To the Antipodes

Abstract

“I was afraid of a long trip,” Hattie said. “I don’t travel very well on the water.” After undergoing rough crossings across the Atlantic, she refused to face an ocean voyage to Australia, which could last up to three weeks. Plus she was also exhausted from the fast-paced itinerary during the last two years. Her husband implored her to go, realizing that her charm and role as a foil was vital to his act. “There was still time to return to the hotel and pack your clothes,” Bill told her. She remained adamant, and they quarreled up to the last moment. Hattie remained bitter that she was still “background work” in her husband’s routine and had never been able to present her musical talent on stage. Bill possessed a much stronger commitment to show business as a career compared to Hattie, who wanted to settle down and raise a family. As a compromise, she finally agreed to join him in a few months. In the meantime, she would stay in Los Angeles with friends and take music and vocal lessons.¹