WFCR at 12:30 as well as on WTOP at 10:30 in the morning... The program, now in its third year, is sponsored but carries no commercials. The co-sponsors of “Navy Log” have given producer Sam Galiu the "full steam ahead” signal... They've bought me and taught me to listen well. “I find I identify very strongly with the contestants and generally get just as nervous as they do when they reach the big money. None of them as yet reached the $64,000 level and then missed the big question, thank goodness. I hope it never happens because when it does I’m sure I’ll faint right alongside the contestant.” March said he gets a couple of hundred fan letters a week. Most, he said, express liking for the way he sweats out the questions with the contestants. Another point the fans comment on is the fact that he never makes jokes at the expense of the contestants. Fears a Fluff “I couldn't make butts of them, even if I had a desire to do so,” March explained, “because I have too much sympathy with them.” There is too much money involved and it is too important to them for me to play games on the show. "My chief concern is to read the questions slowly and clearly without fluffing, so I won’t upset the contestant. I don't see the contestant until just before we go on the air and I don't see the questions until they are handed to me on the stage. I hope I never fluff a reading and cause a contestant to lose his prize; that would be terrible." March, lean, dark-haired and handsome, plans to be married next month. His intended is actress Candy Toxton. She was Humphrey Bogart’s leading lady, under the name of Susan Perry, in “Knock On Any Door.” May Do a Play The emcee-actor currently is reading the scripts of three plays, in one of which he may star. If he does, he explained, the show will not play on Tuesday nights, so that he'll still be able to go to the television studio to give away money on his regular schedule. Also in the works are a couple of movies, one of which March would make with his own unit with financing by a major studio. And there is also talk, he added, of him presenting his own half-hour comedy show on television. He would “partly write" that one, he said. Here she is trying to persuade the impoverished lawyer played by Walter Slezak (right) to sign a contract that would make him wealthy overnight through a benefactor. Cyril Ritchard, Mr. Evans, the producer, will not appear in the play. This is your weekly edition guide. OUT SECTION THE SUNDAY STAR, Washington, D.C. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1946 The complete 39 episodes pack age and hold an option for another 39. The Guide (current issue) reports that a chap on the British version of "What's My Line," recently commented. In his best clipped tones—“There are a few million people I would like to kill mostly viewers.” Imminent Sunday night Today's Programs on Television Highlights 19:38, WRC (4) Religious Hour: Rabbi Harry Sky, of Alexandria, discusses synagogue architecture. 11:38, WPG (9) Camera Three: The John Butler dance group presents interesting picture of Ozark folk ways. 12:30, WRC (4)—National Symphony: Various services of community orchestra will be demonstrated in program opening 25th anniversary sustaining fund campaign. 1:99, WRC (4)—American Forum: The Farm Problem: What’s the Answer? Rep. Poage (D., Tex.), Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Butts. 1:00, WMAL (7)—Christopher! Program: Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Frank Lovejoy and Ann Blyth on "How You Can Reach the World." 1:30, WRC (4)—Looking Good: D.C. public health program heralding dental health week. 2:00, WMAL (7)—C Celebrity Parade: Joe McCaffrey's guest. Rep. Bolling (D., Mo.) Drew Pearson presents second part of series on Texas Scandals. 2:30, WRC (4)—For God and Country: Annual American Legion presentation, with Brig. Gen. David Sarnoff, Phil Rizzuto, Perry. Como and others (live) 2:30, WMAL (7)—This We Believe: Dr. Lawrence Folkemer, minister of the Church of the Reformation. 2:30, WTOP (9) Life With Father: Clarence becomes interested in art as "Father Has a Birthday." 3:00, WRC (4) Dr. Spock: Four fathers discuss their role in disciplining children. 3:30, WRC (4)—Hall of Fame: (Color.) Ferenc Molnar's comedy, “The Good Fairy,” with Julie Harris, Walter Slezak, Roddy MqDowall and Cyril Ritchard. 4:00, WTOP (9) Front Row Center: In “Deadlock,” the dreary lives of a couple operating a store is radically altered by a wounded prospector; Rita Gam, John Bara gray, John Carradine. 4:30, WMAL (7)—College Press Conference: Senator Douglas (Democrat of Illinois), guest. 4:45, WTTG (5)—Labor Speaks: (Premiere). Evelyn Freyman moderates, with Mrs. Katherine Stone and L C. Welsted as permanent panelists. Labor's views on topical issues are given. 5:00, WTOP (9) Omnibus: First of three-part series, “One Nation,” story of the United States Constitution, written and narrated by Joseph N. Welch. 6:00, WRC (4)—Meet the Press: Senator Symington (Democrat of Missouri), guest. 9:00, WMAL (7)—Science Fiction Theater: Aotronomer finds that space ships are dumping radio-active waste change: "Appointment with Adventure” moving out of the 10 o'clock spot (WTOP-9) to make way for the new quizzer featuring Glno Prato and other $64,000 Question graduates... “Justice” at 10:30 (WRC-4) also looks rocky... The sponsor is quitting in March and the network is trying to line up another sponsor. BERNIK HARRISON. Sunday, February 5,1956 WK Cl. 4) —1:30, 11:30. From 1:49, NW *»»»: It, Wtt-VI lIIWHI MWI *:». Wild Mr. wind: 11, MM* MW| 11:*. t mtm MTIV (Cl. ft-**, ■ml Murkt: 1:41 Wtot'i Twr Tradii; », Tta fntit; t:H, Minim; 11, Minim; 11, Mm Hr tint-ill; It. Ud 111 Hi tail 11. tiwMl «dWt; 11, CMId Tim. lltHtlt lilt tit pdttMM til Wit II Ullf. 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WTTG (s)—Herbert Marshall: Famous actress must deal with “Blackmail”: Marie Windsor. 6:30, WTOP (9)—You Are There: For the “Capture of John Wilkes Booth.” 7:00, WTTG (s)—Georgetown University Forum: Are World Resources Adequate? Ennis Chestang, John Femstrom and Rev. William Gibbons. 7:00, WMAL (7)—You Asked For It: Rescue team in action on Mt. Ranier; lion-tamer who studied under OI bill; artists who paint models from their voices. 7:30, WRC (4)—Frontier: Doctor who favors bourbon and fears Satan regains his public esteem as result of Montana footrace. 8:00, WRC (4)—Comedy Hour: Comedians Jonathan Winters, Georgie Kaye and Shecky Greene are featured. 8:00, WTOP (9)—Ed Sullivan: Orson Welles and Geraldine Fitzgerald in scene from "King Lear”; Lucille Ball and Desl Arnaz, Rodgers and Hammerstein and the Ames Brothers. 9:00, WRC (4)—Alcoa Playhouse: “Long After Summer," story of mature man’s love for very young girl; Robert Preston and Susan Kohner (In her TV debut). ON THE AIR The "Fall Guy"— The Nervous M.G By BERNIE HARRISON Ed Sullivan should have told Charles Laughton there'd be nights like that. The British actor, who rarely gives a nervous performance, had a remarkable ease of the fidgets last Monday when he emaciated NBC’s “Festival of Music.” After weighing the behind the scenes gossip regarding the changes and pressures brought to bear by influential groups, one can reach a more sympathetic estimate of Mr. Laugh ton’s assignment. And a more sympathetic estimate of masters-of-cere monies everywhere. Memorise! Script As Laughton was telling us (via Steve Allen’s late night show the week before), his "readings” are not technically readings. The stand and the book or script are props. He has memorized every word. He told a story of the “Don Juan” tour to illustrate the point. At one performance, Charles Boyer blew sky-high. After the show, the mystified Laugh ton asked what happened. Boyer explained that as he was reciting, his eye happened to fall on the script on the very word he was saying and the accidental occurrence threw him off stride. Using this as a guide, it seems obvious that if Mr. Laughton memorized any script, that script was rewritten so many times that when time came for the show, the actor merely threw up his hands and went on to ad-lib the Introductions. That’s the way it sounded, anyway. Hurok Produced Mr. Laughton’s position in the “Festival of Music” production was master of ceremonies. Sol Hurok was the producer and there were undoubtedly several top NBC men assisting Hurok. His relationship to “Festival” was not the same as, say, Sullivan’s to “Toast of the Town.” On the latter show, if there are any last-minute changes, substitutions of numbers, etc., Sullivan knows what they are because he okayed them. Sullivan is not only here, but producer. There is a moral here somewhere end I think that Mr. 9:00, WTOP (9) Electric Theater: “The Song Caruso Sang," story of musical Italian family; the Alberghetti family. 9:30, WTOP (9)—Alfred Hitchcock: “The Derelicts," story of pair of tramps who witness homicide and move into life of luxury for short while; Philip Reed, Robert Newton, Peggy Knudsen. 9:30, WMAL (7)—Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour: Polka-dancing oldsters highlight salute to Chicago. 10:00, WRC (4)—Loretta Young: "Oh, My Aching Heart," story of secretary who takes job in "old" disguise and has romance with boss as she really is; George Nader. 10:00, WTOP (9)—Appointment With Adventure: Fugitive from prison terrifies sister and roommate; John Cassava, Betsy Von Furstenberg, Tina Louise. 10:30, WRC (4)—Justice: Weak-willed young man discovers white lie can involve innocent man in murder. 10:30, WTTG (5)—Uncommon Valor: Episode Two—“The Battle of Two Jims—in story of the Marines. 10:30, WTOP (o)—What’s My! Line? Sixth anniversary show, with Desl Arnaz pinch-hitting for Bennett Cerf. 11:20, WMAL (7)—Bill Malone. Sports: Films of third preliminaries in Golden Gloves tournament. Laughton now subscribe to it. As Leo Durocher might well observe, never, never pitch a show until you know the players. Mr. Laughton’s next appearance occurs Saturday night when he narrates the Ford Star Jubilee production of Jim Bishop's “The Day Lincoln Was Shot” (WTOP-9), and the portents for this one are more favorable. Consults Laughton Producer Paul Gregory has not only consulted with Laughton every step of the way on this ambitious telegraph, but Mr. Laughton will be among actors Raymond Massey, Jack Lemmon, and Lillian Gish. In addition, Gregory (with Laughton’s approval) hired Delbert Mann, who directed “Marty” on TV and for the movies, to do the show. Just the other day, the actor signified that he was "ready” to take his “American history test.” “If someone were to ask me on what date Charles I was executed, I should probably lose the $64,000,” he said, “but I can declaim in approximately 62 seconds, ‘Abraham Lincoln was shot at 10:15 pm. on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, and died at 7:22 that following morning.” Laughton’s enthusiasm for the project is unquestioned. A Formula for TV "Television is at its best," he says, "when it presents what we SHOULD know, but perhaps never had the time or opportunity to learn—and when it presents this in such a way that we’re glad to be learning it now. That goes not only for historical drama, but for art, for music, for scientific facts, for governmental proceedings and for news." This, by the way, is Booth-Shoots-Lincoln Week on TV. Robert Montgomery’s play tomorrow night (WRC-4), for example, is based on the account Of an eyewitness to the assassination. This eyewitness is also prominently mentioned in the pages of Jim Bishop's intensely exciting book and it's entirely possible that the same man will be portrayed in two different productions. It will be interesting to see how two shows, given substantially the same set of facts, will vary in their approach. The Roaring Sixties One of the most interesting aspects of Bishop's book will be the picture he skillfully painted of the manners and customs of Washington in that era. We are promised that the Gregory-Laughton production will not skip these fascinating details. This has nothing to do with the above, but I can’t resist passing it along. John Guedel, who produced “Inside Beverly Hills,” has just come up with another unfathomable idea for a 90-minute show which he has submitted to NBC. The project is to be called, “What Is Love?” and would constitute a survey of affection. If accepted, Art Link letter, a Guedel associate, will be involved. Well, I can’t think of any place more suitable to launch a survey of affection or even affectations than Hollywood. The point to remember may be that the upcoming Bishop-tele-drama is also originating from the same city. WTOP Star Gets Sendoff on WTTG Billy Johnson, popular local entertainer whose WTOP contract expired Friday, will get an opportunity to bid his area fans goodbye—on Art Lamb’s program tomorrow afternoon (5 to 6) on WTTG-5. “We all respect Billy in the business.” Art explained, “and we want to wish him luck, that's all.” (Oddly enough, Billy is set for a Howdy Doody tryout at the end of the month on NBC, in a competitive period with Lamb.) Lamb expects that A number of local performers will drop by for the farewell show. There’ll be a cake, hand-shaking and a song or two. COLOR SHOWS THIS WEEK Sunday, 4 to 5 p.m., WRC (4) —Hall of Fame: Maurice Evans presents “The Good Fairy.” Monday, to 4 p.m., WRC (4) —Matinee Theater: “Susan and God.” Monday through Friday, 5:30 to 6 p.m., WRC (4) —Howdy Doody. Monday, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., WRC (4) Robert Mont gomery Presents: “Good Fri day. 1865.” Tuesday. 3 to 4 pm., WRC (4) —Matinee Theater: “As Young as You Feel." Tuesday, 9:30 to 10 p.m., WTOP (9)—The Red Skel ton Show: Guest. Cesar Ro mero. Wednesday, 3 to 4 p.m.. WRC (4)—Matinee Theater: "The White Knight." Thursday, 3 to 4 p.m., WRC (4)—Matinee Theater: "The Anxious Years.” I Friday, 3 to 4 p.m., WRC (4) —Matinee Theater: "The Heart of Mary Lincoln.’’ Saturday, 7 to 7:30 p.m., WTOP (9)—The Gene Au try Show: “Ghost Ranch.”, Saturday, 9:30 to 11 p.m.,' WTOP (9)—Ford Btar Jubi lee: “The Day Lincoln Was Shot” ■ is >y: V rvfS V ;; mm. aBBPE^ HE mi ® -#* ■ , \ ii_ THE ROLE IS FAMILIAR Raymond Massey, who finds himself playing Abra ham Lincoln about this time every year, will take over the role again next Saturday at 9:30 p.m. He heads the cast m the Paul Gregory Theater produc tion of “The Day Lincoln Was Shot,” based on Jim Bishop’s best-selling book, to be telecast in color (WTOP-TV-9) on the eve of Lincoln’s birthday. * t '* -■■ : J9H| ’ THE WlDOW— Lillian Gish will play Mary Todd Lincoln in next Saturday’s CBS-TV color program. M If i WC'i * ; '*• ' uSH . SI U mm/Bmm l jw*. THE ASSASSIN—Jack Lemmon of the movies will be the John Wilkes Booth of the 90-minute drama. HOLLYWOOD TV Leo Durocher Throws In With 'Wide, Wide World' HOLLYWOOD —Leo Durocher, searching for a warm spot in TV, is taking to the “Wide, Wide World.” “I’ll be there when NBC trains the cameras on the Giants,” he told me. “’World’s has also booked me for the open golf championship in Miami.” Tony Martin’s two sponsors are bowing out in March but the master songbird isn’t worrying. “I’m in the hands of NBC," he philosophized. Cause of disagreement: Tony’s antipathy to delivering commercial. Spare Is Scarce Liberace repeats with Jimmy Durante, the lucky stiff. I'm waiting to repeat my high kick.... When NBC biggies asked Groucho to do his “You Bet Your Life” in the cold color studio at Burbank, he threatened to go to CBS. End of request.... Studio space here is nonexistent. Which is why Perry Cqmo has to keep doing his show in New York. Ditto Steve Allen, who had hoped to imbibe our smog while avoiding New York’s wintry blasts. Bob Hope cables that his February 7 “International Spec” is the most exciting so far. All the top French fashion models will strut their wares, in addition to Fernandel, Diana Dors and Yana. So, get set for a trip to London and Paris.... Because of the success of the John Guedel-Art Linkletter "Beverly Hills" spectacular, look for “New York,” "Chicago,” “Washington,” etc., so as to beat the stuffing out of the still-stunned opposition. Red's Rating’s Fine Red Skelton hit Fritz Feld with a vase and split Fritz's scalp. The vase was supposed to “break away.” not the noggin. Red looks fine, hasn’t been fainting lately. There's no medicine for a comic like a good rating. All the cowboy stars are bowing out of telefiling in the wide-open spaces. Wild Bill Hickok (Guy Madison) has 13 more than he’ll ride on his residuals... Handsome Jock Mahoney is through with “Range Rider", “78 episodes are going the rounds and there’ll be no more.” he reports... Tall Peter Graves is quitting "Fury Telefilms,” “because I didn’t know the star was a horse. I thought I was.” Pete finished 26 “Furies” in four months and he's ready to take to the hills from overwork. "From now on I make movies.” he vows. (North American Newspaper Alliance) TODAY'S MOVIES 2:00, WTTG (s)—Double Feature: In “Hil-jacked” an interstate truck driver is suspected of robbing his company. (1950.) In “An Inspector Calls” the festivity of an engagement party is shattered. 3:00, WMAL (7)—"The Black Book" stars Arlene Dahl and Robert Cummings in a mystery set amid the French Revolution. 7:30, WMAL (7)—"Stairway to Heaven" stars David Niven, Kim Hunter and Raymond Massey in the story of a British pilot who envisions himself standing trial in the "other world." (1946.) 8:00, WTTG (s)—In “The Night of the Full Moon” Philip Se ville stars as an American scientist who is pursued to England by agents of a foreign power. 11:15, WRC (4)—“Black Magic” starring Orson Welles and Nancy Guild is the story of a hypnotist who saw his parents killed and vowed to take revenge when he grew up. (1949.) 11:15, WBAL (ID—Baltimore Channel—“The Devil and Daniel Webster” is the story of a young farmer who makes a pact with the devil for a box of gold and seven years of good luck. Walter Huston, Edward Arnold. 11:15, WAMM (13)—Baltimore Channel—“sß Via Del." A woman is found dead in an apartment house and all the tenants of the building are involved. 