People, Mar. 9, 1953

Names make news. Last week these names made this news:

At the Rome airport, a minor Italian movie producer spotted a traveler who strikingly resembled Actor Laurence Olivier, "only he was older and shorter." Thinking quickly, the producer introduced himself and offered the man the lead in a film burlesque of Olivier's Hamlet. The man, who identified himself as "Mister Smith," roving salesman of bathroom supplies, eagerly accepted the offer, promised to go to work as soon as he had sold his supply of basins. The producer happily spread the news of his coup in Rome's movie circles, then read in the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!