In light of the recent devastating loss of my very close friend Jim Clark, clownalley.net will be taking a hiatus.

DUANE "UNCLE SOAPY" THORPE: 10/11/24 - 12/9/95

Thank you to Joel "Benny's Dad" Heidtman

"Fondly remembered whenever we gather"

ROLF ZAVATTA: Out of Makeup

Photo courtesy of Marcelo Melison


Rolph Zavatta without clown make up, performing his musical comedy act.

ALEXIS GRUSS JR.

SONNY FOSSETT & BEAN: Gerry Cottle's Circus, 1979

Producers take note: everyone loves a comedy car gag!

PIPO, DARIO & MIMILE

Photo courtesy of the Pierre Robert Levy Collection

MAKE 'EM LAUGH: PBS Series on American Comedy

MAKE 'EM LAUGH

The Funny Business of America

Did you hear the one about PBS airing a comedy series? It’s no joke, but it is funny. In January 2009, PBS will present the series MAKE ’EM LAUGH: The Funny Business of America, a six-hour comedy epic showcasing the most hilarious men, women, and moments in American entertainment and why they made us laugh. Hosted by America’s favorite funnyman, Billy Crystal, the documentary explores the currents of American comedy throughout a century of social and political change, illuminating how comedy has tackled and poked fun at our political system, race relations, gender issues, and the prevailing American standards and taboos in everyday life.

Co-produced by Thirteen/WNET and Ghost Light Films, the series premieres nationally on January 14, 21, 28 at 8 p.m. and will repeat at 10 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings).

Melding performance, biography and history, MAKE ’EM LAUGH features interviews with over 90 comedians, writers, producers, and historians including Judd Apatow, Roseanne Barr, Anne Beatts, the Smothers Brothers, Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, George Carlin, Larry David, Will Ferrell, Leonard Maltin, Cheech Marin, Steve Martin, Chris Rock, Mort Sahl, Dick Van Dyke, and many, many more.

Each one-hour episode focuses on a distinct genre of American comedy – from the most ingenious physical schtick, to those fast-talking wiseguys, to the most incisive satire and parody – re-acquainting viewers with some of their favorite classics. Billy Crystal will introduce each episode and Amy Sedaris will narrate throughout.

January 14, 8 p.m. (ET) Would Ya Hit a Guy with Glasses?: Nerds, Jerks, & Oddballs

While America, a country of immigrants, has always championed the idea of inclusiveness, the outsider has been a source of constant amusement. Perhaps best epitomized today by characters in such blockbuster Judd Apatow comedies as The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Superbad, this episode also looks back at the bespectacled wannabe (Harold Lloyd) and the vain coward (Bob Hope) as the outsiders of their day. Along with pioneering women in comedy like Phyllis Diller and truly zany characters who seem to have arrived from another planet (Jonathan Winters, Andy Kaufman and Robin Williams), the great social upheaval of the 60s and 70s introduced counter-culture favorites Cheech & Chong, as well as superstar nerds like Woody Allen and “jerks” like Steve Martin – who ultimately became so popular that the idea of the outsider had to be re-cast.

January 14, 9 p.m. (ET) Honey, I’m Home!: Breadwinners and Homemakers

The domestic comedy may be the most American of comic concepts. The moment that Burns and Allen admitted to their radio audience that they were a married couple, a tradition of laughter on the home front began. Groundbreaking television sitcoms like The Goldbergs, I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, The Dick Van Dyke Show, All in the Family, The Cosby Show, Roseanne, Seinfeld, and The Simpsons reflect the ongoing changes at home and in the workplace. Sitcoms continue to be a consistently humorous barometer of American gender roles and attitudes toward racism and politics.

January 21, 8 p.m. (ET) Slip on a Banana Peel: The Knockabouts

Physical comedy and slapstick have always found rich soil in America. From the mastery of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to the computer-generated antics that helped transform Jim Carrey into a human cartoon, slapstick has evolved into a sophisticated art, stretching the boundaries of time and space. This episode explores the comic genius of teams like Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Martin and Lewis, and the Marx Brothers, and the one and only Lucille Ball.

January 21, 9 p.m. (ET) When I’m Bad, I’m Better: The Groundbreakers

In the ongoing war against hypocrisy, conservatism, political correctness, prejudice, prudery, censorship, sentimentality, liberalism, extremism, and complacency, it was always the comedian who led the first wave of attack. Rather than using risqué jokes and four-letter words simply to get a rise out of an audience, the most audacious comedians – from pioneers like Mae West and Moms Mabley to 60s and 70s bad boys like Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and George Carlin – invoked what the First Amendment of the American Constitution calls “freedom of speech” to bring the biggest and most dangerous laughs to the American public.

January 28, 8 p.m. (ET) Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: The Wiseguys

America loves the wiseguy who defies convention by speaking the truth no matter the consequences. Whether in the form of the curmudgeonly W.C. Fields of the 1930s or today’s Larry David, who manages to aggravate everyone within reach, the wiseguy (or gal) always gets the last – and funniest – word. Along with classic smart-alecks like Groucho Marx and con men like Phil Silvers, other legendary names in this episode’s “Wiseguy Hall of Fame” include Jack Benny, Paul Lynde, Joan Rivers, Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock.

January 28, 9 p.m. (ET) Sock it to Me?: Satire and Parody

Americans have always loved to make fun of the world around them using the slings and arrows of parody and satire. Whether it was Will Rogers, Johnny Carson, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert poking a finger in the eye of the government, or Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks and the “Saturday Night Live” gang lampooning the latest blockbuster, generations have reveled in the anarchic tradition of mocking American life, politics and preoccupations.

MAKE ’EM LAUGH is being produced in HD format. Michael Kantor is the series’ producer, director and writer. Bill O’Donnell is supervising producer and David Horn is executive producer.

JOHN LENNON

From Boing Boing...

Yoko Ono has kindly emailed Boing Boing this beautiful photograph of her husband, former Beatle John Lennon, who was murdered on this day in 1980. Photographer Allan Tannenbaum took the image on November 26, 1980, shortly before Lennon passed away.

"Please share your memories of John here at this website," Ms. Ono says to Boing Boing readers, and, "WAR IS OVER! IF YOU WANT IT. You can download the poster here. Print it out, and display it in your window, school, workplace, car & elsewhere over the holiday season."

MARTINE "TOTOCHE" BOUCHER: Terrible News!

Horrible news from Canada...

Hi Pat,

I’m not sure but I think I saw that Totoche (Martine) was part of your group in Shanghai this year or last. She was definitely in China, just not sure where. She is a wonderful and sweet girl from Montreal. I had the honour of working with her several times.

I have just learned that she has been struck by some virulent but so far unidentified illness and is in ICU. She felt ill on Thursday and went to the hospital and apparently is now in imminent danger of losing her life.

I have forwarded this request for good wishes. I translated it on Babelfish but its still difficult to understand.

Karine is asking anyone who wishes, to send a note and or photo and she will make a large card or booklet to take to Totoche or her parents on Wednesday.

Karine, who sent this is life and clown partner of Adam (Zip-E) Zimmerman, who you also might know.

I’ll keep you posted,
Ian


This is absolutely awful! For those who have never met Martine Boucher, she is, hands down, the sweetest, kindest person and the loveliest clown you could ever meet.

PLEASE keep us posted and let her know that she is in the hearts and prayers of all of the "China Clowns" and do not hesitate to to ask if there is anything at all that we can do!

ROLPH ZAVATTA AND EUGENE LEONARD

Please excuse my ignorance, my French is not good enough 

to determine if Mr. Leonard is Rolph's partner or son.

This just in from Marcelo Melison...

Hello Pat:

Yes, the auguste is Achille Zavatta's brother Rolph's partner, and his name is Eugene Leonard, a member of the Leonard Trio, as you can see in the poster. From L to R, Eugene, Yvette and Marcel. Yvette was Marcel Leonard's wife (yes, that grotesque auguste was a woman).

Marcelo PEPPO Melison.

THE AUSTINS

Unless otherwise noted, photos and information courtesy of Don Stacey and George Garrard

Albert "Bandbox" Austin, born in 1872

Photo courtesy of The Clowns' Gallery

Spider and Alby Austin with Little Billy Merchant

Albert and Leonard Austin were two of England's most popular 20th century clowns. They followed their father, Albert "Bandbox" Austin into the business, their mother Addie being from the famous Ginnett circus dynasty.

Albert Jr., known as "Alby", born in London in 1903, made his clowning debut in 1916 when he joined his father in the ring at Frank Bostock's Circus.

Younger brother Len, known as "Spider", later joined the pair adding his droll sense of humor to Alby's more grotesque auguste style.

Later Alby and Spider teamed up with William "Little Billy" Merchant. At one time or another they worked such famous British shows as Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, Yarmouth Hippodrome, Crystal Palace, the Royal Italian, Ginnett's, the Royal Agricultural Hall, Blackpool Tower, Sanger's, Bertram Mills', Chipperfield's, Robert Bros., Bell Vue, Manchester, Billy Smart's, and Captain Prince-Cox's circus promotions.

After touring together with Bertram Mills' Circus, Alby and Little Billy stayed on with Spider heading out on his own.

In 1953 Spider took a troupe of British clowns to that haven of great clowning, the Cirque Medrano in Paris.

For some years Alby and Billy worked with Coco at the Bertram Mills Circus and after the Mills' retirement Little Billy teamed with Jacko Fossett.

Alby Austin

Spider Austin's troupe at Medrano

Photo courtesy of The Arthur Pedlar Collection

The clowns of the Cirque Medrano in Paris, 1953-54

At top: Arthur Pedlar; 2nd row: Billy Beck, Ken Simpson, Frankie Fossett, Will Norman; 3rd row: Loriot, Spider Autin, Holley Gray; 4th row: Rhum, unidentified child clown, Nino and Charly.

Photo courtesy of The Mike Austin Collection

SEARCHING FOR DENIS LACOMBE

Does anyone out there know what agency is currently handling Denis Lacombe or how to contact him directly? I received this email this morning and would like to forward the information...

To Whom It May Concern,

I'm not sure if you could help with this but I figured that I might as well attempt to get ahold of someone who may know. I am helping with a show right now in which they are interested in hiring Mr. Lacombe. If there is anyway you can help out it would be greatly appreciated! Hope to hear from you very soon.

Sincerely Yours,
Lucas Manning

WAYNE SCOTT: On the Road and at Clown College

Photos courtesy of Greg DeSanto

Here is Wayne Scott (whiteface in plaid in the center) apparently receiving a diploma from Clown College from the one and only "Uncle Miltie" Milton Berle in 1969. 

But didn't Wayne graduate Clown College in 1968?!?

Michael Karp tells us that this photo was taken in the summer of 1969, at the Inglewood Forum outside of Los Angeles, and was merely a straight-ahead photo op.

Jack Ryan of Solters and Sabinson, who handled the show's national PR, simply hustled several of the clowns out of the alley, shot the photo and whisked Berle away!

Here's Wayne Scott at the Venice arena during Clown College in the autumn of 1968 (at right in Hawaiian shirt) observing as Danny Chapman teaches... well, I'm not exactly sure what Danny is teaching here and I actually think it would be better for all concerned if I didn't even venture to guess.

Mr. Karp, a little help here please...

ROLPH KNIE, GASTON HANI & PIPO SOSMAN JR: Slapping Entree

Link suggested by Mike Naughton

Rolf Knie, Gaston Hani and Pipo Sosman Jr, performing for television and out of makup.

IN MEMORIAM: Wayne Scott, 1929-2008

Photo courtesy of Rik Gern

Clownalley.net today mourns the passing of Mr. Wayne Scott; 

clown, master shoe-maker, prop builder and graduate of the first class of the 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Marty and their family.

For more info on Wayne and Marty please click here.

PRINCE PAUL: "The Prince" by Dean Chambers

Photo courtesy of Dean "Elmo Gibb" Chambers

Prince Paul Alpert as photographed by Dean Chambers.

From Dean...

Backstage at the Spectrum in Philadelphia way back in June of 1978. It's a shot off of the only roll of film and prints I ever developed myself. I would kill for the negatives today, as I love this study of Prince in a pensive mood.

ROLPH KNIE, GASTON HANI & PIPO SOSMAN JR

Photos and information courtesy of Don Stacey and George Garrard

Gaston Hani, Pipo Sosman Jr and Rolf Knie circa 1986

Gaston Hani, Pipo Sosman Jr and Rolf Knie in the mid-80s when they were leaving Switzerland's Circus Knie for a series of variety dates (sans traditional makeup and costumes) all around the world.

Rolf Knie was born in Bern in 1949 into the sixth generation of one of the most famous of European circus dynasties. He excelled as an animal trainer, in the best traditions of his family, and as an acrobat, but found his metier was clowning in 1973. He is now retired from performing and is well known and respected as a painter.

Gaston Hani, born in Zurich in 1951, is from another famous Swiss circus family and is the nephew of the famous clown, Andreff. By the mid 80s he had been partnered with Rolf Knie for about a decade

Pipo Sosman Jr, born in Paris in 1949, is the son of one of Europe's most famous whiteface clowns. He starting out playing auguste but later adopted his late father's distinctive makeup. After working for Gruss in France he joined Circus Knie in 1980 where he partnered up with Rolf and Gaston.

American audiences will remember Pipo Jr working alongside David Larible in Feld Entertainment's Barnum's Kaleidoscape. I believe that Pipo is currently performing in Madrid on Circo Price.

BOB WILLIAMS AND LOUIE: Hollywood Palace, December 1965

Another act that I call "dibs" on, if ever I get a dog who can sit still for 10 seconds...


From Mark Evanier's NEWS TO ME...

I think that he had a couple of different dogs over the years, including one named Red Dust.

I worked on a show once where they tried to book Bob Williams. As I recall, he wanted a sum of money that our producer thought was excessive and some agent had an imitation act that was priced more reasonably...so they hired this other guy, who wasn't nearly as funny.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, SHANE!

Photos personally selected by Shane Cashin

Gather 'round children, I'm going to tell you a story...

Six years ago today Mike Rosman crashed over at our house after a nearby gig. We stayed up late watching clown videos and talking shop.

Terry was quite pregnant and in her fourth week of doctor ordered bed-rest. We woke up on December 5th, 2002 to the first big snowstorm of the season and the worst in several years. By 7 AM there was already about 8 inches of snow on the ground with no end in sight.

Michael and I got up to shovel the driveway and walk so that Terry could make a doctor's appointment she refused to cancel. The doctor's office is only a few miles away but I was concerned about the roads. She was adamant. Her Mom arrived to pick her up and they drove off in some of the worst conditions imaginable. 

Not long after she arrived there she called to say that she had arrived safely but the doctor had determined that she was sending Terry to the hospital and that she was going to induce her right away.

Michael wished me well before heading off on what I'm sure was five or six hour of an awful trip home to Reisterstown. I grabbed Terry's suitcase and started off to the hospital to join my wife and mother-in-law driving into what was now a full-fledged blizzard.  At about 6:00 PM my friend John was able to make it over to the hospital from the Red Bank train station after work with some coffee and donuts. By then there was about 2 feet of snow on the ground. 

At 9:11 PM (during the commercial break of an episode of Will and Grace) we all met Shane for the first time.

He didn't just "enter" this world. He exploded into it, Evel Knievel-style. He rocketed out and the doctor caught him from what seemed like three feet away like she was catching a football.

Two days later he was released from the hospital and Terry took him across town to meet Knucklehead and I at our Santa gig at the Galleria in Red Bank. Our first family photo...

Since then he's been known around here by many names... Schmoove Baby Shay Shay, Poo-Poo Magoo, Pee-Pee Magee, Pootie McDiapermuffin, il Bastardo, the Red Menace, Prince Charmless, Nerdlinger, Doof Magoof, Shanye West but most often he's known around here as "Buddy Boy".

So in honor of the Buddy Boy's sixth birthday I've invited him to choose the clowns that he'd like to see featured on today's clownalley.net.

In the order that they occurred to Shane, here they are:

Lou Jacobs (photo supplied by Jeff Darnell) 

Barry Lubin (cartoon by Rocco Paris) 

Drew Richardson

Mr. Noodle (Bill Irwin) 

Andrew Scharff

and Daddy Clown!

Happy Birthday, Buddy Boy!

JUST TO CLARIFY...

Just to clear up any misunderstanding (a number of people emailed me privately), I am not angry at the Big Apple Circus for hosting Britney Spears, just disappointed that a much greater opportunity was missed. On the contrary, I think Ms. Spears was an extremely poor guest.

I would liken it to being invited into someone else's home only to tell them that they are stupid, their spouse is fat, their kids are ugly, the house is a dump and that dinner wasn't very good. 

It is just bad manners to treat your host so poorly.

Not that Ms. Spears did anything out of character. Her lip-synched performance was the same tacky, tasteless warmed over Madonna that she's been selling for years. 

What I objected to so strongly was that she decided to theme her album and tour around "circus" without spending so much as a moment learning what a circus actually is.

See, she thinks that her life is like a circus. Really? How so? I watched the video and I still don't see any tangible connection between the tabloid hungry celebu-tard lifestyle she is internationally famous for and any aspect of the circus as I know it.

Had she actually sung, selected a better song (one that didn't sound like a half-forgotten Janet Jackson album track that you didn't really care about from 20 years ago) and actively collaborated with the stellar cast of this year's Big Apple Circus she might have created something really interesting; something of merit that was mutually beneficial to both parties.

Instead she claimed to be like a "ringleader" in the "center of the ring" and prance around like the chowderheaded piece of fluffy puff pastry that she is, loudly proclaiming her inflated sense of self-importance while surrounded by the cast of HBO's Carnevale and some members of the Red Triangle Circus Gang from Batman Returns.

Yup, that's circus for 'ya, in all of it's glory.

With such a wealth of talent in this year's show it's a shame that she and her handlers weren't more interested in promoting circus in general and the Big Apple Circus specifically, rather than choosing to callously exploit it.

But then, exploitation is really what the Britney Spears story is all about, isn't it?

I mean how much can you blame her? She doesn't really strike me as a terribly bad person. Just a sad, undereducated young woman ill-equipped to deal with the machine that is eating her alive for the amusement of a global audience. 

An audience that now thinks that the Big Apple Circus is a tawdry little Fellini-esque museum piece that condones keeping women in cages.

That said, once again I remind you that I am fully aware that absolutely no one involved gives a fig what I think.

Anyway, here's a clip from the Today Show promoting a previous edition of the BAC with the type of media exposure that might actually bring paying customers in to see the show for themselves. 

And Al Roker makes a comment at the end far more risque than anything Britney did...

ICYMI: Circus Poodles! | Movies & TV | SPIKE.com