A page from an autograph album, with a small picture pasted to it and signed by Max Miller (1894-1963), known as the 'Cheeky Chappie', a British comic who was probably the greatest stand-up comedian of his generation. He made films, toured in revues and music hall, and sang and recorded songs, some of which he wrote. He was known for his flamboyant suits, his wicked charm, and his risqué jokes, which often got him into trouble with the censors. Miller’s act on a variety bill usually lasted between 20 and 30 minutes. It would begin with the orchestra playing his signature tune, Mary from the Dairy. A spotlight aimed on the curtain by the wings would anticipate his appearance. There would be excitement in the audience. He would sometimes wait for up to 10 seconds until he appeared leading to resounding applause, walk to the microphone and just stand there in his costume, a gloriously colourful suit with plus-fours, a kipper tie, trilby and co-respondent shoes and wait for the laughter to begin. The laws on censorship were very strict during Miller's lifetime but by using innuendo or leaving out the last word or words of a joke, he could get away with much risqué and saucy material. However, he never swore or told a dirty joke on stage and disapproved of those who did. He would take from his pocket two books, one a white book and the other a blue book, explaining to the audience that they were joke books and asking them which they would like him to use; the crowd almost always chose the blue book. The jokes in the ‘blue book’ were the naughty ones. For example:

"When roses are red, they’re ready for plucking. When a girl is sixteen, she’s ready for … ‘Ere, now stop that missus! I know exactly what you are saying to yourself, you’re wrong, I know what you’re saying, you wicked lot. You’re the sort of people that get me a bad name!"