By 1937 Gracie was the highest paid film star in the world. She never liked making films and found difficulty ion relating to an invisible audience. Nevertheless, she was a huge success and in 1937 was invited to Hollywood to publicise a contract with Twentieth Century Fox.  However this was not before her home town of Rochdale had given her the 'freedom of the borough', an honour she proudly treasured.

Gracie on holiday in Canada - 1943.

By 1938 she was now at the height of her popularity and the position she occupied in the public's affection was second only to that of the King and Queen. In her very long life Gracie was given many accolades, and had many things named after her. In 1938 she was given the Order of Officer Sister of St. John of Jerusalem  for her unstinting work for charity and also received the CBE from King George VI for her contribution to the entertainment industry.

A favourite photograph

Gracie in Miami in 1942