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Theater:
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Type:
Singing.
Wright and Dietrich were among the first units of America's Over There Theatre League to go to France to entertain the boys of the A. E. F., and after five months' service overseas are
among the first to resume their position in vaudeville. A slide announces their over there service and there is some comment, mostly from Miss Dietrich, on how the boys loved the efforts of the entertainers. She said there were many times when they entertained in the rain, for it rains a heap in the northern end of "Sunny France." Sometimes she said there was no
piano and so the unit gave its little show to the accompaniment of a ukelele. And there were times when they were ordered to wear their-tin hats and carry gas masks "alerte," but although there were hardships, it was a joy to amuse our boys. Most of the new routine concerns the overseas trip and some of the numbers were written by Miss Dietrich. Hers was the first number, "Laddie Mine," which was dueted. She also wrote a song supposed to answer questions as to whether our boys like the French girls and the lyric states they "like to walk with Madelon, spend several hours with Marylon and sweet Marie," but now that the war is over they all want to get home and see their American sweethearts. Mr. Wright sang "Have a Smile" to prelude the reciting of a verse on how our men smiled going into battle and coming out. For a finish they did "Ring Out Sweet Bells of Peace." In total the new Wright and Dietrich act is very interesting. Perhaps the introduction of a number or two that may more fit their artistic style would lend a polish. It's a question, however, whether that is necessary at present, when their appearance after war zone service is a novelty.
Source:
Variety, 54:1 (02/28/1919)