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June 30, 2007

Let's Be Friends
Dan @6:18am

I must take this time to let everyone know that the forum on this web site was put there so that everyone could chime in with each other and talk freely about any aspect of ventriloquism. Of course building figures is one of them and selling of figures is one of them.

I must caution that when a statement is made against any one person that could possibly infringe on his integrity or lively hood that is called slander and can ultimately become a crime which is prosecutable in the court system. My full time job is that of a Constable so I am in the court system every day and this is fact.

The threads that have been on the forum section of the web site this past week were great but called people out on the carpet and were just a bit slanderous and I had to publicly say, I myself have trouble with this sort of behavior and will not let this happen again. I will pull any type of thread that starts, that calls out anyone named in the vent community if it is of a negative nature. Especially if it is on another site such as eBay. EBay has their own system for asking questions of a seller so in the future lets not do it here on ventriloquist central. Do it there where it is not a public forum or just email the person directly and give him or her your thoughts.

I want to keep this site a great place for all to come and share and enjoy the wonderful art of ventriloquism. This is a very small community and everyone knows everyone else and there is no need to have this type of argument in the open. I do hope I have made myself clear and would love any comments that would be of a corrective nature for us all to follow.

 

Comments......

Dan

Comments

 

5 Comments > > >

 

  1. Hi, Very useful resource. THE BEST. I liked your site. Thanks.

    Comments by TimonRedyn - June 30, 2007 @2:22pm


     

  2. Good for you, Dan! That will keep the VC Forum a more enjoyable place to visit.

    Comments by Smith & Jones - June 30, 2007 @ 2:18pm


     

  3. Sounds great Dan.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 30, 2007 @11:53am


     

  4. Dan, Thank you for not allowing this site to become a place for personal complaints and negative gossip. Thanks for keeping the site on purpose.

    Comments by Joe Lopez - June 30, 2007 @9:52am



     

  5. I could not agree more. This needs to be kept a positive environment to share thoughts and ideas in a constructive manner for the greater good in the vent community.

    Comments by Larry Harris/ComicVent - June 30, 2007 @8:10am

 


 

 

 

June 29, 2007

David Erskine Collection
Dan @6:31am

David Erskine is one of the main stays of ventriloquism history. He has written many articles for the Oracle Magazine and was a great personal friend of W.S. Berger and I am happy to say is a great friend of mine today.

Over the years David amassed a great collection of ventriloquial material including figures, books, posters and ephemera. He did however have to sell off some of his great collection when he moved not to long ago. But...as luck would have it, he took some great photographs of his collection prior to moving and sent them to me so that I could share his collection with the ventriloquist community. So take a few moments and look at his fine collection. If you look real close you will see a couple figures that now even reside in my collection.

Click Here To See David Erskine's Collection

Thanks David for sharing with us.

Dan

 

P.S.  Check out this great information, Steve, the webmaster has about promoting yourself and your website......Click Here For Promotional Information

 

 


Comments

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. That is a beautiful collection. Mr. Erskine is certainly well known within the community as a historian, writer, and collector. It is fantastic to see him contributing so much to Ventriloquist Central!

    Comments by Matt Kimbro - June 30, 2007 @11:18am

 

 

 

 

June 28, 2007

Guest Blog - Bob Abdou

Front Page News

There are many opinions about getting more work, mine is "the more you work the more you get work". However performing soooo cheap so that everybody hires you is NOT the answer. Having a good show, having a good appearance and having a competitive price is one way to go. Once you have established yourself as a "PRO", the calls will come...eventually. Some months will be great one year and the next...not so great. Some performers say that the month of January is usually slow, my past January's have always been good. So there is no real pattern when work will be slow or busy. Just remember the work will come....eventually.

One sure way to get more work is to alert the media. Some newspapers will pass on you and then some will eat you up like juicy fried chicken. I was performing in the deep south part of Texas last week when I made my annual coke and potato chip run before a show at a gas station. ( this is a bad habit but it is a ritual for me ). I am usually early to every show and that gives me time to read the local paper just to see what's up with the rest of the world. To my surprise I saw a photo on the front section of the paper with my face on it!!

"Hey that's Me!!" I told the attendant. She smiled and asked why my photo was there. I explained that I was performing for the local libraries in the area and this was a way to promote the show. She was interested and called her family about coming to the library and seeing the show. So promoting works.

Some insight about newspaper stories. When they interview you make sure that your name is spelled correctly. Why??? If anyone wants to "Google" you for future work they won't be able to find you. If they can write your website in the article, that is just icing on the cake.
With the last name "Abdou" you can imagine how many times that has been misspelled. I go by the stage name "Mr.Puppet" and this just fine with me cause I am easily found by that stage name. Always make sure that they know the right time, day and date of your performance. Most small town newspapers are printed once a week, so get your story in early. Having these town papers promote your show also lets the school, library or whatever you are doing for them see that you really want to get folks to these places.

In today's world where there are too many other activities to do besides a "puppet show", we have to make our show "exciting, fun, colorful and different" so that you stir up interest.

Having a story in the paper is just one way to have a great show with a great audience.

Remember a show without an audience is.......a rehearsal!!

 

Click Pictures For Larger View


Bob Abdou
Mr. Puppet since 1996
www.mrpuppet.com


 

Comments

3 Comments > > >

 

  1. The reason I asked about library shows for seniors was because I'm a semi-regular customer at my local public library. And I see more seniors there than kids. I already do shows for seniors in my area (and have little to no interest in doing kid shows). But I was curious to know if you thought library shows for seniors could be an untapped market. But if the library programs need to have an educational value to them, I would assume the answer to my question would be no. Thank you.

    Comments by Smith & Jones - June 29, 2007 @10:50pm




     

  2. I would like to reply back to Smith and Jones from his comments on my article on newspaper publicity and library shows.

    If you want repeat work from libraries you MUST keep it educational and talk about the value of books a ton of times in the show. If you do a regular show, the library will figure it out and never hire you again. They are pros at finding out who is real and who is a phony. Plus librarians chit chat with each other and tell each other who is good and who is not.

    Is there a market for library shows for seniors??? NO, why???? cause the average age of a child coming to a library show is 4 (FOUR) and getting younger by the day. If you don't have material that will handle the little kiddies, stay away from the library. If you want to do senior shows, go to your local senior center and find out if they hire entertainment. I said "hire" not free!!

    Hope this helps,


    Comments by Bob Abdou/Mr.Puppet - June 29, 2007 @8:32pm



     

  3. Hi Bob! I have a question about your library shows...do you do shows related to kids reading books? Or is it a general kid show? Do you think there is a market for library show for senior adults? Thanks!

    Comments by Smith & Jones - June 28, 2007 @9:05pm

 

 

 

 

June 27, 2007

Christian Morse McElroy Conversion
Dan @3:28pm

Christian Morse is on the front line of the conversion game and has kindly sent in his picture of his first attempt at conversion of a Juro toy into a McElroy. Now everyone please remember that Christian is 12 years old and has a limited work base to go from but his conceptual idea is there for you all to see. I am very proud of him and his efforts and I wanted to share this with you all. He tried to post the picture on the forum but was unsuccessful so I decided to do this for him on the blog. Please make all the corrective comments for Christian.
 


Christian Morse McElroy Conversion

Click Picture For Larger View


Comments...........

Dan


Comments

5 Comments > > >

 

  1. Hey I redid him and he's got a typewriter like thing so he's got a little more like the McElroys

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 28, 2007 @8:17pm



     

  2. Hey thanks you guys but I generally dont mess up typewriters i use clothes hangers which are very close to Glenn's complex controls and i have about 29 wood chisels and I carve on lots of wood that I use from the trees around my house I don't have a lot to work with but I have a lot of fun making them and I would sell my McElroy conversion for about $50.00 so if anyone is interested contact Dan for email address and stuff lots of luck to all of you.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 28, 2007 @2:42pm



     

  3. Great start!! I could never do that. You are going to go far in the vent world. I can see it already.

    Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent - June 28, 2007 @8:15am



     

  4. Christian, I think it is safe to say that the greatest of intentions always produce the greatest of inventions! I am amazed at your drive and ambition at such a young age with regards to ventriloquism.
    Keep it up and I agree with Lee--you need some keys now.

    Comments by Ken Souza - June 27, 2007 @10:20pm



     

  5. Needs typewriter keys next.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 27, 2007 @8:34pm

 

 

 

June 25, 2007

 

From Johnny Hopman

Thanks Dan for all the stuff you do on your website etc.

One of the differences is that since I am in the entertainment business and also make my living selling promotional products as per your T. Shirts and other things I have noticed the difference.

You keep thing fresh, up to date, and certainly do not have stagnent waters. Its a refreshing mountain stream, a shower of goodness pertaining to ventriloquism. Well I have had my shower.

Thanks Again.

Johnny Hopman

 

Comments

0 Comments > > >

 

 

Guest Blog - Chuck & Dante

Spending The Day With A Living Legend

Hey Dan,
I just had, what had to be, the most exciting day of my Vent carrier.

Bob (Abdou) had arranged a show for a group of special needs people at a church located in San Antonio. Bob invited fellow Vents David Pitts and myself to participate. He later informed me that after the show we were going to have lunch with Peter Rich. I was really excited, we had discussed Peter in the past.

Fast Forward this morning 8:30 a.m. in route to show, I was informed that not only were we going to have lunch with Peter, but that Peter was going to attend the show. And that after lunch, we were going to spend a few minutes with him at his home.

The show was a lot of fun. Bob opened, I was second, David was third, then Bob came back on and did two more acts. The audience was truly spectacular! The laughed at all our corny jokes. I even tried a few really extra corny ones, an got some moans! David came out with his figure Henry, (David made Henry from a Mike Brose's kit). Henry and David had a "who's funnier" contest were they each took turns telling knock-knock-jokes to see which of them was the funniest. The crowd really loved this and chimed in with a few of there own. If anyone is interested I will post my part and, if he doesn't mind, David's at www.youtube.com/chuckanddante . I will have them up sometime next week.

After the show, we packed up the van's and headed to Luby's for lunch! (let's hear it for Luby's!!!) Peter is a great joy to be around. We spent about an hour chatting about his career. He filled us in on some of the clubs he played, his time in the service entertaining the troops. He even dropped some name big names like Frank Sinatra Jr. and Minnie Pearl.

After lunch we headed over to his home. He first showed us his scrap book of twenty years of working cruise ships. He said that as well as entertaining with his Vent shows, he also worked part time as the assistant Cruise Director. His second scrap book contained memorabilia from his Vent career. It contained items like photos and autographs of big name Vents he knows. Show programs, letters from Frank Marshall, and even a few letters from Edgar and Charlie.

After sharing his scrap books, Peter pulled out "Raw Hide". Raw Hide is his Marshall figure that he has performed with for over fifty years! Pete did some off-the-cuff stuff with Raw Hide that had us all laughing our butts off!

Pete was kind enough to allow David and Myself a chance to "try out" Raw Hide and take some pics with him. We all then took out our figures and had a really great photo shoot. One photo, which I call a three generation photo, is of the four of us with our figures. It shows a living legend, a current pro, and two aspiring Vents.

I found Pete to be a gracious man. He is full of life and filled with a spirit that rivals any person half his age. He is quick witted and fast with a come back. He is a great guy to be around.

I wanted to share this story with you and your readers. I enjoy your web site very much. I plan to wear my ventriloquistcentral.com t-shirt on open mic night at the ConVention.
 


Three Generations

Chuck Prouty & Rawhide

David Pitts & Rawhide
   

 

 

Chuck Prouty & Peter Rich

David Pitts & Peter Rich

Bob Abdou & Peter Rich


Take care,
Chuck & Dante



 

Comments

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. That's a great Blog. The pictures are great.

    Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent - June 26, 2007 @6:58pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 24, 2007

From Ken Souza - California

Thanks again, Dan. And I really cannot thank you enough for what you have done for this art by both you and Steve putting together this long over due site! You should be very proud; this site is a perfect answer to the extinct Oracles and the like.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Regards,


Ken Souza

 

Comments

0 Comments > > >

 

 

 

 

June 22, 2007

 

Check Out - "Just Asking:  Jeff Dunham"....Click Here For More

 

Guest Blog - Colin Williams

Edgar Bergen Letter

I am attaching a letter written to me from Edgar Bergen in 1976. You may find it interesting. I don't want to rehash the ongoing question as to who carved Charlie, however Bergen's comments are interesting.

I should have said the 'original' Charlie. We have all seen the photo of Frank Marshall holding the Charlie heads, which he carved later, and then of course there were the fiberglass models that followed. My conclusion is that Charlie was a stock Mack head which Frank Marshall fashioned to Bergen's liking.
 


Edgar Bergen Letter

       

Click Picture For Larger View


Thanks again for blog!!!

Colin Williams - Comic Quest - Australia

 


Comments

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. Very interesting letter. I always thought that Mortimer was made out of plastic wood. I know the copies of Mortimer were made out of fiberglass. I still think Frank Marshall is the one that did the work on Charlie. I am willing to bet on that. Too much of a coincidence I think. Look at the Marshall's that came later and you see a striking resemblance to an early Charlie.

    Larry Harris - ComicVent - June 22, 2007

 

 

 

 

June 21, 2007

Headsticks & Controls
Dan @6:16am

There has been much discussion on the placement of controls for ventriloquist figures on their respective head sticks. I find this most interesting because as a collector the placement of the controls means nothing because I am not performing but much has been made about first finger or thumb control for the mouth movement and also much talk about other controls for added features.

Of course since I collect, figures with multiple functions are of course more valuable and also rarer in the antique figures. Most of the figure makers right up to present day offer all sorts of functions, but I think the movements that are most important are mouth and eyes. I know everyone is going to say all that is needed is the mouth control because as long as you can give your figure the right kind of movement his moving mouth will take care of the rest of the effect. Edgar Bergen was the master of course for this. Jeff Dunham today does a fantastic job breathing life into Walter and he has mouth movement and raising eyebrows only. People will say his eyes move too but not so. They do not.

Many say that the controls become confusing when there are too many functions , and that may be so for the beginner, but with lots and lots of practice the controls become second nature. You must remember that the added functions other than the mouth and eyes are used very infrequently and just to really emphasize an expression. Now with the Marshall figures his " chop stix " levers were placed in a very effective design and are really not very hard to learn. His mouth lever was either on the right or left side of the post with the eye control placed in the front center of the post. Easily used by either hand as far as I can tell. Opposite side to the mouth was usually the levers for the closing eyelids. if the figure had an upper sneer effect that lever was placed behind but next to the mouth control so that you could pull both together to give the wide open mouth effect. If the figure had double winkers/blinkers those levers were also placed next to each other. So the use of these levers were not all that hard to learn or find. I have given a picture of this style Marshall head stick for you to see. One is fully loaded the other is just mouth, eyes and one eye winks.

Ray Guyll, one of today's premier builders, still uses these style controls on his figures and also still does his controls with the use of cord. He can do all direct linkage but will tell you that is simply not needed. If your direct linkage breaks when you are on a job you are lost. If a cord breaks you can repair it on the spot. I guess I will correct that and say most of the time you can repair it on the spot.

There has been talk of the inline control systems that are now being used by makers like Selberg and Alfaro and Cowles and those are great but they present the same thing as the old style. You MUST learn where each control is located before you can perform with them comfortably.

Everyone talks about McElroy controls and these figures had the floating all around eye movement so the performer didn't have to think about the eyes. The mouth control was on one side of the head stick and the upper sneer on the other side of the head stick. The rest of the controls were in the box with typewriter style keys and those you really had to work with to learn how to use but for the most part the mouth was the function because the eyes moved on their own. I have included a picture of these controls too.

So to sum up, from my observations and collecting I think it makes no difference how many functions your figure has, you must practice practice and practice some more until your figure moves and responds without you even having to think. A very hard feat to accomplish but once learned you have created the illusion the pros have under their belts.
 


Simple Marshall

Loaded Marshall

McElroy (Front)

McElroy (Back)

Click Pictures For Larger View & Description of Controls



Comments.......

~Dan

P.S.  Be sure to check out What's New & Ventriloquist In The News

 


Comments

2 Comments> > >

 

  1. I love McElroys but my favorite is of course Reggie you know the McElroy controls are complex and difficult to control but like our good friend Dan said most people just use the eyes and mouth.   I love the mechanical movements which they are unbelievable movements and they are amazing.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 24, 2007 @12:19pm


     

  2. All that I can remember about the Marshall control levers is they were teak, some in tandem on same small nail. And I think the control post was poplar, though I may be wrong.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 21, 2007 @8:17am
     

 

 

 

 

 

June 20, 2007

Guest Blog - Bill DeMar

To Buy or Not To Buy......
 

With the convention less than a month away, there will be some newbies, first-timers, beginners, wanting to buy a ventriloquist figure. Before you spend your hard earned cash, here are some ideas so you don’t end up selling or trading that same figure later.

Now you can look at all the dealers figures and get prices and say, well, I've only got this much money so I'll buy this one.

This is the WRONG way of going about it. One should have the character in mind BEFORE they look.

FIRST....you need 'the voice', then the personality/character, also/maybe/possibly, type of speech/accent. At what speed will the figure speak? Slow? Fast? Normal?

Will the voice and personality fit the face? The figure suited for you may not be at the convention. Can you make some kind of drawing? Try different voices/ways of speaking, maybe your first thought is not the best.

How many ways and voices can you come up with? Experiment. You may need more money to get the figure that fits you. One that should stay with you from now on.

Bottom line, be prepared with this type of information so you don’t make a mistake and end up with a figure you really don’t want.

Other pros out there may have some additional thoughts on this.

Bill DeMar



Comments

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. Amen, Uncle Bill!

    All you have to do is look on EBay. There are lots of figures available that were bought on impulse, or before the character was established.

    And now they are "personality-deprived orphans."

    Comments by Pete Michaels - June 20, 2007 @9:17am

 

 

 

 

June 19, 2007

Foy E. Brown
Dan @6:45am

Over the past couple months a good friend of mine , George Boosey , and his friend Todd Oliver, together wrote a wonderful article about the late figure maker Foy Brown. Both George and Todd were personal friends of Foy Brown and both spent time with him especially Todd. They both have and use figures made by Foy Brown and the article that they put together is wonderful because it is from letters written by Foy to them so the story is really in Foy's own words. This is one article that is a must read.

Thanks from me to both of you George Boosey and Todd Oliver for giving us this great article.

Click Here For Article

Comments...........

~Dan

 

Comments

 

2 Comments > > >

 

  1. Great story.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 19, 2007 @8:13pm


     

  2. All that was very good, thanks for sharing. BTW, I met Foy and Doc. Two very fine gentlemen. Neither had a wife that was very tolerant of there passions.

    Comments by Bill DeMar - June 19, 2007 @8:55am
     

 

 

 

 

June  17, 2007

More Comments - What Constitutes A Master Builder?
Dan @5:57pm

I guess “What Constitutes A Master Builder” is making the rounds. Not only have the comments been pouring in here at Ventriloquist Central, Al Stevens has weighed in with his take on this subject. He’s made some nice observations which you can read on his blog……click here for Al’s Blog.

Thanks, Al.

 

Comments welcomed.

~Dan
 

Comments

3 Comments > > >

 

  1. The old saying, "One man's meat is another man's poison," certainly holds true in the realm of preferences in vent figures. My personal preference is to first define the character and then decide how much realism to put into the construction. Some figures look better with glass eyes (Mortimer Snerd) while some are more effective with Teddy Bear like irises (Charlie McCarthy and Jerry Mahoney). The real trick is to get just the right blend of realism and fantasy that will create the most charm in the figure.

    Comments by Ray Guyll - June 18, 2007 @4:20pm



     

  2. Al has a treasure trove of observations on his blog. This is a magnificent piece.

    Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent - June 18, 2007 @2:15pm



     

  3. I really enjoyed Al Stevens' comments in the latest blog. I agree 100% with all that he said about the current top makers. He asked a question re: where Frank Marshall got the wooden spheres that he used for the dolls' eyes. I believe I have the answer, which was told to me over 40 years ago. Back before the days of video games, kids in Australia, and I'm sure in USA played a game called 'bobs.' This involved putting a rug or blanket on the kitchen or dining room table. At one end, you had a wooden
    strip- height 3 inches, width 1/2 an inch, and the length was the width of the table. Cut into the timber were approx. 10 holes in the shape of arches and numbered 1-10. At the other end of the table you had a series of balls and a cue stick. The object was to hit the ball with the stick and endeavor to have it roll through one of the arches. After your series of shots you would tally up the number scored- the highest score winning.
    Before the days of the common use of plastic these balls were wooden and the same size as the Marshall eyeball. I was told years ago that Frank Marshall purchased his 'eyeballs' from the manufactures of the 'bobs' game. This may be true, but I can't confirm it.

    Comments by Colin - Comic Quest - June 18, 2007 @6:55am

 

 

 

June 16, 2007

Frank Marshall Animals
Dan @8:38am

My acquisition of Chubby Cub started me to think about the other animals that were made by Frank Marshall. I know of a few and they are, Farfel the dog and Ftatateeta the cat both owned by Jimmy Nelson, the Kangaroos and joeys made for Clifford Guest and now Chubby Cub made for Lee Dean. So that makes four animals that I know of at this moment.

Can any of you tell us about any other furry friends that were made by the Master Frank Marshall? Please write in and let us all know.

Comments......

~Dan

Comments


2 Comments > > >

 

  1. I am on the fence on this one. I guess I just enjoy Marshall's other work too much.

    Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent - June 17, 2007 @11:28am



     

  2. (What Constitutes A Master Builder?)  An interesting question, always difficult to define. First, there's the artistic aspects - paint, carving, and mechanics. Then, these have to come together to create that elusive thing called personality. But then there's that whole other side that is often neglected - the business side. Dealing with customers in a professional, courteous way, delivering in a timely manner, and not acting like a flaky, eccentric artist. So, if you want to combine all these qualities together, the master to me was Jack Coats. Created gems, and was a gem of a man.

    Comments by Bob Gordon - June 17, 2007 @8:28am



     

  3. (What Constitutes A Master Builder?) Thank you for your emails and all the information you are providing on blog which I check everyday. I'm not familiar with the site tribute to ventriloquism which you refer to. Is there some opposition to what you are doing? If so don't take any notice, your site and information are fantastic. Now to some of the things that have been on blog recently.  I was born in December 1941 and as a young 15 year old, learnt ventriloquism from Ron Blaskett. So my first real introduction to vent work and vent dolls was with Ron and Frank Marshall's great creation of Gerry Gee. Therefore the question I often ask myself is- if Ron was starting now, with one of Ray Guyll's wonderful dolls and I was 15 again would I be interested in the Marshall figures? So when it comes to considering master builders in my opinion (and remember I realize this is only my opinion) certain circumstances have to be considered. It is a known fact that Frank Marshall was not keen in making dolls with multiple movements, this restricted the character which he was able to carve into the face. So we have to ask ourselves when we are considering a master builder is it from the collectors point of view or the working ventriloquist? The collector can have fun pulling all the levers but when it comes to doing a show with the levers that Marshall used, it could become quite awkward. In fact many professional vents got rid of the bulky levers for a more refined type. I know this might horrify you as the doll is not then original. But if it was easy to manipulate and then easier to bring to life, then the vent went for this as this was obviously the aim. So another question arises - if Marshall was working today, would he stick to the same bulky levers or go to the more refined type? There is certainly no problem for Bergen and company with only one or perhaps two levers to operate. I know for a fact having used an Insul doll for 50 years and then going to a Marshall was like going from a sports car to an army tank. Now this is where I must be careful, because many will say that with more practice and more effort I would become more skilled and that is true. But my argument is if the operating levers were the best on the Marshall dolls then they would be used today. Now having said all of this Dan, you know I still put Frank Marshall at the top and was in my opinion the pioneer of it all. So in no way do I want to be critical of his work. This is just another aspect to consider and who am I to say I am correct?

    With regard to the paint that Marshall used, Ron told me that he was told years ago that plaster was used with the paint, but agrees that also the stipple finish added another dimension. My full size Marshall has moving eyes, cross eyes, top lip, eyebrows and two winks. All with original levers, which I would never change. Over 50 years ago Ron had Gerry changed to more refined levers and I must admit he was so much easier to operate.

    Comments by Colin - Comic Quest - June 17, 2007 @ 2:34am

 

 

 

 

June 15, 2007

A Rare Marshall Animal Figure
Dan @10:30pm

My latest acquisition is a rare animal figure made by Frank Marshall.  It's a bear and his name is "Chubby Cub".

Check out his story and the pictures....... Click Here For More Information

 

Comments.....

~Dan

Comments

 

0 Comments > > >


 

 

June 14, 2007

What Constitutes A Master Builder?
Dan @6:00am

Sitting and thinking I started to ponder about what constitutes a MASTER figure builder. I myself will always consider that Frank Marshall was a Master builder and The brothers McElroy together made a Master builder but what is the criteria to give them this title?

In today's world we have a few makers that build some pretty darn nice figures but would they be considered Master builders? In my opinion a Master builder would have to do everything starting right from scratch , every aspect of the whole creation process. If any step was not done by that person or I guess I should say in house ,as there may be partners, would that mean they weren't master builders?

I would love to hear you thoughts on this subject.

Comments.......

~Dan


Comments

11 Comments > > >

 

  1. Well yes the McElroys are great builders too but Ray pays a great deal of attention you got to remember they're both very different and the same I'll say a lot about McElroys but I would never ever knock Ray to the McElroys they're both great but they're from different times. Thanks for sparking this great topic.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 15, 2007 @3:23pm



     

  2. What makes a master builder? The quality and features of the vent dummies they make. That is what makes them masters. The McElroy brothers were good, because they paid attention to detail.

    Comments by Austin Spraker - June 15, 2007 @1:49pm




     

  3. Well yes I think Ray Guyll is one of the best figure makers ever I mean he's a master of building figures look at Happy i mean top notch work he is a mechanical genius although I don't own a figure from him I think it's amazing. Awesome work on McElroys Marshalls and etc. great work Ray.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 15, 2007 @8:16am



     

  4. There is allot of great builders out there. I would have to say that Ray Guyll is a great master builder. And can duplicate any figure that was ever made. And do it right. I think Dan can verify that.

    Comments by Chef Jim - June 15, 2007 @6:19am




     

  5. I like the way Frank Marshall painted he's figures, some better than others of course. I notice that a really good Marshall figure has a presence about it. There's just something about them. Regarding paint, I remember Johnny Main, Bob King and maybe even Bob Isaacson saying Frank used pumice along with spilling to create he's interesting famous affect.

    Comments by Joe Lopez - June 14, 2007 @8:06pm



     

  6. I THINK THAT CONRAD HARTZ SHOULD BE ON THE LIST OF MASTER CARVERS

    Comments by DOC LOWERY - June 14, 2007 @3:31pm




     

  7. It is wonderful to learn I am a master builder. I have built figures soft and hard from scratch and so under these criteria I am a Master Builder. I used to say it's just a hobby but since I have been paid to do this I guess I am also now a professional.
    Okay, I'm no Master Builder I think that you have to realize that we are not talking about hundreds of figures or even a line of figures a Master Builder might just be someone who has the distinction of being asked to create a figure for someone because this would indicate that their work is considered good enough to warrant the asking. Whether building a figure from scratch, repairing someone else’s work or even, dare I say it, modifying another builders piece it takes a talent to do so and should be respected. Winchell only built figures for he himself, is anyone going to arguer the quality of his work? I doubt it. Clinton Detweiler builds figures from many different items making a figure out of a pumpkin is no minor a talent, his work in conversion is indisputably considered fine work. A Master Builder, not being a legitimate title, is subjective to the person examining the issue.

    Comments by John Dean - June 14, 2007 @3:27pm




     

  8. Very interesting question Dan. Personally I feel that the term "Master Builder" is thrown around too loosely. Maybe a list of criteria could be put together. Speaking for myself, I have a lot to learn and a long way to go.

    Comments by Ray Guyll - June 14, 2007 @1:25pm




     

  9. I am in agreement regarding a master builder. I would consider Gilmer, Guyll, and Hartz to be three of the top master builders in this country with regards to building wooden figures.
    As for polyurethane or fiberglass, I would say that Semok, Guyll, and Selberg make the grade for the top three master builders.
    Also, I feel that the criteria for building a figure entirely from scratch, in house, is what it's all about.
    In my opinion, the kits that most people are building are a great hobby, but they are simply that--a hobby. Don't get me wrong, these kits are a great introduction to the craft, but are no means an entitlement for such a lofty title of being a master figure builder.
    Thanks again for posing such a great question.

    Comments by Ken - June 14, 2007 @12:36pm



     

  10. Not sure who I would call a master builder, but I do believe I can recognize great work. Hartz, Alfaro, Selberg, Ray G., etc. Those guys are making figures that will be future collectibles. Just my thoughts!

    Comments by Troy L Moss - June 14, 2007 @8:40am



     

  11. The current curator of Vent Haven has said most ventriloquists build their own. Fred Russell, the father of modern day ventriloquy, called it a puppet with a personality, but to me a "spirit puppet".
    A master builder is one who is called to create the puppet which borrows voice and hand to come alive. Frank Marshall has expressed it such as "that figure really lives" and the like. I had an 18 figure, Little Willie, made by Marshall in 1958, identical in face to Bob King's "Tiny". I'm not sure about his puppet's legs but know that mine had one of the little wooden legs purposely attached in such a way to resemble the polio afflicted leg and face a caricature of the master builder himself. Marshall referred to Brunard's figure as his masterpiece. Find one that Marshall created for himself and that is the true masterpiece, and maybe Brunard's was because bought by him at a magic shop.


    Comments by Lee Dean - June 14, 2007 @8:37am

 

 

 

 

June 12, 2007

Guest Blog - John Stallknecht

Attached are photos of 3 figures I made out of plastic wood and use in my act. You may place them wherever you see fit.
 

Click on picture for larger view


Thanks again for the outstanding job you do for our profession.

John Stallknecht, California


Comments

2 Comments > > >

 

  1. Cool I like the bulldog.

    Comments by Christian Morse - June 15, 2007 @4:11pm


     

  2. I love these characters. I love your Mortimer Snerd type and the old lady is divine.

    Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent - June 13, 2007 @7:52pm

 

 

 

 

June 11, 2007

Marshall Paint
Dan @6:57am

When a performer goes on stage to do his act he must be very aware of the light conditions for his figure. If a figures paint is not done correctly either the light will bounce and reflect or will wash the color out completely. This is something that was also found in the early days of vaudeville.

Marshall clearly states in his catalogue dates 1931 " Lester Formula is an oil paint that does not have that shiny reflection so annoying to an audience" but, as Marshall progressed over the next decade and a half his paint formula changed. He was no longer using just a flat finish but the paint actually had a texture. Was it house paint with the following added?
A) pumice stone;
B) sand;
C) plain old table salt;
D) experiment in florescent paint; or,
E) Marshall took with him to grave.
ANSWER: I am not exactly sure.

W.S. Berger said it was pumice on info from Marshall but that may not be so, more likely sand, salt or other crystal to reflect light. I can say that it has a feel of almost real skin and on some of my figures it is more than others.

So does anyone out there have a solid answer as to what Marshall used to get this great finish in his paint? You know it has stood the test of time as his paint has been copied or at least others have tried to copy it but I know of only one person who has been able to duplicate this finish and he's not telling.

Comments.......

~Dan

 

P.S.  "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only Wins Theatrical Event Tony"....
                                                          Click Here

 

Comments

 

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. In 1955 I was invited to Lee A. Estes's home in Lexington, KY, to see his McElroys and took my newly acquired Davenport from Berger, who was upset with Estes because he had his Kenny and Willy Talk that were supposed to be his and which he eventually ended up with. Anyway, there I was, young kid with flat finished Insull, and all that Estes could talk about was some young girl's Marshall figure she brought with her. I remember, he dimmed the lights, and said see how it glows, and it did, almost like had some internal light, while my Insull/Davenport disappeared in darkness. Berger always said Marshall used pumice, which is volcanic rock. Now, after 50 years, I think have idea how Marshall may have done it, otherwise a secret taken to his grave because there are no vent figures out there that I know of that have that "glow". Remember how when used to go to the movie show, curtain came up but light still down, and screen appeared to glow? A phosphor is a substance that emits light when excited by radiation, and phosphorous reacts to electrical energy by glowing. It was and is used on movie theater screens, and now the wide screen TVs, and why it glows is inside of screen coated with thin layer of phosphorous. I believe that Marshall sprinkled plain old table salt onto the figure's fresh paint job. Did not use powder or corn starch because all that does is give flat although rough finish for light refraction, but for light reflection salt is a crystal and phosphate with luminescent, phosphorescent qualities and properties. Phosphates are plentiful in nature, and even found in fertilizer. He used either salt, sand, pumice or some other crystal, maybe even the Marshall orange an experiment with some new photo luminescent highway paint, the kind that glows in the dark and all of which contain phosphors. The table salt, sand or pumice application would account for the sandpapery feel to the touch. I recall in art school at college lot of visual artists used sand on paintings. But I am not sure, Marshall may have used saltpeter or Epsom salt for all that I know. I do know and remember, however, that evening at Estes's, the dim the lights contest, and that the Marshall figure did glow.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 11, 2007 @9:15am

 

 


 

 

June 9, 2007

Contest - Bob Abdou's Figure Heads
Dan @7:13am

The contest to name the figure heads owned by Bob Abdou ended with no one really coming too close so I thought you would all enjoy seeing the correct list of the makers.

They are as follows from the top row left to right:

  • Johnny Main , Brant Gilmer, Howie Olsen, 50's Maher , Finis Robinson
     
  • Turner, Foy Brown , Dano Bratten, Davenport, Foy Brown , Homemade, British
     
  • 70's Maher, Conrad Hartz, Dan Payes, Jerry Layne , Dan Payes,
     
  • Homemade Mexican, homemade British, John Osborne, Finis Robinson, Maher Conversion toy, Turner



I hope you enjoyed the idea of the contest and I want to personally thank Bob Abdou for sending in the picture for us to use. Dan

Comments.......

~Dan


Comments

0 Comments > > >

 

 

 

June 8, 2007

Tribute To Ventriloquism
Dan @ 10:47am

I found it hard to believe that Mr Albano decided to put up the old Tribute To Ventriloquism again under his own site but it has happened. He initially said it got to be too much work for him and just took it down. When this happened, I pleaded with him for almost a month and finally he said OK to me so I could put it up and create my own site, which I have done.

For some reason Bob thinks I took the site in a different direction which I just can't understand. Everything that I have put up on this site has been about ventriloquism of the past and present. Items about Frank Marshall, the McElroy brothers, many audio recordings, videos, pictures, articles, etc…. all in all over 1000 files have been posted about these great people of the past.  I just don't understand his wanting to take it back but I have decided that rather than having a contest I will let him do this.

For now, I will still keep what is on my website.  My love is the art of ventriloquism, the figures of the past and the makers of those old figures.

Good luck Bob.

~Dan

Comments

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. Dan, It's a shame Bob doesn't agree with what you are doing. Keep up the good work.

    Comments by Larry Harris, ComicVent - June 8, 2007 @9:24pm

     

 

 

June 6, 2007

Leather Neck or Wedge Design
Dan @7:42am

A good question was presented to me asking if I knew when Marshall stopped using the leather under the chin on the neck and went to his wedge design. This I think is a very good question but it may be one of those questions without a definitive answer.

Marshall used the leather under the chin on the neck exclusively through at least the late 1940's. I have one Marshall that is dated inside the head 1948 that has the wedge design. I don't know any earlier figures that had the wedge design. Now Marshall did in fact use the leather on the neck up into the 1950's because my friend Colin from Australia confirmed that Gerry Gee , Ron Blaskett's Marshall figure, was carved in 1955 and that figure has the leather on the neck.

The figures that Marshall produced after 1950 all seem to have the wedge design but I am sure upon request the leather may have been used. I would love to have some of you write in and give some light on this subject.

Comments.......
~Dan

 

Comments

3 Comments > > >

 

  1. A very early "wedge". See Tribute, under Lester, that he brought Marshall into Mack shop 1913, and 1945 Coronet where he credits Marshall genius behind all of his figures, which would include Byron. Now see 20th C under Berger and Courier Journal article and Byron photo. Believe this is the first "wedge" or concave throat.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 6, 2007 @9:37pm



     

  2. My Oscar, carved in 1947 for Peter Rich, does not feature leather.

    Comments by George Boosey - June 6, 2007 @7:39pm



     

  3. Mahoney made in 1937, original Marshall being Jerry on Winchell's back in Tribute site, had the leather, but 1945 O'Day appears to have used the concave throat. But I may be wrong about original Danny, and guess only Nelson knows for sure.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 6, 2007 @9:02am


    I checked with Ray Guyll , who is the only one authorized by Jimmy Nelson to make copies of Danny O'Day and he informed me that Danny O' Day did not have the leather on the neck.

    Response by Dan - June 6, 2007 @12:36pm

 

 

 

June 4, 2007

Figure Movements
Dan @10:03am

After Dan Payes listed his figure with the weighted eye to eye movement, which by the way I think is much better than a lever for eye movement, last week on eBay, I got to thinking about functions in ventriloquist figures and what movements have been done and what has not been done. I have gone over and over this in my mind and I just can't come up with anything that has not already been done.

Just looking at my own collection of figures I can list the following , side to side eyes, self centering eyes, up or down movement eyes, crossing eyes all of these being done with levers, all around pendulum weight eye movement by movement of the head, raising eyebrows, lowering eyebrows, lever operated also the same function with weight movement, winkers, blinkers lever operated, wiggling ears lever operated, upper lip movement lever operated, stick out tongue lever operated, open mouth and stick out tongue together same lever, whistling effect by lever, mouth movement by way of pneumatics allowing you distance from the figure, fright wig lever operated, light up nose, wiggling nose lever operated, spitter, smoker, smoke out of the ears, crying eyes, hand shaker, crossing knee, kicking leg, walking and hat lifter. Quite a selection of functions but I also know of a few more functions that are not in my collection.

Ray Guyll produced a figure that the upper lip will raise on one side or the other to give the Elvis Presley style look, and it can also smile by pulling upwards at the corners of the mouth. Very ingenious lifelike movement.

So after reading this list of functions can you come up with anything that has not been done? Most of these functions have all been done since the 1920's so nothing is new. This should give you something to think about.

Comments.........

~Dan

 

Comments

1 Comment > > >

 

  1. Old saying is there is nothing new under the Sun, everything either a variation or combination of old or new ideas.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 4, 2007 @12:29pm

 

 

 

 

June 2, 2007

To Restore Or Not - Part II
Dan @6:33am

I am really grateful that people have opinions and do write to me and to others to let them know what they think. It is the way we all learn and grow within out community. Even though some may disagree with what you think or say we all have the right to our opinions and with open forums such as this we get to let out what we feel.

Having been in the antique business for the better part of 40 years I must reiterate the fact that if you replace a part with something that is new, on and old item. such as changing antique glass eyes and replacing them with new wooden eyes then the value without question is decreased. I will compare it to an antique banjo clock, one of the most famous designs in American clock making. The banjo clock had eglomised tablets, which means the throat and bottom box on the clock were reverse painted glasses, and if those glasses have been either repainted or replaced the clock will still look beautiful and will have some value but not what the original clock would have had. An original Simons Willard banjo clock is worth in excess of $25000.00 but if the same clock has repainted glasses or repainted dial it is now only worth $8000.00.

In the true world of antiques, restored is just NOT worth original. So now lets sit 2 Frank Marshall figures next to each other that both have the same functions, slot jaw and side to side eyes. One is a very fine totally original example never having been touched by a restorers hand, and sitting right next to him is a pristine fully restored Marshall figure. The eyes have been replaced, the wig replaced, the paint redone, the hands repaired ( broken finger), the controls reworked for someone's comfort. He looks Fantastic. Is he worth the same kind of money that the original figure is worth sitting right next to him. The answer is NO and the only one who would choose the restored over the original is a person who does not know the antique market.

I did say that if you are a working ventriloquist and your character is a Marshall then of course you would want to keep him looking great and therefore would do restorations as needed to keep your figure pristine. That only makes sense. To a working ventriloquist the restored figure is a working figure and therefore the antique value doesn't even come into play. I look at these as works of art from an era gone by and when I see a wonderful antique figure that gets changed and destroyed in my eyes it bothers me and so I talk about it. I am taking nothing away from those that do the work as it is time consuming and pain staking to do the job right and yes the end result is a wonderful looking figure but the antique value is lost. I am an antique lover and the best antique is a true original bar non. This is fact plain and simple.

My comments on this "To Restore or Not" is taken from my standpoint of a true collector and not from the performers side. I also said that I will restore a figure if needed because they deserve to look their best and you will see those in my collection and I am proud to give the credit where due for restored jobs well done. But I also will say that if I have the chance, I will always take a totally original untouched figure over a restored one because my investment in that figure is secure in the originality of the piece.

Comments please......

~Dan

Comments



3 Comments > > >

 

  1. An antique Marshall, both functional and aesthetic, is collector's dream I'd say, but to fix dents and scratches is one thing and fix broke spring or string is another, or is it? An owner/user dent or scratch would be indistinguishable from a dent or scratch left by Marshall, so leave it be. I am not certain about the spring but know for sure that Marshall in 50s used woven nylon but with nylon strands center, so to change out a broken Marshall string is mistake, better to glue broke ends and let it be.

    Comments by Lee Dean - June 3, 2007 @1:27pm




     

  2. Hi Dan, my questions to you now are: If an antique figure is/was restored by its ORIGINAL maker, will the value decrease or increase?

    Number 2: If, for example, a Finis Robinson figure (which is relatively inexpensive) was restored by Frank Marshall, will its value increase (since it's already NOT ORIGINAL--but restored by Marshall)?

    Comments by Ony Carcamo - June 3, 2007 @9:46am

    If a figure was restored, even by its original maker, it is restored and that still affects the price. If the restoration is undetectable but documented as being done by the maker I would think it would have no affect on the price. Marshall certainly did repaint and fix mechanics in his own figures that he sold just as makers do today.

    Not too long ago an eBay seller, which I will keep his name anonymous, was trying to sell a Ken Spencer figure which had been restored by Frank Marshall. It even had Frank Marshall's card tacked inside the head, which Frank did most of the time, but it failed to sell even with all the information. The asking price was not outrageous but just because it had been done by Marshall did not make it more valuable. As matter of fact I think had it still had the original paint by Spencer it would have sold for the asking price.

    I would also like to take this moment to say that all items when new have no intrinsic or antique value and that includes antique ventriloquist figures. When Frank Marshall was alive his figures were of no great value except to those who were performing. Antique collectors didn't even know who he was nor did they care, except for W.S. Burger. As with any great work of art it takes time and the absence of the creator to cause a value. I will make another analogy. If you have a Van Gough painting that is mint condition unrestored it is worth millions. If you have a Van Gough that has had restoration, even though it looks great is the value the same?? Certainly not. As matter of fact in the art world the value drops so far it is unreal.
    I stated in my second addition of my blog that of course I have had figures restored and if the figure is being used it must be kept in performance condition. I respect that fully but in no way will a restored Marshall figure gain in value over that of an all original figure.

    Response from Dan - June 3, 2007 @10:46am






     

  3. Dan, I'm glad you picked a clock for your comparison because a clock gets it value from function and ascetics, as does the figure. If the clock were not working you would not hesitate to add a new cog or weight to make it work again because what use is a non-functioning clock? So why would you leave a figure slack jawed or cockeyed on the shelf? Certainly not just so you could say, "This is an original Marshall figure," unless you add "but it doesn’t work anymore."

    Vent figures are works of art yes, but they are also tools that we use to perform our art and if a figure is left non-functional it is a waist of the artist’s work as they were not meant to be display pieces. If after Marshall died had Edgar Bergen needed Charlie painted, and he had Ray Guyll, Alan Semok or Conrad Hartz paint it are you saying because it is not a Marshall original paint job it is not as good a piece?

    Take Howdy Doody, Alan Semok did a complete repaint of Howdy, he is still the one and only, actually I think it was two but that neither here nor there, Howdy Doody. If something does not work like the eyes and another style is more suited for a function to work how can it be wrong as a working vent to have them changed. Later if that vent’s family sells his Marshall and you buy it are you going to take it apart to ascertain it’s history if it is functioning properly, of course not and so you may never know it was fixed. You can’t look at the piece and decide well Marshall would never have done that because while he strived for function and appearance he was also known to Duple-carve figures and use what parts he had handy.

    Comments by John Dean, Central Florida Ventriloquist Association - June 2, 2007 @8:30pm

 

 

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