Mrs. Gunn's Diary: Feb. 5, 1942

She begins rehearsals of a play about shoes; the amazing story of Chief Officer Kelly

“Sure to be a shortage of oil on account of the Axis sinking so many of our tankers,” Mrs. Gunn remarked today, noting that sixteen tankers had been lost just in January. Not only that, an unarmed passenger liner carrying the few survivors of a previous U-boat sinking managed to escape three U-boats while headed to New York harbor.

But life went on. She began work on the one-act play she was directing for the Chevy Chase Woman’s Club, a farce written by Babette Hughes called “If the Shoe Fits.” Here’s the plot, according to The Play Bureau:

Buying shoes is a trying ordeal for light-headed, spoiled Veronica. She has brought home five pairs before making a final decision. In order to be scientific, she has promised to give the shoe salesman a complete telephone report of the state of her toes and heels as she tries on each pair. Between pairs, Veronica indulges in a bit of gossip. Out of it all comes a series of incidents that prompt her to abandon a trip abroad. Veronica in a rattle-brained conversation starts a false rumour which ultimately prevents the divorce of two of her friends. When the fifth call is made, regarding the last pair of shoes, we feel Veronica and the shoe salesman might be headed for romance, too. Veronica gives the play plenty of fast action and humour.

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The vintage photo of a woman talking on the phone while putting on shoes is being offered by a dealer on eBay.