It’s that exciting time of year – tennis in Newport. When a movie star handsome tennis champion and future Wimbledon star comes and challenges our reigning Prince’s dominance. The originating point of zero in tennis is called Love, and that’s the game our heiresses are most interested in playing. Ready to keep score over who will win our heiresses’ hearts? Teen tennis champion Frank Shields wins hearts both on and off the court. Prince Alexis Mdivani is not happy with this new competition. Other people and subjects include: August 1929, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen, Jimmy Cromwell, Jimmy Van Alen aka Jimmy, William Van Alen aka Sam, Jakey Astor, Huntington Hartford, origins of tennis, French King Louis X, King Henry VIII, tiebreak, “Big Bill” William Tilden, Maud Barger-Wallach, Newport Casino, and a summer school program with young love, tennis, & visits to Newport. Archival Music provided by Past Perfect Vintage Music, www.pastperfect.com.
It’s that exciting time of year – tennis in Newport. When a movie star handsome tennis champion and future Wimbledon star comes and challenges our reigning Prince’s dominance.
The originating point of zero in tennis is called Love, and that’s the game our heiresses are most interested in playing. Ready to keep score over who will win our heiresses’ hearts?
Teen tennis champion Frank Shields wins hearts both on and off the court. Prince Alexis Mdivani is not happy with this new competition.
Other people and subjects include: August 1929, Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, Louise Van Alen, Jimmy Cromwell, Jimmy Van Alen aka Jimmy, William Van Alen aka Sam, Jakey Astor, Huntington Hartford, origins of tennis, French King Louis X, King Henry VIII, tiebreak, “Big Bill” William Tilden, Maud Barger-Wallach, Newport Casino, and a summer school program with young love, tennis, & visits to Newport.
Extra Notes / Call to Action:
Waldorf Astoria Hotels on Thursday November 19th and December 3rd. That’s at New York Adventure Club – website www.nyadventureclub.com. Information also available through the News-Events tab at asthemoneyburns.com. Only $10, live, with 1 week recorded access afterwards.
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Archival Music provided by Past Perfect Vintage Music, www.pastperfect.com.
Opening Music: My Heart Belongs to Daddy by Billy Cotton, Album The Great British Dance Bands
Section 1 Music: Button Up Your Overcoat by Jack Hylton, Album Fascinating Rhythm – Great Hits of the 20s
Section 2 Music: Ain’t She Sweet by Piccadilly Revels Band, Album Charleston – Great Stars Of the 20s
Section 3 Music: It’s the Talk of the Town by Ambrose, Album The Great Dance Bands Play Hits of the 30s
End Music: My Heart Belongs to Daddy by Billy Cotton, Album The Great British Dance Bands
AS THE MONEY BURNS
Podcast by Nicki Woodard
Episode 017 – Score: Love-All
Series Tag
00:00
[Music – My Heart Belongs to Daddy by Billy Cotton, Album The Great British Dance Bands]
AS THE MONEY BURNS is an original podcast by Nicki Woodard. Based on historical research, this is a deep exploration into what happened to a set of actual heirs and heiresses to some of America’s most famous fortunes when the Great Depression hits.
Each episode has three primary sections. Section 1 is a narrative story. Section 2 goes deeper into the historical facts. Section 3 focuses on contemporary, emotional, and personal connections.
Story Recap
00:26
During the summer of 1929, teen heiresses and social outcasts Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke desperately want to join Louise Van Alen’s debutante ball. They hope to finally win a place in Society before their own debuts next year.
Now back to AS THE MONEY BURNS
Title
00:46
Score: Love-All
[Music fade out]
Episode Tag
00:50
It’s that exciting time of year – tennis in Newport. When a movie star handsome tennis champion and future Wimbledon star comes and challenges our reigning Prince’s dominance.
The originating point of zero in tennis is called Love, and that’s the game our heiresses are most interested in playing. Ready to keep score over who will win our heiresses’ hearts?
01:09
[Music – Button Up Your Overcoat by Jack Hylton, Album Fascinating Rhythm – Great Hits of the 20s]
Section 1 - Story
[Music fade out]
01:21
Spinning in the bright sky, a tennis ball suspends in air, until a wooden racket crashes into it and forces it into play. The pings and jostles of a heated match go on.
In the middle of the grass lawn fields at Newport’s infamous tennis Casino, the long limbed and movie star handsome Francis Xavier Shields, aka Frank, shows extreme athleticism, already an infamous tennis champion at age 19. His agility, speed, and accuracy only matched by a happy and playful demeanor both on and off the court. He is the epitome of a gentleman athlete, though he is the poor son of an Irish immigrant family from the Lower East Side.
02:02
His athletic talent provides Frank entry into and mingling with the upper classes. Dressed in preppy white slacks and sweaters, he might as well be a Ralph Lauren model. The irony Frank is unaffected by wealth only wanting to have a good time.
All the young females gather and swoon, while the males prepare for tough competition. Frank isn’t a threat just on the field but in the hearts of everyone surrounding him.
All the heirs and heiresses participate in the tennis matches. Singles, doubles, and even mixed doubles.
02:33
Only two people don’t seem to be playing. The illustrious and still injured Russian Prince Alexis Mdivani stays on the sidelines with his arm in a sling from his polo accident. Next to him is his devoted companion and super fan the chubby budding fashionista Barbara Hutton. She is providing him with extra commentary on everyone around them.
The Prince is none to please to be out of the action, especially with so many heiresses floating about and far too many reputable heirs as competition. Later this week, reigning It Girl Louise Van Alen will finally make her debut, so all of Newport is a buzz celebrating and catering to her. Prince Alexis is on high alert not to lose his prize.
03:13
Frank scrambles across the field and slams the ball for the final match point. The crowd is wild with cheers including the Van Alen brothers and their cousin Jakey Astor.
None too impressed, Prince Alexis mutters, “So he swings a stick and hits a ball.”
Barbara chuckles, “Isn’t that nearly every sport, including polo?”
Spotting their animated conversation, Louise congratulates the winner.
Ruffled, the Prince defensively protests, “Don’t forget skilled on horseback. Far more complicated -- and dangerous.” He motions to his arm. Yes, it’s a rather pathetic attempt to bolster his own ego.
03:49
Frank picks Louise up in a bear hug and swings her around. Her mother Daisy flicks her fan to cover her own amusement at Frank’s antics. From Frank’s embrace, Louise makes eye contact with the Prince.
Frank runs over to his biggest swooning fan, who is none other than Maud Barger-Wallach, 60 year old former tennis star, his benefactress, and a Newport society maven. She gushes over him while providing him with lemonade and water as needed. The Jolly School Boy takes her offerings with delight.
04:19
Over to the side, babyfaced and overly coddled Huntington Hartford is getting the same attention from his mother Henrietta, only he is more embarrassed than grateful. The super tall and awkward Doris Duke stands near him as their mothers want them to play as a mixed doubles pair. She feels like a towering giraffe, and Huntington worries her skills are too subpar. Huntington is actually a very good tennis player, but no match for Frank and the other real champs.
Doris is saved by none other than the heir to two fortunes Jimmy Cromwell now mingling amongst the Newport set. Last she saw him was in Bar Harbor when he crawled into bed naked with her, and she froze. Now he acts like nothing happened, such a relief for Doris as she shyly smiles and fidgets with her racket.
05:05
Back on the field, Louise warms up for a mixed doubles set with her oldest brother James Henry Van Alen, aka Henry, a prominent figure in both U.S. and Newport tennis. Their other brother William, who goes by Sam, and their cousin Jakey Astor join them after their last set of matches.
Louise hits the ball with Henry, Sam, and their bohemian cousin Ava Astor, Jakey’s sister. Louise knocks the ball out of court, and Frank gracefully hops over the hedge retrieving it. He interrupts the game to correct Louise’s swing. He wraps his arm around her waist as he guides her right hand through the movement. He drips a little sweat on her neck which tickles and makes Louise laugh and giggle.
Seething from the sidelines, the Prince’s temper flares. “Such a clown.”
“Clown? More like movie star.” Sighs the dreamily amused Barbara. She hopes that Frank might be a real diversion for Louise’s affections. Remember Barbara wants the Prince to reunite with her beautiful friend Silvia back in France.
The Prince looks at Barbara, who actually isn’t looking at him but Frank.
06:10
Henry sees tennis champion William Tilden walking around and breaks away insisting Frank continues helping Louise warm up. The ball bounces around, and Louise takes one hard swing sinking the ball deep into Frank’s chest, for which he acts like a falling wounded soldier.
Frank stumbles his way over to the audience collapsing at Barbara’s feet.
The crowd and players chuckle in amusement. Frank then pops up kisses Barbara’s hand and gives her a wink before jotting back to the court. Barbara blushes endlessly. Louise sparks up realizing Frank might be the distraction she needs with Barbara.
For the less humored Prince Alexis Mdivani, it all plays out like a farce. He jumps up and grabs Barbara’s racket swinging it around with his free arm.
06:54
Before things get heated, Louise exits and playfully grabs the Prince by his good arm and pulls him away. He reluctantly obeys.
Louise coos, “Come on, Alexis, let’s get some refreshments.” Secretly, she wants to tell him of her new plan to get rid of Barbara.
When they are out of the others’ sight, Louise gives the Prince a quick peck on the cheek.
Lost in thought, he does not reciprocate. Louise looks back at the field. Has the game already ended before it even really began?
07:25
[Music – Ain’t She Sweet by Piccadilly Revels Band, Album Charleston – Great Stars Of the 20s
Section 2 – History & Historiography
[Music fade out]
07:37
Tennis is generally a game for the wealthy. The origin is suspected to be in 12th Century Northern France with players using their hands. By the 14th C, King Louis X of France became an avid player even constructing indoor courts which quickly became en vogue in other European royal courts. After an exhaustive long game in 1316, King Louis X drank wine to cool off and fell ill shortly thereafter died, some suspect poisoning - his epithet le Hutin translates as the Quarrelsome – Headstrong – Stubborn. The popular accounts of his death make King Louis X the first known tennis player by name.
08:14
By 16th Century, rackets came into use along with the term “tennis” derived from the French verb “tener” meaning take / receive. The game quickly became popular in France & England. Infamous French Queen & famed poisoner Catherine de Medici would hold games for her young guests, and England’s King Henry VIII was also a big fan and player of the game.
The modern game of tennis formed in the 19th century with rules pretty much codified since the 1890s with two exceptions. Between 1908-1961, the server has to keep at least one foot on the ground at all times. In 1970s, the tiebreak was officially introduced which modernized the point challenge system.
08:54
Overall tennis is a very democratic game which anyone can play as long as they have the simplest equipment – a racket and ball. Females too have enjoyed and competed for most of the last century. There are multiple tournaments played worldwide – Wimbledon, French Open, Davis Cup, U.S. Open,… to name a few. Tennis was part of the new Olympics until 1924 and reinstated in 1984.
In the U.S., amateur versus professional status was always an issue. Lots of top players came from wealthier families, but occasionally a kid from the wrong side of the tracks might make a name.
09:27
In the U.S., the long reigning tennis champion William “Big Bill” Tilden was everywhere – World’s No. 1 player for 6 years from 1920-1925, 14 Major Singles Titles, including 10 Grand Slam events. The first American to win Wimbledon in 1920. He played as an amateur for 20 years from 1911 to 1930, then 15 more as a professional – turning pro in 1930 with another major title win at Wimbledon. In 1929, Big Bill became the first player to reach 10 finals at a Grand Slam Event – a record not broken until 2017 by Roger Federer for his 11th. Overall as an amateur, Tilden won 138 out of 192 tournaments, lost 28 finals, and had 907-62 match record. As in 93.6% winning streak.
Tilden came from a wealthy family in Philadelphia. He survived three older siblings, lost his mother to Bright’s disease at 18, and his father at age 22 and another older brother shortly thereafter. In Big Bill’s depression, he started playing tennis continuously. He wasn’t originally a star and didn’t even make his college team.
To play with or being referenced to Big Bill Tilden was quite an honor.
10:45
Thus when a young 14 year old upstart from the Bronx caused a sensation in 1924 by winning nationals in his only 3rd tournament ever. He was dubbed a young Tilden. That upstart was the poor Irish kid Frankie Shields. When reporters asked his training schedule, instead of the long detailed list of drills of the wealthier kids, this unpolished kid talked about stringing a net across an empty lot and looking forward to playing basketball. Shields was nicknamed the Jolly School Boy. Only 3 years earlier he was recruited to play at Columbia Grammar in an attempt to improve the school’s sports wins, and he played with Julius Seligson a long time friend both on and off the court.
11:24
The poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks had a grandfather who ran a string of saloons, a fireman uncle, and a very cranky accountant father. Frank’s father was a strict disciplinarian, which meant Frank spent much of his time outside to avoid being home and the lash. He was devoted to his bedridden mother but lost her before he turned 16. He had a younger brother too who died before the age of 10. His three sisters all tried mothering him, somewhat trying to keep him in line and at other times helping him avoid punishment.
At school, Frank struggled with dyslexia and would often skip class. He wasn’t chastised too often as long as he kept winning. In 1928, he transferred to the boarding school Roxbury outside of New Haven. There he met future opponent and doubles partner Sidney Wood.
12:09
Frank Shields’ early admirer, benefactor, and hostess was Newport socialite Maud Barger-Wallach, a female winner of the 1908 U.S. Open at age 38. She would die in 1954.
Up until this moment, I have avoided defining Louise’s two ever present brothers. There are just so many heirs and heiresses to cover, I didn’t want to muddle up the confusion. They are not central characters, but they appear consistently throughout and link forwards and backwards to the other characters in our stories.
12:38
Born in 1902, James Henry Van Alen II is the oldest child of James Laurens Van Alen and Marguerite “Daisy”, great grandson to the former socialite queen Caroline Astor, and big brother to Sam and Louise. The siblings will have the somewhat rare situation in which they will almost receive primarily equal inheritances of a substantial nature. Only marriages and one of them’s future disinheritance by a particular relative will cause a difference in economics.
13:05
Second son and middle child William Laurens Van Alen was born in 1907 and actually went by the name of Sam – which is more than helpful in a story ripe with too many duplicate names and a differentiation from another William Van Alen the architect of the Chrysler building. Though Sam too would become an architect. Sister Louise would be born 1910. The family along with their grandfather - seriously James John Van Alen – lived in Europe during Prohibition, when both brothers matriculated into the British school system including Eton, Cambridge, and Oxford.
13:38
It was Sam who befriended a young Prince Alexis Mdivani while at Eton. The Prince would follow him off to Cambridge and live off the generosity of the Van Alens both in Britain as well as Paris and occasionally the U.S. At the time of our story, the Van Alen brothers have a house in England with Prince Alexis as their perpetual houseguest.
As Prince Alexis and his own brothers are devoted to the sport of polo, the Van Alens are prime and influential players in the world of tennis.
14:02
James Henry Van Alen served as the captain of his Oxford tennis team and played singles at the 1927 French Open, 1922 – 1924 – 1925 Wimbledon, and 1931 US Open. Infamous for his one handed, right backhand. He will play against the best players of his day – including and often losing to Tilden. A prominent Newport figure, James was popularly known as Jimmy, but for our story purpose of clarity from other Jimmy’s and even within his own family I will refer to him by his middle name Henry.
14:36
Sam would grow to have an influence too. He was a founding member, served as the first association president, and on January 30th, 1955, convened the first initial meeting of the United States Court Tennis Association, the governing body regulating, promoting, and preserving the game of court tennis.
In 1954, James Henry Van Alen helped found the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino, which by then was threatening to be demolished. Instead it became a museum for players and the history of the game.
15:05
James Henry Van Alen contributed and developed the Van Alen Streamlined Scoring System (VASSS) which included his 9 point sudden death match tiebreak system. He was inspired after a 1954 game which lasted for four hours ruined his martini cocktail hour, thus he developed the system in 1958 even testing with his other heretics – he was nicknamed the Newport Bolshevik, and after 1965 would tirelessly promote his system. In 1970, the US Open became the first Grand Slam tournament to introduce the tiebreak. The tiebreak also made it possible to now televise matches as prior to that the players might play endless rounds with no clear victory. The tiebreak was revised over time to 12 points, and it would have an impact on important games involving Arthur Ashe in that first 1970 U.S. Open and John McEnroe later at Wimbledon who won the set but still lost the title.
16:04
Two days after James Henry Van Alen’s death in 1991 and after losing to opponent Michael Stich during a tiebreak, Wimbledon semifinalist Stefan Edenberg remarked, “If he (James) hadn’t lived, Michael and I might still be out there playing.”
16:20
[Music – It’s the Talk of the Town by Town by Ambrose, Album The Great Dance Bands Play Hits of the 30s]
Section 3 – Contemporary & Personal Relevance
[Music fade out]
16:32
My summer long ago spent at Rhode Island’s Brown University included my first love. He was a cute foreigner who arrived late in the evening during orientation, and as he sat alone to the side I went over to invite him to join us, a new crew and tribe only just forming that same day. His mouth was stuffed with a hot dog as he gave me his papers – showing his name and that he was from Istanbul, Turkey.
His bright neon attire was inspired by his hero at the time – tennis star Andre Agassi, the future husband of actress-model Brooke Shields, the granddaughter of Frank Shields. The extent of my own tennis history back then was playing for only 1 year as a sophomore and making JV tennis. And FYI, the scoring system has always baffled me.
17:17
My sweetheart was happy and kind, who wrote smalls bits of poetry, drew sunsets, as well as played the piano and tennis. He would slaughter people on the courts but was far more playful the one time we played together. Our first dance was to U2’s One. A week later, after a performance of Carrot Top and some bands in Brown’s six pack, under the stars and moonlight, we had our first kiss.
My first day trip to Newport he was my crush. The second day trip my boyfriend. He said the moment I came up to him he was hooked. He would trick me with a secret admirer ploy in the computer lab a la my favorite 80s teen movie Pretty in Pink. We took the same English class, and after a week of studying Plato’s Phaedrus together it was inevitable our attraction.
18:01
We would keep up for a few months into our senior year. We lost touch when my brother died, but reconnected via the internet in college. I saw him once and last in Chicago during my masters program while I was studying Turkish. We have kept in touch off and on since then, only brief updates like Happy Birthday and to tell him I was doing this podcast partially inspired by our time together.
Such was my summer romance long ago. Sweet, cherished memories… If only life could have stayed that sweet.
18:32
Getting restless yet? Feeling too confined? Well, walking tour and pop up company New York Adventure Club has gathered its crew and now provides virtual webinars for all sorts of places. If you are enjoying my tales, especially involving the Astors, then check out my own two webinars covering the Waldorf Astoria Hotels on Thursday November 19th and December 3rd. That’s at New York Adventure Club – website nyadventureclub.com. Information also available through the News-Events tab at asthemoneyburns.com. Only $10, live, with 1 week recorded access afterwards.
Hook
19:08
[Music – My Heart Belongs to Daddy by Billy Cotton, Album The Great British Dance Bands]
Next when we return to AS THE MONEY BURNS…
The time is finally here. A debutante is coming out. It’s going to be THE grand event everyone wants to attend. But first, things first, everyone must gather for tea.
Until then…
Credits
19:24
AS THE MONEY BURNS is an original podcast written, produced, and voiced by Nicki Woodard, based on historical research. Archival music has been provided by Past Perfect Vintage Music, check out their website at www.pastperfect.com.
Please come visit us at As The Money Burns via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Transcripts, timeline, episode guide, and character bios are available at asthemoneyburns.com.
19:57
THE END