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August 31,
2007
Mallory Lewis
and Lamb Chop
Dear Dan:
I know this is last minute, but I just wanted to let you know that I
host a radio show in the NY/NJ area it's an eclectic variety/talk
show. Joining me this Sunday, September 2nd at 8am is Mallory Lewis
and Lamb Chop! We'll talk all about Shari and the current work that
Mallory and Lamb Chop are doing. Also, Mallory and Lamb Chop are
scheduled to perform at this year's MDA TELETHON.
THE JAMES RANA SHOW
Sunday, Sept. 2nd 8am
89.1fm WFDU
or on line (heard all over the world)
www.wfdu.fm
Comments
0 Comments>
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August 30,
2007
Marshall Find
Dan @8:15pm
In the quest for adding to
my collection I am always excited when a new (to me) Marshall comes
along.
I was very fortunate to be contacted recently by the family
of the ventriloquist Jimmy Jedry. Jimmy was a ventriloquist who came
from the Massachusetts area and performed from the 1930's to the
1960's. He was very friendly with Senior Wences and even used a hand
figure in his act like Senior Wences.
He used a figure named Eddie
Kelly as his main figure ( A Marshall which was carved in the 1930's
) and then had a second Eddie Kelly which is the figure you will see
now pictured in my collection. Eddie Kelly II is a truly wonderful
example of Marshall's Nosey figure and to date is the closest one I
have seen or found to Paul Winchell's original Jerry Mahoney Nosey
figure. Eddie Kelly II was carved around 1948.
I have posted
pictures of Jimmy Jedry with his Eddie Kelly figure for you to see.
I hope you enjoy seeing this newest addition to the Dan Willinger
collection.
Click Here to see
Little Eddie II
Click Here for the Biography of
Jim Jedry
Comments.....
Dan
Comments
1 Comment>
> >
-
Dan, the only
problem with Eddie II is that he's not in my den! ha Beautiful
Nosey!
Comments by John Robinson -
August 30, 2007 @11:02pm
August 27,
2007
Headsticks
Part II
Dan @6:37am
I have been asked by quite
a few people if I could go into a bit more depth with the
description of the head stick especially the McElroy Cradle style. I
have therefore taken the following pictures of the cradle for you to
see and before you ask the answer is yes, this is an original
cradle. As you can see in the photo the bottom of the cradle has a
long shaft that actually slides into the head stick and then there
is a locking device on both the cradle and bottom of the head stick
to hold the head stick on. The movement of the head stick inside the
body now has a free moving system that allows side to side or back
and forth movement and this also facilitates the movement of the
weighted floating eyes inside the McElroy head. I do hope this
answers all your questions on the McElroy cradle system. It was
truly unique and wonderful.
The ball and socket style head stick setup is today the most used in
the vent community. It too allows for the ease of movement in any
direction but if you use a headlock it will impair some of the
movement.
The Insull style floating
head stick was very popular but as I said I can imagine that
performing for any length of time, even though the heads were made
of Paper Mache, would certainly take a toll on your arm. You have to
support the head from inside the body holding the head in the
correct position. Although it was done for decades I still think it
had to be uncomfortable.
|
Insull Headstick |
On another vent blog there was statements that Marshall used a very
weak headstick and that with use they would break and fall apart. I
think that it is true a few may have been abused and did fall apart
but on the whole that was a misstatement. I have way too many
Marshall figures with original headsticks with no problem so I think
that to say they were all bad because of one or 2 is wrong. I have
Johnny Main's figure Archie which was used every day for over 50
years buy a working pro and it is in fine condition. I think that on
a few of Marshall's head sticks the center bore which was done to
accommodate the control strings to pass up into the head may have
been bored off center to cause a weak side wall which then would
give way but to say they were poor head sticks in a wrong statement.
In fact most makers copied the style. I have pictured the Marshall
head stick for you to see.
|
Marshall Headstick (ball & socket) |
Comments
Dan
P.S.
To
get more information about the McElroy style....Click Here
Comments
1 Comments> > >
- How does the Marshall
head rest on the body since a lot of Marshall figures don't have
ball and socket necks? Does the neck sit on the shoulders?
Comments by Andrew Vondersaar
- August 27, 2007 @6:49pm
The early Marshall figures were done like the Mack figures with
the flat bottom neck which actually floated just above the
shoulder board because the head stick went right to the bottom
board and attached with a screw through the bottom and had enough
distance to allow for 360 degree rotation!!
Response by Dan Willinger
August 24,
2007
McElroy Magic
Dan @6:41am
Well McElroy Magic, Greg
Claassen's wonderful treatise is now available and is a must for
everyone. Although the work is geared for the McElroy figure lover,
it truly is a must for anyone who has an interest in HARD
ventriloquist figures and wants to know something of the mechanical
workings of these and all other figures. It is written to let the
lay person truly understand the concepts by the use of wonderful
color coded mechanical drawings and a fabulous array of pictures.
Greg calls this his book but I call it a Manuel and then some. This
is a must for your library so don't let it pass by. You will be
sorry you don't own it once you get to see a copy. Follow the link
below for more information. Thanks Greg for such a wonderful work!!
Click Here For McElroy Magic
Comments
Dan
Comments
0 Comments>
> >
August 22,
2007
Talent
Guest
Blog - Bob Abdou
I love teaching
ventriloquism to the next generation of inspiring vents. My 17 years
of experience of listening, learning, quitting, crying, sweating,
quitting, laughing, smiling, borrowing, quitting and finally winning
has molded me to be who I am today...
broke, bald and hungry. Ok, I'm not broke or hungry, but my point is
you want to get anywhere in a career you must pay your dues. I look
back to see what I have accomplished to where I am today and I see
the same pattern in all performers. I have come to realize that to
get on top of your game there are 4 lessons to live by ( in this
order).
This is the lesson I teach
1)Play 2) Imitate 3) talent 4) timing
Let me explain each one, in the style of the Beatles
Play
When the Beatles first began, ( sorry to say this ) but they were
terrible, they couldn't perform for anyone, that is why the 4 lads
entertained themselves on stage, They laughed, smiled, made rude
remarks to the audience. Once the audience saw that they were having
fun, so did the audience. The important word is "Play". You must
learn to play on stage, with your props, with the audience, with
other performers and most importantly "Yourself". Once you are
comfortable in your own skin, it's time to take it to the next level
Imitate
If you listened to the early songs of the Beatles, they sang other
people's songs. They were not the song writers they later became.
They imitated everyone that was successful around them. When a
performer starts out, they will follow in the footsteps of those who
inspire them to do what they do. Do you do a Kermit act??? Do you do
Senor Wences hand act?? The joke books from Maher studios, written
by Bill Boley and others were made for a reason. You got a dummy,
You have a desire to perform but have no act, so buy a book. I still
do the Bill Boley routine with my bird puppet, not only as a tribute
to Bill but the act works!!!!
Talent
Ok, this takes time. George Burns once said about talent that you
either got it or you don't. If you got it or want it, you must pay
your dues to achieve it. What does it take to get talent. It is like
trying to explain true love, you just know it. Here are some clues
to show if you got talent. Nobody gets out of their seats when you
perform. Nobody looks at their watch when you perform. Your 30
minute show turns into a 45 minute show because the audience is
laughing soooooo much. The Beatles knew they had talent when they
were approached by big wigs in the biz. When others approach you
after a show to say how wonderful and funny you are, they you got
it.
Timing
The joke goes, what does it take to tell a great joke....timing!! I
remember when I was in my 20's and I had to make dinner for myself.
I made spaghetti. I never cooked spaghetti before but I know how it
is done. I boiled the water and put the spaghetti in the pot. I did
not know how long so I took it out and poured sauce on it and ate
it. After a few bites I thought to myself...I didn't think spaghetti
was supposed to be crunchy!! Duh, I did not cook it enough. The
point is Timing!! The Beatles got their Break long before Ed
Sullivan but doing his show just made them even more desirable.
Terry Fator's Time finally came for him and I say good for him,
he deserves it cause his win is a win for all of us. Meghan Miller's
timing will come and others will follow.
With this new buzz about ventriloquism that will sweep America,
ventriloquists now have to follow in Terry's footsteps and do a good
performance, no.......do a GREAT performance. By doing this it will
make us all feel like a million bucks too!!!
Bob Abdou
Mr. Puppet
www.mrpuppet.com
Comments
1 Comment>
> >
-
Bob, You hit
the nail right on the head. Your observations are right on. Lord
knows that you have worked so hard to get where you are and I
applaud you. Cheers,
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 25, 2007 @8:34am
August 21,
2007
Terry Fator
The Best American Talent
Dan @9:07pm
I just can't begin to say
how much Terry Fator means to ventriloquism today. I have followed
his performances from the very start of the AGT show and have
thought he was just terrific all along. His use of the figures to do
his multi voice impersonations is truly genius and I think that
America also realized that this man's talent is just supreme. I can
honestly say he has brought ventriloquism to the absolute forefront
of America's viewing audience. I know we will be seeing him many
more times in the coming years and we can start right away at
Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. May he continue to keep
ventriloquism alive and well in the hearts of all Americans.
WAY TO GO TERRY !!!
Click Here To Hear Terry's Message To His Fans
Comments
Dan
Comments
1 Comment> > >
- Wow, what can I say. I
know one day it would take something like this to bring back vent
to the forefront. Congrats to Terry and all I can say is look out
Vegas. Terry has given me the inspiration to move forward with the
act I have been working on. Cheers.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 22, 2007 @7:14
- I was so excited when I
saw he made it to the final 2. From then on I was at the edge of
my seat. All I was thinking was, "A ventriloquist is gonna win
Americas Got Talent!". Then as Jerry Springer announced the winner
I literally jumped out of my chair and threw my arms in the air.
Looks like hes going to bring the art back! Not just that but
without a doubt, Terry Fator has just earned the respect from all
ventriloquists!
Comments by Adam DeFilippi -
August 22, 2007 @7:11pm
- BIG CONGRAGULATIONS TO
Terry Fator. All I can say is GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!! Maybe the vents
of today will see a rebirth and a new generation of
children/adults can have some wholesome entertainment.
Happy Venting
Comments by John Conte -
August 22, 2007 @8:04am
August 17,
2007
A Brand New
Novel Concerning Ventriloquism
Dan @ 6:17am
I was pleased to be
contacted by Miriam Parker from Little Brown & Co. and asked to read
a brand new publication of a novel concerning ventriloquism..."by
George - A Novel" authored by Wesley Stace.
The description from the book publisher:
In the illustrious history of the theatrical Fishers, there are
two Georges. One is a peculiar but endearing 11-year-old, raised in
the seedy world of `70s boarding houses and backstages, now packed
off to school for the first time; the other, a garrulous
ventriloquist's dummy who belonged to George's grandfather, a
favorite traveling act of the British troops in World War II. The
two Georges know nothing of each other--until events conspire to
unite them in a search to uncover the family's deepest secrets.
Weaving the boy's tale and the puppet's "memoirs," BY GEORGE unveils
the fascinating Fisher family--its weak men, its dominant women, its
disgruntled boys, and its shocking and dramatic secrets. At once
bitingly funny and exquisitely tender, Stace's novel is the
unforgettable journey of two young boys separated by years but
driven by the same desires: to find a voice, and to be loved.
I have finished reading the book and I actually loved Mr. Stace's
intertwining of the past and present through out the book ending
with a most unexpected meeting of grandfather and grandson. His use
of existing and non existing books, factual and made up events
blended together giving great character to all the participants in
the story. I would recommend this novel to anyone with a love of
history and the arts and of course ventriloquism. With not much
trouble you gain a vivid insight into the world of the performer and
you can actually see "George" the ventriloquist figure as if you
were right there in the room with him. I don't know if it will make
the best seller list but I thoroughly enjoyed the novel.
Click Here For More Information or Purchase This Book
Comments
Dan
Comments
0 Comments>
> >
August 16,
2007
Vent Haven ConVENTion
Interview...Mark James
Dan @6:35am
I think Mark James is one
of the funniest ventriloquists out there and is as yet kind of
undiscovered. His comedy is over the top and his character Charlie
is just too funny. I did this interview with him and Charlie at the
Vent Haven Convention and I couldn't get a word in edgewise. You
will see. Watch and enjoy!!
Click Here For Mark James
Interview
Comments
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
-
Dan, Like I have been saying
for months, Mark James is one of the best kept secrets in the Vent
World. "Good Time Charlie" is fabulous. Mark sent me his demo DVD
and I would love to see him come out with a full comedy DVD. Just a
hint Mark.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 18, 2007 @6:01pm
August 14,
2007
SEE...Terry
Fator
Click here for Terry's 1st performance
Click here for Terry's 2nd performance
Be sure to vote for Terry
Fator....you can vote up to Ten Times!
Click here to Vote For Terry
Comments
2 Comments > > >
-
I for one am very happy and
pleased that the ART is being put out there for our younger
generation, I keep my youngest children ages 9 & 11 involved as well
as my two Grand children ages 1 & 4, so any time there is any TV.
GOODS MOVIES, Etc; I keep involved, till Later Happy Venting
Comments by John Conte - August 20,
2007 @7:31am
-
In the past I have seen other
ventriloquists perform which was reasonable entertainment. After
witnessing Terry Fator perform I saw a course of perfection in
delivery, conversing, with the dummy, and singing with the ease of a
opera star. He belongs in Las Vegas leading his own show like Danny
Gantz.. Thank you for this opportunity to express my opinion.
Comments by Ron Sartor - August
15, 2007 @12:19am
August 12,
2007
An Article
About Shari Lewis
Dan @8:43am
A good friend (and
regular contributor to Ventriloquist Central) Joe Lopez, sent in
this nice article he saw about Shari Lewis.
Click Here For Shari Lewis
Article
I hope you enjoy it.
Comments.....
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
- Dan, Thanks for the
article on Sheri Lewis. I used to watch her show as a kid and even
when I happened to catch the more recent shows, you could see how
great Sheri Lewis really was as a Ventriloquist. Her Daughter,
Mallory Lewis, is also very good as well. I corresponded some with
Mallory. She is a very nice person and does a great routine with
Lambchop.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 13, 2007 @8:27am
August 11,
2007
Headsticks
What Is Your Choice?
Dan @7:35am
Can you decide which style
of head stick is the best? Being a collector I have found there are
four distinctly different style of head sticks that have been
utilized by the makers over the years. I would like to discuss them
and have you give me your thoughts.
The early Mack figures, which we all love, had a long head stick
which fastened to the seat board with an ability to turn on an axis
bolt. This gave the head a full 360 degree rotation ability but no
side to side movement of the head. The function though was clean and
smooth and no noise of any kind.
The English figures, Insull, Brighton etc, etc, ... used a floating
style head stick . The hole in the neck was large enough for the
figures neck to pass through and then you had to hold up the head by
the head stick as well as control the levers to make the figure come
to life. Even though the heads are paper mache they do still have
some weight so I would assume that if you had a show that was 30
minutes long your arm would certainly get tired from suspending the
head. I did have a Brighton figure once that had a spring which
stretched across the body and went through an eye hook on the bottom
of the head stick and gave the head a marvelous suspension and the
head did bob around in a very lifelike manner but I never saw this
on any other figure.
Then we have the ball and socket neck. This is what is most common
today and was also used by many of the earlier makers as well. This
gives the ease of head movement but you must still attach the head
with a rubber cord or band or spring to keep the head from falling
off if you let go. Should you keep the head attached by the head
lock when you bring the figure out, you certainly lose the mobility
of the ball and socket. I always keep the band attached but I do not
perform with my figures.
Foy Brown, created what he called a rocking clavicle which was that
the top board that has the socket hole was actually connected to the
body of the figure by springs, which allowed you to pull the head
stick back and make the figure appear as if he was looking down.
Very ingenious.
The McElroy brothers developed a cradle for the head stick to lock
into. This gave the figures head all around movements including side
to side tilting of the head or front to back tilting of the head and
also 360 degree rotation of the head. It also locked the head on so
it could be carried around from inside the body and the head not
come off. This cradle was designed much like a gimbals for a sailing
vessels barometer. The cradle was bolted to the sides of the neck
hole but then the system had rivets to hold everything in place yet
give mobility.
So these are the four styles. Which do you like??
Comments.......
Dan
Comments
7 Comments > > >
-
I am an amateur figure maker
(you might have seen my armored angel, and my Ben Franklin at
conVENTion this year). Your comments surprise me. Not having seen
many pro figures at all, I had no idea I was treading new ground. I
use what appears to be headstick style #5.I use a tilting clavicle
like Foy Brown, but unlike Mr. Brown, mine are attached to the
shoulder board. They can swivel 360 degrees, but they don't go up
and down. (I compensate for that in other ways with my standing
figures). There in no connection at all between headstick and the
base of the puppet.
Comments by Scott Bryte - August 13,
2007 @8:40am
-
I've used two types of the
headsticks, and I found the ball & socket the best for me. I like
the ability to move the figures head as close to a human head as I
can. This being smooth, not jerky movements. I like the figure's
head to glide as a humans head, not move like a robot. I use the
lock only when the figure is not being used, and this will help keep
any damage from the figures head.
I must be an older ventriloquist because I enjoy figures with just a
number of movements, just basic. I enjoy a head stick that is
smooth, as holding the head stick for a while is easer than a custom
stick which may cause fatigue.
All in all the basic is the best for me.
Comments by Jim Bryson - August 13,
2007 @7:59am
-
Hi Dan, On all of my head
sticks I have the ball and socket with rubber bands.I like this set
up quite well my hand does not get tired.I cannot be positive or
negative on the other 3 head sticks ,I have not used them.Thanks.
Comments by Richard Glantz - August 11,
2007 @6:02pm
-
The only headstick I have has
levers and strings. The strings are not tight enough to my
satisfaction so I put rubber bands around the levers, as I can't get
them undone. Now I have the control I need. I don't plan on getting
a stringed headstick again unless I have too. I am afraid that they
will break during a performance. A friend told me a story about his
dummys head falling off his headstick during a show. I would
probably not be able to continue, either due to laughter on my part
or crying. I have wondered which is the best stick to have. from
what I've seen, it seems that the less strings, the higher the
figure. I could be wrong.
Comments by Kathy Carpenter - August
11, 2007 @3:46pm
-
I think Mr. Dean needs to read
Dan's article more closely. Nowhere does he confuse the neck with
the headstick.
While I love the design concept, all of the 'typewriter-like'
levers, the innovative cradle and locking mechanism, the McELROY
headstick, in fact the whole figure is more of an AUTOMATON than a
ventriloquist figure. Don't get me wrong, they are , hands-down THE
best, most innovative figures ever made and to this day, NO ONE has
even come close to what George and Glenn did when they turned the
art of figure making on its ear !
However, of all of the headsticks, I think the simple wooden ,
ribbed headstick used by Edgar Bergen was / is the best...although I
would've loved a ball and socket neck to go with it. However, Bergen
was such a genius with moving those heads 'every way but loose', who
cares ?
That headstick, and one simple movement, instead of all the bells
and whistles performers seem to think are so necessary today,
brought CHARLIE McCARTHY, MORTIMER SNERD and EFFIE KLINKER to life,
like no other has ever done !
Comments by Bill Nelson - August 11,
2007 @10:29am
-
Dan, I think your confusing
apples with oranges. A head stick is the control rod where the
levers go for the movements. The style of the neck is something all
together different. I love the look of a wooden headstick but in
truth a PVC head stick allows for less mess where your hand goes, so
after the mouth movement lever and the eye movement lever space
becomes a premium unless you’re a MacElroy. How they attach to the
body is not important to a vent because you remove any restraint
when you present your figure to the audience. The builder determines
the style of neck and if you want their craftsmanship you’re kind of
locked in to the style they use.
Comments by Mean John Dean -
August 11, 2007 @9:13am
-
Hey all ever since Dan let me
hold The Marshall\McElroy figure I think the McElroy's have got the
best control sticks and controls ever.
Comments by Christian Morse -
August 11, 2007 @8:42am
August 10,
2007
Vent Haven ConVENTion
Interview...Dr. "Cookie" Jensen
Dan @4:45pm
We were so fortunate to be
able to do these videos for our audience. So that being said I am
proud to put up this great interview with Dr. Cookie Jenson. She is
one terrific lady and great ventriloquist. I hope you enjoy watching
her!!
Click Here For Dr. Cookie
Interview
Comments....
Dan
Comments
0 Comments > > >
August 8, 2007
Terry Fator
Dan @3:46pm
Terry Fator continues to
WOW me with his uncanny ability to impersonate singers while staying
stone faced with virtually no lip movements during the performance.
Truly a thing of beauty. We all should take lessons on how a
ventriloquist should perform. When you take your eyes off of the
puppet and look at Terry you see no movement. The mark of a great
ventriloquist. If you have not seen his performance from last night
on America's Got Talent the just go to the
"What's New" page for the link and
you can watch him perform.
He impersonated Dean Martin and Tony Bennett and I thought they were
both terrific. His manipulation of the puppet was perfect for both
of the songs.
I hope everyone has been casting their votes for him. Lets make him
the winner of the show and boy what a boost for ventriloquism. Way
to go Terry!!
Comments...
Dan
Comments
0 Comments > > >
August 6, 2007
Another
Vent Haven ConVENTion Interview.....George Boosey
Dan @6:15am
Today I have posted the
second in my series of video interviews that I did at the Vent Haven
Convention. This particular interview is with George Boosey who I
have know for quite a few years and is a regular contributor to
Ventriloquist Central.
He is currently in the media business in North Carolina, performs
ventriloquism and also uses a great figure which was made by
Marshall which was originally owned by Peter Rich. Please enjoy this
interview with George & Oscar!!
Click Here for George Boosey
Interview
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
-
Technical Issue - Fuzzy
Videos: Hi all, Steve (the webmaster) here...the video
interviews (even the video blogs) were a last minute idea Dan and I
had. As you have found out (and us too) the interviews are a
bit fuzzy. There are a few reasons for this and we apologize
for the problem. However, we felt that the content of the
interviews out weighed the "technical problems". There are a
couple more interviews to be posted in the near future and they too
will be a bit fuzzy. The next time we do these, we'll try
harder to provide you with better quality videos. Thanks.
Comments by Steve Hurst
(Webmaster) - August 6, 2007 @10:23am
August 4, 2007
More...
McElroy Brothers
Dan @6:45am
It is with great pleasure
that I can say thanks to Janice McElroy for allowing Ventriloquist
Central to publish her great story of the McElroy brothers on the
blog. This was posted on the McElroy Brothers Fan Club yahoo group
this past week and I felt it should be read by everyone and not just
that one small group. So Janice agreed and now you all can enjoy her
wonderful story!!
Dan
From
the McElroy home front....
Since Glenn and Betty were childless, George's children make up the
remaining McElroy family. George has a son and daughter, 2 grandsons
and 2 granddaughters, 4 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters.
We are all enormously proud of Glenn and George's achievements and
in
awe of their genius. However, we never wrote a book in tribute,
probably because it didn't occur to us, and except for a picture now
and then, we have not been posting pictures to the internet.
However, we're glad to share any pictures we have and delight in
seeing yours.
I thought you might be interested in a conversation I overheard the
other day. It was an overcast, but warm day and I was just lolling
around the pool with my head in the clouds when I heard:
"Hey, Glenn, did you hear Claassen's written a book about us?"
"Yeah, George, I sure did. In fact, I received an advance copy a
couple of days ago. It was sent air mail. Did you get one too?"
"Yes, I did, but I haven't
had a chance to read it. Not even sure if
I will since I already know how it's going to end!! I've been rather
busy lately. Mary wanted me to build a fireplace, because, although
the weather is near perfect, nights can at times become chilly. It's
not nearly as hot up here as - - - - well, you know. At any rate,
building material is scarce up here and what I've found seems to be
all fluff and a bit too flimsy for my taste. I did, however, find a
Stairway to Heaven that was not being used, so I recycled the
material and built the fireplace. I even put an inlay above it
that's
sprinkled with angel dust that says "In God We Trust"."
"George, I don't think it's politically correct to say that
anymore".
"What?! I'll say what I damn well want and as God is my Witness, you
can believe me when I say I wasn't being political. Since when can't
you say In God we Trust? Humph, that's ridiculous! So what's kept
you
from reading Claassen's book?"
"Well, you know, Betty's here with me now and I had to find a bigger
cloud. We're in a pretty impressive area now. Bergen is 4 clouds
down, Winchell is a cloud behind me, Shari Lewis is a cloud across
from Bergen and I even saw W.S. Berger floating around."
"Wow, that's quite a neighborhood. What's up with them?"
"Edgar was just saying the other day that he is constantly amazed
with the new materials being used to construct the puppets. He can't
believe how lightweight they are now. Back in his day, the dummies
were all wood. He said he's been hearing a lot about a new kid,
Jeff, and says he's doing a pretty admirable job. That's a huge
compliment coming from Bergen, don't you think? I hardly ever see
Paul. He's always tinkering around with one thing or another and he
gets so wrapped up in his projects, he doesn't take time to visit. I
swear, he'll probably re-invent the wheel someday. If he does, I
hope he remembers to get a patent."
"Glenn, remember a few days ago when we were treating ourselves to
delicious divinity candy?"
"Yes."
"Well, did you notice the angel sitting on the cloud over your left
wing? I couldn't take my eyes off her. She had such an innocent look
and she also had one of those big dimples right in the center of her
chin. I hear my kids and grandkids call that a butt chin!! I think
I'll use her as the model for the next face I create. That would
probably be about the 101st or would it be the 102nd face I've
created, I can't remember, but then, who's counting?"
"Was that the girl who was playing that oversized harp?"
"Yes."
"I did see her, but it was the harp that caught my eye. I was just
imagining what I could do with those harp strings."
"I wanna talk some more about Greg's book. I hear it's very good,
but I also hear there's a lot of talk about it on the internet.
Glenn, I've been out of the loop for awhile, what the hell's an
internet? Is there a use for those harp strings with an internet?"
"To tell the truth, George, I don't know what it is either.
Remember,
I've been out of touch a bit longer than you, so you should have a
better idea than me what it is."
"I know nothing. Just give me a good book to read."
"I think you've got one, George. Remember? Greg's book?"
"Oh yeah, that. Maybe I will read it after all."
"You know, I've been thinking, George. We really did do some great
work, don't you think??
"We sure did. Anything you would have done differently?"
"Sure, I would have made sure we kept better records. You know wrote
down who we sold them to, how many we made, stuff like that."
"How about you? Anything you would have done differently?"
"Just one thing and I can tell you in just one word."
"Really, George, what would that be?"
"Copyright, Glenn, Copyright".
Janice McElroy
Comments
0 Comments > > >
August 2, 2007
An
Interview With Carol Greene
Dan @6:15am
The 2007 Vent Haven
convention was a great time for me because not only was I able to
bring you the video blogs each day but I also was able to get a few
different ventriloquists to give me private video interviews. We
will post all of these interviews very shortly and to start this off
I am happy to announce our first to be Carol Greene. I loved
interviewing her and she is a multi-talented ventriloquist. I hope
you enjoy her interview !!
Click Here For Carol Greene
Interview
Comments
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
- Dan, Your interview with
Carol Greene was very well done. Carol is an amazing performer and
I had the occasion to speak with her in the past and she has a
wealth of knowledge in the art of vent.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 2, 2007 @5:31pm
August 1, 2007
The McElroy
Brothers
Dan @6:31am
Talk has taken place on the
McElroy group about the age of the brothers during their creative
years of the original figures and I want to let everyone know they
were NOT teenagers. From information that I have garnered, Glen
McElroy was born in 1911 and George McElroy was born in 1913. They
were under contract ( I presume ) with the Abbott's Magic Co under
whom they sold their figures. The first catalogue to show the
McElroys listed was catalogue number 4 and it was published in 1937.
Please check out this
catalogue:
1st Picture
2nd Picture
3rd Picture
In that issue Robert
Wedertz makes comment about his "Deluxe Figure" which has made him a
hit with his audiences. Therefore they had to sell this first figure
in 1936. That being said, at this time the brothers were 25 and 27
years of age. Certainly young but Not teenagers. They produced
figures until 1942 and if you listen to the McElroy interview on
this site they talk about producing somewhere around 100 figures.
Where are they??
I am asking that any information anyone has please post your
comments.
Dan
P.S. Check out
"Ventriloquist In The News"....Wilma
Swartz the Ventertainer
Comments
1 Comment > > >
-
On one of the taped interviews
they mention making figures with just moving mouths. Maybe most of
the figures were of this type.
Comments by Robert Anthony -
August 1, 2007 @3:34pm
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