In this chapter from his 1932 book, Times Square Tintypes, Broadway columnist Sidney Skolsky profiles Earl Carroll, theatrical producer, director, songwriter and composer.
THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
Earl CARROLL. He has a throne, a palace and a title. His throne is an antique Chinese chair. His palace is the theater bearing his name. His title is “The Earl of Seventh Avenue.”
He is extremely polite to everyone. Expects people to be that way to him. Nobody can really get close to him.
He suffers from insomnia.
Was born in Pittsburgh, September 16, 1892. Has two brothers, Norman and James, and one sister, Alice. The brothers don’t look like him or each other. The sister could pass for his twin. When a small boy he was dressed in a white sailor suit.
If he sees a pretty girl on the street he will stop her and ask her if she wants to go on the stage.
At the age of sixteen he stood in the center of Nanking Road, China, with only forty-five cents in his pocket.
His office is backstage of his theater. A rug, the color of pigeon blood, covers the floor. His desk is enclosed in a wall. The pressing of a button shoots it forward. He uses a sword for a paperweight. Has a statue of Buddha here. And a refrigerator with Chinese letters written on it. The letters spell—happiness. In the rear of the office there is a secret panel through which he can make a hasty exit.
He can’t wear a shirt with a collar attached. And all of his vests must be double-breasted.
Once wrote a song with Enrico Caruso. It was “Dreams of Long Ago.” Immediately after joining the army he wrote a song called: “When I’m Through with the Arms of the Army I’ll Come Back to the Arms of You.”
Always throws a party for himself on his birthday.
His favorite type of beauty for the stage is a tall blonde. His own personal taste, however, runs to slender brunettes.
During the war he was a lieutenant in the United States Air Service. He was the first man to land an airplane in Central Park.
While rehearsing a new show he wears a sand-colored smock. His shirt is minus collar and tie. He stands in the orchestra. Has a telephone operator’s apparatus on his head. Through this he gives instructions backstage, under the stage and in the electrician’s booth plastered on the back wall of the balcony. To his left is a small table. His secretary, Miss Ruth, sits here and takes memos. During all this he is continually drinking Poland mineral water and chewing gum.
Likes to use perfume. His two favorites are Caron’s Acaciosa and Gabilla’s Jasmin. He sprays his throat with perfume daily.
On April 10, he and his two brothers and sister always journey to Pittsburgh to visit their mother’s grave. On Mother’s Day he sends flowers.
Was the first man in New York to own a “Starlight Bungalow,” now known as a penthouse. His was located on the roof of 729 Seventh Avenue. He called it “Top o’ the World.” He likes to live high and now resides on the top floor of a tall apartment hotel.
The expressions he uses most frequently are: “No dice.” “You take the bump.” “Must I do everything myself.”
Always looks as if he needs a haircut from the back. But never from the front. He is very careful about his hair. Every night he has a woman massage his scalp.
He never interviews a chorus girl with a third person in the room.
Carries all his keys in his hip pocket attached to a penknife and pencil set. From the chain hangs a charm. When you spin the charm it says, “I Love You.”
Is always complaining that his feet are cold.
His best friend is W. R. Eddrington, who built the Carroll Theatre for him. In his office there hangs a frame, containing two photographs. One is of George Washington. The other of Mr. Edrington. Under Washington’s picture is the caption: “The Father of Our Country. Born February 22, 1732.” Under Edrington’s picture is the caption: “The Father of Our Theatre. Born February 22, 1872.”
He presented the most expensive show ever produced—and also the cheapest one. Fioretta cost in the neighborhood of $325,000. White Cargo cost him exactly $68.
The only things he has made to order are his pajamas and handkerchiefs. The handkerchiefs are made and initialed in Paris. The pajamas are double-breasted and designed by himself.
His motto is: “I would rather you were less talented than less loyal.” Until recently he had this hanging on a wall with a picture of Peggy Joyce under it.
Has a private phone in his office. But can never call from the outside because he can’t remember the number. The phone is an especially designed one—it was made by his electrician. There isn’t another like it in the country. It sings a song while you’re waiting for your number.
He’s a big baby when he’s sick.
His great ambition in life is to be instrumental in changing the parole law in the Unite States prisons.
