I know Frank Fay was a huge star on Broadway; I've read that stars like Jack Benny, Bob Hope and James Cagney (!) said he was the best MC ever. Well, I get it. I found his appearance in this to be really delightful--never lol funny, just charming and different and much more modern than I expected. His asides seemed so natural.
shareI just read the 2013 biography of Barbara Stanwyck, who married Fay when she was a rising star and he was a fading one. He had a growing problem with alcohol, and their relationship is thought to be the inspiration for "A Star Is Born." He was notoriously anti-Semitic and appears to have been widely disliked. Late in life, he had a big success on Broadway in "Harvey," in the role Jimmy Stewart played on film.
His natural, easy-going style of performing set him apart, and Jack Benny credited him with establishing the performing style Benny used so well.
Fascinating, forgotten figure.