Real stuff of actual theatrical experience, the perfect book for stagestruck hopefuls, in the personal story of one young actress who was determined to act in spite of obstacles. It is the story of the ups and downs of theatre, of a haywire life in vaudeville, touring, getting a start on Broadway, understudying, creating a part and then losing it, combatting managers and producers -- and being a good wife on the side. A break in the part of Ellie May in Tobacco Road vindicated years of squirrel cage activity.