ALL ABOUT BING

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 100, 23 May 1941, Page 42

ALL ABOUT BING

Organised Admiration Of The Popular Mr. Crosby

N the course of a heated controversy some months ago on swing and classical music The Listener printed a letter from the Bing Crosby Far Club of Christchurch which claimed, among other things, that Bing Crosby was "one of the greatest if not the greatest singer of all time." Many must have wondered simultaneously whether the claim was made seriously and whether an organisation of Crosby fans really existed in this country. Apparently it was and there does. The club has since been incorporated in a larger, New Zealand-wide body terming itself the New Zealand Bing Crosby and Dick Cromwell Fan Club. The club’s quarterly magazine, a bright little publication of 20 pages, is just to hand. Anyone who is intensely interested in Bing Crosby, his hobbies, what he wears and how he looks when he is playing golf, should read this magazine. They will find it all there. Dick Cromwell, who shares the club’s affections with Bing Crosby, is what the Hollywood studios describe as a "featured player." That he should have so many ardent admirers here will probably be a pleasant surprise to the motionpicture industry. Honorary presidents of the CrosbyCromwell club are, of course, Mr. Crosby and Mr. Cromwell, whose addresses, for the interest of those who would like to send them fan letters, are given as 9028 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, and 1626 North Stanley Ave., Hollywood, respectively. Active president is Joan Webb, of Palmerston North; vice-president is Emily Ridler, of Wellington; Australian representative is Gloria Watson, Syd-

ney, and Wick Powell and: Peter Coke are honorary members. Presumably Dick Powell is the film star and crooner. | Interview by Post The big news story of the latest issue of the. fan magazine is a postal interview with Bing Crosby himself. In the hope that it may clear up any misapprehensions on _ the part of the New Zealand public, it is: Q. Which do you prefer, radio or film work? A. Radio is less work and I’m lazy.

es | How long have you had your own radio programme? Eight years. Have you ever taken singing lessons? For three or four weeks. Is it true that you wear those South Sea shirts, just because they don’t need tucking in your trousers, and so save time? No! I wear them for comfort. Do you intend to visit New Zealand and Australia? Yes, I hope to some day, but have no definite plans at present. Do you think Fan Clubs help a star? They do, very much. Do you ever take advice from your fans? Sure, I do. A Game of Golf The magazine also contains a reverential account by a New York fan of a meeting with Crosby during a- golf tournament, several items of general fan interest, and a further account of a meeting with golfer Crosby, this time by James M. Fidler, who is described as a "radio movie critic." Says Mr. Fidler: "T first met Bing at a Hollywood golf club, where the caddie master approached me and said, Mr. Crosby, the radio singer, is visiting us to-day. Have you (Continued on next page) OPoP oO Oo Pp OP ie

Good news for Crosby fans is the fact that "Time,’ the American news magazine, rates his latest movie, "The Road to Zanzibar," with "The Road to Singapore," as a good, rousing "slap-happy" comedy. "Time" also devotes two pages, five pictures and its cover to Crosby, his four sons, and his fabulous income

ALL ABOUT BING (Continued from previous page)

room for him in your game? I don’t like -radio singers, was my retort. You'll like Crosby, the caddie, master said. And so Bing joined our threesome. He proved to be a quiet, deep-voiced, amblinggaited chap with a huge pair of shoulders and a shaggy, lion-like head. He has sleepy blue eyes and strong, white teeth. He has a pleasantly lazy smile, and when we were introduced, he shook hands with a firm grip that left my own hand tingling. Glad to meetcha, he said, and at once I liked him. "Before we played three holes I was calling him Bing and we were razzing each other’s game like old pals. Before Bing departed, I decided he was one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met. That was three years ago, and I’ve never had reason to change my opinion. If anything I like him better to-day than at the beginning. I have added respect to my first admiration, a respect based on the fact that he has been able to achieve such tremendous success and yet maintain a level head." Both Bing Crosby and Dick Cromwell say there is nothing they would like ‘better than to visit New Zealand. They would certainly be sure of a warm weltome from a good many people.