She was just 16 when, in 1922, she answered a newspaper advert asking for 'Brains, Beauty and Breeches - World Tour Offer For Lucky Young Woman¿ Wanted to join an expedition!' The advert had been placed by Polish adventurer and inventor Captain Walter Wanderwell (left), whose real name was Valerian Johannes Piecynski. Impressed by her sense of adventure, the captain quickly signed her up after meeting her and gave her her stage name. Above: The pair together
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