09 Nov Gustav Wally
Rosita Serrano and Gustav Wally, 1946. Photographer unknown.
Gustav Wally was a well known Swedish entertainer who was in Stockholm during World War II. He was manager of the Oscar Theatre (Oscarsteatern) during the World War II years and produced lavish musical productions.
In the fall of 1944 the “operett” Serenad opened with many dance numbers. One highlight was Wally and his dance partner, Annalisa Ericson, doing the jitterbug. My parents were there, in the audience for this extravaganza.
Gustav Wally was born as Gustav Axelsson Wallenberg into the prominent Swedish dynasty of bankers and diplomats. I wonder how his family reacted when instead of following family pursuits young Gustav went to New York and studied dance. Wally (his stage name) wrote his own story in the 1946 “Följ mig i dansen” or “Follow me in the dance.” I would love to see a translation.
In the playbill for “Serenad” is this beautiful photograph of Gustav Wally, featured in an advertisement for Nordiska Kompaniets or NK, the department store.
The other photo on the upper right is of Wally and Rosita Serrano, the “Chilean Nightingale” who was also in Stockholm during the war and who mingled with my Dad on more than one occasion.
As I was researching online, I found a fabulous filmclip online from that same year … a 1944 dance competition. First is Gustav Wally and Annalisa Ericson doing the jitterbug then Rosita Serrano sings. The venue is Kungliga Tennishallen, a tennis venue built in 1943 so at the time it was brand new. This event was the finals for a highly publicized dance contest, and the house was packed with fans and movie stars alike.
Barbara Ann Davis
Posted at 05:31h, 10 NovemberHow delightful to watch the film clip and share for just a moment a ” moment in time “. Thanks!
Eileen V. Ostrby
Posted at 15:44h, 26 JanuaryMy husband was a close friend of Gustav Wally. My husband was born in 1925 in Halmstad, Sweden. Wally later moved to Manhattan. My husband moved to the U.S., married and has remained in the U.S. Since 1948. Gustav had a home located on Hook Mountain in the Hudson Valley region. After his death, the property was taken over by Columbia University. E. Osterby