Reynolds returns to
Atlantic City after five years

By Rita Charleston
For the Times

Mary Francis Reynolds thought she’d grow up to be either a gymnast or a gym teacher. After all, blessed with a lot of energy but not much money, the work ethic was instilled in Mary Frances and her brother early on by her hard-working parents.
Little did she realize, however, that she would use her talent, high energy and perky good looks to enter a world she had never dreamed of before. For while still a teenager, Mary Frances Reynolds transformed into Debbie Reynolds, entered the world of show business and became an enduring star of stage and screen in a career that has spanned more than a half a century.
"When I was growing up, we were very poor, and back then my only dream was to get a scholarship and go on to become a teacher. But life was good to me," said Reynolds, who will be appearing at the Hilton in Atlantic City April 15 through 18.
Born in El Paso, Texas, her family later relocated to Burbank Calif. In 1948, at the age of 16, she won the Miss Burbank Beauty Contest. Later, Warner Brothers decided give the teen a screen test, which led to a contract.
Her first big break on film came in the MGM musical Three Little Words. She went on to make many more movies, including the great Singin’ in the Rain and Unsinkable Molly Brown, which won her an Oscar nomination.
Later, Reynolds went on to star in dozens of films. Additionally, she starred in two hit Broadway revivals — Irene and Annie Get Your Gun. She also made many television appearances, including regular performances on The Eddie Fisher Show.
Fisher was the first of Reynolds’ three husbands, but all of her marriages ended up unhappily in divorce, so she hasn’t had much luck when it comes to marriage?
"You can forget about the ‘much’ and say ‘any,’" Reynolds insisted. "If there’s a bad guy out there, I’ll find him. But not anymore. I’ve given up on all that. Today my life is my work and my children, and I work very hard for mental health."
In fact, aside from performing, Reynolds is once again working hard on restoring her own museum, previously housed in Las Vegas. This time around, Reynolds is hoping to open soon in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Dolly Parton’s old stamping grounds.
Reynolds explained, "Americans come there, so we’re building a new 25,000-square-foot museum, two theaters and exhibits featuring all my movie memorabilia, including Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Marilyn Monroe’s white dress from The Seven Year Itch, and so much more.
"I have 4,000 costumes representing each era of the movies — from silent films right up to now — enabling me to recreate Academy Award moments of films during those days," she said.
Reynolds gathered such a collection because, as she explained, "In 1970, MGM began liquidating and selling off all kinds of stuff. I couldn’t believe it. The studios were taken over by big conglomerates that were only interested in the land. Suddenly, everything was being sold for Halloween costumes and the like. I found that so sad that nobody seemed to care anymore that I used to cry every day.
"So I went to auctions solidly for three weeks and took every penny I had to save these fabulous things for others to see and enjoy. Our fan base is still out there, and I know they still care. They are the ones who buy the tickets and appreciate us and regard the performers who are still out there doing what we love to do."
And what Reynolds said she loves doing most is performing live on stage — even though she hasn’t done so for five years in Atlantic City.
"I find it so ridiculous that I’ve had to hound them to book me," Reynolds said. "The whole industry has become so youth-oriented that I couldn’t get my foot in the door anymore. A few of us still complain to each other and question why they’ve changed their booking policy.
"But here I am again and can’t wait to be back!" ••
For times and ticket information call 1-800-736-1420.