Bluch Landolf

- Photo courtesy of Fred Pfening and the Pfening Archive

Bluch Landolf

"The Ringmaster well might feel like telling Bluch Landolf to pull up his pants as he passes into the Big Top - but those pants are really designed for half-mast. Old-times will recall Bluch in the NY Hippodrome and the Gay 90s Burlesques when he first created this still amusing form of precarious trousers.

Bluch was born in Cedarville, NJ and boasts 60-odd years of full and active show business. He comes from three generations of actors and Bluch also deserves further recognition as the uncle of that great and clever artist - the one and only, Lillian Leitzel.

Bluch actually performed for such colorful characters as Diamond Jim Brady and Lillian Russell. Until 1897 Bluch was a gymnast. He was discovered by the late John Ringling in 1907.

Bluch's early circus career was interrupted by World War I but in 1928 he was back with the Ringlings in the combined Big Show and he has been among the great ones ever since. The state which claims the title of "Cradle of the Circus" has honored him - the Circus Fans organized in Hartford, CT are the 'Bluch Landolf Tent, CFA #24'.

The following lines occured to us in Madison Square Garden, NY, the first time Bluch went on instead of Shorty:

It was opening day and the Garden was jammed.

"What's the matter, Bluch? Got a toothache?" Then - I quickly knew ---"Oh, that's fine", I said. " I'm glad they picked you. Are you all set? Is there anything I can do?"

He shook his head absently. "I just learned the news. I'd like to run off." but quickly he turned and searched his trunk, then he spoke more lightly, " There's not much more time to choose, the spotlight's not easy in a dead man's shadow. Wonder what became of that broom? And where's my other hat?"

"Here it is" I said.

"And there goes third call! Gee, thanks, Red!"

~ From EYES - LIGHT by B. Boyd Blount, a BOBBEE book