My father was totally Irish, and so I went to Ireland once. I found it to be very much like New York, for it was a beautiful country, and both the women and men were good-looking.

The ruse proved so successful that when Spencer Tracy came to visit his taxi driver refused to drive up to the house saying "I hear they shoot!" which forced Tracy to walk the rest of the way. In fact it was one of the worst experiences of his long career. I just slapped my foot down as I turned it out while walking.

signed him for an initial $500-a-week three-week contract to reprise his role; this was quickly extended to a seven-year contract. He spent several years in vaudeville as a hoofer and comedian until he got his first major acting part in 1925. (July 17 1899 – March 30 1986) was an American actor first on stage then in film where he had his greatest impact.