Jimmy Savo

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 211, 7 September 1938, Page 11

Jimmy Savo

Jimmy Savo credits an inferiority complex with his success as an actor.

Savo, New York born of Italian parentage, sold papers on tho streets. He was small for his age. The larger boys picked on him.

“I had to learn tricks to beat them in fights,” he says. “ When X lcarneu enough tricks, I didn’t have to light any more.”

He saw a fellow newsboy juggling seven balls. “I had to learn that,'* he declares, lie practised for two years, using stones. When ho got cnouga

money, he bought marbles. It was a great day when he could afford handballs. Then he increased the number to oight, and ho was satisfied. “I cornu beat that boy juggling,” ho proudly admits.

That ho became the best boy juggler on the New York stage was just a byproduct. When he discovered ho couid make 25d015. a night, juggling in clubs, more than he could make in a month

soiling papers, he stuck to the stage. He mastered dancing, juggling, acrobatics, pantomime and tight wire walking. He became the best known 4 ‘dumb act” iu the world.

He lias just finished his first real talking picture, “Reckless Living” at

Universal studios. His previous screen work was all pantomime. But before his screen career, ho was known in Paris, London, Berlin, Rome—all tho capitals of the world. Ilis American appearance embraced seasons with Vogues, Vanities, Follies; with Billy Rose's Cafe de Paris; with tho Theatre Guild, vaudeville, Summer stock.

Jimmie has a comfortable fortune, and doesn't care much for money. Ho and his wife live simply. “I guess I would be selling newspapers if I hadn't wanted to beat that other boy juggling,” Jimmie says. And that, apparently, is tho secret of his success. He doesn't want to think there is anything he can't do—■ as good an the acxl man!