S& G: The Faces of Bert Lahr

Best known for his role as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Lahr also happened to be in burlesque, vaudeville and on Broadway where he let his natural comedic talent shine. He was also a good friend to James Cagney, and was an occasional guest in his group called The Boy's Club aka The Irish Mafia. Other members were Spencer Tracy, Frank McHugh, and Pat O'Brien to make up the original four members that spanned out to include Lynne Overman, Lou Calhern, Frank Morgan, Jimmy Gleason, and Ralph Bellamy. The Boy's Club offered the men an opportunity to get together for a few drinks and laughs but also the chance to use one another for a sounding board to discuss current ideas or projects they were involved in.