Another small yet momentous eBay surprise: this seller has a mere five items to sell. Two are intensely interesting to me, and I would assume, also to readers of this blog.
One, a young lady from Baltimore:
Two, a born spreader of joy:
I went to the seller’s site, expecting other marvels. They are there, but not in the same realm.
Three, the comic film actor James Finlayson:
Four, Groucho’s memorable foil, Margaret Dumont (who, according to Groucho, was a peerless straight woman who had no sense of humor and would ask him, “Julie, why are they laughing?”:
Five, a collection of signatures from the OUR GANG gang:
Jazz and comedy have this much in common: they rely on improvisation and when they work, they catch us by surprise and the surprise is integral to our delight.
May your happiness increase!
Michael, This post captured my interest in its entirety. It is with respect that I suggest you google James Finlayson and consider the YouTube tribute, then revisit the music of Leroy Shield and Marvin Hatley. Regards, Andrew Sent from my iPad
Dear Andrew, I know well who James Finlayson is, and can see him, irate, in my mind’s eye. I also know about Shield and Hatley. Not meaning to show off in the slightest, but I thought that them who knew would get excited, and perhaps the others — driven by that rare blessed quality, curiosity, would Google away. With every good wish, Michael
Hey Michael,
Another great piece!
Here¹s an interesting item – http://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRA-RARE-LOUIS-ARMSTRONG-VINTAGE-1930s-SIGNED-TOM- KELLEY-RELEASE-AUTOGRAPHED-/391436132026?hash=item5b23695eba:g:dMAAAOSw2GlXF CX6
David Weiner