The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #139762   Message #3208669
Posted By: Chris in Portland
17-Aug-11 - 11:01 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Songs of The Happiness Boys/Jones & Hare
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by The Happiness Boys/Jones & Hare
Great job, Jim!!

The reference in the great watermelon song is to Thomas Meighan, whose website refers to his involvement with 2 scandals:
"Meighan was involved in some of the more scandalous moments of silent film history; albeit as a helping hand. On October 25, 1916 in New Jersey he was the sole witness to Jack Pickford and Olive Thomas' secretive wedding.[5]"

"In March 1923, Douglas Gerrad, in need of help bailing his friend Rudolph Valentino out of jail for bigamy, called up a fellow Irishman named Dan O'Brien who happened to be with Meighan at the time. Meighan barely knew Valentino but put up a large chunk of the bail money, and with the help of June Mathis and George Melford, Valentino was eventually freed.[6] "

Perhaps, the Boys knew of this. There is a great dvd bio of Olive Thomas and her sad end - recommended highly.

Chris in Portland