The Specialist

Chic Sale was an actor. Starting in Vaudeville, he appeared on the legitimate stage, and then in films in the early days of Hollywood. As a member of Rotary, he would attend meetings in the cities where he was performing. He was often asked to provide some "little" entertainment after the luncheons. It was a comedy piece about Lem Putt, country carpenter and specialist in building outhouses. In the beginning Chic Sale considered "The Specialist" for men only and it took a long time to make him decide he could tell it to a mixed audience. Proud to have always performed true family entertainment, he thought to tell the "privy" story in front of women was a little out of line. The ladies felt otherwise. They knew their knowledge of rural living was just as great as their men folk and wanted to hear Lem Putt's story first hand. Gradually Mr. Sale's reluctance to perform "The Specialist" monologue at mixed gatherings was lessened and he had a wonderful time making people laugh about the carpenter who was a specialist. Chic Sale became aware that his charming and funny monologue was being stolen by other performers. What to do? He didn't want to lose his story! He published it in book form, so it would be protected by the copyright laws. In February, 1929, "The Specialist" was published. The book sold immediately, each month doubling the previous month's sales.