Theatre: Dramatic License

Fanny Brice, able funnywoman, gave a lesson last week in how to win a lawsuit. Theatrical Agent Edgar Allen was suing her for $34,000 in commissions. Morning the case was scheduled to start Miss Brice sent word she was very tired, would like to sleep. The Judge granted a postponement until matinée time. When Miss Brice showed up, she sat next to her estranged husband Billy Rose, gaily chatted with him. On the stand, she was vague, noncommittal. Asked about her first conversation with Plaintiff Allen, she observed: “I think it started as a touch.” Asked whether she was in Chicago in 1933 she responded: “I don’t know where I was three weeks ago, much less in 1933.” Before the afternoon was over Miss Brice had slyly played her hole card. When she was asked what commission is usually paid to an agent, Miss Brice replied: “I’d have to look that up. And you have to have a license to be an agent, too. I only said that because I know that Mr. Allen hasn’t got one.” Mr. Allen, called to the stand, sheepishly admitted that he had no license. The judge dismissed the case.