FRATELLINI CLOWNS: Francois' Children

Can anyone tell us about the act?

From Marcelo Melison...

Hello Pat,

Interesting photo indeed... These are Francois' children, Kiko, Albertino and Popol.

In 1920 they created an acrobatic act called "Les Pierrots de Willette", Willette being a painter living in Montmartre, a friend of the family, who usually painted clowns and pierrots. Their costumes are inspired in Willette's paintings, that's why they used the name.

Years later, with the addition of the other brother, Baba, they change their costumes to sailor uniforms and they become "The Craddocks". With that act, they were in United States in 1946.

In 1956, Kiko, Popol and Baba become the new Fratellini trio, and, after Alberto's death (Alberto, not Albert) in 1961, they are just "Les Fratellini".

Great photo, Pat, I never saw it before.

Marcelo PEPPO Melison.