Boxing Ring as Step to Stage and Films

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 351, 11 May 1928, Page 7

Boxing Ring as Step to Stage and Films

Ho te Is. Fascinate Pugs, Too? FEW ARE MUSICAL Apart from the musical sounds with which they are familiar when an unsympathetic fist comes in contact with the point of their chin, fighters in Australia \ have little knowledge of music. TN the majority of cases when he— A or the promoters—decide he has had enough, a mauler’s mind immediately begins mingling with thoughts far removed from prohibition, and usually rises to the heights of owning an hotel, or starring in films and on the stage, says the Sydney “Guardian.” A notable exception to be attracted by music is Fritz Holland, now in Christchurch. A wonderful fighter in his time, Fritz always had a mind for melody, and he was an exceptionally good instrumentalist. He >uld play excellent music on any variety of string and brass instrument. Fritz appeared in many theatres, scoring great successes in the Melrose Theatre. Perth. Favoured Step From stouch to stage has ever been a popular step with the sluggers, and it vies with hotel-owning for popularity. The incomparable Darcy once appeared in a musical show that was playing in the West Maitland district, while one of Les’s opponents, Fred Dyer, billed as the “Welsh Miner,” was an exceptionally good singer, and was brought out to Australia by Fullers. Old-timer Joe Thomel is in great demand by producers desiring Eastern characters for a show. He played in “Cairo,” “White Cargo,” and “Rain,” those three being his biggest successes. Australia’s ex-triple champion, Bill Grime, now in America, is another greatly attracted by the footlights. Grime once had a vaudeville show in the Ardlethan and Young districts, while he had almost made up his mind to appear in a sketch with ! “Kangaroosta” Reg Thornton when he l decided on his trip away. The late j Peter Felix was with J. C. Williamson for many years. | Bert Spargo, one of Australia’s best glove-men in recent years, and ex-feather-weight champion, appeared in Sydney in “Is Zat So?” and hapdled his part passably, while Ted Zeegward. well known to Stadium patrons, was with Fullers for a long time in

a posing act. As a poser he is to be preferred to a pugilist. Dan Creedon and Starlight both appeared in Bland Holt productions in Melbourne. Popular trainer Les O’Donnell was on the stage with Bob Fitzsimmi s d Tommy Burns. Fashion in America In America, Jim Jeffries, Tom Sharkey, Jimmy Britt, Jim Corbett, Jack Dempsey. Benny Leonard. Willie Ritchie, and Jack Johnson, who is excelcent on the cello, have all made a name on the stage and in movies, while in England. Gunner Moir and Bombardier Wells are two of many who have scored notable successes on the stage. Former world’s champion and one of pugilism’s most colourful figures, Georges Carpentier, stands alone, however, as a stage star. In light comedy Carpentier plays leading parts in Paris and makes big money.

In Australia, in pictures like “For the Term of His Natural Life” and “The Adorable Outcast,” boxers are always in big demand by the producers, and, of the many who have had small parts, a former heavy-weight Dan Gallagher, a pupil of Fritz Holland’s, who has travelled extensively with several companies, has made quite a big success.