“FLOWER” SUPERSTITION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12751, 6 January 1936, Page 7

“FLOWER” SUPERSTITION

ACTRESS LOSES LAWSUIT

“BUT SHE IS A GOOD ARTIST SAYS JUDGE.

LONDON, Nov. 30

Superstition has proved costly to Miss Nornh Chaplin, a London actress.

She lost the case —in the King's Bench division this week—in which she sued the Windmill Theatre, of Piccadilly Circus, claiming damage'? Tor alleged wrongful dismissal. In October last year Miss Chapman signed a twelve-month contract with the theatre at £1 a week. On September 7 of this year she was dismissed. The two sides of the case submitted in court were:

By Miss Chapman.—On the evening I was dismissed I was given real flowers to wear on the stage, as part, of the show, instead of the customary artificial flowers. This upset me very much, as there is a superstition among actors and actresses that it ‘- 1 unlucky to wear. real flowers on the stage.

' By The Theatre.—Miss Chapman disobeyed the-stage manager regarding th c flowers, and upset the liar* niony which should exist among the whole company. Also she was had tempered and made violet scenes off tlie. stage! Miss Chapman denied all these allegations. Mr. Vivian Vandman, general manager a tthe theatre, said he paid attention to artists’ feelings, but not to' any of their superstitions. Mr Justice Horrktgc, "giving judgment for the theatre, with costs, pointed out that there was nothing in his decision which aflected 'Miss Chapman’s professional reputation in any way. In fact, everybody admitted that she did her stage work extreme* ly well.

It is pointed, out that thc “flower superstition” is only one of the many stage superstitions. Ani'onoj other things, it is considered unlucky to—

Whistle in a dressing-room; Say.the tag (last lino.) of a play at rehearsals (all producers . recognise this); .

Dress a scene in green or wear green ■ ... •

Accept a five-shilling piece; Sing “Three Blind Mice,” “I Dreamt I Dwelt In) Marhl c Halls,” or Tosti’s “Good-bye”; " Introduce'; “gold”, of “golden" in a play-title.