CLOWN WITH FORTUNE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21221, 30 December 1930, Page 9

CLOWN WITH FORTUNE.

, REASONS FOR RETIRING

“ FED UP WITH THE STAGE.”

Crock, the famous clown, who in private life is M. Adrien Wettaoh, gave his reasons, in Berlin recently for announcing his decision to retire from the halls. * i.l correspondent 0 f the Daily Mail tamed with Crock in his private room at the Scala. Theatre, where he began his hnal Berlin engagement. "I am fed up” he said. lam fed up with travelling: I am fed up with hotels; and I am fed up with stage. I playi here for a month, and in January I play in Paris, and that is the end, “ But you .simply must say good-bye to .London too,” the interviewer said. “Yes,” he said, “! should like to, and I will tell you why. London audiences are the best in the world. Nowhere is it so easy tb get stuff over the floodlights as m London. The English have such a quick sense of humour that the tiniest gesture tells.” „ T “ T . h en why not go?” he was asked. Is ik the question of the income tax demanded from you in 1926 that stands in the way? ”

“I have always paid income tax in EngiandM. Wettach said. “ What I .objected to was a demand' for super-tax for three years. Well, perhaps I shall come after all. I have been approached. It is_ just a question of arranging terms. But it is no good offering me for a week in London what I get in Berlin in two days. I might come in February.” “ And afterwards? ”

“ Well,” he said, “ I have the most wonderful home in the -world. It is in Italy—-at Oneglia, a palace with 36 rooms and gardens and a park, I love it.” it They say you have spent £IOO,OOO on “Oh, far, more than that,” he said, ‘ And you have cars and everything you want? ” “Only three cars,” the clown said modestly. “But lam going on working. I am going to make a film here in Berlin as soon as my engagement at the Scala is. ended; a veal Crock film. I and a mend have done the story, a very pretty story, ourselves. I am going to do it in English, French and German. If it succeeds —and lam sure it will—l shall do another.”