“Walter Mitty Act by Danny Kaye”
The Age – Jun. 11, 1959
SYDNEY, Wednesday—When Danny Kaye arrived by air tonight he displayed nearly as many facets as the Walter Mitty whose secret life he uncovered in the film.
He was, in turn, clown, long-
To the delight of 200 people crowded around the doors of the Customs room at the airport, Kaye began clowning the moment his baggage was cleared.
He came out of the room hidden behind a red-
Then he straightened up, smiled and said, “Hi, everybody.”
Disreputable Hat
He raised his hat, a curious pudding – cloth shaped structure, and put it on again while he signed autographs for children.
He opened his press interview by dictating what he thought reporters should write:
“I am conservatively dressed,” he said in an official kind of voice, “with very peculiar shoes and a most disreputable hat. No jewellery.”
He wore his diplomatic face when a woman reporter asked him about Princess Margaret, with whom he has dined.
“Honey,” he said, “I do not talk about the Royal family at the risk of causing embarrassment to them and myself. I’m sorry.”
When reporters continued addressing him as Mr. Kaye, he said, “Mr. Kaye? He’s my father. I’m just Danny.”
TV and newsreel cameramen who have filmed every funny man for years, had tears rolling down their cheeks while their cameras recorded two minutes of pure, unadulterated Kaye.
Kaye is reported to be receiving 20,000 dol. (£8800) a week for his four weeks’ season in Sydney and four weeks in Melbourne.