The girl stood in the lobby brushing the stationary absently across her left hand fingers. “He’s coming here and I hope to be going there. How typical for this situation. We’ve never quite connected in so many ways.” 

Wearily Helen hiked up to the apartment on the third floor, pushing the door closed with her hip, listening for the latch.

“Mother,” she called out. “Elie’s coming back.” 

From the narrow hall she heard her mother sigh.

 

*

 

“Try this black dress. It has a veil and a lace black umbrella.” Whalen quietly fussed and adjusted Helen’s costume.

“All right,” she stood still while her new partner coiled the gown over her head.

 “How does this look?”  Helen stepped back, while Whalen appraised her.

“Perfect, Helen. I thought we’d have to alter the waist, but you’ve trimmed down.”

“I should hope so,” the dancer laughed, “I think Jans planned an exercise schedule and just called it rehearsal.” 

  It was a mild May afternoon in 1934 when Jans and Whalen, with their new partner Helen Thompson, met on the docks to set sail on the S.S. Aquitania.

 

 

 

 

*

 

“Helen,” Elie grasped her upper arms. “I’m not sorry I came to New York even to see you for such a brief time. I—I want you more than any other ambition in my life.” Elie’s face twisted with pain. “And my dearest girl, I don’t believe I shall ever again lay eyes on you after this ship sails today.” 

“Elie please, it’s only a four-week engagement.” The girl awkwardly soothed him.

 “My heart tells me you will never marry me.” His eyes closed. “And for me there is no one else, only you.” 

Helen stared at his tie tack, a lustrous pearl on a grey tie.

“I will never change my heart or my mind. It’s only you for the rest of my days,” Elie lamented.

“Cheer up. I’ll see you soon.” Helen forced a smile, lightly pecked the Belgian on the cheek, and rushed up the busy gangway, escaping. When she joined the crowd at the top deck railing she spied Elie, and he hadn’t moved an inch. He caught her eye, and gazed back intensely, unresponsive to her friendly wave. Ashamed, she stepped away from the guardrail and disappeared into the animated crowd. Her remorse pressed on her heavier than her steamer trunk.

“What did you say to that poor guy? Is he your boyfriend, Helen?” Jans abruptly asked, stopping her as she pressed through passengers.

“Oh, Harry, he’d like to think so. I feel so bad. His name’s Elie and he is crazy about me.” 

“Not your cup of tea, then.” 

“I honestly don’t know. The way he dotes on me leaves me bewildered. Sometimes I think I should marry him; other times I want to run the other way.”

Jans gently took both of Helen’s hands in his. “Honey, if you loved that boy, you wouldn’t have boarded this ship. You wouldn’t have auditioned for the act. Your heart would be floating, overflowing with joy.”

The dancer looked at her new partner and smiled at his kind words, though she felt more like weeping.

Jans read her thoughts. “Helen, when you fall in love—and you will, nothing will feel the same. Your life will shift unexpectedly off course, and you will follow it gladly.” 

“Thanks Harry,” Helen sniffled, tears now rolling down her cheeks.

“Now, now. None of that,” Jans kindly scolded. “Geez, kid, you needed a trip!”

 

*

 

     Dearest Bert,

We enjoyed a safe, but drenching voyage to Plymouth. I had to find Jans and Harold Whalen on the deck so we could ride the train into London together. It was a black umbrella convention! 

I have to admit I panicked a little trying to find the boys under every “bumbershoot”—nearly slipped on the wet top deck in my heels, but finally caught sight of Whalen waving his hat—he saw me first. It’s funny how much Harry Jans and Harold Whalen look alike, but they couldn’t be more different. Jans is all business and confidence while Whalen is so fragile. It’s like one word might break him in two. He’s very sweet.

When I caught up with them Jans announced “Come hither my good lady, our chariot awaits.” 

It made me laugh while Whalen just grinned. Glad we were having a laugh, because the footrace to the train risked bodily injury. I took hold of both their sleeves so we could stay together and we splashed quickly to the rail platform.

Then wouldn’t you know it, the compartments were full and so humid. Sweat dripped down every window as we searched for an empty berth. Finally, in the last carriage, Jans spotted an empty compartment. It seated four, but we took up all the space. Whalen surprised me by making a fourth rider out of our luggage. It was hilarious, and the conductor didn’t even care, he didn’t even look up. Even with the train so crowded. Mother, they are such nice gentlemen. I thanked them for hiring me. Jans told me they were the lucky ones. Sweet isn’t it.

As you can see by this stationary we are booked at The Cumberland Hotel. It is so grand, so modern. I have my own sink!  We still navigate down the hall for the lavatory, but the sink makes such a difference. I can wash my hair and my undergarments in private. Hip Hip Hooray!

                                          More Later,

                                               Helen

 

      Dear Dorothy,

I am sorry to write to you in a crisis, but I have dreadful news. Please keep what I’m about to tell you a secret—not a word to my Mother or my sister, please. We’ve been fired!  I know—it’s horrible. I don’t know what we’ll do. Jans says he can fix it, but I’m not so sure. I may have to come home early. I am writing to you because I can’t say a thing to my Mother—you know how she gets. But I may need a little money to get home. I do promise to pay you back when I get on my feet.

We made our first trip to the Palladium, they lettered my name on the billboard “Helen Thompson, Our Saucy Soubrette” whatever that means. I thought it was cute. Anyhow, we entered the theatre through the back entrance and met a lot of the cast. Such nice people, too. They told us that “The Crazy Show,” that’s what they call it, has been coming back to the Palladium for years. This group of comedians is known, together, as the “Crazy Gang” and made us feel very welcome. They explained that the same crowds return each season to see their old friends in the show.

We felt pretty excited opening night when Jans and Whalen took the stage after the all-cast extravaganza and began their routine. Harry Jans told the one about the soldier who had survived mustard gas and pepper spray becoming a seasoned veteran. No on laughed. The audience hated them. No one booed, and they clapped a little when Jans played and sang, “Miss Porkington Would Like Creampuffs.” Remember that silly song?  Other than that polite response, not a snicker sounded in the whole house.

Then I went on stage and performed a widow comedy monologue; black gown, the whole bit, and I bombed too. With all those spotlights trained on me, if it hadn’t been for the coughing and murmuring I would have thought the theater empty. It was horrible— nauseating— I couldn’t believe how miserably we failed. WE LAID AN EGG!

After the show some of the regulars took us out for drinks. I wanted to run back to the hotel and hide. They led us to a nice pub, but I felt so shook up I could hardly light my cigarette. They explained that English audiences often don’t understand American humor. In particular, my widow act seemed more offensive than funny.

“Too many widows after the Great War,” one comedian named Eddie Gray told me. “Not funny to families with loved ones who died in the trenches.” 

That never crossed my mind, Dot. It’s been almost 15 years, for goodness’ sake. So we were ready to make the changes the boys in the cast suggested. No prohibition jokes, no dead jokes, more songs, and lighter skits. When we arrived for rehearsal the next morning letters were pinned to the dressing room doors that we were to clean our things out—that the management would no longer honor our contract. By the way, the Times critics gave us a lambasting, too. I got to feel mortified all over again.

So, dear Dorothy, that is how the situation stands. Whalen won’t come out of his room. Jans is ready to murder the guy in the front office, and I may drag out my trunk and mail myself home. Just let me know if you can cover my passage. But, don’t do anything yet.

Thanks oodles and oodles and mum’s the word.

                                                            Helen

 

   

 My Dear Friend Dorothy,

Salvation! We have been kept on the bill, at least for a couple of small bits. So thanks for agreeing to help me home, but Jans did take care of things. I swear, Dot, Harry Jans could coax the English rain back into the gray English clouds.

It all happened so quickly, but this is how events turned. We were shocked, and then worried, as I’m sure you could tell. Then Jans remembered that our contract explicitly stated we were to make $1000 dollars a week regardless of circumstances. He marched into the manager’s office and wouldn’t leave until he received a check for $4000 dollars, or our reinstatement to the show. The manager balked and then Jans reiterated that the contract was clear. My partner gets a little fierce when he’s riled and I think he scared the fellow. The manager said he’d discuss it with his investors.

But that’s not the best part. The whole cast refused to go on until we were back on the billing!  Their leader, Teddy Knox, told the manager that one night wasn’t fair, and that until we went on again, they would wait. All of them!  Bless their hearts! Guess they are crazy. Later, I caught up with Teddy Knox in the green room and told him how grateful I was. I guess I just hugged him and cried.

So all is well, and Bertha still calm. I will tell her, but will word my letter so that she doesn’t blow her stack. Thanks again, Dot. You are such a swell friend!

                                                Helen

 

 

      Dear Bert,

We have had quite a hectic week. We opened on Thursday night and were fired Friday morning. Can you believe that? But don’t panic, we’re back on the bill now. It was all a misunderstanding; apparently people in England and people in the States laugh at different things, so we changed our act a bit. Should be all right now. Jans and Whalen are keeping a close eye on me so don’t worry. I will send a money order in my next letter and hopefully more news. Don’t worry Mother. Things here are fine. Love to Eileen.

Love,

                                                     Wellen

 

    

      Helen,

I don’t understand how you could take firing lightly. If there are any further problems you catch the first ship home. You tell Harry Jans that I mean it. Now take care, and make sure you keep me informed of any other issues.

                        Mother

      

     Dear Mother,

I hope that you aren’t too cross with me. We won’t be gone long, and I will be home very soon. The three of us are back in the lineup. Jans and Whalen play toreadors in the opening number, and I am in a black and white feather costume complete with white boots. The outfits are very snazzy. We sing the show’s theme song, “Come Round London with Me,” then “God Save the King.” We had to rehearse them both, and the audience stands up and sings along when “God Save the King” begins. Can you believe it?

Jans and I finally are doing our own skit. I wear my tap shoes, a short flared skirt with suspenders and a huge pink bow in my hair. On cue I timidly step to center stage (everyone can hear each tap). Under the spotlight Jans, says “Did you come out to sing a song for the nice people?” 

I point to my throat and croak out “l-a-r-y-n-g-i-t-i-s.”

Jans answers, “Oh, that’s a shame we all were looking forward to your number.” 

I lean over and whisper into Jans’ ear. Jans then says loudly “You want to whisper the words to me, and I sing the song? Yes, yes, a grand idea! I would love to!”  He announces “This song is called “Where on Earth could all the Fairies Be?” 

I whisper in his ear, he sings a line, next whisper, he sings, and then Jans finishes, arms opened wide belting the out the refrain, “Where on Earth could all the Fairies Be?” 

A spotlight quickly hits Jimmy Naughton, (he’s a Brit) planted up in the balcony who calls out in an effeminate voice,

 

 

“Oh, my, where aren’t they?”  The lights cut to black and the crowd roars with laughter. Cute, huh? 

Did you receive the money I mailed?

It won’t be long now,

                                                Little Sister

 

     Dearest Helen,

Hope that you are staying safe and minding your manners. The show sounds quite good. Your sister is now working in Indianapolis in a new production. I’m here by myself. Hope you get home soon. I didn’t get out of bed today. No one to get out of bed for. Your envelope arrived safely to the apartment.

                                    Your Mother

 

     Dearest Bert,

I am so happy to hear that Eileen is working. That has to be a relief, doesn’t it?  I’ll be home before you know it. Hang on. The boys and I have been sightseeing. We toured mostly on foot using Whalen’s walking map. We saw Buckingham Palace—it’s so regal, so beautiful, so big! 

Jans and Whalen horsed around in front of the Beefeaters guarding the palace. How could two comedians resist?  Jans danced a wild Charleston nearly in a guard’s front pocket, but the sentry did not so much as blink. We later ambled through Kew Gardens alive with color though it’s been unusually cool and rainy.

Whalen led the way to Big Ben, but we were disappointed when we got there. The clock tower is covered by layers of scaffolding because it’s under renovation and difficult to see. Whalen shocked us when he stepped past the pedestrian barricades to get a better look. Though nervous, we followed him and I’m glad we did. The tower is huge! 

It’s rained so much that we went shopping at Harrods and bought umbrellas for sightseeing. And yes, we stopped at London Bridge where we took a lot of snapshots that I guess you have already seen since they were in this envelope.

As you can tell mother it’s not ‘falling down’ like they used to sing.   I’ve enclosed a money order for $75.00.

                                                Love, Helen

 

     Helen,

Hearing of your tour makes me wonder when you have had time to perform. Keep your attention on your career. You are there for experience and exposure. I saw Mr. Evans today and showed him your letter. He is disappointed too. Keep your mind on your work.

                                                Mother 

 

     Dearest Mother,

I have the most wonderful news. Charlotte and Grace are working here in London, too!  I had been reading the theater guide in The Times and the girls are opening at the Savoy Theatre. We walked down there to see if they were around—and by the way, the Savoy looks just like The New York Times Building. We went backstage and they were there. They were as tickled to see me as I was to see them. They are such swell friends.

            Jans and Whalen laughed at us as I introduced everybody (we jumped around hugging and squealing). Jans promised we would come to their opening night and we did. I think Jans just wanted to scout out the competition. The show wasn’t so hot. Whalen tried to say nice things, like “lovely costumes” and “enjoyed that American quartet.” 

I told him I didn’t think it too great, either. But this one group could really sing, Mother. Jans found their name on the bill, they were The Mills Brothers. Best act I’ve seen so far in London, except us, ha. They sang some songs we have heard on the radio in New York, “Sweet Sue”, “Tiger Rag”, “Chinatown, My Chinatown,” remember?  Try to stay happy till I get there. Don’t let Mr. Evans tell you any different. Have you heard from Eileen or Elie Gelaki?

                                                Love,

                                     Number Two Daughter

 

     

 

      Dear Helen,

Eileen won’t be home for weeks; her show is playing on the road. She said she would look again for a place for you in the production when you get back. I hope you can find work in New York—you’ve been gone long enough, for heaven’s sake. I think Elie returned to London. He never came by to see me again. I don’t know what became of him. Carrie Whalen came by and she wants Harold home as much as I want you here.

                                                Mother

 

Gail Chumbley is the author of the two part saga, “River of January,” and “River of January: Figure Eight.” Both books are available at http://www.river-of-january.com or on Amazon.