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As the symbol of one of the world's richest high school drop-outs, Herman, or Peter Noone, finally hit back and explained quite carefully that he is not a school drop-out of any kind. That, in fact, if his schooling were measured against that of an American student, he would have the lead on any high school graduate. "Our schools are about two years ahead of yours here in the United States so, actually, I was already in a bit of college." Peter will not, however, continue in school. He doesn't think it would be possible with guest appearances, films, records and the lot. The Hermits, with leader Herman, are in Hollywood these days causing havoc on the MGM lot with There's No Place Like Space - the second picture for the young group. MGM is famous for the big musicals they staged in the days when boy-met-girl-sang-to-girl-married-girl type films were being made. Mickey Rooney sang to Judy Garland on this huge sound stage ... and now the Hermits are breaking things up on this time honored set.  Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter earned gold record for (l. to rt.) Keith, Barry, Herman, Karl and Lek The boys are having a ball on this trip, their second, to the States. Herman told us they were able to move around freely. "As long as we travel singly, no one bothers any of us." One thing they are really enjoying is the house that was rented for these Manchester lads. It's the same |
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one the Beatles used when they were last in the film capital. "It's wonderful," Herman smiled to us. "We get awakened by a maid, have breakfast - whatever we like - in bed, if we like, and have a wonderful pool to swim in." But it isn't very often that the boys have a chance to fully use the facilities of this charming house. Usually, they have to be at the studio very early ... the studio routine is enough to squelch almost anyone. But undaunted by the rigors of making a film, the Hermits have held some wild, swinging parties at the house. One night, "the owner came in to meet us," Herman said, "And also to check on his house!" But the owner didn't have much to worry about - not with these boys. Some of the nicest and most cooperative lads in the industry today, Herman and his brood are thoughtful and likeable boys who are always polite and gentlemanly. We asked Herman, who acts much older than his 17 years, whether he planned to continue on as a single in the near future. "We'll stick together as long as the act's doing well and we get along well. No sense in trying to do so otherwise." Peter Noone, who created the Hermits and has almost forsaken his real name in favor of "Herman," is a realistic young man with a bright view of his future, and an appealing insight into the present. The group's first film, When The Boys Meet The Girls, should be released around Christmas time. In it, the boys will appear as themselves and sing several songs. But their new flick is centered about them, and the boys are going wild on the set. There's No Place Like Space is about some Air Force children who decide that the next space ship should be named "Herman's Hermits." To pacify the kids, the parents agree to the name - but the State Department doesn't. They feel it's un-American to name a military craft representing the United States government after an "English" singing group! That's where the fun starts - the State Department goes looking for excuses to change the name, but the boys don't give them any cause. It's a funny film and should be released in late winter. Was there anyone Peter would like to meet in the U.S. while he was here? "Yes," he smiled, "Bob Dylan." That should be an interesting meeting if it comes about. Herman - Peter - is a talented singer-composer who is gracious enough to smile at everyone and take his fame as a quirk, not as something which is owed to him or is coming to him. If herman is your idol - fine - but remember, he didn't achieve fame at the price of being a high school drop-out, so don't you be either! |