In early 1940, Sawyer Cat was just
beginning her journey to stardom as were many animal actors and
actresses in Hollywood after the 'Mammoth Animal Act' of 1939. In
1942, the journey took a different turn.
Like many of her colleagues, Sawyer rose to meet the demands
of WWII , at the home front and abroad. Her efforts are now
considered cinema and recording classics, and her work with the USO
is well documented. My grandmother's musical inspiration was
appreciated by many a seviceman, -human and animal alike.
However, it is the more indirect and 'creative' expressions of
appreciation that I dedicate this page to.
As smuggled Sawyer Cat singles played, artistic recruits adorned the
cowlings of their buddies' planes with images of the Diva herslf. The
images here are a sampling of the 'nose art' designs done during those war
years.
Many thanks to the private collectors who shared these photos
and sketch art with me. It is yet another facet of our family history that
I happily embrace.
Respectfully,
William E. Cat |