Mexborough and Swinton Times July 28, 1939

Part in “Thief of Baghdad

A very charming, self-possessed and strikingly pretty little girl of seven told me to-day that she had been booked for a part in the “Thief of Baghdad” now being filmed at the Denham Studios, London, and that in that capacity she would be associated with the great favourite, Sabu, the “Elephant Boy,” whom the film will feature.

This little girl was born in Wombwell. Amazingly like Shirley Temple — neatly bobbed hair, fine teeth, face dimples an’ all—her name is Jennifer Jones, and she is the only child of Charlie Jones, the popular stage comedian whose home is at St. John’s Wood, London

She is a grand-daughter of Mrs Gregson, formerly of Wombwell, who is at present staying with her brother Mr. T. W. Birkett, of 13. Viictoria Road, Wombwell.

Charlie Jones married Mrs. Gregson’s daughter, Dorothy, who herself was a professional dancer. Jennifer is also being brought up to the stage, and has already passed her first and second grade examinations in musical comedy and ballet dancing.

Members of the National Spiritualist Church at Wombwell, with which Mr. Birkett is associated, heard her reciting at their anniversary services on Sunday and to-day I had a similar pleasure, Jennifer has that very professional touch which, by gesture and inflection, makes the tritest characters live and move.

Mrs. Jones has spent most of her married life in London but she was staying with her mother, in Wombwell, when Jennifer was born. When, therefore, we see the film for which multitudes of ‘ “fans” are waiting, we can justly claim that there is a bit of “Wombwell” in it. Exactly what part Jennifer will be required to play in the film Mrs. Jones does not yet know, except that she will be one of a party of “aristocrats.” The opposite numbers are styled “ragamuffins: To use a professional phrase she is “waiting to be called for her part.”

Jennifer’s mother was known on the stage as Dorothy Morris. Her father has travelled the country with Tom Arnold’s pantomimes, and next winter will be with Littler’s No. 1 pantomime, “Cinderella” at Cardiff. Recently, Jennifer has been staying with her grannie at Cleethorpes, and it is not unlikely that she will be chosen as the Princess for the Cleethorpes carnival. She would certainly make a very charming princess.

The stage tradition runs in Mrs. Gregson’s family. Her other daughter, Barbara, now Mrs. William Clarke, was also a professional dancer, and their boy, Billy Clarke (12), (picture) who was born at 10, Cemetery Road, Wombwell, and at one time attended the Barnsley Road Schools, is being trained as a vocalist and dancer.

Billy is at present on holiday at Wombwell with his cousin Jennifer.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarke also live in London. Mr. Harry Birkett (80), of 10, Cemetery Road, Wombwell, is the proud great-grandfather of both these talented children.