Golden Moments

In Birmingham, technicians asked the visiting Metropolitan Opera troupe to have their pictures taken to help launch a new mobile X-ray unit. Soprano Lily Pons agreed, and tossed out a challenge: "You will see the most wonderful lungs you have ever seen . . . I can hold my breath longer than anyone else at the Metropolitan. What's more I can sing [a continuous perfect high note] for 13 seconds without taking in more air." Tenor Jan Peerce countered with his boast: "I can hold my breath one minute and 13 seconds with my mouth full of pebbles." Basso Norman Scott said he could better Peerce by at least one second, and the contest was on. Winner: Scott with a time of one minute, three seconds. Last in the field: Coloratura Pons, who had to gasp for air after 39 seconds.

Cinemactress Marilyn Monroe, who keeps photographers scampering to think up new angles, posed for her latest: a picture in bed. A week after an emergency appendectomy she gave cameramen a painless, luxurious stretch, announced that after another month's rest she would be strong enough to brave the mists of Niagara Falls to work on her next movie.

Winners of the Fifth International Film Festival were announced in Cannes. Best actress, Lee Grant (the shoplifter in Detective Story). Best actor: Marlon (Viva Zapata) Brando.

Copenhagen photographers had a chance to record a farewell appearance of General Dwight Eisenhower in a smiling, gallant pose with another popular American, U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Mrs. Eugenie Anderson; then he made an impromptu speech to some 2,000 university students gathered in the courtyard of Christiansborg Palace. Said Ike, at the conclusion of his talk on the cost and importance of NATO unity: "I'm going home now, due to special circumstances."

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