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[[box]] Earl J. Morris says [[/box]] This is the initial issue of this publication. I trust that theatrical people throughout the country will accept this magazine which will devote its columns and pages in the interest of that vast number of people who have been elected to entertain their fellow man. It is the opinion of this writer that there are five young ladies who excel all others in America when it comes to tap dancing. That is enhancing all phases of the art, such as rhythm, flash, eccentric, and acrobatic dancing. They are Alice Whitman of the Whitman Sisters. She is at the present appearing at the Grand Terrace Cafe in Chicago; Eleanor Powell, dancing star of the motion picture musical "Broadway Melody of 1935"; Elmer Turner, the dynamic, rhythmic dancing girl of Cab Calloway's unit; Eleanor Whitney, who trips the light fantastic with Rudy Vallee; and Madalyn Porter, now currently appearing at the exclusive Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in St. Louis. The reason that the five young ladies are selected by this writer is due to the fact that they are "single acts." The ease, grace, poise they display in executing the most difficult of dance steps. The writer also realizes that there may be many other girls who can dance as well as they, but these who fall into this category are teamed with a partner. Leonard Reed, another character in the theatrical profession who has had his ups and downs. Reed is an orphan. He was adopted by Professor Cook of Lincoln High in Kansas City. The happy-go-lucky boy is an athlete. He excels in all sports. At that time he was so tiny that he earned the nickname of "Skeezix." He played carnivals, dancing and singing. Then he toured the country with a lad under the name of "Leonard and Cut Out." Later he joined the famous Whitman Sisters. Then he and Willie Bryant, now the musician, formed a dance team and toured the country with the billing, "Reed and Bryant." The two split when Willie became ill in New York. It was during that time Leonard Reed wrote the song "It's Over Because We're Through." Bryant used the song as a theme when he formed his orchestra. Now after all these years the song has become a hit tune. It is being featured by Chick Webb. The Mills Brothers proved a definite need for the employment of understudies or as some might say, stooges. Prior to their last European engagement John Mills, the oldest, became ill from an attack of pneumonia. He recovered enough to make the trip to London. But the density of the London fog, the low humidity of that city caused him to suffer a relapse. John Mills, the father, had to take the place of Junior. Their contract calls for "Four Men and a Guitar." Had it not been for the fact that the elder Mills [[image — black and white photo of Dorothy Jones standing in evening gown]] [[caption]] DOROTHY JONES, prima donna, who was discovered by Alex Jackson, in her home-town, Franklin, Ohio. Since that time Miss Jones has made a great record. She has appeared at some of the prominent nite spots of America. One, the Mandy and Louise Creole Club, in Cleveland. This Mistress of Melody, as she is often referred to, is now currently appearing at the Ville Tap Room in St. Louis, Mo. IN THE CAFE Don't look now....your costume is unbuttoned all the way down the back! IN THE JUNGLE Don't look now....there's a lion following us Show-Down — Page 2
