Mr. D's Daily Ventriloquist Journal

The Dummy's Soul

2012-01-29T05:00:00.002-07:00

By I. V. Norman

V: I was glad to see you at church today. What were you praying about?
F: I was asking the Lord to put vitamins in pie and cake instead of vegetables.
V: Well, that's pretty selfish. my boy.
F: Oh, I asked the Lord to take care of the President, the Mayor, the Governor, and even you. And I ended my prayers with, "Oh Lord, be sure to take care of yourself, or else we're all sunk."
V: Yes. Well, I didn't hear you answer when the minister asked you what sins of omission were.
F: Oh, I answered.
V: Well then - what did you say?
F: Oh, I said they were sins we ought to have committed and haven't.
V: Did you understand the minister's sermon about temptation?
F: Well, I guess so, Although I don't get this, "Oh Lord, lead us not into temptation." It seems to me all he has to do is tell us where it is and we'll find it ourselves.
V: I can see you just didn't understand what the minister's sermon was about.
F: Well I did know that the Goliath the minister was talking about was the fellow David rocked to sleep.
V: You misinterpret everything the minister says.
F: I did understand it when he said that Moses had indigestion.
V: I didn't hear that.
F: Well, the minister did say, "God gave Moses two tablets..."!
V: Oh, my. Going to church is wasted on you. You didn't even understand the message in Jonah and the Whale.
F: Yes, I did. The morale was, "You can't keep a good man down!"
V: Why did you run out of church before the end of the sermon?
F: Well, the minister kept asking, "Who led the children of Israel into Canaan?", and he kept looking at me. So I just stood up and yelled, "It wasn't me Parson!"
* * * * *
From Vent-O-Gram, Vol. 1, No. 7 1963. On eBay auction now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290661518538

Rare Vintage DOUBLE TALK

2012-01-28T05:00:00.026-07:00

Here's another rare issue of DOUBLE TALK ventriloquist newsletter for sale. April 1938, Vol. 1 No. 6. Original (not a copy). 14 pages, mimeographed. 8.5 X 11" Yellowed pages due to age, with some slight tattering along edges, but other wise in good condition. eBay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260942096611

As a past newsletter publisher myself, and having experienced the timeless problem of finding writers for columns and articles, it made me smile to read how, Revello Petee, publisher of Double Talk, seemed to struggle with the same issue. Petee wrote:

"We take it that you readers do not want a contest for the best article of the year. You don't seem to be trying very hard for the figure which we are going to give away in Nov. Unless you show more interest the contest will be discontinued after Nov."

About his figures I spotted this comment by Petee: "Now offering a complete line of hand carved wood head figures. Our figures are carved from California Sugar Pine, which when kiln dried positively will not check or crack."

And it seems that there was another problem in 1938 that never changed over the decades that followed: Petee wrote: "There are two or three vents that send in each month for a sample copy of 'Double Talk'. These fellows always change their name each month but use the same address. They are not subscribers and we have not been able to sign them up. Several reports have come in stating that these fellow are writing to subscribers of D.T. asking to borrow their copies. The subscription cost is well within the reach of all, so tell them to go to grass. These fellows are chiselers and a disgrace to the profession of ventriloquism. You paid your dollar and they can do the same."

(And I do believe the subscription rate for the newsletter in 1938 was only one dollar per year...today just the postage cost to mail out this one single issue will be double that!)

From "down under"...

2012-01-27T05:00:00.013-07:00

From Glenn Pearce:

I was talking to the great Australian ventriloquist Chris Kirby last night, and his classic figure – Terry – the one he has used all his life including appearing on Ed Sullivan, doing Royal Command performances, having his own tonight show on TV, touring with the likes of Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey etc was made for him more than fifty years ago by an Australian (Adelaide) figure maker called Eric Scuse. Eric was very active in the brotherhood of ventriloquists or whatever the ventriloquist association was called at the time. Have you ever heard of Eric or seen any of his wooden figures that made their way to the US?

Eric was an extremely clever and talented figure maker. Eric was the Frank Marshall of Australia. Whenever Chris appeared on national television apparently Eric would tell people proudly - ‘I made that figure for Chris’.

Terry is such an exquisite figure with so much character and life in his face.

You can see videos of Chris in action on television and at a television industry tribute at his website below:

http://www.covington.com.au/

Sadly, whilst we still have living legends like Chris Kirby, we do not have any more figure makers like Eric left in Australia.

A hilarious excerpt (on the link below) of Chris and Terry appearing on an Australian national tv show.

http://www.covington.com.au/kirby_moovs/chris_terry.html

An Unusual Experience

2012-01-26T05:00:00.013-07:00

By Charles Hook

Many years ago I was one of a groups of entertainers who went into Old Long Island City to entertain a group of underprivileged children. As the children arrived (mostly boys), there was no youthful buoyancy. And the eyes of some of these boys drew my attention...their piercing eyes were not those of expectant childhood. Rather, they were the eyes of the streetwise who trusted none. The social worker told us that many were children of alcoholic parents, many of the children poorly fed.

The entertainment was staged in a long room without stage or platform. The entertainment area was well lighted, but the audience area, with front row a considerable distance away, was clothed in darkness. As I appeared with the figures and they started to talk, the faces of the boys who occupied the front rows were a study; with open mouths and an uncomprehendingly look of amazement on their faces. It appeared few of them had ever seen a ventriloquist or understood what they were.

There was no laughter as they listened to the remarks of the figure. Absorbed in the dialogue, I did not at first see that the boys in the front row had left their seats and were slowing advancing across the open spaces, crouched on their hands and knees. But it was their eyes that glittered out of the dark that made me apprehensive. Focused on the figure alone, there was almost a feline glare, as a cat stalking her prey.

I was using a pugilistic-looking Irish boy, and as they advanced I had him seemingly spring out, and in their own tough vernacular, snarl or shout, "Get out of here!" The tension was broken and amidst the laughter of their comrades the startled boys shuffled back to their seats. After that the laughs came easy.

Whenever I read of hunters sitting around a campfire, looking into the darkness and seeing the glittering eyes of the denizen of the wild, I cannot help but recall the eyes and the attitudes of these wolf-ish boys as they approached out of the darkness!
* * * * *

Condensed from ventriloquist Hook's article by the same name which was published in the Vent-O-Gram, January, 1964. Other features in that issue were by Walter Berlin, Fred Ketch, Ken Greenhouse, Gregory Berlin, Howard Paine and Peter Rich. Plus a Vent Routine by I. V. Norman who also wrote a tribute to President John F. Kennedy whose picture made up the cover of this issue. 13 pages printed on one side, 8.5. x 11", (plus cover.) This rare vintage newsletter (good condition) is now listed for eBay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290661828839

Mark Wade Writes

2012-01-25T05:00:00.016-07:00

WRITING IS IMPORTANT EVERY DAY
One thing I have made a New Years resolution is to write something for my kidshow act everyday. It may just be a line or two, or a complete bit for an existing routine, but it is important to write, write, and write some more!

My good friend Karl Garray (of Garray and Tomio fame..a very unique ventriloquist act) gave me great advice and set a good example for me. Karl would get up first thing in the morning and write something for his and Tomio's show. I know also that many of the comedy writers also give themselves a strict routine of writing a set number of lines per day. I guess the more you experiment and use your talents of writing, the better you become with it. You learn quickly your style of performing and how to translate jokes, lines, and bits-of-business into that style. It makes it fit better without as many re-writes.

I may be driving down the road and get a thought for a joke or line and I try to scribble it down before the thought leaves me. I then use this as a springboard to write it in a more complete way when I get home to my office.

To be a great writer you have to write. Remember the adage.."Yard by yard it's hard..inch by inch it's a cinch". Try writing something TODAY and then keep on writing. Soon you'll have another piece to your act that you can use to make it fresh and up to date. Your audiences will love you for it!

You can reach me at markwade@kidshowvent.com

Let's Get Visual!

2012-01-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jeff Brown for alerting me to the new DVD by Steve Petra, Let's Get Visual. I checked out the youtube trailer - looks intriguing. And here's what Jeff had to say about the DVD:

"Let's Get Visual is EXCELLENT. I highly recommend it to everyone, even if they do not do child or family shows. It is very well produced, very informative and inspirational." Jeff Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NStZj2OBsw

http://www.petrapuppets.com/dvd

Detweiler figure

2012-01-24T05:00:00.041-07:00

Here's another of my works, an early one from my figuremaking career, owned by Bill Matthews. I would guess I built this figure about 1969 or '70, and he appears to have been handled with care for all this time. I sometimes used a woodburning tool to etch the date and/or a registry number on headposts, but not all had this feature. I note (with a smile) he is still wearing one of the "Dummy Buttons" we created and sold 30 or so years ago!

What's even more exciting for me personally is to learn from Bill that he is now going through his Maher Course with his son, with the intent that this figure, "Larry Lack-O-Witz", will some day be handed down to his son!
* * * * *
Update from Bill: On his headpost it has etched, "198, Maher '72." I purchased the button because I do primarily Gospel Ventriloquism and when I'm in a group or out in public someone always mentions it and gives me an open door to share the Gospel. I also have one of the custom padded cases by Clinton for him. I want to take good care of Larry for years to come so when I "retire" my son, Stephen, can take up the mantle (who, BTW, is really enjoying learning the art with HIS little pal, Buddy, which I upgraded myself from a Willie Talk doll following the plans in the Maher Course).
* * * * *
Comment from Wes Green: Thanks for success stories which serve as a great encouragement. I so admire the commitment you evidence to the art of Ventriloquism. I think secretly that is an ultimate dream to have someone else say what you may only think. Knowing that statement could be construed in a possible negative vein, I would add that all communication is tempered with what should be verbalized in the first place. Thanks so much for giving us the tools to proclaim a message that brings people enjoyable thoughts and hopefully eternal life. Blessings.

1963 Vent-O-Gram

2012-01-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

VENT-O-GRAM Ventriloquist Newsletter; Vol 1, 1963, Number 7. THE GREAT LESTER memorial issue .

Articles include: The Great Lester (by Fred Ketch); When You Bomb (Peter Rich); The Dummy's Soul (dialogue by I.V. Norman); Vent Veracity (Walter Berlin); Help! (Peter Rich); Eastern Breezes (Charles Hook); Peter Brough Bio (Derek A. Travis); Drunk Routine (Howard Paine); Lester (Paul Barkdoll); misc ads, subscription info. 8.5 X 11", 15 pages (printed one side). Good condition. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290661518538

I will reprint The Dummy's Soul dialogue from this issue this coming Sunday.

Peter Rich Rites

2012-01-23T05:00:00.012-07:00

(From May/June 1966 Vent O Gram)

This column was prompted by a letter of inquiry from an excellent teen-age ventriloquist from Dallas, Texas, named Jay Johnson.

Jay wanted to know the length of the act required when working as a sole entertainer at a banquet, and the time required when the act works with other entertainers.

The time varies but generally the act should range between ten and twenty minutes, or a tight fifteen minutes. A song lasts three minutes. An opening and closing song will take care of six minutes. A middle song would add another three minutes for a longer act.

For pacing, two dummies can be a big help. The vent can do ten minutes with the first dummy and then do ten minutes with the second.

The program chairman for the banquet usually specifies the time required. The booking agent will do the same for the clubs. When the act arrives for rehearsal at the club, the first question asked by the act is "How much time do they want?" The better clubs will require between twenty and thirty minutes. The cheaper clubs want more time, in which case the aspiring ventriloquist should bone up on monologues, magic, and songs to pad the time.

The performer should know how long each segment of his act takes, because if he's ask to cut, he'll have no difficulty editing on his feet.

Good luck. Don't get arrested --- or you'll do time.
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FOR SALE:

Vent-O-Gram Ventriloquist Newsletter, Volume 4, May-June 1966, No. 2. 24 pages. 8.5" x 11". With articles and reports by: W. S. Berger, Gregory Berlin, Fred Ketch (on how he built a paper mache dummy), Peter Rich, Walter Berlin, Bob Brethen, Charles Hook, Col. Bill Boley, Dan Gardner, and others. Plus a tribute to ventriloquist A. C. Astor who died 4/7/66. Some excellent trade material plus a great deal of historical reports from that time period. Very good condition. Click here for eBay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290660695834

Thought to ponder

2012-01-22T05:00:00.027-07:00

We all know jokes need to be created and used with the audience in mind. Some jokes should be added for a specific audience; other jokes may be avoided. But actions and animations should be planned and performed in the same way. Consider the following comment I received from a ventriloquist who was bidding on a figure with "crossing-eyes" feature:

"I have one rather important concern about the ebay figure I'm considering. If I'm successful in the bidding, I would want you to disable the "cross-eye" feature altogether. It's a very sensitive thing, both in our church family, and also with one of my sons, who, at age 48 has had five surgeries to straighten his "bad" eye. He can have nothing further done, and the "squint" as they call it is still there, though not as severe as it used to be. Two children in our Sunday school also have this problem, and they too are very sensitive and self-conscious about it. There is no way I could be seen using a dummy that would do this, even with a slip of my arthritic fingers."

As with things he has the figure say, so must the ventriloquist be ever mindful of how he acts - always keeping the audience foremost in mind.

Apple of my eye...

2012-01-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

From Kirk Rabe: My wife was doing a study on the phrase "Apple of my eye" (Duet. 32:10, Ps.17:8, Proverbs 7:2). The Hebrew definition is, "a little doll, like a puppet or marionette." It is the tiny reflection of yourself when you look into someone else's pupil. When we look into God's eyes, we see ourselves! He watches over us. God Bless.

True Namesake

2012-01-21T05:00:00.018-07:00

From Roy White

Clinton: I have sent the head of my professional figure, "Forrest (Big Bubba) Green Holloway*", and an early Danny O'Day doll head for repairs. (*All the names for Forrest are local surnames of the watermen and farming community of Poquoson. Trinity UMC in Poquoson gave me Forrest as a going away present when I left Poquoson in 1995.)

The bear--Earl the bear--was made by Mary Ann Taylor, in 2005. I have a second one now, and the first is being rehabilitated by Mary Ann's daughter, Melissa. I lived in Roanoke for seven years as a pastor. The Taylors live in Salem--which is right next to Roanoke.

"New" Timmy!

2012-01-20T05:00:00.005-07:00

When my shop schedule is filled it is so nice to be able to refer vents to our son, Kevin, knowing he can provided needed services with skill and integrity. This is a copy of a letter I received just yesterday from one of Kevin's clients:

"Hi Kevin: Please allow me to thank you so VERY much for such the EXCEPTIONALLY well done technical work you've accomplished (so quickly; it's amazing! I'll bet you burned the midnight oil on this handsome "guy") on ol' Timmy (a very early Cowles figure). "Wow!" is all I can say!

Please allow me to continue to say that YOU (and your dad; I'm sure) really do know your inner mechanics; it's no wonder (I'm sure others share my opinion) that you're one of the most valued and respected craftsmen in the trade. Kudos to your fine technical skills... and artistry!

"I couldn't be more pleased with Timmy's positive upgrade; I simply had to let you know.

"BTW: I hope you notice how the complete "new" Timmy looks now; I might add that he's just been fitted with a brand new suit (with matching vintage bow tie!) by a late tailor's grandson....yours truly!

"Warmest personal regards to all,Kenny Warren
"P.S. What a handsome head of hair this little fellow now has! I wish I could say the same for myself nowadays! LOL!"

Having a very bad day!

2012-01-19T05:00:00.035-07:00

From William Salaam: I'm a master vent who has benefited greatly from you. However my figure "Wilson", (originally called Clipper) has been accidentally crushed. I'm hurt. Do you have any more Clippers?
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Ouch! That's about as bad a breakup as I've seen, although I've repaired figures with similarly severe damage. Clipper is a retired character from the Knee Pal line, so a new replacement is not an option. However, the figure is not beyond repair if I had all, or even most of the pieces. But it appears significant portions of the head are missing in the photo. Send me every piece you have and let me see if I can work some puzzle magic.
* * * * *
From Tedtoons: New TV spin-off:
CSI: DETWEILER

Tonight's episode,

"D.O.A. DUMMY"

(Brought to you by Super Glue.)

Question of value...

2012-01-18T21:01:00.001-07:00

Question: I've got a Ken Spencer figure with inscription that says, "Carved by Ken Spencer and Modification by Stewart Scott". I need advice on how much he could be worth? He's in lovely shape, and I love the fire out of him. I'm just curious about value in case I put insurance on him. Ken Spencer is dead so I needed to know if he might be pretty valuable. Thanks, Jeremiah Burch
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Your question is a difficult one indeed! How does a person judge the value of an irreplaceable item? I have not witnessed the sale of a Spencer figure recently, but I'll estimate their market value at $1,000-$1,500. Much would depend upon the character and number of animations, of course. But if lost, stolen, or destroyed, it could not be replaced with a duplicate at any price, so for actual insurance purposes I would suggest a value that would realistically allow you to purchase a comparable figure (by another maker) on today's market.
* * * *
From Bill Matthews: What I have done is taken photos of my figure, Larry, from several different angles (front, back, sides and angle shots), with and without the animations. That way if anything happened to the little guy I have plenty of pictures to send to a figure maker and have a new one made as close to him as possible. I keep a couple sets of pictures in different locations for in case they get destroyed, like a house fire. I also have him insured enough to cover the cost of a custom made figure. Better safe than sorry.

Comments comment...

2012-01-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

I am aware there is a problem with the comment section of this blog. Several of you have sent me emails to tell me you cannot access the posted comments. I'm having the same problem. Blogspot is an arm of Google. I'm hoping this problem is a result of the Google issues you've read about this week and they get things straightened out soon. Until then, you can send your comments directly to me via my email: mahertalk@aol.com Mr. D.

From Dave Robison

2012-01-18T05:00:00.011-07:00

Recently my ventriloquial sidekick, Skyler published a blog article at skylergravelroad .

For the photo in the article, we shot a few photos of Skyler surrounded by Maher literature and some other vintage vent books.

I thought you'd enjoy looking at the photo.

Skyler is a Finis from an original drawing of mine. Born April 1, 1981. I've actually been with Skyler longer than my wife of 28 years. Finis actually did a re-paint and repair of Skyler just a year or so before he quit working on figures.

Today's smile...

2012-01-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Winner of the "most creative request for flea circus script" is Andy Partington who wrote:

"Your post about the performing fleas’ script really perked my ears up. I’m itchin’ to see what this entails, and would love to see if I could scratch together the stuff for the prop. Thanks so much for the blog. It’s a daily check-in point for me. (In fact, this and kidology are my favorite Pair a sites.) Keep up the good work!"

Seeking advice...

2012-01-17T05:00:00.016-07:00

Question: Years ago I turned my "Simon Sez" into "Blueberry the Clown." His costume matches my "Muffin the Clown" costume. After much "clowning around" he can no longer move his jaw. You kindly repaired him for us years ago. Probably not worth trying to repair the plastic parts again. He needs a new head, but his matching costume fits a small body. Is it possible to build a good head to fit a Simon Sez body? If so, how much should I budget for it? Or, would you recommend I start over with a larger figure and make new costumes? Thanks for considering our dilemma,
Susan/Muffin the Clown and Blueberry
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Actually, my recommendation would be to find a permanent fix to your current doll. The rubber band on the mouth could be replaced with a spring. The size could remain the same so you would not need to replace the clothes. This would be the most cost effective approach .
* * * * *
Update following repair: Blueberry just arrived. His jaw works better than ever. You are amazing and I am very grateful. Thank you so much,
Susan

2012-01-17T05:00:00.004-07:00

Let's have a little fun and put a real dummy in the Whitehouse!

Phil Nichols

1938 DOUBLE TALK

2012-01-16T05:00:00.018-07:00

DOUBLE TALK - The Ventriloquist Guide. 1938! 13 memiographed 8.5x11 pages, faded, fragile and tattered. But nearly whole except for a corner torn from the last page, and oh, so very fascinating to read! VERY RARE! For auction now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260933746398

Here are just a few random excerpts from this issue of DOUBLE TALK:

"The boy voice that is pitched in the female or head tone, can express all the lighter emotions such as expectation, gratitude, sorrow, appeasement, placation, etc. But this also has drawback - you gain expression but lose carrying power. Bergen uses a voice that is placed so far into the female section, that if he were to put a quaver in it, he would have the voice of an old woman. You who have heard Bergen when he did not use the mike, know how far (or not so far) that voice can carry." From The Fundamentals of the Ventriloquial Voice by Ellwood & Ripel.

"What makes the performance "click" with the audience? First, the Material. Assuming you have a good supply of material, it must be assembled for presentation. We do not want a string of gags with no connection. They must be "blended" into a sensible conversation. Pick out the gags that are funny to you. Classify them into as near perfect continuity as possible - soon that conversation effect will take form." From Making the Performance Click Pt. 1, By Ralph DeShong

"Claude Burke and Jerry recently gave a show at a local church Bazaar. Part way through the act Claude found a bottle on Jerry and to punish him said he was going to drink it and not give Jerry any. Jerry said he wouldn't let him drink it. Claude wanted to know how he was going to stop him. Jerry said he would keep on talking. Claude said that wouldn't stop him as he could drink between words. So Jerry said he would hum a continuous note and stop him that way. So Jerry hummed, but Claude drank the glass full of liquid just the same. Needless to say, the stunt got a big hand. Claude is quite proud of Jerry because for one reason he is an original Charlie Mack figure. A brother under the paint of the famous McCarthy." From Dummy Talk by Oscar.

V: What happened to your sister? I always like your sister.
F: Yeah. Too darn well. Wheee.
V: We'll skip that...she was quite a girl.
F: She never loved but two parties.
V: Is that so? Who were they?
F: The Democrats and the Republicans!
From dialogue "Old Jokes Home" by William S. Hume

"Some persons can tell a gag with risque touch and it is "cute"...another person can tell the same gag and it is just rotten smut and disgusts people. If you haven't the personality to tell these jokes, don't try to...you just cheapen yourself and your act. You will find it easier to get and use original material...(however) the radio has burned up so much legitimate patter it is disgustingly hard to get an original act that has gags people haven't heard before." From Dialogue by Leon.

"Goldwyn Follies showing here for the third week, playing to a packed house. Bergen does his stuff okay and made a hit although many passed remarks about his lip control. The Mrs. took in the show and did I catch it when she got home. 'Why,' says she, 'do all you vents beef about Bergen? Maybe his lips do move, so what? He sure knows how to handle a figure and make it true to life which is more than I can say for a lot of Vents that I have seen, and besides, he is good looking.' So there you are, what's a fellow going to do?" From This 'N That by Richard Haldane.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: All written so long ago (70 years), yet so much the them same - could have been yesterday!

"Performing Fleas"

2012-01-16T05:00:00.013-07:00

Question: Years ago I bought a book from you containing a "performing fleas" script. I do not have the book anymore and would like to get another script. Do you have any that I can order from you? If not, do you know where I can get such a script? Thank you. Roberta Butler

* * * *

From Mr. D: I do remember the script you refer to. It was written by Cy Leonard and is in the NAAV Dialogue Book No. 9 (now out of print). I still have my personal library copy of this book. I'll make a copy of the four page script and mail it to you. And I'll do the same for anyone reading this who would also like to receive the script (with details on building the flea circus prop. Email your request with name and address to: mahertalk@aol.com

Lucky Duck

2012-01-15T05:00:00.013-07:00

From Michal Blacksher

I want to share with you a photo of me and my vent figure "Nelson" taken at our family Christmas Party. Nelson was made from "Lucky Duck" plans that I purchased from Maher Studios in 1978. I've had to make a few minor repairs over the years but he seems to be holding up fairly well. He always seems to show up on the holidays and in our children's ministry at church. Keep up the excellent work with your vent blog. It is truly a blessing. May God continue to bless you and yours in 2012.

1970 Ventriloquist Directory

2012-01-14T05:00:00.016-07:00

This rare 22 page 8.5 X 11 I.V.A. (International Ventriloquist Association) DIRECTORY contains members names and address, ads, a few photos and more, including a list of Dummies names who belong to W.O.O.D (World Organization Of Dummies). There's a list of publications, dealers, script writers, four vent Courses. Two articles: The History of the Vent-O-Gram newsletter and a biography of Paul Stadleman (condensed in the post below), first President of the IVA. While most addresses are no longer current, this is a fascinating issue packed with interesting history! There are markings in this Directory (circled addresses, primarily). (I've listed the names of the IVA officers for 1970 with the eBay auction listing.) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260933758723

Paul Stadleman

2012-01-14T04:49:00.003-07:00

Paul Stadleman was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He took up ventriloquism as an adult. Most people became acquainted with Paul and his dummy, Windy Higgins, via his appearances on television. He also was a highly sought after teacher of ventriloquism. One of his students, Vonda Kay Van Dyke, became Miss America 1965, largely due to her talent as a ventriloquist.

Paul authored two instructional books on ventriloquism as well as instruction on tape. A master publicist, Windy Higgens ran for Governor of Kentucky in 1939 with Paul serving as his campaign manager. Windy got 143 write-in votes from all over the state!

For most of his career, Paul made Chicago his home where his residence became a center of ventriloquism during his lifetime.
* * * * * *
Condensed from Mr. Ventriloquist 1969, IVA Directory 1970, Photo from same source.

Miss Piggy

2012-01-13T05:00:00.011-07:00

Miss Piggy a "sex goddess"? That is what the cover of this PEOPLE magazine suggests. While I might describe her a bit differently, she is one of my favorite Muppet characteers. Miss Piggy made the cover of this December 3, 1979 issue as a result of the huge success of The Muppet Movie released earlier that Fall. She was so popular in the movie she received over 20,000 fan letters demanding she be named Best Actress of 1979! The five page article by Brad Darrach reviews the movie as well as providing behind-the-scense history and insight into the Muppets, their creaters and their success. With photos. But the primary focus is Miss Piggy, her creation and her frustrated love for a little green frog. Very fun! This is the complete People Issue intact (106 pages). Very good condition. Bid here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260933020749

Lil' Wubble Duck

2012-01-13T05:00:00.010-07:00

Question: We bought this several years ago, but don't see anyone else showing it on the Internet. It was made by Craig Lovik and sold by Maher. I believe it also came in black. We can't remember his original name. Any comments on this little guy? Ottie

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Yes, this duck vent figure was created and built by Craig Lovik as part of the "Wubbles" series of characters sold by Maher Studios. It was, in fact, the best selling character from that series of figures, simple called 'Lil Wubble Duck, and yes, it was made in black as well as yellow. When Keith Lovik (Craig's son) took over the Lovik World production of characters, he did for a short time build a few more of this character. But he discontinued their production 6 or 8 years ago as I recall. (Maybe even longer ago - the years have a way of slipping by quickly.)

VHM report

2012-01-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Vent Haven Museum Curator, Jennifer Dawson, with 2011 summary comments concerning activity at the Museum. And I was especially encouraged to read of the steps taken to make the museum appealing and educational to youth. Jen wrote,

"We had another great season last year. We ended up having lots of new visitors as well as repeat visitors to the museum. I always take it as a good sign when people return and bring their friends. That tells you when you are doing something right! I am also very pleased with how many students/children that are coming through the museum. You all are making ventriloquism relevant again to this age group and it is showing in the amount of kids we see every year. So, keep doing what you are doing!"

To learn more about VHM, visit the museum web site: http://www.venthavenmuseum.com/

For Sale

2012-01-12T05:00:00.002-07:00

I wrote earlier that the Smithsonian carried one of the finest articles on the subject of ventriloquists and ventriloquism. Well, The ATLANTIC (August 1989) also contained an outstanding feature article on this same subject. Written by Cullen Murphy, the theme was primarily a report on the International Convention. But so much more. Ten full pages of text and illustrations! Unique in that all illustrations were by Bill Nelson...very amazing work - you see one above. This is a complete 96 page magazine; excellent condition. Bid now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260933012876

Reporter Murphy opens his story in the following manner: "When I first met Ollie, he was beside himself, with his head lying alongside his torso in a wooden box. Jeff Dunham gently lifted the pieces out and helped Ollie pull himself together. When he was seated on Dunham's knee, Oillie opened his eyes, looked at me, furrowed his brow, recoiled, and turned his head to the familiar face on his right..."

Going public

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Question: I read with interest the post by James Tucker in taking his figure to Walmart. I've another friend who has done that also but I've hesitated (I'm not sure why) to go there with one of my figures. I'm beginning to think its good advertising. It might be interesting to get input from other vents about taking their figures out in public, why, when, and what kind of reactions they get! John Lutton
* * * *

From Mr D: Some vents are more comfortable taking their puppets into local businesses than others. I've done it on occasion, but generally when I'm meeting with another vent. For example, I use a local McDonalds for pick up and drop off of vent figures with local vents. It's fun chatting with customers who seem to take a curious interest. But I pretty much think it's a matter of what you are comfortable with and enjoy. It does require more ad libbing than actual routine. One liners are easy to work in to small talk. Yes, it can be good advertising. Maybe I should ask on my blog how many do this and ask for any tips they might have?

NAAV and Newsy Vents

2012-01-11T05:00:00.014-07:00

Question: Say, I was just wondering, any chance of Newsy Vents being published again? I was a member of the NAAV (membership number 420, I believe). Is that still going? Bill
* * * * *
From Mr. D: I fear the day of printed and mailed ventriloquist newsletters are over. Costs of paper, printing and postage have risen drastically, and the Internet with it's lower costs and speed have trained people into looking for news sources that are fast and free. So, we had to adjust. In 2004 we disbanded the NAAV. I continued to publish the printed paper until 2005, then switched to my blog online where I have continued to publish daily: http://ventdj.blogspot.com/ Thank you for your support for so many years!

His jaw REALLY dropped!

2012-01-10T05:00:00.017-07:00

Question: I purchased a figure from you many years ago. It has been in storage and I have decided to start using him at church again. He needs repair. His mouth has come unglued. Is this something I can fix? The mouth cover does not seem to fit properly. I'm not sure if the old glue is an obstacle or not. I don't want to damage the figure.

* * * * *

From Mr. D: I would use "super glue" to glue the mouth piece back in place. But if it does not fit properly, I'm wondering if the hot glue that held it may have changed shape during storage due to heat or something? If that's the case, the inside structure may have to be reshaped a bit.

Finished repair

Kid-Show Book Bundle

2012-01-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

This auction is for two books: Mark Wade's VENTRILO-SECRETS (1983) is a three part work covering the basics for organizing and performing Kid-Shows, a subject Mark knows as well or better than most any performer since kid shows are the primary focus of his career. Only a relative few copies of VENTRILO-SECRETS were printed. This copy is in very good condition.

The second book in this auction is KID-SHOW VENTRILOQUISM, (1996/2002 - this is the 2002 edition). Mark teaches everything from ventriloquism technique to complete comedy routines for kidshows. He also shares insights on how to be successful in entertaing with ventriloquism, puppetry, and comedy. 132 pages, illustrated. New and unread copy.

Auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290655825138

Last week Adelia and I were blessed to spend a delightful afternoon with
Mark (right) and Jody (behind camera) Wade. The ice cream was just
a sweet bonus!

Shoe Sizes for figure

2012-01-09T05:00:00.005-07:00

I found this terrific chart to measure for shoe sizes for a figure. It has come in handy for me several times and is spot on. Jeff Brown

http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/images/pdf/DSW_kids_sizing_chart.pdf

* * * * *
Reader comment: Thanks so much for this link. Back in 1979 when we adopted our first Lovik/Maher figure, she had no shoes. We were newlyweds and had no idea what size to get. We purchased and returned three pairs and the clerk finally said, "why don't you bring the child in?" So we did. Imagine her surprise when we opened a large truck like suitcase and pulled out this vent figure. It necessitated an impromptu performance in the store for all of the shoppers. My wife did glean an invitation to bring her to the local Kiwanis club for a program as the result of this shopping trip for shoes. I expect today we are bettered equipped to handle these issues, thanks to the web and good blog friends like you, Clinton.

Voicing the Gospel by Pastor Paul Everett

2012-01-08T05:00:00.011-07:00

"VOICING THE GOSPEL" BY VENTRILOQUIST PAUL EVERETT & "WALLY" (1970/1974) I've listed this book on eBay as used, but it is in MINT condition as if never used! First published in 1970 and then revised and enlarged in 1974. This is the 1974 edition. Includes an introduction to ventriloquism, a brief "Course" on how to be a ventriloquist, how to give character and movement to the figure. There's a concise explanation of the distant voice as well as the "drinking bit" and tips on producing sound imitations. How to write dialogue plus several dialogues (by two by Detweiler and one each by Ken Tibbs and Cliff Taylor). Plus suggestions for presentations. Even plans for a simple but clever puppet are included which I will share here as well (see post below)! Long a best selling manual; now out of print. Here's your chance!

"Visual education has long proven to be a valuable and effective method with which to teach. Christian workers are discovering many different types of effective methods of teaching the Gospel message through the "eye-gate" as well as the "ear-gate". Ventriloquism must be rated near the top of the list of effective visual aids used by and for persons of all ages.

"So, regardless of your relationship to the art of ventriloquism, be it only curious, or sincerely interested, or advanced in skill, it is to YOU that we recommend this book" (This excerpt taken from the book's Forward, written by none other than some fellow named Detweiler.)

Place your bid now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290655187598

Paper Cut-Out Vent Figure

2012-01-08T04:59:00.001-07:00

Pocket Puppet?

2012-01-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hank, the Pet Handkerchief. "Hank" was produced as a utility item for magicians that can add comedy to a wide range of vanishes, productions, transpositions, and changes of small objects. But with the big colorful mouth silk screened in the center of a large quality handkerchief, I can see where the creative ventriloquist or puppeteer could put this pocket item to good use as well.

This includes the handkerchief plus booklet with two comedy magician's routines (one for cards and one for coins), plus ideas for adding comedy to many favorite tricks. This is new and unused and comes from the collection of George Boosey. For sale now (one only): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290655184512

For sale:

2012-01-07T05:00:00.001-07:00

One only: Framed and signed page clipping from a new copy of Smithsonian Magazine, Dec. 1993. This is the actual page clipping (not a copy reproduction).

The caption reads, "Get 'em warmed up enough-they won't be watching your lips," advises mail-order king Clinton Detweiler."

(Did I really say that? I'm almost embarrassed to admit I've ever offered such "advice", but if reported in Smithsonian, it must be true - no magazine I've ever had dealings with worked as hard with their research to insure accuracy of reporting. In fact, when Smithsonian subscribers read reporter John Ross' comments about the Maher 30 Lesson Home Study Course, some simply sent in their checks with a note asking for a Course. No questions asked! The envelopes arrived unannounced in our mailbox with payments enclosed. And not just one or two, but several dozen! Nothing like that happened on such a scale with any other piece of publicity ever awarded Maher Studios during the 40 years we have been privileged to offer the Course.)

I cut up one copy only of this magazine. Thus, this will be the only such item I'll ever offer for sale. http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7032258502517519125

ID Mr. D.

2012-01-06T04:59:00.048-07:00

Thank you to all who took a guess at which young choir member in this photo from 1950 was Mr. D. 71 one entries were received. You are a very sharp group! 65% of all entries were correct.

Yes, I am the one with lots of dark curly hair (those were the days) in the third row, second from the right standing next to the tall boy with blond hair on the end, my cousin and best childhood friend (who, just five year's later would be best man at my wedding!).

Thank you again for participating in my fun "look back" guessing game this Christmas season. Everyone, including those with incorrect guesses, were sent a ventriloquist collector coin my appreciation and my wish for a wonderful New Year!

Clinton and Jerry

By the way, of the incorrect guesses, fully one-third had the right family, picking out my brother, Jerry, standing in the middle of the front row of the choir photo.

Today is Jerry's 70th birthday. Happy Birthday, Bro.! I've put together a fun photo gallery in his honor with comments covering some of the adventures experienced during our childhood. You're welcome to take a peek: http://www.jerrydetweiler.blogspot.com/

Looking forward to regaining his voice

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Steve Arne: I have inherited a Vent figure that my mother used. She always called him “Danny”, but I am not sure if he is a Danny O’Day figure. The hair was never painted under the wig- but in peeking under the wig the hair is parted on the left and there is no sign of the Danny O’Day clump of hair on the left side. On the back of his neck there is a Juro Novelty Co Inc copyright 1977 stamp. On the wooden post there is stamped “05-088”. His right arm can be raised by a string in the body cavity. The cavity is foam lined, with plywood top and bottoms and cardboard center. This is approx a 31 in. figure. Thanks for any info you can provide. “Danny” lost his voice a couple of years ago, and I am going to try to learn ventriloquism so that “Danny” can re-gain his voice.

* * * * * *

From Mr. D: Your "Danny" is a figure upgraded in our Maher Studios some 30 or so years ago. If I remember correctly our numbering system, he would have been the fifth figure completed during the month of August, 1978. He started life as a Charlie McCarthy doll. The work would have been done by my son and myself. I'm sorry he lost his voice, but I'm excited you have made it your goal to give him voice and life again. I'm sure your mother would be pleased as well.

For Sale (rare)

2012-01-05T04:50:00.003-07:00

This is a RARE issue of the most sought after of all Newsy Vents newsletters - the 48 page tribute to Edgar Bergen issue. Jan/Feb 1979, Volume 35, Issue No 1.

Contents include: Edgar Bergen Biography, Tributes from fellow vents, Eulogies, vintage article reprints, historical facts, radio reviews, many photos including the famous "last show" photo by Mary Ellen Mark/Lee Gross. And more. Of all the issues of Newsy Vents we published over a period of 35 years, I do believe this is still my favorite. A special issue in honor of a very special person! The full cover is a reprint of an original pointillism painting by artist and ventriloquist, Dick Weston. This issue (actually a book) is in mint condition and for sale now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290654133611

"Sheerluck Jones", Bible Detective

2012-01-04T05:00:00.004-07:00

From Rev. Russell Baker

Happy New Year! The holiday season was a busy one for me both as a pastor and as a ventriloquist. Our Christmas program featured the children of our church acting out the Nativity story in costume. Narriation was provided by me and Charlie McCarthy.

The narriation was done as a "detective investigation" as the Case of the Miraculous Birth was "investigated." As "Bible Detective, Sheerluck Jones", I wore a Sherlock Holmes outfit, with Charlie as a wisecracking assistant, "Dr. Dawson". Throughout the narriation, we investigated the Scriptures of the Nativity story as the children acted them out I used the term "Bible detective" in the program, explaining that a detective observes clues and makes deductions based on those clues. A Bible detective, then, Observers the truth of God's Word and acts on those truths.

For Sale

2012-01-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned in the past that the cover of the Dec. 1993 issue of Smithsonian Magazine is worth of framing if you are a fan of ventriloquism. Well, I have one for sale, and this is an actual magazine cover - not a copy of the cover! 11 x 14" size piece. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260928195458

Simon Sez, "help!"

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Question: My 1973 Simon Sez needs a new rubber band to his mouth. What would you recommend? John
* * * * *
From Mr. D: I've always been glad the headposts on these dolls were only snapped (not glued) onto the heads themselves. Because, to replace the rubber band to the mouth, the head post must be removed. I use a Xacto knife (or box cutter) to carefully split the headpost along the front and back seam, just far enough to spread it apart (with a screwdriver) to remove the headpost from the head. The rubber band is stretched from the metal ring on the top of the mouth unit down to one of the horizontal plastic cross pieces you will find in the ball portion of the headpost. After you have made repairs and have all parts reassembled, just a drop or two of "super glue" (carefully applied) will hold all securely again.

For Sale

2012-01-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Most of you are a ware of the 1993 issue of Smithsonian magazine with the beautiful full color cover photo of Charlie McCarthy. (The magazine I have for sale here still has the half page cover protector in place.) The pages inside include John Ross' carefully researched article about ventriloquists and ventriloquism. With many full color photos. 10 full pages in all! Even if you're not a collector of ventriloquist memorabilia you'll be proud to own and read this piece. If nothing else, you need it to see my picture on page 65 (just kidding!). I have listed this mint copy of the magazine on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260927536375

Senor Wences Fan

2012-01-02T05:00:00.003-07:00

From Bill Smith:

Happy New Year to you and yours, Clinton. I thought, since you posted that nice piece regarding Queen Elizabeth and King George (yesterday), and especially since his address was done in 1939, that you might enjoy seeing this piece of vent history I cherish. It is a silver spoon, given to Senor Wences, during the king and queen's 1939 visit to the white house. This spoon was given to me as a gift by Senor Wences' grand daughter. A wonderful lady, who I'm so very honored to call a friend. I'm also including a photo of Senor Wences and myself, taken at the testimonial luncheon held in his honor, that Al Getler organized. I will be eternally grateful to you for cluing me into that event, otherwise I would never have known about it. All the very best to all this new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

2012-01-01T01:00:00.001-07:00

The Man At The Gate

I said to the man
Who stood at the gate of the year,
“Give me a light that I may tread safely
into the unknown.”

And he replied,
“Go out into the darkness
and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you
Better than the light
And safer than a known way!”

So I went forth
And finding the hand of God
Trod gladly into the light.

- by M. Louise Haskins
The prose was used at the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen Mother on 2 April 2002.
Her husband, King George VI, started his Chrismas address to the nation in 1939 with it also.

Thank you to Canon John Jordan for forwarding this most appropriate
piece for this first day of a New Year.

Bizzaro

2011-12-31T05:00:00.002-07:00

Maher Student Honor Roll

2011-12-30T05:00:00.002-07:00

December 2011 HONOR ROLL

GRADUATES

* * *

NEW MILLENNIUM BASIC MAHER COURSE:

Donnie Beck (NC)

Jim Chaput (CO)

Gerilyn Dawn Doss (VA)

Takako NAGAMINE (Switzerland)

* * *

NEW MILLENNIUM ADVANCED MAHER COURSE:

Takako NAGAMINE (Switzerland)

Steven A Pataky (PA)

For more information, or to purchase the

Maher 30 Lesson Home Study Course of Ventriloquism:

http://mahercourse.blogspot.com/

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

Doll Restoration

2011-12-29T05:00:00.007-07:00

Question: I'm a young ventriloquist and I am very interested in the art of restoring vintage ventriloquist dolls, and one day hand carving my own. I recently ordered and recieved a Dapper Dan (below) which I believe to be from the 1920s or '30s. His description said that he was composition, and I was wondering if you might know what kind of composition? There is some damage on his head, face, and one of the hands. I was also wondering if you can recommend a wood-filler and/or advice on how I can restore my vintage buddy. Here is an example photograph of his current condition. After cosmetics, I'm going to make him a new suit identical to his original. Thank you for your time. -Tony

* * * * *
From Mr. D: I still have some Plastic Wood dough from the '70s that I use to patch the vintage composition dolls. I'm sure there's some similar product on the market today - try Home Depot.

The "wood composition" from the era of which Dapper Dan came seemed to be some sort of pressed sawdust or similar. It is bound together with a glue that is water soluble, so clean with great care. And be certain the head is well sealed before you repaint. Use Gesso (or similar) to seal the head. I've also used several light coats of "spray on" shellac to seal these heads.

Two more requirements: Time and great patience...

This season - or any season

2011-12-29T04:58:00.001-07:00

From James Tucker: Todd's character has a little British accent. I took him to Walmart to get a reaction from the public. We went into the Subway sandwich shoppe to get a bite to eat and they were overly busy that evening. The line was very long and seemed to not move at all but, the costumers didn't seem to mind because they were so engrossed with Todd and his charm. Children as well as adults were entertained. Lots of fun!
* * * * *
From Mr. D: The gift of smiles and laughter - perfect for any season but especially appropriate this month! Thanks for sharing!

Peas in a pod?

2011-12-28T05:00:00.002-07:00

From Audrey Albert

I can't tell you how much fun it was to surprise my husband on Christmas Day with Mr. Right Jr. who is now been renamed "Amos."

While my husband ( Wil) was out of the room, I quickly set up "Amos" on our bed. When Wil came in he nearly dropped laughing when he saw a miniature of himself sitting in the bed. He was even more surprised when he realized that this was not just a doll but a professionally crafted vent figure. that looked like him. He immediately bonded and named him "Amos" and they had a nice chat together. Being an actor, my husband was readily able to give your wonderful figure a character of his own.

Mr. D, I have to say that your creation was way beyond my expectation. I just kept looking back and forth from my Wil to Amos and was astounded at how much they resembled each other. From the facial lines and forehead furrows to the little details above the mouth, and even the shape of his nose ........ just so many details that you captured . He truly is a work of art. I can't thank you enough for this making this
wonderful figure. And my husband is grinning from ear to ear.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: "Amos" is an adaptation of an "Uncle Earl" casting from Braylu.

Future star?

2011-12-27T05:00:00.005-07:00

I know for a fact there were several thousand youth across the USA who received ventriloquist dolls for Christmas this year. Zac L. from Austin, Texas was one of those. I had the honor of lending a hand with Zac's doll, so when on the afternoon of Christmas Day I received the following note from Zac's mother, I was pleased:

"My son loves Scotty. We are all very exited about Scotty's shoes too. They are Denver Bronco colors! We are Bronco fans in our house."

Must have been destiny! My hope is that Zac's ventriloquist career will prove to be a long and successful one! And I wish the same for every youth who now has a new doll or figure in their hands. Realistically, most will turn to other interests. But a few will have embarked on a lifetime hobby, or career. It does happen...I remember clearly when a Mr. Fator contacted me about his 9 year old son who was "Quite good at ventriloquism, but needs some better material." You know how that turned out - and continues!

The Fourth Wise Man

2011-12-26T05:00:00.002-07:00

Today, the day after Christmas, I want to share with you the little known legend of The Fourth Wise Man. It is told that the group of wisemen who followed the star to Bethlehem that early Christmas long ago, actually began as a foursome. But tradition has it that only three wise men completed the trip to see the baby Christ child. So what happened? Why was the fourth wise man missing?

Scholars agree that it is likely his camel was not trustworthy to make the trip; some believe the beast may even have refused to stand. But why a stately animal would act in such an uncooperative manner, no one knows. Perhaps the saddleback skills of this rider were lacking. Several scholars surmise the fourth rider wasn't so wise after all, even going so far as to refer to him as a "dummy" (a bit extreme). Others think the animal was weak from the frightful sight of this spirited man who refused to wear the robes and turbans of the day, preferring to dress in his futuristic, guady mod-garb, proudly worn, much to the chagrin of his peers.

It has been surmised the camel balked, sensing its human burdan carried no packages or precious gifts for the journey, a bit farfetched to think an animal could know such things. But those who hold this position do so, believing the rider's hands were empty other than the ropes with which he planned to guide his ride. No gifts he carried, for you see, he had no plans to present a visible hands-on gift. Rather, he planned to present to the newborn king his very own self - his life and his service, with his desire to become a lifetime subject of this promised King of kings.

Personally, I prefer this final summary to the legend of The Fourth Wise Man, because I can then conclude the fourth wise man was most certainly no dummy; rather, it may just be possible he was the wisest of the wise.

While I leave the historical truth of this legend for you to decide, let me assure you it is God's promise that any person who presents himself or herself as a gift to the Christ of Christmas will receive peace and life everlasting - the greatest gift of all, and that's the truth. (Re: Holy Bible, John 3:16)

Merry Christmas, 2011

2011-12-25T05:00:00.029-07:00

"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.'" Luke 2:10

"Wishing you a very merry Christmas
and a joyful new year!"
Clinton and Adelia

Find Mr. D.

2011-12-24T05:00:00.046-07:00

We're in the midst of the season of choir concerts, carolers, and joyful music, especially this Christmas Eve day. I love it! During my lifetime I've been blessed to be a part of several choirs, at church and schools. Even a couple family choirs. I had forgotten about one early choir until a cousin sent me this picture last week. This was an all city choir made up of middle school students from our small community of Harper, Kansas. At the time some of us weren't all that thrilled to wear those white angelic concert robes, but looking back, it was a great experience! So, here's your challenge...which "cherub" (I use the term loosely) in this photo is Mr. D? (See my post for Jan. 6, 2012 for the correct answer.)

2011-12-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful Christmas.

My very best wishes to all the readers of this blog.

Dave Showler (and Haywood).

2011-12-23T05:00:00.025-07:00

Simon Sez:

"Season's Greetings to all,

and to all a good day.

What fun to do Mr. D's bidding,

laughing all the way."

2011-12-22T05:00:00.001-07:00

"Holiday alert - avoid Mr. D's shop this time of the year - he'll
put you to work ... and you have to dress for the season!"

Note: This fellow is newly completed and available for purchase: http://mrdsfigures.blogspot.com

2011-12-21T17:09:00.003-07:00

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season, and a very merry new year!

Melissa & Phil

Charlene, Bosworth and Charlie

Check out "Santa and Harvey"

2011-12-21T05:01:00.002-07:00

From Greg Claasen:

Just wrapped up a 16 show tour of corporate Christmas events-was as far north as Regina, SK, Canada and as far south as Pampa, TX. Thankful to be home and just in time to miss the winter blizzard that has passed through.

To get you in the Christmas spirit, I thought you might like to see another project with which I've been involved. Several months ago Mary Ann Taylor created "Harvey Jingles, the Christmas mouse for the pilot episode of a children's Christmas TV show called "Santa and Harvey." I provided the voice and manipulation for Harvey which was filmed this past fall in Tulsa, OK. The producers hope to sell a series of episodes to various markets around the country for Christmas 2012. You can visit the website with several short clips of Santa and Harvey here:

http://santaandharvey.com/toy_shoppe.html

Have a blessed Christmas.

Greg

2011-12-21T05:00:00.004-07:00

Phil Nichols and Charlie dressed for their Holiday VENT-gnetts
to be posted on YouTube this week.

Reader comment: Clothes for puppets

2011-12-20T05:00:00.001-07:00

I just read the post asking about where to buy clothes for vent figures or puppets. The places mentioned, discount retail stores and children's used clothing stores are my favorite resources too. But I also keep an eye out in the local 99 cents stores. This year I found a couple of Christmas items sold as 20 ounce soda bottle covers. They worked perfectly as outfits for a couple of my smaller puppets. Here are Lanolin The Lamb (Lambchop's cousin) and Sandy the Sugar Glider in their holiday apparel. So keep your eye out. You never know where you'll find clothes for your puppets. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Ron Havens

Photo Caption Contest

2011-12-18T16:00:00.001-07:00

Here are several reader suggested captions for the above photo.

1. "Yep! Definitely a chip off the old block!" - Darl Bennett
2. "Yea, but mommy loves me best." - Donald ?
3. "How do you like my new hairdo?" - Doc Lowery
4. "I didn't say 'skin', I said 'twin!" - Canon John Jordan
3rd place (tie)5."Toupee or not toupee - that is the question." - Tom Basso
6. "Think of the money we save on shampoo." - Tom Basso
1st place 7. "I guess Clinton didn't get the memo about wearing plaid today." Cheryl Keene
3rd place (tie) 8. "Will the real Clinton Detweiler please stand up!" - Bob Albano
4th place 9. "Hmmm, I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something familiar about you two." - Bill Matthews
10. "Geez, I thought seeing double was bad enough ..." - John Degel
2nd place 11. "Three D's in a Pod." - Pearce Columb

THANK YOU to all who participated by voting and/or submitting captions!
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners!

Another "Detweiler" figure report

2011-12-18T05:00:00.020-07:00

From Bill Matthews:

Just looked around your site. Nice. I thought you might like to have
a picture of Larry. Another testimony of your handiwork. He was built
in 1972 and is still going strong.

I'm a Maher Grad from back in 1978. I've been active in gospel Vent ever since, performing in schools, churches, nursing homes, jails, prisons, and so forth. Larry (Larry lack-O-Witz) and I have been together the whole time. God has richly blessed our efforts over the years as a youth worker, pastor, and correctional chaplain.

2011-12-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

I just got done putting up our Christmas tree and Stanley wanted to sit by it!

John Cassidy

2011-12-17T05:00:00.006-07:00

2011-12-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas from Abe Buzzard

(Taken before his 1880's Ephrata Mountain Christmas Show. Del Burkholder)

The Perfect Vent Figure?

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

By Alan Ende

If I had a penny for every time I heard some vent tell me they were looking for "the perfect vent figure" I could most definitely retire. Whatever "perfect" means is beyond me. I assume these vents believe that a certain figure will transform them into an overnight sensation...when nothing could be further from the truth! If you look at some of the masters of the art, both past and present, you'll immediately notice the tremendous array of "figures" used. Edgar Bergen had Charlie and Mortimer, both traditional "knee figures". Shari Lewis' "Lamb Chop" is a soft puppet. One of the all time greats, Senor Wences, used his hand to create "Johnny".

I'm sure most will agree that, although the above characters differ in size, material, and personality, they all have one thing in common: They were manipulated and brought to life by tremendous talents!

At Jack Flosso's Magic Shop here in New York, I have witnessed the likes of Senor Wences, Kenny Byrd, and other talents pop in on any given day, pick up a vent figure at random, and ad-lib an ingenious routine!

The magic of vent comes from within the vent, not any figure. However, the right figure for the right material and presentation will definitely improve a vent's act. There are a number of very talented figuremakers out there who create outstanding work.

Since I am known for my vast collection of vent figures, I notice there has been a great amount of interest lately in Marshalls (there always is!) and Macks. That's great as long as these figures fit into the act and enhance it. If you were attending a symphonic concert, would you be able to spot a Stradivarius? That's how "Joe Average" audience member would look upon your partner. So remember: the act comes from the creativity of the vent working his art to bring his character to life...not vice versa.

I hope this column comes to mind when selecting your first or next character. Happy creativity!
* * * *
Reprinted from The Oracle, May/June 1987, Patrick Justian "Ye Editor".

Great debut!

2011-12-14T05:01:00.001-07:00

From Andy Mrkvicka:

I am sending a couple of pictures from the debut weekend of (for this season anyway) Karl Kringle!

He was able to perform back to back parties! On Friday night we did walk around work and told jokes and sang carols for a huge foster child/family Christmas party! The kids really enjoyed him, and his goofy jokes like "what did one snowman say to the other?" "Do you smell carrots?"

Then on Saturday morning, we were up early and went with my daughter's girls scout troop to perform Christmas carols in a local nursing home. Karl and I walked up and down the halls with the girls singing songs, handing out Christmas necklaces and great homemade Christmas cookies! The residents in this home seemed to really enjoy Karl and his silly jokes like "What do you call an old snowman?' Water!"

Overall it was a good weekend, and a great debut weekend for a wonderful figure!

Ventrilo-etts FYI

2011-12-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

I've had to decline several requests for Ventrilo-etts because I am no longer building these puppets. However, several are available currently on eBay, offered by Ron Shultz from his collection. I don't have the item numbers, but if you do a search for Ventrilo-Ett, several listings will come up.

Address correction:

2011-12-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

It has been called to my attention that I gave a non-valid address for the submission of your photo captions. My sincere apologies! The correct address:

mahertalk@aol.com

Questions...

2011-12-13T05:00:00.028-07:00

Questions: I was wondering if you are ever planning on coming out with a book or video of your methods of dummy making and mechanics? I know there are a few out there now, but not sure if they are the same method as what you use. Your dummies are always good looking and although I don't have one of yours, from what others have said are very reliable and perform excellent as well.

Also, would you mind telling me where you buy your dummies clothes, especially boys vests? I occasionally find a shirt I like at Wal-Mart, but I seem to have a hard time finding stuff I like. And I haven't been able to find a vest anywhere.

Also, any chance your son or someone else will take over Maher Studios? Who is going to supply us whenever you decide to quit permanently? Thanks for your help! Lance

* * * * *

From Mr. D: No, I have no plans to produce a book or video on my methods of making a figure. No two are exactly alike and I use at least a dozen tools I crafted myself just for various unique steps. So my way would take some changes in order to be useful to the masses, and at this time, that thought does not inspire me at all.

My son grew up in my shop and has been building figures his entire life. And we both scontinue to build figures today. But the materials and method of mechanics Kevin employs today are quite different than mine. It's not a matter of right or wrong - each figure maker has his own way of doing things depending on artistic ability, tools, handcrafting skills, etc. That's the way it's always been with hand crafted products. I can look at any ventriloquist figure and determine how it was built. But unless I could find a way to clone myself as the figuremaker himself, I'd never be able to exactly duplicate the work. In fact, I find it difficult enough trying to duplicate my own work!

I purchase clothes whereever they sell children's clothes. Wal-Mart, K-Mart, JC Pennys are my favorite retail sources for new clothes. Thrift stores can be a gold mine for clothes. A child's vest will be a more difficult item to find. You are most likely to find them Christmas and Easter seasons - occasions when mother's like to dress up their children.

Names, models, and titles change, but I feel quite certain there will always be a source for all the types of ventriloquist products and services Maher has sold over the years. Thank you for your support, and your words of encouragement!

Antique Store Treasures

2011-12-12T04:59:00.004-07:00

From Bob Abdou

I wanted to show you my Patrick Justian dummy. I found him with a suitcase marked Patrick Justian at an antique store in Pennsylvania. Besides having the name Patrick Justian on the suitcase that the dummy was in, inside the body of the old man/cowboy is a dog tag (metal plate) with the name Patrick Justian embossed on it, so that's proof this is one of his creations. He is the old cowboy sitting on the horse in the bottom right corner. I call him Sheriff Ribeye, we perform the act with him on the horse.

I added the horse, cowboy clothes, hat, white hair and beard to him to give him a Texan look. I'll keep him the same now that I live in Ohio. Basically he was an old man with one tooth, and big blue eyes. He is built well and has smooth mechanisms. The eyes also move side/side.

I was hoping to find a McElroy each time I go to an antique store but found this one instead, less money and just as rare.

Another side note: 3 other dummy's in this photo were found at antique stores:

1) The pale faced dummy in the left bottom corner - it is British, paper mache, and filled with straw, and only one eye winks.

2) The brown skinned dummy, 2nd on left top, excellent condition.

3) The red haired one, 4th on top middle, a Turner figure with spitter and original spat shoes.

in this photo are 4 dummies found at antique stores, so they're out there, you just have to sift through all the dust and boxes.

Missing ...

2011-12-11T05:00:00.009-07:00

Question: I purchased a vent doll from you in 1985. I’ve attached a photo of the doll. Our home was robbed and the doll was one of the items stolen.

Are there any identification numbers or marks on your dolls that would help the police to identify the doll?

The doll was stolen sometime between May 2010-July 2010. We were in the process of moving and didn’t realize until Summer 2011 that the doll was actually stolen and not just “lost in the move”. It was a very ‘sentimental item’ so even though the time had passed, I contacted the Sheriff to see if he could help me find it.

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Your figure was made by Craig Lovik. It appears to be the character he called "Theodore Bump". He did sometimes put a label with the name Lovik World on the head post. But labels can be removed. The figures he built did not carry individual ID numbers or marks. If recently stolen we'd advise you and fellow vents to watch eBay, Craig's list, etc. But unfortunately, after so much time has passed, I fear chances of recovery are slim although miracles do happen and I pray that might be the case in this instance.

How to build your own

2011-12-10T08:23:00.001-07:00

Create Your Own Vent Figure (1983) by Patrick Justian takes an overall approach to several methods of building your own ventriloquist figure: wood composition, paper mache, plaster craft, Celastic, wood carved, fibre-glass and styro-putty. So, as you can imagine, it is not complete in details; rather a collection of basic designs and instructions and simple illustrations. The extra features covered are moving eyes, raising upper lip, winkers, hair raiser, stickout tongue, wiggling ears, handshaker, knee lifter, nudger, spitter, smoker, light up nose or cheeks, wiggling nose. This is an unread copy I've saved since it came out in 1983.

I don't know if Patrick actually built a vent figure himself although his father was a carver and do remember his telling me of a figure he and his father were building. Certainly he was not experienced in working hands on with all the media he writes about, not did he actually craft all the features he writes about. Looking through the book I recognize a great deal of influence from several other publications (including one of my own). Sadly, Patrick Justian II died at a far too young age after an extended illness. I do not know the year of his death.

Create Your Own Vent Figure, For sale now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/260913919322

Holidays - Just around the Corner!

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Nancy Rosekrans, aka "Rowdy the Clown", sent me this picture of herself and her boy "Reggie" as they performed for the IBV Ring #186 Holiday Party last December. I had to smile as I read the words on Reggie's shirt ("Dear Santa, I can explain...")...they brought to mind a cartoon I saw just recently (see below).

By the way - if you or your vent figure needs low cost Santa or Elf hats, reindeer antler headgear or the like, try your local Dollar Store. Ours is stocked with lots of such seasonal garb.

2011-12-10T04:59:00.001-07:00

THE ORACLE - Patrick Justian II, Editor

2011-12-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Considering the fact that the editor was little more than a teenager, THE ORACLE from 1986-87 was quite newsworthy for what it was. The 8-12 page newsletters had noteworthy contributors including, Capt. Dick Wightman, Chuck Jackson, Steve Axtell, Peter Rich, Bill DeMar, Alan Ende.

Unfortunately, Patrick Justian had a bit of a maverick reputation in the ventriloquist community and his efforts were not received with a great deal of enthusiasm. So the duration of this unique ventriloquist newsletter's publication was brief. This collection of 7 may possibly include all that were published. If you are a collector of ventriloquist memorabilia, you'll not get this chance often. You will receive the exact issues pictured. The pro vents featured on the covers are: Richard Bruno, Capt. Dick, Pinxy Larson, Todd Stockman, Robert Ator (non-vent; artist), and Wilson Cronenwett. For sale on eBay auction now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290644659652

Here's a bit of history - if only he could talk today!

2011-12-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

'Douglas', a dummy used by Arthur Langley Handen in his ventriloquist act to entertain the troops when he served with the Royal Artillery during the First World War. The dummy was possibly named after Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, the British Commander-in-Chief. Used by Arthur Langley Handen in his ventriloquist act to entertain the troops when he served with the Royal Artillery during the First World War. The hole in the case was made by shrapnel from a German artillery shell. The dummy has painted papier mache hands and head.

More photos and additional information: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30083399

For Sale

2011-12-09T05:00:00.004-07:00

This very rare issue of VENT NEWS was the first newsletter published by Michael Rzeminski, owner of Izzy Rizzy Enterprise, Chicago, IL. I'm not certain but what it may have been the only issue published - certainly there were no more than a handful. But the contributors some well known names from that era: Toni Vaci (Names In The News); Danny Asbury (Ventriloquism Lives); Mark Hellerstein (Ventriloquism: The History, The Art, The Love); Jim Stukel (Dummy-Line - an excerpt from which is printed below) plus a dialogue, ads, and last but certainly not least, a front page cover feature interview with Jimmy Nelson that is most interesting. A vintage item from the past; a treasure for the future! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290642977886

THE BEST WAY, OR STAGE POSITION, FOR PRESENTING YOUR ACT

by Jim Stukel

I feel that sitting on a chair and having the figure on your knee is wrong because your audience cannot get a good view and its also outdated.

Using a chair with your leg on it and figure on your knee is bad because the vent has a tendency to be facing (body position) too much to the side.

The best is to have a stand with a small board on it for the figure to rest upon and have the figure's top part of head about your shoulder height. You stand a little in back and to the side of the figure. It gives you better coverage of the audience. In fact, it is 180 degree angle.

* * * * *

To see several 2011 stands available for purchase today, go to: http://animatedpuppets.blogspot.com

How many Charlies?

2011-12-08T05:01:00.001-07:00

By Alan Semok

This question has come up every so often on the forum, and the "number of Charlies" will always depend upon whom you ask. Honestly, I doubt we will ever have an exact number.

For whatever it's worth, years ago (while Edgar was still alive, actually) I was told--quite specifically--that there were 13 Charlie figures made in all.
Since that time, I think I've accounted for at least 8 Charlies (five or six of which I have handled at some point). There may indeed be more, or I may be off by one or two.

In his publicity Bergen claimed more than once that there was only one Charlie but of course, that was just a publicity statement. At other times, he allowed that there were attempts to copy Charlie but all failed miserably.

Either way, given his fame and prominence, relying on a single puppet would have been foolhardy. We know for sure that even as early as the late 1920's there were already at least two Charlie figures since, in several instances, they both appear in various films: in a few of the Vitaphone shorts, the two puppets appear within the same film and it's pretty easy to spot the differences. In one shot we'll see the Charlie that is usually referred to and accepted as the "original", while in another shot (within the same film) we'll see the "moving eyes" Charlie which the Smithsonian maintains is "the original" (without commenting further, I'll leave it to others to sort out the provenance of that particular appraisal).

It seems to me though that in the end, there was in reality only one Charlie since in assessing Bergen's fame and influence on the art, it is unquestionably the character that's most important here, not the physical puppet. The one and only Charlie was in Edgar Bergen's brain. :-)

As vents and students of the art and its history, we tend to get caught up in the minutia of sorting out the differences between the various Charlie figures. Quite honestly, it probably mattered little to Bergen himself, and all the public had to see was the top hat and monocle, and it was Charlie.
The way I see it, Bergen's success was ALWAYS about the characters and the humor, not specifically the physical figures he used.

Thanks for coming to class. No homework assignment tonight. Tomorrow's lecture will be about "lip control". (I'm going to go hide now....)

For sale:

2011-12-08T05:00:00.001-07:00

This 78 minute movie comedy classic has long been a favorite, especially with fans of Fields, Bergen & McCarthy. A harassed circus proprieter (Fields) and his mixed up entourage keep you laughing from beginning to end of the action. He even tries his own version of a ventriloquist act. But the biggest laughs is the result of free-for-all banter between Fields and McCarthy, "the woodpecker's favorite pin-up boy". Great fun for all!http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260911528335

How about a gift for yourself?

2011-12-08T04:58:00.004-07:00

Since I seem to be on a Bergen theme, I dug out an item from my collection for eBay auction. You probably have on your desk or in your purse a gift list for others. You might consider adding this to the list as a gift to yourself. Black and white photo of Edgar Bergen with Charlie and Mortimer. This photo pose has always been one of my favorites. Matted and framed, ready for desk or wall display. The image (under glass) is 5x7 inches; the overall size of the piece is 10x12 inches.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290643514034

Lots of Charlies

2011-12-07T05:00:00.002-07:00

Dave Miller sent me this very fun "Charlie" collage. I thought about having a contest to discover how many Charlies you can find in the picture, but decided to forgo that idea, knowing we'd get into a conflicted discussion on which dolls/products/prints in the photo are true licensed Charlie McCarthy items and which are "wannabes"! If one of you experts on Charlie wants to take a crack at it, please do so...for the rest of us everyday fans, including myself, enjoy.

How to be a Strolling Ventriloquist

2011-12-07T04:59:00.003-07:00

This RARE 8.5" x 11" booklet (14 pages) was self-published by the author, Steve Williams. It bears copyright date of 1980, and while the print quality is only fair, I assume this is from the first printing since it is signed by the author. The chapters tell how to do ventriloquism as a strolling ("walk-around") entertainer. How to watch and work the audience, what not to do, what type of material to use (with examples) and how to write it, what you can expect from this type of ventriloquist job. Much good tested and proven information here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290642869458

Final call!

2011-12-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well, surprise! This day came much sooner that I anticipated! While packing some orders today, I discovered I only have 20 or so of the ventriloquist TWO CENT coins left in stock! 2.5M of these coins were struck. All are now in circulation except this last handful so it's true value is already as a ventriloquist collectible and memento! I assume most of you reading this have this coin in your collection, but if not, you can purchase them if you hurry. I just listed a lot of two on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260910970917

Using the "Ventrilo"

2011-12-06T05:00:00.008-07:00

Saturday I mentioned the "Ventrilo" sold by Johnson Smith Company. The following is their vintage instruction on how the "Ventrilo" should be used (taken from The Art of Ventriloquism).
* * * *
The Ventrilo as an Aid to Ventriloquists
It will be pleasant when the wind is howling without, among the snow laden limbs of the trees, to be reminded of the gay summer by the counterfeit notes of the woodland songsters; or, wandering among the woods and fields in the spring or summer time, how glorious to challenge the feathered musicians to a contest of skill with you in their own sweet language. This can be accomplished with a device called the "Ventrilo".

The way of using this instrument is to place it in the roof of the mouth, with the side on which is the membrane downwards; then place it gently in its place with the tongue, and blow between the tongue and the upper teeth. After the fist two or three attempts, you will be able to produce a slight sound like a mild grunt; then as you practice it you will find you can prolong and vary the sound somewhat, so that in the course of a couple days you can imitate the barking of a dog and the neighing of a horse.

With two or three weeks' practice you will be able to imitate some of the song birds; but, to produce exact counterfeits of the best singing birds, you will probably require months of study; the result, however, will reward you for all your pains, for certainly to be able to carry a mocking bird, canary, thrush and cat bird in your vest pocket, is no small accomplishment.

When not using the Ventrilo, it should be kept in a glass of water to prevent its drying.

One of the ventriloquist's most interesting feats: "throwing" his voice over great distances.
* * * * *
The above is a reprint of Chapter 7 from The Art of Ventriloquism, Johnson Smith Co and George W Callahan. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290640886646

Before and after ...

2011-12-05T05:00:00.001-07:00

This Knee Pal, recently purchased by Lori Schnell,
had multiple needs when it was delivered (photo below left). Facial flaws, faded paint, neck opening too large, headpost too long, eye openings too small, grungy wig, fabric on arms and legs was rotten and torn.

But after several hours/days in my shop "Frankie" was looking much better (right)! I did all the repairs and repainting. Lori refurbished the wig in the following manner:

After removing the wig from the head, Lori cleaned and recolored the wig by using Speedball brand fabric screen ink, diluted with 71% strength rubbing alcohol. A spray bottle was used to saturate the wig, then rinsed in cool water before being allowed to dry and then combed.

Here's looking at you!

2011-12-05T04:59:00.002-07:00

The eye openings seemed much to small
be visually effective.

It took patient steady hands with my
Dremel to carve the openings larger
without removing the eyes!

From P. Grecian: "You made the eye openings bigger without removing the eyes first? Wow. THAT impresses me mightily!"
* * * *
From Mr. D: I decided if my dentist could drill on teeth without removing the teeth, I should be able to do this job without removing the eyes! And my patient looked directly at me through the entire process - never blinked once! Always smiling and without Novocaine. Maybe I should have taken up dentistry.

Maher student report

2011-12-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

Enclosed is a picture of me with my figures and one of me with Woody, a Clinton Detwiler figure dated 12/10. I just bought him used and don't have any paperwork on him. My Danny O'Day was upgraded by you, and my Jerry and Simon were painted by you and upgraded by Kevin. Jake is a Steve Barry figure. I just did my 1st open mike last night it seemed to go pretty well. I use my ventriloquism at church for AWANA club 3rd through 6th graders. I also have 9 videos on YOUTUBE. My advanced certificate is dated October 24, 2011. Thank you for everything, Steve Pataky

Tis the season...

2011-12-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

"Have a great holiday"
David Fowler

Signed copy for sale..

2011-12-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

VENTRILOQUISM FOR DUMMIES ...and RELATED SUBJECTS

By BILL DeMAR, "Master of Sight and Sound". Subjects covered are: 1. Anxiety/Nervousness, 2. Breathing and Breath, 3. Comedy, 4. Hand Puppets, 5. Lighting, 6. Manipulation, 7. Material, 8. Presentation, 9. Props, 10. Practice, 11. Power, 12. Repertoire, 13. Staging, 15. Sound/P.A., 15. Timing/Speed, 16. Voice/Distant Voice, 17. Variety/Versatility, 18. Wardrobe/Make-up, 19. A Routine, 20. Some Thoughts. For sale now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260908070152

I enjoy reading Bill's writings. He writes from a lifetime of experience as a professional ventriloquist and he doesn't mince words. Case in point. He opens this work in this manner:

To begin with, I would like to dispel some utterly ridiculous concepts about ventriloquism.
1. It is not the work of the devil.
2. It does not take some abnormal construction of the vocal cords.
3. It is not limited to just a few.
4. No one can make his/her voice travel silently through space and then expect it to be heard in a distant place of their choice.
5. The "ventriloquist" cannot expect his/her voice to sound as if it is coming from behind someone.
6. The "ventriloquist" does not use a tin whistle or any other object in their mouth.
Now let us move on with our understanding of ventriloquism.
(Copyright 1995 by Bill DeMar)
* * * * *
I to all the above, I say, "Ditto"!

Ahh...the memories...

2011-12-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

I don't know if my interest in magic as a kid would have continued without Johnson Smith Company, as they were my primary supplier during the '40s and early '50s. Growing up on a farm in rural Kansas, there was no local source for magic supplies. The town library had books which contained some instructions I used to make many of my own tricks, but for anything ready made, Johnson Smith Co was my constant potential source and the mailbox alongside the highway was our connection. I would peruse each issue of their catalogs until I practically had them memorized.

So when I went through the pages of this book, The Art of Ventriloquism, How To Throw Your Voice, and read the name, Johnson Smith Company on the Cover, it stirs many fond memories. Yes, I even at one point ordered one of their "Ventrilos", but had little success and soon tossed in my "junk drawer". While the small mouth piece came with some simple ventriloquist instructions, they were nothing as complete as this book from the 1960s. It appears to be authored by George W. Callahan and is amazingly thorough in it's teaching about ventriloquism, explaining what ventriloquism is, where it came from, how and why it works, how to do it, and more. While there is a chapter on ventriloquist figures and dummies, I suspect this is more for the benefit of the publisher who's ad for ventriloquist dummies makes up the back cover. Callahan's writing places more emphasis on the distant voice and its usage. He never describes how to speak without moving one's lips while performing with a dummy. A very brief chapter seven does explain how the ventriloquist should use the "Ventrilo". (I read now that it should be stored in a glass of water when not in us...maybe that was my error! :-)

While Edgar Bergen and Charlie's picture is on the front cover, and Charlie McCarthy dolls are offered for sale on the back cover (for $14.95) there is no mention of this famous pair on the book's inside pages. I'm not sure how effective this book was in producing performing ventriloquists but it is another piece of the art's history and a fascinating read. For sale now on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290640886646

Squeaky Mouth

2011-12-02T05:00:00.001-07:00

Question: My daughter pulled out my old Knee Pal, Trixie, who has been packed,away for awhile.The mouth squeaks a little now. I have never taken the wig off, and am wondering what is the easiest way to fix it? Any advice appreciated.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: If the mouth squeaks it is likely the axle (or the lever on the headpost). Use clear silicone spray lubricant. The aerosol can comes with a long small diameter nozzle. You can usually insert the nozzle through the open mouth and give a shot of lubricant directly onto the point where the axle enters and goes through the mouth unit. Tilt the head sideways, give the axle a shot of spray and open and close the mouth repeatedly to encourage the liquid lubricant to run along the axle into the mouth unit. Do first one side and then repeat on the other side. (Repeat if necessary.)

Who made Charlie?

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Charlie Package from Animated Puppets

2011-11-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Charlie McCarthy Ventriloquist Doll (Standard style with hollow body and headpost) and Jim Beam Decanter and Spoon (ALL 3!)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130608872750

From Doug Preis:

2011-11-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

In the event that there are any kids out there that aren't afraid of clowns...or ventriloquists...

Here's the perfect character to help cement the deal...

Peculiar design choice, eh?

I'm guessing not a lot of repeat kid's birthday party shows...

Professional Ventriloquist Dummy | eBay

For Sale

2011-11-30T05:00:00.004-07:00

#260 - Just completed last Saturday. I've posted additional photos on my "Figure's for sale" page;
http://www.mrdsfigures.blogspot.com/

VENTRILOQUIAL-VITALITY

2011-11-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

This book (22 pages) was published by Supreme Magic Co., Bedford, Devon. It does not contain a copyright date that I could find. EIGHT VENT ACTS by Val Andrews contains six dialogues for vent use with "cheeky boy" character, one act for vent with girl dummy, and one novelty act with grandfather clock character (includes illustrations on how to make the clock). This vintage collectible contains many useful gag lines for today's moden ventriloquist performer and is for sale on eBay now (with complete list of dialogue titles and descriptions): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290639763949

Here's an excerpt from the author's introduction to Ventriloquial-Vitality:

I made my start in show business as "The Wonder-boy ventriloquist". But those who do remember me as such can well understand why I became a magician and scriptwriter! However, nothing we do in this life is really wasted, and my early ventriloquial experience has stood me in good stead when writing material for those who talk to themselves for a living!

Though not, as often popularly supposed, "A GIFT", ventriloquism is still not the easiest of the performing arts. In the past one of the most difficult aspects has been the finding of good material. There are books on the technical side of the art, but the dialogues contained therein are not intended for professional usage. The dialogues and other items in Ventriloquial-Vitality, however, ARE!