Javier Esparza Peluza with Miss Loni in an undated publicity photo from an unidentified Shrine circus.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
PELUZA: With Miss Loni, undated
Javier Esparza Peluza with Miss Loni in an undated publicity photo from an unidentified Shrine circus.
MARCELINE: Hippodrome, 1910
Marceline Orbes from the program of the NY Hippodrome's 1910 production of "A Trip to Japan".
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
BUSTER KEATON: Medrano Poster
A poster for one of Buster Keaton's appearances clowning at the Cirque Medrano.
STEVE COPELAND AND RYAN COMBS: The Steve and Ryan Show
These two guys are going to sound like a kid popping bubble wrap when they get out bed 20 years from now ; )
LOU NAGY: Taschen Book
A photo of Lou Nagy balancing a top hat (watch out there, Kris Kremo!) from the new Taschen book on the American circus.
CHUCK BURNES: Publicity Headshot
For those who asked for a better look at the well designed and very appealing makeup of Mr. Burnes.
Eeexcellent.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
CIRCUS OZ: Promo, 2008
One of life's truely great pleasures, Circus Oz.
Tell me again how circus doesn't work on a procenium stage?
CHARLIE RIVEL AND LOU JACOBS ON THE SAME BILL?!?
Was ist dieses?
Wie kann dieses sein?
Charlie Rivel and Lou Jacobs (and Don Saunders) on the same bill at an international festival in September of 1972???
Someone out there must know SOMETHING about this one!
THE GUTIS: Ringling Press Photo, undated
One of the greatest slaptick knockabout comedy acts in history, The Gutis.
CLOWN ALLEY: Circus Vargas, undated
Looks like Scott Parker there in the straw hat.
Is that one of the Fornasaris in the center?
Monday, July 28, 2008
CHRISTOPHER BRICKER ALERT!
Does anyone out there know how to get in touch with Clown College grad and ex-Ringling clown, Christopher Bricker?
JACKIE LE CLAIRE: Richo
I had a wonderful conversation with F.O.C. (Friend of Clownalley.net) Mr. Jackie LeClaire last night. Jackie is well and doing fine in Sarasota, FL and continues to clown with Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reiss' Circus Sarasota and it's outreach programs.
He sometimes gets frustrated with his memory, that some or other clown's name from yesteryear isn't right on the tip of his tongue, but we were talking about people that he might have worked with a just a few times maybe 40 or 50 years ago! I'd say his memory is doing just fine!
Regarding the photo, here's what Jackie had to say about it on the Clown History group...
This photo of me was taken in 1957. It was as "Richo" the Rich Plan Clown. It was taken in Roanoke, Va. by a dept store photographer that was doing photos of children for Christmas. The picture was distributed by the company and I had some black and white 8 x 10 's made up for my own use.
I worked two and a half years in PR work for them. About the best job I ever had salary and conditions wise. It unfortunately all went bust in 1959 as so many of the dealers of the frozen food plan wanted me and they could not spread me around. It was beginning to cause a negative, so they said I could either leave now with two weeks pay or work the two weeks. I took the leave now option.
I had saved what was for me, more money than I had ever had. They had paid all my motels, provided me with a car and gave me every 6th week off with salary and expenses. I just went to New York, took the Song Of Norway ship and went to Europe on a personal tour for 6 months, making 17 countries. I have never regretted that. I was only 32 at the time. Saw so many circuses there, never realizing that I would be touring Europe with a Ringling Bros. unit in 63 and 64. I still have a few of these old photos, plus the 8 x 10 's with the "Richo" the Rich Plan Clown signature already printed on them. Brings back a lot of memories.
THE FRATELLINIS: Poster
Here's a poster for the Fratellinis featuring neither Francios, Paul nor Albert. Is this an earlier Fratellini trio? The poster looks too dated to me to be from the post-Albert period.
CHUCK BURNES: Ringling, undated
F.O.C., Mr. Chuck Burnes in a Ringling publicity picture from the late 50s/early 60s.
WILLARD MEETS RONALD YARBOROUGH!
From F.O.C. Ron Yarborough...
Hi Pat,
Just a note to say "hi" and spread the joy of me meeting one of my all time clown heroes… Mr. Willard Scott!
I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago for a conference and he made a surprise appearance. He is just as pleasant, funny and enlightening in person as he is on TV.
Also as we all know, he was one of the early TV Bozos and the very first Ronald McDonald. Notice the sticker on his forehead...
"I Met Ronald”... that's me! Ronald Yarborough!
Take care and I’ll talk to you soon………………………………………Ron Yarborough
SEASAME STREET: Some, More & No Clowns
Normal speed/fast speed/slow speed
Steve Smith has stated previously that he remembers the group here to be:
1. Prince Paul
2. Sparky Washburn (?Maybe...not sure?)
3. Tim Torkildson
4. Ted "Zippo" Tutwiller
5. Don Debelli
6. Steve Smith (With HAIR!!!)
7. ? Not sure at all ?
8. Tim Holst
9. Ray "Anchor Face" Lesperance
10. Swede "H.C." Johnson
___________________________________________________
THIS JUST IN!!!
I tried to get clean copies of this segment as well as "10 Clowns" from the folks at Sesame Workshop WHO WERE JUST ABOUT AS RUDE AS COULD POSSIBLY BE!
I explained that we were hoping to get copies of the two segments for the Clown College reunion and that these segments were some of the ONLY available footage of some of these performers.
"Oh, I'm sure it's on Google, go get it from there. OK?... click."
The Sesame Workshop PR department could certainly use a lesson or two in courtesy, manners and c-o-o-p-e-r-a-t-i-o-n.
So today's posts are brought to you by the letters "F" and "U" and by the number "2".
Sunday, July 27, 2008
HAPPY 68TH BIRTHDAY, BUGS BUNNY!
The first "true" appearance of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Elmer is a dimwitted hunter, "wooking for wabbits." Bugs is clever, smooth-talking character, who confuses Elmer with double-talk and misdirection. Elmer is no match for the wascally wabbit, even when he thinks Bugs is dead.
Directed by Tex Avery
SUNDAY MORNING ART GALLERY: Frank Sose
Last Sunday we featured Frank's interpretation of some whitefaces, today we see Frank's salute to the augustes.
CHESTER SHERMAN: Shrine Circus, undated
Chester Sherman and Baby Kae in a publicity shot for a Shrine date, most likely the Polock Show, circa 1950s.
WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN CIRCUS NEED?
I said it before, dinosaurs.
Giant... arena filling... dinosaurs.
It would be even better if they jumped motorcycles over stuff, flew in jet packs and battled 40 foot steampunk elephants.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
CLOWN ALLEY: Spec Wardrobe; Ringling, 1940s
Photo courtesy of John Peters
I see Felix and Chesty in there, but I also see Harry Dann so I'm guessing this is from somewhere between 1947-1950.
Anyone know the exact year for this one?
I see Felix and Chesty in there, but I also see Harry Dann so I'm guessing this is from somewhere between 1947-1950.
Anyone know the exact year for this one?
LOU NAGY: Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, undated
Dean Chambers has a great story about Lou selling off some of his props when he retired. Some of the younger clowns went down to Lou's prop storage (in a strip mall) with him and watched him pull out the stuff he'd accumulated from his years and years of circus clowning.
I'm hoping that Dean will take the time to share the story with us here. (hint! hint!)
Friday, July 25, 2008
KELLY-MILLER: Program
I got a call from John Moss, the ringmaster of "America's One Ring Wonder" the Kelly-Miller Circus, last night informing me that my likeness was selected to grace the cover of their 2008 circus programs and that a few copies are in the mail to me now.
I am very deeply honored to have been considered worthy of the conferment of such exhalted distinction.
I miss my friends and the show very much and often wish that I was back over there.
CLOWN ALLEY: Mark Buthman and Ron Jarvis on Ringling, 1974
Photo courtesy of Ron Jarvis
The whiteface/auguste team of Ron Jarvis and Mark Buthman.
For viewing this photograph, you now owe Mr. Jarvis $5.00.
The whiteface/auguste team of Ron Jarvis and Mark Buthman.
For viewing this photograph, you now owe Mr. Jarvis $5.00.
DANNY STYRON
Frank Cain on Danny Styron...
"Some clowns overdid a makeup. Danny Styron shaved his head, made up his whole head then wore a suction cup attachment to hold a small feathered bird on the center top of his head. He always wore a Halloween romper type of clown suit that we always called a Yama-Yama suit. He had his name all over the side of his own truck and wore his makeup downtown to do his shopping. Because of his appearance and actions, we regarded him as an amateur. In the ring he was a good clown and worked constantly."
CLOWN ALLEY: Ringling, 1950
ICHOF inductees Prince Paul Alpert and Ernie "Blinko" Burch speaking with an NBC Television reporter in May of 1950.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
BIG APPLE CIRCUS: Grandma Goes to Hollywood, Commercial
Look for Clown College alumni Barry Lubin as Grandma, Greg and Karen DeSanto. Grandma Goes to Hollywood was directed by next season's BAC director, former Director of Clown College, Steve Smith.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN A CIRCUS TRUNK?
Is there anyone out there interested in an old-fashioned stand up steamer trunk?
It's the one that I used while on the road with Ringling but I have another one now and I don't really have room in the garage anymore for two.
FELIX ADLER: Odds and Sods
Felix and his good friend Jack LeClair chatting up some of the ladies.
Felix with two young performers. If I had to guess, from the costumes, I'd say it was Francis and Lottie Brunn?
Felix with his lady love, Amelia Mullen Adler, September 19, 1957.
Two AP photos and brief obituaries released February 1, 1960.
If only Felix could have hung on another few years and met the first few Clown College classes..
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
MYSTERY CLOWN: Jimmy James?
An unidentified whiteface clown who looks to me like he could be Beatty-Cole's Jimmy James in an earlier makeup.
Monday, July 21, 2008
DVDs STILL AVAILABLE!
20 more copies of the first volume of the official CLOWNALLEY.NET compilation DVD were burned today and will be ready to ship on July 25th.
Please click the title of this post to be taken to the eBay "Buy It Now" auction page.
No more copies will be printed until Volume Two in the series becomes available this fall.
SHANE: The Dark Knight
Shane gave The Dark Knight one very enthusiastic "bat-fist up", the very highest accolade that any film can receive from a superhero-obsessed five year old boy.
We sat in the very back and took several trips to the bathroom and/or for concession refills so as to just miss the most violent moments; )
COCO: Circus Hall of Fame
Mike "Coco" Polakovs and two other clowns (the whiteface may be "Bob-O") at the Circus Hall of Fame when it used to reside in Sarasota, FL.
HORACE LAIRD
Frank Cain remembers Horace Laird...
"Horace Laird was one of the hardest working clowns on the Cole Bros. Circus for almost 15 years, from 1935-1950. He was just an average background whiteface makeup clown. He never received more than a thirty dollar salary in all those years. Going downtown to the post office and picking up the show mail each day and selling the "Billboard" magazine each week on the lot for extra money made up his winter savings.
He lived alone in one room in Chester, PA, stretching his savings through the winter until it was time to go to Louisville again and start a new season.
Cole Bros. closed permanently in 1950. In the spring of 1952 Billy Griffen, as Boss Clown, got Horace a job on the Kelly-Miller Circus opening in Oklahoma. With all the years of skimping and not eating the right food he wound up with a very bad case of diabetes.
He could never remember the dosage of his required daily insulin shots. Mrs. Cuthbert, the show nurse, gave him his shots each morning and immediately after he would go to the cookhouse and eat all the frosted sweet rolls or donuts they would give him, thus negating the effect of the insulin shots.
we had to send him home in mid-season with a note pinned to his coat for the railroad conductors saying, "I am Horace Laird. I go to Chester, Pennsylvania. I am a diabetic."
He was, by then, only aware of who he was half of the time.
There was no one there to take care of him and before the year was out we heard that he had died."
Frank Cain
I Never Went to Clown College
YOUR NEW BEST FRIENDS: The Strongest Man in the World
Your New Best Friends (Daniel Passer, John Gilkey and Wayne Wilson) in their "strongman" scene.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
SUNDAY MORNING ART GALLERY: Frank Sose
Here artist Frank Sose has slightly amended the makeups of Annie Fratellini, Lou Jacobs and Felix Adler while leaving those of Emmett Kelly Jr. and Bobby Kellogg unchanged.
ED RAYMOND: Polack Circus
2nd photo courtesy of Sandy Weber
I wasn't sure if the other whiteface in yesterday's Polack alley photo was Ed Raymond but now I'm fairly certain (thanks in part to my pal Sandy Weber) that it was.
I wasn't sure if the other whiteface in yesterday's Polack alley photo was Ed Raymond but now I'm fairly certain (thanks in part to my pal Sandy Weber) that it was.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: Michael Halvarson, Kooza
Michael Halvarson's comedy pickpocket act from Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA, directed by David Shiner.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
CLOWN ALLEY: Polack Bros. Circus, 1942
Photo courtesy of Bill Strong
It looks to me like Gene Randow down in front, the two little people are the Dewsberrys, the Georgetti Brothers have the bells on, The whiteface in the middle is Dennis Stevens, the tramp to the right of him is Dime Wilson and the whiteface at the far right it looks to be Ed Raymond.
It looks to me like Gene Randow down in front, the two little people are the Dewsberrys, the Georgetti Brothers have the bells on, The whiteface in the middle is Dennis Stevens, the tramp to the right of him is Dime Wilson and the whiteface at the far right it looks to be Ed Raymond.
BEEKER: Ode to Joy
All the way back to "Sam and Friends", the Muppets have been responsible for some really great clowning.
Friday, July 18, 2008
THE DARK KNIGHT
Believe the hype, folks... because it's all true.
Wow.
I was born shortly before the Batman TV series entered it's third and final year on ABC. I grew up with it running in constant syndication on WPIX channel 11 from New York. I taught myself to read by reading Batman comic books and collected them religiously well past the age that I probably should have.
I had to live through two pretty interesting movies from Tim Burton and two awful movies from Joel Schumacher before finally getting Batman Begins from Christopher Nolan.
I've spent the last 40 years with these characters.
The Dark Knight is, easily, the best Batman movie of all time. It is also, far and away, the best superhero movie of all time.
It's not just a "summer blockbuster". It's a really good film; Silence of the Lambs/Goodfellas/Godfather 2 kind of good.
Heath Ledger's brilliant performance as the Joker merits clownalley.net's first ever "scary clown" image.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
MORE DVDS AVAILABLE!
20 more copies of the first volume of the official CLOWNALLEY.NET compilation DVD are being burned on Monday and will be ready to ship on July 25th.
Please click the title of this post to be taken to the eBay "Buy It Now" auction page.
This is a five day auction only and no more copies will be printed until Volume Two in the series becomes available this fall.
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