ACTOR AND SOLDIER.
Published in the The Register News-Pictorial
Tuesday, 1st January 1929
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| Jim Gerald (1891-1971), Circus clown, acrobat, comedian, pantomime dame, musical writer/producer, songwriter, film actor/director/screenwriter. |
When the call came in the dark days of 1914, one of the first to answer it was "Jim" Gerald. Not in the reckless spontaniety of youth seeking adventure, but with a full recognition of his responsibility, and what lay behind it all, Jim Gerald left a charming wife, a good position, and better prospects, believing, like the Romans of old, "It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country." Duty was — and is his watchword; and though he did not make the supreme sacrifice, a dearly loved brother still rests where the poppies grow, in Flanders. But, through all the hardships of campaigning, whether by the moonlit waters of the blue Aegean Sea, or driving his horses over the mud caked plains of Mesopotamia under a pitiless sun, "Jim" retained that cheerfulness which is one of the most marked features of his personality. When circumstances forced him to the base he entertained his fellows by getting up entertainments which helped them to forget for a time the discomforts they so bravely endured. That this is not forgotten was shown strikingly by the following, which was received by "Jim" on his opening night at the Majestic Theatre, sent to him by another "digger" like himself. The verses, addressed, "To 'Jim' Gerald, Boxing Day. 1928," are by Mr. Walter Teare, of Morphett Vale, South Australia, (late of A.I.F.).
From Renmark on the Murray, to the west of Fowler's Bay,
From Hergott, where the camel trains are seen;
From the fields of old Tarcoola, where the willy-willys play,
From the land where Adam Lindsay Gordon's been.
0! Prince of all comedians! We diggers welcome you.
"Croweaters" stretch a gladsome Christmas hand.
Our magpies still are carolling beneath the central blue.
"Thrice welcome to this sunkissed south ern land!"
The rainbow's end is beckoning; King Carnival is nigh;
Your wholesome fun will brighten man and maid.
As you cheered the homing "diggers" with the warclouds trailing by,
You will cheer the pessimists of Adelaide.
"Jim" Gerald! yes, and Essie, and the whole bright company,
For six long years I've waited for the fun;
Just accept this well-meant tribute from a "digger" such as me.
Onward, upward, to the dancing Christmas sun.
These rhyming lines breathe not only a welcome from a comrade, but also the true Christmas spirit, combined with that of brotherhood; and that "Jim" Gerald can inspire such feelings after a lapse of years is the highest tribute that can be paid to one who is himself an entertainer, a soldier, and — a man.
Sources:
- Actor and Soldier (1929, January 1). The Register News-Pictorial (Adelaide, SA : 1929 - 1931), p. 3.
- Jim Gerald (picture), Australian Variety Theatre Archive
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