June Preisser

Best known at MGM for giving young Judy Garland competition over the attentions of Mickey Rooney in a couple of their famous let's-put-on-a-show musical films, this dimpled blonde cream puff was first and foremost an acrobatic dancer and contortionist. June Preisser was born in New Orleans in 1920, one of six children. Her outstanding physical agility was noticed early in the game and a vaudeville act was formed with one of her other sisters, Cherry, that showcased their amazing skills. Appearing everywhere from New Orleans to New York City, the sisters even reached the famous music halls of Paris, Berlin and London where they once performed for King George. In the mid-1930s they caught the eye of Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. who put them in his Follies shows in both 1934 and 1936. June and Cherry also appeared in the musical "You Never Know" on Broadway at the Winter Garden. With adorable kewpie-doll looks, curly locks and a sweet, cooing voice, it was the petite June, and not Cherry, who was