CHAPTER 2On August 7, 1924, an eight-year-old boy caused a panic in a Des Moines theater.
His name was Stephen Court. He had been born to a theatrical family of mediocre talent—the Crazy Courts, they were billed. The act was a combination of gags, dances and humorous songs. Stephen traveled with his parents on tour, when they played one-night stands and small vaudeville circuits. In 1924, vaudeville had not yet been killed by the films. It was the beginning of the Jazz Age.
Stephen was so remarkably intelligent, even as a child, that he was soon incorporated into the act as a “mental wizard.” He wore a miniature cap and gown, and was introduced by his parents at the end of their turn.
“Any date—ask him any historical date, my friends, and he will answer! The gentleman in the third row.
