Days We Danced: The Story of My Theatrical Family from Florenz Ziegfeld to Arthur Murray (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Joseph Eaton (Author), Charles Eaton (Author), J. R. Morris (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

At age fourteen, Doris Eaton was the youngest performer in the Ziegfeld Follies, appearing with such legends as Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Will Rogers, and Marilyn Miller. With two sisters and two brothers also appearing in the Follies in the years between 1918 and 1923, the Eatons became a well-known Broadway family.

Beginning their careers in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore area, the "Seven Little Eatons" became seasoned performers, working the stock-company circuit before arriving in New York City and being caught up in the golden age of Broadway. Doris and her two sisters, Pearl and Mary, became popular dancers, and throughout the twenties they were never out of work. Doris was the first Eaton to go to Hollywood, and there in 1929 she introduced the song "Singing in the Rain" in the Hollywood Music Box Review. Later, Doris left show business and went on to great success building a chain of eighteen Arthur Murray studios in Michigan, which she owned and operated for thirty years.

In a refreshingly wise voice, The Days We Danced introduces readers to the successes and poignant sorrows of the Eaton family, including alcoholism, professional failures, early death, and even a tragic murder.

With memories that span almost a century, Doris recalls the state of the American theater during World War I, the "roaring twenties," the Great Depression--as well as the legendary names of the rich and famous celebrities with whom the Eatons worked and played. Accompanied by scores of unique period photographs, this memoir details the life of a woman who never stopped dancing--even when the curtain fell.

About the Author

Doris Eaton Travis, who resides in Norman, Oklahoma, is enjoying her third career at age ninety-nine. The first was as a dancer and actress, with three years in the Ziegfeld Follies. The second was as the owner and operator of the nation's largest chain of Arthur Murray dance studios. And the third, with her late husband, Paul Travis, was running a quarter-horse ranch, which she continues to operate today. In 1992, at age eight-eight, she became the oldest graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where she majored in history.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 279 pages
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (August 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806199504
• ISBN-13: 978-0806199504
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #734,244 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Special Memoir, October 26, 2003

By	Barry Rivadue (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Doris Eaton Travis, at age 99, looks back at a full life, the early part of which is a valuable, firsthand portrait of early 20th Century entertainment, when vaudeville and the stage was still a central part of pop culture. Her frank appraisal of the rough road even successful performers would face as times changed is certainly an antidote to nostalgic ruminations about that long gone era! Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A glorious celebration of an indomitable spirit!, April 25, 2008

By	Classic Hollywood Lives (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This book is the inspiring story of the last surviving Ziegfeld Girl. The fabulous centenarian Doris Eaton Travis takes us on an amazing journey through the ups and downs of one family - members of which just happened to be stage performers. While several of Ms. Travis' siblings met tragic ends, she persevered - through her glorious Ziegfeld years, the sad days of the Great Depression, her loving second marriage, and her bittersweet (and ultimately disenchanting) relationship with Arthur Murray of dance studio fame. Nostalgic yet never melodramatic, Doris Eaton Travis' writing is fresh and upbeat. I was moved to tears at the end - not from sadness, but rather from awe at this magnificent woman with the indomitable spirit! I only wish I had the priviledge of knowing this lovely woman. A truly wonderful read - I simply can't praise this book enough!

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Life of Doris, January 20, 2004

By A Customer

I actually had the honor of interviewing Doris Eaton Travis last fall for my college English class... and I was definately honored when she gave me a copy of her book and autographed it for me... I read it right away and absolutely loved it! She is an amazing woman and has lead and incredible life which she tells about in her book. At age 99, she is still going strong and is as busy as ever! I loved meeting and interviewing her and definately loved this book! I recommend it to anyone and everyone!