Beryl's 
Treasured Photograph 
Album & Scrapbook
~~
Page 17
 


Gracie starred in  the film Shipyard Sally  - then became desperately ill.





For some time Gracie had been feeling unwell and in June 1939 she fell gravely ill.  She entered the Chelsea Hospital for a serious operation. Her illness made headline news throughout the world. Millions prayed for Grecie's recovery: enough flowers were sent to fill a dozen wards. Women stood outside the hospital with tears streaming  down their faces. Strube's Daily Express cartoon epitomizes the public sentiment at the time. Slowly Gracie turned the corner until one day Mr Bert Aza, her friend and manager, found her looking more like her old self . He took the snapshot below (left)


Gracie leaves hospital 
after major operation 1939

On 14th July and after more than a month in hospital Gracie was discharged being well enough for convalescence.

1939

The Rose 'Gracie Fields' 
Named after Gracie this rose was a medal winner for the rose grower George Frederick Letts.


1939


Now almost completely recovered from her operation, Gracie returns from the beach at Capri with two little friends.

Another Capri snapshot take by Mr Bert Aza. Gracie is with Mrs Aza and the latter's son Morris.

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