Tests of this sort, run on the level, can become tremendously dreary affairs. So Granny picked out three sparklers from as many shows and arranged for them to enter all the contests.
One of his trio always won.
One of these pert pigeons was a show gal named Ruby Stevens. Today, in Hollywood, she's known as Barbara Stanwyck.
Another was Clare Luce—the actress, not the playwright-politician.
The third was Lucilla Mendez, who became an exotic star.
One Sunday night, back in the 20's, the contest was at the Frivolities.
At the appointed time, each of the three took the floor and did her little song or dance. They were so good, having it down pat by now, that they expected no competition from uninitiated outsiders.
But one dared it, an unknown child who looked about 13. Compared to the three sleek and sexy sirens who had preceded her, she was bedraggled. Her heels were worn down, her stockings in runs and her face shiny.
The audience tittered. But she stole their hearts with a brand of dancing never before seen on jaded Gaiety Gulch.