PERRY “BALLYHOO”

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 19, 23 January 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

PERRY “BALLYHOO”

EARLY START IN U.S.A. Two months ago American sports writers were saying that Fred Perry had missed his great chance of making money out of professional tennis. A year ago Mr. Perry might JHave influenced 50,000 dollars or so into his exchequer by agreeing to join the excursion conducted by Bill O'Brien, ti.e promoter, in concert with “Big Bill” Tilden. Perry they said, had let his great chance slip, and it was questionable whether he could get 5000 dollars if he turned pro. Five weeks later Perry signed up for 100,000 dollars for a series of matches in various parts of the United States. In signing the contract he dictated his own terms, such as reserving to himself all film rights and the use of his name in any advertising, newspaper articles, etc. Now that Perry has turned professional the ballyhoo commences. It is the old gag this is being worked. Tilden says that Perry cannot hope

to beat Vines, though “Bunny” Austin has beaten him and what Perry did to Vines In their only big match is well known. The tennis fans of the United States will be worked to fever heat. That Perry is not unmindful of the racket being worked is evident in his associating himself with none other than Groucho Marx. Groucho is the wise-cracking member of the team, when told that a four-year-old child could do it replied “Then send for the four-year-old child.” They have opened up in partnership a tennis club in that smart section of Hollywood suburbs, Beverly Hills, whose mayor used to be none other than the late Will Rogers. Film stars, the majority of whom are now going in for sport, will be coached by Ferry. With Perry’s knowledge of tennis, and Groucho Marx’s knowledge of how to do business with Americans, for he is the financial manager of the Marx Bros., Perry looks like being in the money.