The 1935 premier of Billy Rose's JUMBO, the final production staged at the massive NY Hippodrome with cameos by first-nighters Ed Wynn, Fannie Brice, George Burns and Gracie Allen. Imagine Slivers Oakley, Marceline, Toto, Joe Jackson or Poodles Hanneford working this enormous stage. The entire Cole Bros. Circus (with Otto Griebling, Emmett Kelly and Jojo Lewis in the Alley) appeared there in the 30s.
The production was directed by longtime Ringling director John Murray Anderson.
In addition to Jimmy Durante (who reprised his role in the 1962 film version) the show featured several circus acts including A. Robins, the Banana Man.
At about 3:15, if I'm not mistaken, the Kimris (Bill and Trudy Strong's family) are included.
Wow.
2 comments:
WOW!!!! What a treat, this is the first time I have seen this, and what a great thrill. Thank You Pat!
To clear up one thing though we were not related to the Kimris, although I do remember a great feeling of pride when Lee & Henri would refer to us as "the kids".
The original Kimris were two brothers, Henri & Leon, during the dress rehearsal of this show Leon fell, I don't what his injuries were but he never worked in the act again.Leon's wife Vera took his place, and is probably in the airplane in this clip. Some years later while hanging the rigging in St Paul MN, Leon fell from the girders & was killed.
After that Vera relinquished her half of the act to Henri, & was replaced by Elisabeth,(Lee) who had formerly been married to Herman Wallenda.
Trudy & I will forever be grateful for the honor, & opportunity to perform this great act,(for 18 years), and thakful to two wonderful people who for a month, twice a day, meticulously, & patiently, taught us what it took them years to develop.
Yes indeed a terrific piece of history captured on film.
Interesting to note: Barbette doing a one hock catch without locking his free leg around the foot of the leg that is hanging from the trap.
Bill---let's compare notes, I remember Joanne Jennier doing this trick and I think Lou Ann Jacobs did it also.
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