He’s been the ultimate Hollywood survivor. Daily Variety’s Army Archerd, who will be giving up the three-dot industry insider column he has penned for 52 years, provides a revealing roadmap on the ways and means of show business over the last half century. That covers a lot of opening nights, Oscar parties and publicist tidbits. Here’s a sampler of the earlier years:

“Here’s the answer to the public’s question to the future of 3-D: Of the hundreds we queried at the Hollywood Paramount, nine out of 10 want to see more 3-D’s Even the kids said they’d be willing to spend a buck to buy better-fitting permanent glasses.”

1953

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“Donald O’Connor subbed for the ailing Judy Garland’s second show at the Flamingo Sunday night. O’Connor, who bows at the Sahara tonite, explodes 150 balloons in his production number finale of each show. Like to have the balloon concession?”

1957

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“Carolyn Jones’ Wm. Morris agents flipped her a deal to star in ‘Left Bank’ in Paris, for $75,000 she flipped over the price and the yarn until reading the last scene which reveals she plays a lesbian. Then, she really flipped told off the 10 per centers for suggesting she’d play a censorable-themed pic.”

1959

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“It’s not a good morning in Hollywood reeling from the tragic death of Marilyn Monroe. Last week she seemed happy with the thought of working in ‘Something’s Got to Give’ in December when Dean Martin would be free of “Toys in the Attic.” Martin, vacationing at Alisal ranch while “Give” plans revived, called home yesterday ayem to check fone messages received the news of MM’s death from Mack Gray. ‘I don’t believe it I don’t believe it,’ Martin muttered…”

1962

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“The gracious bow last night of the Music Center’s first phase, the Pavilion, finally gives L.A. city class and classification The beauty and facilities of the Pavilion must be personally experienced to be fully understood from the plush luxury of the last row in the balcony (which we tested) to the regal splendor of the Founders’ Circle (which we found barely more comfortable) Founders, by the way, boast personally plaqued seats and we discovered the Bob Hopes and Jack Bennys able to nod to each other ”

1964

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“I think I’ll just quit I can’t follow that,” Audrey Hepburn said, hours after her standing ovation at the Oscars. She arrived at the Irving Lazars’ Spago wallbuster and asked Tom Selleck for an autograph for her young son in Italy, where ‘Magnum’ is a big favorite.”

1986