THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20464, 2 April 1938, Page 17 (Supplement)

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

“MOONLIGHT FLITS” BY PERFORMERS OFTEN STRANDED FAR FROM HOME When in Sydney recently I visited the Cinesound Studio at Bondi, where I was impressed by the comedy work of Letty Craydon in the George Wallace film “Let George Do It.” In one scene, as a “slavey” in a theatrical boardinghouse, she read the menu in a manner that convulsed everyone in the studio. Y'ou wait for that final line, “And stewed fruit,” and you will be amused tool Miss Craydon indulged in some interesting reminiscences of the show business in the “good old days.”

Times Have Changed “Things aren’t what they used to be,” she said. “The days of ‘Moonlight Flits’ are over, and there is no possibility of becoming stranded In some out of the way place without a penny in your purse. Tours are ’quite quiet and well-ordered affairs these days, because the Government has seen to that. “A certain sum of money has to be deposited with the authorities before a company can be taken on tour. If a show is not a success, then you are at least assured of your fare home, moreover, tours these days are usually conducted by people of standing and irreproachable character. “It wasn’t always like that. A few years ago, you left your home town hoping that the show would ‘click’ and that you wouldn’t be stranded—in fact, yoiu lived on hope, but, alas! your hopes were not always realised. A Long Way from Home “On two occasions, I was stranded hundreds of miles from home. The first time in Cairns, and the second— I hope sincerely the last —in Tasmania. “When I was broken the news of our plight in Cairns, I sat down and wept. But I was soon cheered up by the others. Most of them had been in a similar plight before, and took the blow philosophically, “Let’s get organised,” said an old trouper, so we held a meeting on the stage. We decided to place our position before the responsible people in the town, and see what could be done. In a few hours the local magistrate, clergyman, priest, policeman, hotel proprietor and a few others were organising a concert with the company as performers. It was a huge success, and a repeat performance was necessary. The proceeds paid our fares to Sydney, and we were soon on the road again. Landladies Deceived “To deceive boardinghouse-keepers and beat a retreat without paying was among the accomplishments of many

unscrupulous members of the profession who prided themselves on their skill at making a ‘Moonlight Flit.’ These exciting nocturnal dashes were a common occurrence. “One of the most popular methods, practised by many, w’as to have their bags carried out of the house during the day as stage props. Immediately after the show f they would catch a train, and so do the boardinghousekeeper out of a week’s board; now’, how-ever, he is safeguarded by seeing that all board Is paid in advance. “A spirit of camaraderie ahvays existed between players, and it was your duty to w’arn a fellow artist of an uncomfortable lodging place. If you struck a snag in the person of your landlady, and saw a friend swinging up the garden path with grips in hand, you would whistle “The Sailor’s Hornpipe,” and without even seeing the house he would turn on his heel and try the next place. As you can imagine, It wasn’t long before boarding-house-keepers grew wise to the signal, and if you w’ere heard whistling that tune there w r ould be a terrific uproar. A Shocking Experience “Touring In tents was a lot of fun —when you look back on it. I remember one occasion when the roads were in such a state -hat we hr.d to travel on a big motor tractor. It was a shocking experience, but w ? as much worse when the manager made us jump dowm half a mile from the town ar-d walk the rest of the distance. His idea w r as for us to trip up to the town like Hollywood stars, which we did, letting all and sundry know tint cxur limousines were just around the corAlthough young In years, Letty Craydon is old in experience. She made her stage debut at the age of six months, and has been playing parts ever since she learned to walk. Her first screen appearance was made in Cinesound’s “Tall Timbers,” her w’Ork in this film earning -her an important part in “Let George Do It,” which stars the inimitable comedian George Wallace. . .. _