at "Gypsy Awards"A mélange of MGM Ladies were on hand when the Professional Dancers Society presented their Gypsy Awards to Jane Powell and Dom Deluise at a musical luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Among the lovely ladies were Margaret O’Brien ( the youngest star to ever receive an Oscar); Ann Blythe, Mitzi Gaynor and the unflappable Debbie Reynolds. In introducing Powell, Debbie reminisced about their early days as dancing, singing starlets, and said they had lots in common – including selecting the wrong husbands. However, after four unsuccessful marriages, Powell ended up with Dickie Moore in 1988. “What a pity” quoted Debbie, “I never could end up with my own Dick”.

Another bawdy broad, Mitzi Gaynor, President of the Dancers Society, also displayed her wicked sense of humor, when she showed off her well fitted red suit (courtesy of designer David Hayes); and her jewelry, which she credited to Howard Hughes. “I’m the last one left from that era”, she proclaimed!

at Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon ReceptionDom Deluise, known for his comedy, cooking and not choreography, was a surprise honoree. But he did display dance ability on the Dean Martin and Carol Burnett Shows. His best pal, Burt Reynolds, (whose face is tighter than a tom tom) roasted him, and declared that he was “in love” with him for more than 40 years. ‘I’m sorry I never married you, Dom. I would have saved $20 million or more.”

Also honored was the late Rita Hayworth, whose film clips revealed why she was the original screen goddess. Did you know that she began her career when she was only 13 years old, dancing with her dad? Also lauded was Janet Leigh, who died just last year. Leigh will always be remembered for her many musical roles, although her dramatic shower scene in Psycho is certainly a cinema classic.

Kudos goes to Joni Berry, who underwrote the event which distributes monies raised to aid dancers in need.

at the Peninsula Hotel (along with Jaclyn Smith)Another film icon, Robert Wagner, celebrated his Birthday in style at the Peninsula Hotel with his three darling daughters – Natasha, Courtney and Katie; and a surprise Birthday Cake presented by the still ravishing Charlie’s Angel, Jaclyn Smith. Unfortunately his wife, Jill St. John, was home recuperating from a terrible skiing accident that occurred in Aspen.

We were all at a cocktail reception to announce the Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon, which will be held on April 17th at Griffith Park. This is one of the largest marathons in the U.S., and all proceeds will benefit programs and services at St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica. Wager has been hosting these races for 22 years, and spoke about carrying on the late Jimmy Stewart’s legacy.

This was truly a week of Ladies, Legends and Love on the Hollywood Beat.