charliechaplinfan wrote:Ayres, are these quotes from Ginger's autobiography?
I wasn't quoting her, but if you'd like me to, here goes:
From "Ginger: My Story"
Pages 80-81
The Casino in the Park was a magical place. The atmosphere was dreamy
with soft lights and floral and spice aromas in the air. The circular
sand-colored hardwood dance floor came right up to the bandstand. The
Casino was indeed a charming place for a quiet rendezvous. The low
background music was perfect for a romantic dinner for two. We dawdled
over the menu and finally ordered our supper, and then Fred asked me
to dance.
I made the happy discovery that as wonderful a dancer as Fred was on
the stage, he was equally superb as a partner on the dance floor. Part
of the joy in dancing is conversation. Trouble is, some men can't talk
and dance at the same time. They lose the rhythm. Fred was a
delightful conversationalist and we chatted away. He really knew how
to lead a girl around the floor and used each rhythm to introduce
different footwork.
Mind you, there was nothing showy about Fred's ballroom dancing, it
was understated and elegant. You could put yourself in his hands and
trust to his feet. We returned to our table and found our food
waiting. It was cold, but we didn't care. We were having such a good time.
We got up to dance again and moved toward the bandstand to compliment
Eddy Duchin on the music. Eddy was pleased and looked at us with a
twinkle in his eye as he said, "Fred, you and Ginger really look good
together." Fred laughed and put us into a three-second whirl while
Eddy smiled approvingly. Too soon, Duchin's band began its goodnight
tune, signaling that the evening was over. I felt as though I could
have danced all night.
Within ten minutes we were on our way home in his handsome Rolls-Royce
town car. Like an aperitif, Fred's well-trained chauffeur drove us
through the park, so we could talk a wee bit more before we said
adieu. Finally, the car stopped in front of my building. The chauffeur
got out and walked around the car, waiting on the sidewalk near the
trunk for a signal as to when to open the car door. He must have
waited about five minutes.
Inside the car, Fred had me in his arms, and the kiss that we shared
in that five minutes would never have passed the Hays Office code!