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Ava Gardner smiles at German customs official

(John Russ/Stars and Stripes)

Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, Dec. 12, 1951: Ava Gardner grants one of her magnetic smiles to a young German customs official after arriving at Rhein-Main Air Base with her newly minted husband, Frank Sinatra. The actress and singer — who got married just over a month ago — are in Germany to perform in Hollywood’s “Surprise Package” show next week. The show — filled with song, dance and comedy routines — also stars Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, among others.

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