Mystery Man Saves Show

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 329, 9 January 1937, Page 3

Mystery Man Saves Show

•TRANSATLANTIC RHYTHM’ GOES ON WITHOUT RUTH ETTING

'Transatlantic Rhythm,” £26,00C show at the Adelphi, London, has been saved by a mystery man. And in the words of the much-troubled producer Mr. Felix Ferry, "It will run as long as the public wants it.”

But Ruth Etting, American croone’ and one of the stars of the show, wa: not in the performance. Prettj Dorothy Dare, Hollywood starlet anc Miss Etting’s understuly, rntc the breach.

As a matter of fact, Miss Etting wai in the audience at the Tivoli Cinema in the Strand—opposite the Adelphi. Miss Etting intends to return tc America with her husband, Colone ! Snyder. Sensation followed sensation back stage before the curtain went up.

Put bn at the last minute without re hearsal, with call boys shouting foi principals in the corridors while the management were still in conference as to whether it would go on or not, ths show had been a success.

Felix Ferry arrived at the theatre looking flushed and triumphant. "Th# show’s going to carry on,” he said, bu 1 he could not give us a mon? definite statement.

Then there was a dramatic interlude Colonel Snyder arrived at the theatre in a state of excitement. He said his wife was going to quit, and he had made arrangements for them to leave Britan fob the States. He wanted their pass ports. i Meanwhile the future of the show was still in doubt. Mr Ferry waited in his office. promised a statement at three o’clock—but it didn’t come. At four he still, had nothing definite to say. Six o’clock! Felix Ferry heaved ji sigh of relief. The show had beer saved. "I have just completed a new arrangement," he said to me. "A new partner has come in at my backer. He is going to take the liabilities and come in on a percentage share of the profits I cannot tell you who he is. I arr sworn to, secrecy. "But he is an American, has nol previously been engaged in the show business, and I had a conversation with him on the matter. "From to-night the artists will be paid, their normal salaries and the arrears will be cleared off. The show will go on." ‘I Am Through’ "I am through with the whole busi ness.. I am not appearing in ‘Transatlantic Rhythm’ to-night nor any other night,” declared Ruth Etting. "I am going home. ‘‘lam very sorry that my first visit to England should have resulted in this unseeming publicity. It was not mv seeking.”

Whoever is the mystery saviour of the show it is not ATr James Donahue, Woolworth millionaire, who was one of the original backers.

'I do not intend to place one penny more in the show,” he said last night. "I have bought experience and I hope that I have profited by it. ,