On a non-ebay anecdotal note ... back in the mid 70s I worked at Theatre London (Ontario) and Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy came to do a couple of plays there because it was HC's home town. Anyway, lovely couple to have around - like your grandparents. She took us all to see this Marvellous New Movie, "Rocky"; she thought the young man might come to something as an actor ...

Anyway, they were great, like grandparents except for one thing. The whole back stage crew learned quickly to avoid their dressing room like the plague before a performance unless Absolutely Necessary. They arrived very early each day and would sit around playing Gin Rummey. They left the door open so they could reel in any unsuspecting techies. They played for money. (OK. pennies. but ...) They played serious. It was their blood sport. This lovely ol' couple turned into the Barbarian Hordes when it came to gin.

After their season finished, their Stage Manager (they always toured with their own man) wrote The Gin Game for them. I've never seen it. The shaking might start up again ...

siân