From Glen Rappold:
Here is a pic of Rickie Layne using his Willy Talk figure, Velvel. It is the only pic I have ever seen of Rickie using the figure BEFORE the modifications! You will notice the figure still has the original painted eyes and large gap at the mouth. Later, he had a bit added to the cheeks, glass eyes installed, modification to the nose, mouth gap closed and a better paint job.
This is also the model that Bob Evans used for his "Jerry O'Leary.
For a toy, this was actually quite a large figure, the head measuring over 6" from chin to top of head, and almost 4 1/2" wide at the cheeks, and with more almond shaped eyes- perfect for a 38" vent pro figure. Unfortunatley fewer of these were made, and as a result are very scarce today. Many of the orignal larger Maher figures were made from this model, including the orignal Dale and Buster.
This is also the model that Bob Evans used for his "Jerry O'Leary.
For a toy, this was actually quite a large figure, the head measuring over 6" from chin to top of head, and almost 4 1/2" wide at the cheeks, and with more almond shaped eyes- perfect for a 38" vent pro figure. Unfortunatley fewer of these were made, and as a result are very scarce today. Many of the orignal larger Maher figures were made from this model, including the orignal Dale and Buster.
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From Teri Layne: "Rickie was my dad. I remember driving to New York every summer in the 70's so he could perform at Grossinger's and all the clubs. He was such a FUN, good natured guy! Unfortunately, my dad passed away Feb. 11, 2006."
Velvel is Yiddish for Willie, and this Willie was the cutest character, a manufactured doll, always calling Ed Sullivan "Solomon", and always raising head out of socket to show flat neck bottom and control post. I saw him live on TV and remember the clever lines, once asked about his feet and said he tied up his toes in knots or painted his feet black and laced up his toes, or something like that.
ReplyDeleteI remember Ricky Lane and Velvel very well he came from the yiddish caberet stage, Borscht Belt in the catskills and Sullivan (Solomon) had him on his show many times more then any other Ventriloquist...Sullivan had a liking for this figure and his remarks about his stone face...Thanks for the memories
ReplyDeleteRickie was my dad. I remember driving to New York every summer in the 70's so he could perform at Grossinger's and all the clubs. He was such a FUN, good natured guy!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, my dad passed away feb. 11, 2006.
Thanx for remembering!!
P.S. Velvel is still alive & well!!
I stopped by the Museum of TV yesterday and saw your Dad on The Sullivan Show and it brought back a flood of memories. Jackie Gleason was the host that night way back in 1960. Your Dad was a marvelous comedian and Velvel was a great character. I would love to know more about your Dad's career.
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's sweet! ....(Yeah, I need to start writing that book!)
ReplyDelete