Sophie Tucker arrives in London . Cable offer from BBC . Sophie Tucker , the American variety actress , received a cable from the BBC inviting her to broadcast in a variety programme at the end of this month , arrived at Waterloo station , London , bought Normandie boat train from New York . Also on the train Sally Eilers , the American film actress , and Ricardo Cortez , film actor . Photo shows , Sophie Tucker surrounded by a crowd on arrival at Waterloo . 21 September 1936