Evening star., 1949-07-24
By Jessie Font Evons

The countries of Western
Europe are making an effort to
give American tourists every pos
sible comfort in return for their
vacation dollars, according to Miss
Grace McGerr. president OF the
American Newspaper Women's
Club, correspondent for Nebraska
papers and an attorney in the So
licitor's Office of the Agriculture
Department.
The British effort to serve rea-
sonably good meals in their
restaurants and hotels is a
supreme sacrifice when you con-
trast them with the fare in
Britain's homes where, with
ghastly monotony. kippered her
ring and dried eggs constitute the
chief elements in their austere
diets" Miss McGerr told me
do not expect guest soap
though, even in the best hotels, for
the Jury's Hotel in Dublin was the
only place where it wae nrcvided.
And do not be unhappy If you
can't find ice water every time
you turn around"
Miss McGerr and her sister, Pat
IMcGerr, successful young author
of mystery stories. have just re-
turned from a five weeks two
way air trip TO -JAle lana, une Irish
Free State, Switzerland and
France. The IA hours of flight on
the way over were almost all of
daylight due to the five-hour
change in time.
They were unprepared for the
extent of bomb destruction in
London and the general lack of
reconstruction in progress.
Grace was photographed with
pretty Ann Todd. favorite
British film star whom she met
while they were studio and lunch
con guests of J. Arthur Ranke, the
CuSlloIl pIOuuCcI.
Theaters Offer Escape.
Theaters and movies are going
full blast in London with record
breaking attendance. possibly a
release from the otherwise grim
Iausterity of life. For the gala
benefit performance .of Chris
Itopher Columbus" starring Fred
eric March. the two sisters oc-
cupied a box next to the flower
bedecked one of the Dowager
Queen Mary, erect and resplend-
ent in tiara and her famous ropes
Of pearls. The Queen Mother is
one of her country's most inter-
eSted movie fans and depends
greatly, it is said, upon the choices
of her granddaughter Elizabeth.
Her aide and two ladies-i in wait
ing usually accompany her to the
theater.
During their trip to Stratford-
on-Avon, which was arranged
through the courtesy of the Brit
ish Information Service in con-
nection with the British consul's
Office, they were the guests Of
Godfrey Tearle. He was playing
the famous role of Othello at the
new Stratford Theater, which has
been built since the destruction
of the former one.
This brand-new modern play.
house, comfortable as it is. seem.
almost an anachronism, set dowr
in an atmosphere reminiscent Of
the Elizabethan period" Miss Nc
Gerr commented.
A visit to Parliament was en-.
livened by an acrimonious debate
between Sir Stafford Cripps ano
Sir Anthony Eden on the British
economic plight. both speakers
peppering their diverse arguments
with calm but biting humor.
Guests at London Club.
Honor guests at a luncheon al
The Women's Press Club of Lon
don, Grace and Pat were made
honorary members of this organi-
zation. Rebecca West is president
There are about 500 members
meeting in pleasant quarters neal
Fleet street, where there is ar
excellent dining room. The club
came into existence during Mrs