Out Without My Rubbers

On January 30, 1954 a great showman passed away. His name was John Murray Anderson. A few days before, he had submitted to his publishers the final version of his autobiography as told to his brother, Hugh Abercrombie Anderson. It is, therefore, with mixed emotions that we find ourselves privileged to present the full and complete story of “Uncle Broadway.”

As Robert Coleman, distinguished drama editor and critic, has said: “John Murray Anderson pioneered a new form of revue. Revues, until his time, had been super burlesque shows. And, mind you, the great Florenz Ziegfeld was producing them successfully. But Murray brought heart, sophistication, brilliance and genuine artistry to them. He explored new paths and set new standards for the form.”

We have all been saddened by Murray’s death; but we are thankful that he has left such wonderful memories behind—memories of twenty-nine major Broadway musicals beginning with his own Greenwich Village Follies and including Jumbo, New Faces of 1952 and the last, John Murray Anderson’s Almanac. Among the other works to his credit are seven circuses for Ringling Brothers and four aquacades for Billy Rose, not to mention the multitude of movie stage shows, night club shows, pageants and motion pictures.

For the pleasure of many hours with a wonderful, stimulating and informative friend, read Out Without My Rubbers. It includes information and anecdotes concerning hundreds of familiar people and places. This book is not only for the theater-minded but for all those interested in meeting new and exciting people.