The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-09-10
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN


AZ long AZ she lived Joan Rad
zell knew she would never forget
the triumph of that night.
Jerry had stood for an instant
in the wings. her hand an her
daughters arm. Motherltke,
Jerry's concern had been all for
her daughter. Don't be afraid. !"
Jerry said. and for an instant
there hadn't been even a CULVER OF
her lips. ,Only the coldness of her
hand proved to Joan how excited
her mother was. Don't be afraid,
June" Jerry said. Il can play the
role. You'll see
Filled With Pride
"of course you can play 1t,
jerry Joans eyes were filled
with pride. "of course you can
play it, I'm standing right here
roofing for you, my darling. Right
here"
There came a SCATTERING Of APP
plause from the audience. Joan
guessed the applause had followed
the stage managers excited expla-
nation that a woman. named only
as Jerry, was about to finish play
ing the role of the famous LaRue.
Later, Joan learned that a few
in the audience left the theater,
undoubtedly to their eventual, pro-
found regret. Struggling their
shoulders. they thought. probably,
that this was just little too
much to stand-putting a hick in
the lead--in place of the great La
Rue herself. No one could stand
comparison with the great LaRue,
certainly not a wardrobe mistress.
These mistaken ones were GER
tainly to regret their decision
later.
From the very first moment the
audience liked Jerry. Peering out
into the darkened theater, through
peephole. Joan could see the
audience sitting in entranced
amazement.
The people liked Jerry, They
liked her voice. They liked her act
ing. They laughed at her jokes
Their hearts thrilled with her In
her big moment.
Ace Johnston was beside himself
with joy. He walked back ans
forth. nervously. He smoked in
Vulnerable big cigars-or rather
he chewed them without lightin,
them. He said. Alta girl. att,
girl. Stay them" every time Jerr,
came across the stage.
Biggest Thing
And when the audience applaud
ed wildly. Johnston. backstage, ap
plauded too until his hands wer'
blistered. This is the bigges
thing that ever happened to me.
he told Jerry again and again, an,
he told Joan and Tony. or anyon
else who would listen 10 him.
We're going to have a part,
tonight" he declared mo. Tony
you aren't going a step back 4
work. I'll call Emil, he'll let yo'
off. We're going to fling a part,
for the new big name on Broad
way. l give you /. Jerry"
Jerry Radzell," Joan said. lift
ing her hand in a triumphant sa
lutte.
mo. not Jerry Radzeil - jus
Jerry Johnston decided quickly
The public likes a mystery. Tn
play critics viii be hawkin,
around here in a big hurry, see |
they don't. Wen go to some quie
place tonight--the four OF US
and celebrate. Tomorrow will b
time enough 10 meet the new
boys"
The play was over. the last ap
plause had died down. but not I'm
I'll Jerry had answered with a doc
en- curtain calls.
You act as though I might &c
a press review" Jerry said ner
vously.
ITO be sure you'n get press no
tees. ! haven't been in the the
atricsl business for 20 years with
out knowing when q star is Dor
"A real star" He looked over con
temptuously 10 where LaRue la
almost repulsively. stretched ou
on tina sofa.
Contract
Tell her maid and chauffeur I
take her home and put her 10 be
and let her sleep II off" Johnsto
said. IF I know what I'm talklnI
about I won't care whether LaRu
says yea or nay 10 a contrac
tomorrow. She can 20 her wa
and III 20 mine.
III have little agreement her
tomorrow morning. Jerry. that