The co-writer of Mo’s Memoirs continues an account of Gamblers All, a sketch that starred Roy “Mo” Rene…

“You know, I’m teetotal myself,” says the Commissioner of Police.

“Oh,” says Mo in that voice which rises to a weird soprano, continuing “You don’t gamble?” “No,” says the Police Commissioner. “You don’t go out with bad women?” “Oh, no,” replies the Police Commissioner.

“Well, do you smoke” says Mo exhibiting half anger at the policeman’s lack of vices and half the approval of a clerical gentleman. “No,” says the Police Commissioner. “I don’t smoke, drink, swear, gamble, or go out with bad women.”

Mo immediately shoots him. “Why did you shoot him?” screams his congregation as it gathers round the prostrate body.

“He was too bloody good to live,” says Mo, with the palms of his hands upraised in a typical gesture…

Some things about this sketch are a little disturbing. But it gives an idea of the format of a skit or farce that might cap off a vaudeville show.

It’d be nice to see Vaudeville reinvented and make a big comeback. If the acts were good, and the prices were cheap, and the venue was right, people would probably attend. 

-See Mo’s Memoirs by Roy Rene, published by Reed and Harris, Melbourne, 1945.