CIRCUS CIRCUS: Sophia Heidtman

Photos courtesy of Joel Heidtman


In the interest of full disclosure let me just say that I now have met, and am friends with, ALL of the performing Heidtman Family siblings (there is one non-performing brother, Zeppo Heidtman, that I have never met) and was very happy to receive these pictures and find that the proud Heidtman Family performing legacy looks to continue...







From Joel...


Friends,

Sofia and I went to visit our friends at Circus Circus today, and she was invited up on the main stage with Huel Speight!

For those of you that haven't seen her recently, Sofia is the smallest of the three kids up there, wearing a red sweatshirt. (Sofia will be 5 next month).

Huel spun a ball on the first two kids fingers, starting with the biggest kid and then the middle one. Both kids kept the ball there for a few moments, then the ball fell to the ground and rolled away.

The crowd was really rooting for Sofia when it was her turn since she was the smallest, and not only did she manage to keep her hand steady enough for the ball to spin there for quite some time - she actually sensed when it was going to fall... AND SHE CAUGHT IT!!!

The crowd went NUTS!

So did I!

Unfortunately, my camera could not keep up with all the pictures I was trying to take, so I did not actually get a picture of her with the ball on her finger - but you can get the idea. In the last picture the crowd was cheering for her... and she loved it!

Thanks for letting me share.

Joel Heidtman

A very Merry Christmas to all the Heidtmans, the Smiths and the Heidtman-Smiths!

CLOWN ALLEY: Cole Bros. Circus, 1937

Photos courtesy of Bill Strong



For those out there who still have a problem telling them apart.

This program page may be the last time Otto's name was spelled correctly but Emmett's wasn't.

Thanks go out, as always, to Bill Strong. Please click the title of this post to be taken to Bill's circus history blog YESTERDAY'S TOWNS.

CLOWN ALLEY: Circus Vargas; LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING, 1981

Video courtesy of Larry Clark


The circus scene from the made-for-TV movie LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING, directed by Jackie Cooper, which premiered on CBS April 29, 1981.

The film stars Mickey Rooney as Jack Thum, an actual Chicago area clown who, with his devoted wife Shirlee, cared for dozens of homeless children --37 of them over the years--in the Chicago area, all of whom come back to visit when they discover he's terminally ill.

This footage was shot at Circus Vargas, back during that show's heyday.

Featured in the scene is the Vargas Alley performing the traditional Funnel Gag with Billy McCabe, looking like a million bucks, as the straight man and Mr. Dale Longmire, currently recuperating from recent surgery at his home in Sarasota, FL, as the stooge.

We're all hoping that you're feeling better Dale! Happy Holidays!

FELIX ADLER AWARDS: The Lou Jacobs Lifetime Achievement Award 2007

Video courtesy of Andrew Scharff



Last night I had the great honor of presenting Barry "Grandma" Lubin with the first ever Lou Jacobs Lifetime Achievement Award, in the ring, at the Big Apple Circus in Lincoln Center.

I can think of no contemporary American circus clown more deserving.

The award was announced by the beautiful and extremely talented Ms. Carrie Harvey and we were joined in the ring by Big Apple Circus co-founder, Mr. Paul Binder.

Most of the folks on show were aware that the award was to be given, but the presentation came as a complete surprise to Mr. Lubin.

I'd like to thank Paul and Diane Guthiel for their offer to photograph the presentation, Mike Naughton for supplying the photo used on the award, Jeff Darnell for cleaning up that photo (and Kevin Brown for his offer of assistance), Rik Gern for creating the alternate photo (seen below), Andrew Scharff for assistance with the award speech, Greg DeSanto, Jay Stewart and Bill Ballantine for their assistance with the wording of the award plaque, Don Covington Of the Big Apple Circus for arranging all of the many details on the Big Apple Circus' side, Pedro Reiss for assistance in gaining the Jacobs family's permission to give the award in Lou's name and Lou Jacobs' wife, Jean and daughters, Lou Ann and Dolly for very graciously granting that permission.

And especially to everyone here at clownalley.net that voted and for their support for the 2007 awards.


Mr. Dougherty... we are coming for you next.


News concerning the 2008 Felix Adler Awards will be announced shortly.


Photoshopped photo courtesy of Rik Gern



Forwarded by Don Covington this morning...

_________________________________________________

Brian Liddicoat is a former General Manager of Big Apple Circus. He now works for MSG Entertainment and is in charge of the touring editions of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show.

__________________________________________________

Dear Barry and Friends,


Charmaine and I were teary-eyed this morning when we received the email and blog of your splendid and well-deserved award. Your persistence and longevity in the character of Grandma is beloved by so many of us close to your career, and to thousands you have entertained these so many years. Your place in circus history is preserved for the ages, and we salute you.


To those who chose you and made this possible, thank you for the well-placed efforts.

Most sincerely,
Charmaine & Brian

SLIVERS OAKLEY: Barnum & Bailey 1904

Photo courtesy of Bill Strong


Frank "Slivers" Oakley, Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth program, 1904.

CIRCUS HAWAII: 1978

Video recommended by Larry Clark, posted by "RedRedFlea"








Information from YouTube posting...

Circus Hawaii was filmed in 1978 & 1979 and finalized in 1981, featuring the Hawaii prop crew and the International 3-Ring Circus. Originally shot in 16mm, this version is a digital reproduction of a video made from the film.

Directors are Makoto Ishikawa and Richard Hamasaki; camera assistants include Shinichi Takahashi and H. Doug and Kiyo Matsuoka. "Circus" title art by Wayne Kaumualii Westlake; additional titles photographed by Mark Hamasaki.

This upload is dedicated to [circus] Promoter Ralph Yempuku of Papaikou, Hawaii, who passed away at the age of 88 in 2002; and to retired Kamehameha Schools teacher Jimmy Kalani Keanini of Papakolea, Oahu, Hawaii who passed away at the age of 55 in 2007; Jimmy's brother Barney Keanini was a member of the International 3-Ring Circus Prop Crew, 1978.

Mahalo to all involved in this collaborative effort.

ALDO VILLAGRA

Aldo Villagra carrying on the breakaway bicycle act.

LITTLE WALTER/GROCK

Grock was apparently rather, shall we say..."absorbent" in the formative years of his career.

SLIVERS OAKLEY: New York Public Library Collection Photo

Photo courtesy of Marcos Jiménez Wander

JAY STEWART AND MIKE SMITH

Photo courtesy of Larry Clark


More character than you can shake a rubber chicken at, one of the best clown comedy duos in American today, Jay Stewart and Mike Smith.

For more of Larry's photos, please click the title of this post.

LOU JACOBS: With Chris Shelton

Photo courtesy of Chris Shelton...



From former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Red Unit Boss Clown, Chris Shelton...

__________________________________________________

Hey Pat,
Steve Copeland stayed at my house during a tour in this area. When I was showing him old circus photos, I came across this picture with Lou. This was taken during Lou’s, Pee Wee’s, and my last year on the road. When I became Boss, I was told I had to find someone to walk Lou from his dressing room to the back door for each of his routines. I instantly assigned myself to that honor! This shot was taken en route. I watched and enjoyed every time Lou worked. Take care!

_________________________________________________


Thank you for sharing Chris!

MIKE "COCO" POLAKOVS: Ronald McDonald

Photos courtesy of Tom Piccard



Michael "Coco" Polakovs was hired in the mid-1960s by McDonalds to revamp their Ronald McDonald character, originally developed and portrayed by Willard Scott. It has long been rumored that Mike also played Ronald in the first few national commercials featuring the new-look Ronald.

Here, from January 1967, is the proof...

I have also heard that the "Mr. Muscle" character pictured here was played a Ringling clown. Other early characters were played in the commercials by veteran clowns Bobby Kay and Albert White.

These photos were sent to me by Mr. Piccard from the personal collection of Mike Coco's son, Graham.

For more info on Mike Coco's life and career, please click the title of this post.

THE CASHIN FAMILY CIRCUS NATIVITY 2007

For many years now Terry and I have owned the Playmobil Nativity set and putting it up each year has become a longstanding family tradition.

Since Shane has been old enough to walk he has always seemed to take great delight in adding historically inappropriate characters from some of his other Playmobil sets to the traditional Nativity scene. Last year the manger featured visits from Shepperds, Wise Men, Santa, Vikings, Pirates, Paparazzi, Police and a Mariachi Band.

This year he wanted to do away with the manger all together and thus we have what might best be politely described as "rather biblically inaccurate"... thus Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you The Cashin Family Circus Nativity 2007!








I must admit, the angel hanging from the trapeze was my idea.

TINA LENERT

There are several people doing similar bits, rarely with such clear character, motivation and charm.

DALE LONGMIRE: Get Well Soon!

Our thoughts and prayers today are with Dale Longmire (Ringling/Vargas/Walker Bros.) who is recovering from open heart surgery and valve replacement at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Lee Stevens spoke with Dale's sister and heard that all was going well. He should be out of intensive care by this morning.

Dale, get well soon!!!

"You've heard the expression, "ONE IN A MILLION", he's two of them!!!!"
~Bill Strong on Dale Longmire

MILO & ROGER

Posted to YouTube by "patrickske"


After finding this the other night I was going to keep this to myself and use it as "inspiration" for the next series of shows in China, but it was just too good not to share.

For more on Milo (According to Mr. DeSanto it's pronounced "MEE-low") and Roger, please click the title of this post.

LES FRATELLINIS: The What Now?!?

According to the back of this photo, the Fratellinis came to the United States in the mid 1920s?!?

CLOWN ALLEY: Ringling-Barnum, 1943

Taken from the 1943 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Program. OK, that's Lou Jacobs and Chesty Mortimer up top, Felix Adler in the center and Paul Jerome in his tramp makeup in the lower left hand corner.

Who is the guy in the lower right? Paul Jung? In 1943?!?

How OLD was this? If it is Jung, was this even taken while Jung was on Ringling? It looks like an early 30s photo from Hagenbeck-Wallace!

GEORGE L. FOX: Comedy/Tragedy

For more ruminations on Mr. Fox, please click the title of this post.

MARIANO SAVIO: 1989

Mariano Savio in "Clown Fiorellino", 1989.

CUBAN CHRISTMAS RINGLING ALLEY VIDEO 1950s: THE RAREST OF THE RARE!

I've just received extremely rare video of the clowns of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performing a Christmas themed number during one the Ringling show's trips to Havana, Cuba during the 1950s. This comes from the estate of a very well known American circus collector and archivist. I am almost certain from it's pristine condition that, other than it's video transfer, this footage has gone unseen since the 1950s.

The footage features Lou Jacobs, Felix Adler, Paul Jung and Otto Griebling.

This number was revived briefly by Jackie LeClaire for the John Ringling North-produced Continental Circus during the holiday season of the 1964 New York World's Fair.

Please click the title of this post for the link to the video. Enjoy!

CLOWN ALLEY: Zippo's Academy of Circus Arts

Posted to YouTube by JaneyTClown




Slosh Act at the Academy of Circus Arts Graduation Showcase.

"There is nothing that can be done that can't be made better by adding Benny Hill music."

FRANKIE SALUTO: Ringling/Barnum, Undated

Frankie Saluto with his pet rabbit preparing for their walkaround.

CLOWN ALLEY: Kelly-Miller, 1951

Eddie Dullam & Lee Virtue, looking like two Bill Ballantine drawings come to life.



Mr. Virtue



Mr. Dullam, whose makeup evolved over the years but never traded in his yarn wig.

GIJON POLIDOR: Undated Photo

Gijon Polidor on Ringling in a photo that looks to have been taken by Maxwell Frederic Coplan.

GEORGE L. FOX: 1875 Humpty Dumpty Program

I found this on eBay this morning.

A rare large July 1875 program for the great 19th century clown G L Fox in his most famous role as Humpty Dumpty.

Please click the title of this post to view the eBay posting of the item.

MYSTERY ORLANDO AREA SHRINE CLOWN

I received this email the other day...

_________________________________________________________________

Hi -

I've been asked to restore a photo of a friend's uncle and a clown, taken about 1991-92.

I worked out that the photo was taken at a Shriners' circus (by zooming in on the background and seeing three men wearing fezzes). I determined that the circus was put on by the Orlando Shriners' group. I wrote to their webmaster a couple of weeks ago, with no response.

I've also scoured the Internet, looking at thousands of clown pictures, to no avail.


As you can see, the clown's face is largely obliterated. This is why I'm researching this. If I can find another photo of the clown, I can work from it to restore this photo, which is a prized possession of my friend's uncle. Otherwise, I'll just have to wing it and hope I come up with something reasonable.

If you can help in any way, I'd greatly appreciate it.


Regards,
Bill Phillips

______________________________________________________

Anyone who can help, please email me at CASHINCOMEDY@YAHOO.COM

ED WYNN

I noticed that Ed Wynn's high arching eyebrows are very similar to the one's in the photo of Little Walter from last week.

KARL VALENTIN: DIE VERHEXTEN NOTENSTANDER

Posted to YouTube by TryAgain02


German cabaret clowning from the 1920's. Karl Valentin - Die verhexten Notenständer.

BUZZY POTTS: Ringling/Barnum, 1951

Buzzy Potts in a 1951 publicity photo for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

DUANE "UNCLE SOAPY" THORPE: In Memory

Comments courtesy of Joel Heidtman


In loving memory of Duane Lawrence "Uncle Soapy" Thorpe: October 11, 1924 - December 9, 1995

Rest well dear friend... you are loved.

Your pal, Joel Heidtman

JOHN LENNON

It's been 27 years since we lost John Lennon, probably my strongest role model during my teenage years and someone who's influence strongly shaped my opinions about music, art, comedy, philosophy, fatherhood and life in general.

27 years ago 40 seemed like a full life to me. Now that I'm 40, and the father of a five year old son of my own, I have a very different opinion.


HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER)


So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong

And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

War is over
If you want it
War is over

Now...

SAM BARTON: Breakaway Bicycle Act

Posted to YouTube by Sam Royston


Sam Barton from the film CAVALCADE OF VARIETY (1941), which is itself a compilation of three earlier films, VARIETY (1935), VARIETY PARADE (1936) and MUSIC HALL PARADE (1939).

Sam Barton (1894-1941) toured the British music halls with a speciality bicycle act similar to Joe Jackson's (1873–1942). Is there anyone out there who knows which act came first?

JAY & NICK STEWART: Myrtle Beach, SC, 2005

One of the very best American circus clowns (and clowning instructors) working today, Jason T. Stewart and his son Nick in Myrtle Beach, SC at the 2005 Clown College reunion.

Jay and family have recently relocated to the northeast where he's become a member of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit.

LITTLE WALTER

Antonet's partner prior to teaming with Grock and an extremely prolific and influential auguste in his own right, Little Walter.

VASIA GUSCHINSKY: Undated Photo

Russian circus clown Vasia Guschinsky.

REX "BOXCAR" YOUNG: Utica Shrine Date, 1960s

Rex "Boxcar" Young at a Shrine date in Utica, NY in the 1960s. It's supposedly from the Beatty-Cole show but I don't know that McCloskey and Co. were doing shrine dates in the 1960s, or that Rex ever worked for them.

Anyone know?

JOE LEE?: Hoxie Bros. Circus, 1982

Can anyone confirm whether or not this is a photo of Clown College grad and CLOWNS FOR BEGINNERS author Joe Lee on Hoxie in 1982?


Even if it isn't, click the title of this post for a link to Joe's book.

HAL NEWPORT: John Robinson Circus, 1907

A cabinet photo of Hal Newport and his pet pig Rosie on the "John Robinson Traveling Circus" 1907.

MITCH FREDDES

A Master Clown if ever there was one, Mr. Jonathan "Mitch" Freddes.

Mitch, if you're coming to China in 2008, I call dibs! You're on my team.

RONALD McDONALD: In the Baltimore Sun

For all those that wrote in with Ronald History related questions, there is an article out there for you in today's Baltimore Sun.

I'd like to be able to link to it for you but my macbook's hard drive has crashed (yet again) so, at least for today, I'm posting from a computer three years older than dirt.

FELIX ADLER: Mechanix Illustrated

WILLARD SCOTT: As Ronald

Willard began as Bozo the Clown before becoming the very first Ronald.

For more information, please click the title of this post.

SHERMAN BROS.

Great footage of the Sherman Bros. posted today over at Bill Strong's blog YESTERDAY'S TOWNS.

Click the title of this post to be taken there.

FIRST SNOW

The first snowfall of the season here at the Jersey Shore. It's just a dusting so far but it's coming down nice and steady in big, fluffy flakes.

Shane's birthday is this week. He was born during a blizzard and I believe that it has snowed the first week of December every year since.



You all remember that old Christmas classic, "With Snow On Our Concrete Monkey, Can Christmas Be Far Behind?"

IRV ROMIG

Photo courtesy of John Peters


Irv "Ricky the Clown" Romig from his days on Detroit's WXYZ Channel 7.

Click the title of this post for more on Irv's kidshow TV days.

SHOWFOLKS CIRCUS 2007

Found on Buckles Woodcock's Blog this morning, a review of the Showfolks Circus is Sarasota last night...

-----------------------------------------------

eye spy on saraso/ta da said...

>"Robarts Arena was the scene of the annual Showfolks Circus on Saturday. A blogspot standing ovation to all the volunteers >who contributed their time and talent. Bravo showfolks!
>
>It was about half way through the show when I realized the show had adopted the trend of having a "theme"...it was "At The >Circus for Forty Days and Forty Nights".
>
>I saw a performer take a "bit" turn it into an "act" and last night presented it as a "marathon"; the longest act I've ever seen. >His family crossed the Atlantic in less time than his routine."

----------------------------------------------

And "eye spy" later posted...

eye spy on saraso ta da said...
PART TWO...

>Sunday, 2PM - I just stopped by Robarts and the very long act that I mentioned last night, you know the one in the air, well >the act is still working and they expect him to finish by 2:45 pm.