Thanks McGrath. I didn't see the crossword that persuaded my father to ask me if I could help him find a book but I believe it was one he was trying (with Tim, a visiting son) from the Manchester Guardian. I think he said some knowledge of films that Ginger Rogers (apparently she was not "worthy" of an entry in his 'Chambers') had been in would have helped towards solving the puzzle.

As you said, it's not a cheat - in some cases, you need some information either to make sense of a clue or to confirm your answer. I am not much of a crossword doer but occasionally I tackle the cryptic on in my parents "daily" (The Daily Telegraph). I do "fit" words in from time to time but I am never happy unless I feel I have understood the clue and why my answer is correct.

Jon