Press Clippings for the week ending
Saturday, 2 November 2002

A random selection of cuttings
from newspapers and magazines

* * * * * * * * Fog-bound Blondin, Crystal Palace, London, 1861 ‘To a man who can walk blindfolded along a rope a hundred feet high it can matter little whether he perform the feat by day or by night – in sunlight or in darkness. But even to him we should think a fog must be a serious discomfort and disadvantage, effectually testing the possibility of his being thrown off his balance by that derangement of nerves generally resulting from the obscuration of the senses. To this final test M. Blondin has been subjected. ‘On Monday [7 October 1861] his "benefit" took place at the Crystal Palace, and there was an enormous influx of visitors. When the ordinary amusements of the place were exhausted, or had begun to pall, there was the great spectacle of the day about to commence. At three o’clock precisely the race along the transept rope began. Then there were the performers in the sack, and the astounding somersaults, followed by a third journey on stilts. By this time the performer might well be supposed to need rest and refreshment. Both were provided for him without the trouble of descent. On his back he carried the chair that has now so often been the object of thrilling interest; and a running cord enabled him to draw along the rope a well-furnished table. To this he seated himself, and coolly lunched; eating and drinking with as much apparent zest as if he were a hundred feet nearer the floor. Then, as if encouraged to yet more daring adventures, he disappeared for a few minutes, only to return with a man upon his back – a genuine, living man – who manifested his untroubled consciousness of the proceeding by waving his cap as he was borne along. All this being successfully accomplished, the applause was deafening. But still there was a reserve of enthusiasm for the evening exhibition. Blondin on the terrace rope, illuminating himself and the palace, was justly expected to outshine all former spectacles. Unhappily, the mist that had hung about all day and woven itself with the twilight into a veil that wrapped every statue, tree, and tower in early darkness, thickened into fog soon after sunset. At half-past six, when Blondin started in his basket for the mast, he could be seen only a few yards off, until he lighted the pan of blue fire carried in each hand. On reaching the mast he kindled the light fixed there; but they did not suffice to show even the outline of his form. For the next half-hour or so he was completely invisible – at any rate, to our eye. Yet he must have traversed the rope right and left for a considerable distance: for he exploded the fireworks in his barrow, as announced, and made as brilliant an exhibition as the fog would permit. Here and there arose from the grounds an applauding recognition as he made his way back to the mast, and he was warmly greeted on his return to the palace.’ (The Penny Illustrated Paper, London, Saturday, 12 October 1861, p.2b) * * * * * * * * Bessie Wentworth at the Metropolitan music hall, London, 1896 Bessie Wentworth (1873/74-1901), whose real name was Elizabeth Andrews, gained considerable success during her short career. She sang a string of ‘coon’ songs, for which she would often appear in the guise of an American plantation negro, but without using burnt cork makeup. Her most famous song was ‘Looking for a Coon Like Me.’ Others included ‘The Alabama Coon,’ ‘Happy ’Cos Dey Foun’ Dis Coon’ and ‘Dey Loved Each Other all de While.’

Bessie Wentworth

(sketch from a programme cover of The Royal Canterbury Theatre of Varieties,
Westminster Bridge Road, London, 1895;
photo: probably Hana, London, circa 1898)

‘Miss Bessie Wentworth is a great artiste, and her coon song, "This is Love," was sung in a most charming and pathetic manner; her dress was a white ballet skirt, exaggerated cardinal bow and sash, and pants that reminded one of the old-time bed hanging curtains to such an extent that Mrs. Caudle would have risen in her bed to have seen such Vandalism. Then followed another coon song with the usual props, viz., big tie, sash, pants, etc.; the refrain "I ’se an Aristocrat," having a good swing in it. After which she broke into a dance, one of those dances that only Bessie Knows how to execute.’ (The Encore, London, Friday, 1 May 1896, p.10b) * * * * * * * * Liane de Pougy attempts suicide, Paris, 1896

Liane de Pougy

(photo: Nadar, Paris, circa 1903)

‘That worldly star, Liane de Pougy, who has had such a brilliant career on the surface, but so empty in reality, attempted to commit suicide last week by taking an overdose of laudanum, and for the past two days a great amount of space in the press has been devoted to this pretty actress. To-day, Mlle. De Pougy, née Marie Chassaigne, is out of danger, and able to continue her part in the Folies Bergere. I, for one, breathe again freely.’ (The Encore, London, Thursday, 11 June 1896, p.5b) * * * * * * * * Fire at the Oxford music hall, London, 1868 ‘"FIRE AT THE OXFORD." - MESSRS. H.T. REED and CO., of 16 TOTTENHAM-COURT-ROAD, LONDON, have succeeded in taking Large Photographs of the Ruins of this once magnificent Hall, the Stage, with Portraits of Mr. Charles Morton, Herr Jonghmans, Miss Russell, and Miss Fitzhenry [Emily Soldene], the Balcony, and the Area. All really fine Photographs. Publicans and Proprietors of Music Halls would do well to provide themselves with a Set, as a souvenir of the Handsomest Music Hall in the World. Price for the Set, 7s. 6d.; or Single Copies may be had, 3s. Stamps or Post-office Orders, made payable to H.T. Reed, will receive immediate attention. These Photographs are Registered. Photographers are cautioned.’ (The Era, London, Sunday, 23 February 1868, p.15c, advertisement) * * * * * * * * Eva Kelly robbed by actor Walter Bishop, London, 1917 ‘ACTOR CHARGED. STRANGE REPLY TO ACCUSATION OF THEFT. ‘Yesterday [6 April 1918], at Bow-street, Walter Bishop, 19, actor, of Beresford-street, Woolwich, was charged with having on November 6, 1917, stolen a banker’s draft, value £20, the property of Eve [sic] Huntley, now residing at Hove, Sussex. – Prosecutrix, wife of Mr. George P. Huntley, the actor, said that on November 6 she was at her flat in Panton-street [Haymarket, London], when accused, who had just finished an engagement with her husband, called to see her on some matters of business. Just before his arrival she had placed on her hall-table a letter to be posed by her maid. Enclosed in the letter was a cheque for £20, which she had received from her husband, and had endorsed and crossed. She did not see the letter or cheque again until the latter came back in her husband’s pass-book. She then made some inquiries at the bank, and communicated with the police. – The licensee of public-house in St. Martin’s-land said he cashed the cheque on or about November 6 for prisoner, who was known to him as a customer and an actor. – Sergeant Eggborough said that he saw defendant at the stage-door of the Elephant and Castle Theatre, where he had been performing. On telling him he was accused of stealing a cheque for £20, defendant said, "Oh, yes, I remember; I can explain that away. Can I see Mrs. Huntley? I have been expecting this for some time; in fact, I was only speaking of it yesterday to a friend of mine. I believe I had the d.t.’s at the time. I had been drinking heavily. I am sorry, I wonder if Mrs. Huntley would let me pay it back at £1 a week." – Defendant, who made no further statement, was committed to take his trial at London Sessions.’ (The News of the World, London, Sunday 7 April 1918, p.1e)

Return to home page

© John Culme, 2002