'Mame' takes a firm stand

NEW YORK-The world may be relaxing its morals and becoming more permissive about the old taboos-

but Angela Lansbury has turned down the role of a lesbian in the movie version of "The Killing of Sister George."

It would pay her more than she's ever earned, would

make her an international movie star, could conceivably bring her an Oscar.

"But, corny as it sounds, I don't want to destroy the image I've created for my self in 'Mama,'" she says. "It was not an easy decision to make," Angela said, at a party Ruth Ford and Rex Reed gave at the Living Room for Bobby Short.

Miss Lansbury was wearing the shortest micro skirt in the place. It was a MiniMini-Mame, her first day in it (or out of it) and she had trouble sitting down without a draught. She's still under contract to do "Mame" on B'way till April, then will do

By Earl Wilson

four months in San Francisco and Los Angeles, then maybe star in a London "Mame." "THE KING of Nepal and a party of 25 are coming in to see 'Mame,' Angela said. "I hope the King leaves a nice little ruby behind for everybody.'

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THE MIDNIGHT EARL..

David Eisenhower, Ike's grandson, and Julie Nixon, Richard's dtr., were being quite demonstrative about

the

their regard for each other at El Morocco, and Julie's father, who was there, too, was beaming beaming about whole thing... Carol Channing dined at Luchow's with Thornton Wilder discussing musicalizing 'Skin of Our Teeth.'

Henny Youngman was telling of a famous comedian who's doing badly in Las Vegas this time. "He's doing so bad," said Henny, "that he's started speaking to me, and if he does any worse, he'll speak to Red Buttons."

CORNELIUS Vanderbilt married his 7th in Reno, beautiful Mary Lou Bristel of Terrell, Texas... Marty Allen told Steve Rossi at the Riviera in Vegas: "Things you will never see--Debbie Reynolds and Liz Taylor going to a baby shower for Connie Stevens" Audrey

Hepburn, who flew back here to consult with her lawyer about her divorce from Mel (at his Connecticut home) Ferrer, has been seen frequently with Albert Finney,

Road," and the European gossips are wondering if they have plans.

her co-star in "Two for the

Hey, Chicago! "Al Capone" as a musical? With

Marcello Mastroianni as Capone? And a nice guy, sort of a Robin Hood? That's composer Buddy Bregman's idea

and he went to Rome to discuss it with Marcello, who did a musical in Rome about Valentino last year and got away with it. Well, well, and

how do you think Chicago would like it-and Chicago's illustrious critics?

THE WAY that Cyd Charisse escaped rough treatment from a holdup man who came to her door in a fash-

ionable midtown hotel was to rush out into the corridor in her negligee and scream for help. A "Mr. Sherman” gladly yielded to her calls for help, admitted her to his room and comforted her

while she called police and her husband Tony Martin

happened. Tony Martin says, "And the funny part is, i

and related what had

still believe the story."

Sammy Davis may do the "Tony Rome" sequel with Frank Sinatra . . . Six mem-

bers of the "Detective" crew have been burglarized in a midtown hotel. (Frank Sinatra's valet George Jacobs lost his entire wardrobe). "Second Hand Rose" was added to the "Funny Girl" film for Barbara Streisand Now it's "nanny-nap-

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Angela Lansbury

ping." The wife of a prom!ent director met a governess wheeling a child in Cen. tral Park-and hired her away.