THE GREAT JACK OAKIE HAD A LARGE SHOE COLLECTION

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2013

In September 1977, the great character actor Jack Oakie wrote an article entitled "Shoes - A Footnote", for Performances magazine. He began by saying: "Having been a dancer, I learned to love and respect shoes. In all my adult life I have never thrown a pair away My shoe collection goes back almost 60 years, as does the collection of steps danced in them. -  I am now pushing 74 and find the pull of gravity becoming stronger and stronger. Getting shoes and steps up off the floor is no longer the buoyant elevation it used to be."

 Jack Oakie in front of souvenirs of his long show business career. The photo was taken in Jack's study or poker room in the Oakridge manor house in Northridge.

 America's sweetheart Shirley Temple and Jack Oakie.

 Jack Oakie became an enemy of the fascist dictator of Italy Benito Mussolini when he played the role of Napolini in the film The Great Dictator.