~ Archie ~

Archie Pitt was an impresario he seldom uttered words that endear, but he did take great interest in Gracie's career. When she finally consented to become his wife it proved to be the biggest mistake of her life. As the leading lady in the show it did not seem right to keep saying no. Eight years later her vows were blown off course and the marriage ended in divorce.

~ The Dark Days ~

Gracie Fields and Archie Pitt were married at a register office in Clapham, London April 1923, It was not the happy event it appeared to be. Archie feared if Gracie married another she may quit the show and not come back, Gracie felt if she refused to marry Archie he would take offence and give her the sack. They spent a few days honeymoon in Paris feeling all at sea, neither understood the language nor could get a decent cup of tea. They continued to live in lodgings as they were still on the roam, occasionally staying at Gracie's parents home. When Mr Tower of London made a fortune and Archie had the mansion built it failed to create married bliss, Gracie preferred a small homely place not grandeur such as this. Her husband insisted they travelled in a Rolls Royce she was forced to oblige there was never any choice. Annie Lipman the Musical Director for Pitt Productions shared their home as well, Archie fell completely under her spell. She was small and dark haired, Jewish like himself, she revelled in luxury and a social life, Archie paid more attention to Annie than he did to his wife. Gracie was expected to work and keep money flowing in while he and Annie enjoyed lavish parties, it really was a sin. They danced around the clock until the night expired always with the same excuse "Grace can't attend, she's tired." Years later Gracie said - "It was a black part of my existence - a black hole," but at the time she did not tell a soul. Outwardly she was smiling humorous and gay, in the company of her adoring fans, she laughed her troubles away.

~ Gracie the Actress ~

During the early days of Gracie's career Sir Gerald du Maurier  offered her the part of "Lady Weir" in his play S.O.S. which she finally accepted as a challenge more or less. Giving her the opportunity to talk posh. She was not on stage long she 'died' in the first act but thousands flocked to see her the theatre was packed. After receiving congratulations from one and all she dashed off to sing at the music hall. Many left to follow her there she was revered and idolised everywhere.

~ The Fields Clan ~

Betty Fields was Gracie's sister much of an age, she also had a lovely voice and followed her on stage. She made an appearance on the screen, then promptly faded from the scene. Not concerned in seeking fame, as a wife and mother she made her name. Younger sister Edith also opted out, brother Tommy was keen to remain, he appeared in films and on the stage again and again.

~ Sir Gerald du Maurier ~

Sir Gerald du Maurier was still regarded as a matinee idol at the age of fifty five, debonair and humorous very much alive. He fell in love with all his leading ladies they would often wine and dine, but his attentions to other women never detracted from his love for his wife, she was the joy of his life. Gracie was no exception Sir Gerald took her out to lunch every week and bought her little gifts and flowers, his company provided many happy hours. On one occasion he handed her a box from a well known jeweller containing a ring declaring it had cost a mint. Such overwhelming extravagance did not please Grace, she slapped him hard across the face. He then confessed it was only a mock-up diamond ring costing less than a pound, Gracie forgave him for this practical joke and their friendship remained firmly bound.

~ 'Elysian Fields' ~

There's gold in them thar hills but there's genius in them thar Fields.  They say what they mean and mean what they say, forthright and honest as the day.

~ The Fall of the Curtain ~

Sir Gerald du Maurier could not visualise himself at the age of eighty it was a prospect he chose to ignore, as an established actor manager he felt his career was safe and sure. At Fifty-five his figure was as lithe as it had been in his twenties the eyes clear the step light the hair but slightly sprinkled with grey he fervently hoped it would stay that way. When he offered Gracie Fields the part of Lady Weir in his play S.O.S. he gave her a kiss and a fond caress. She said " Don't be soft lad you're older than me dad, the other actresses say you don't look a day over thirty you do you know, lines in your face are beginning to show." At her blundering innocence his eyes filled with tears, he could no longer avoid the advancing years. They dined together every Wednesday at the Green Park Hotel beside her plate there was always a present a lace handkerchief, perfume flowers or a trinket of jade something exquisite and small, Gracie wished Sir Gerald was thirty after all.

~ Twenty ~

Soon too soon do the years bring the heart many tears. As we sit and dream of the days way back when youth can live but a day, then it goes on its way. Only in our dreams are we twenty again.

~ Topsy and Eva ~

In 1928 the Duncan Sisters appeared in a show called Topsy and Eva. Rosetta fell ill at the end of the first week, Vivian realised to keep the show open a temporary partner she must seek. Approaching Gracie Fields was firmly on her mind, as she had a reputation for good deeds of every kind. Gracie agreed and learned the part in twenty four hours, with a blackened face she received much applause and many bouquets of flowers. The act was kept lively sparkling and gay, it seemed that health restored Rosetta had never been away!. 

~ Trials and Tribulations ~

Through the trials and tribulations of an unhappy marriage duties I did not shirk, my mother needed the money she relied on my work. In the warmth of the audience troubles faded away, behind the scenes there were arguments day after day. But when I severed ties with Archie and branched out on my own, I enjoyed the happiest years I had ever known. Free to do my own thing and have my own say, treading a path strewn with roses all along the way. 

~ Our Gracie ~

She has a lovely voice international fame outside the great theatres lights display her name. She steps upon the stage with a tuneful melody giving her audience a taste of ecstasy. Soon they are a-tripping down sweet memory lane then comes the encore like sun after rain. Applause loud as thunder is music to her ears she blows a gentle kiss amid the stirring cheers. "Now is the Hour", crowds gather by the score the pleasure of her autograph well worth waiting for. The Best of British the North country yields who better to express it than our own Gracie Fields. 

~ The Angel of the North ~

Many charities Gracie honoured many good deeds she has done, recognised by the awards she won. Many travels around the world many films and recordings made, to bless every home with a sweet serenade. A touch of humour she would always blend, the pleasure she gave will never end. Britain's greatest entertainer her genius plain to see, for the benefit of others she worked constantly. Someone said Gracie was no angel a remark entirely wrong, wherever she went she spread happiness with a smile and a song.