Thank you very much, Clinton, for responding to my email about finding a buyer for Mr. Toby. (Knee Pal figure by Lovik.) Hen has now been sold. Thank you again for your help!
9/30/12
"Mr. Toby"
Thank you very much, Clinton, for responding to my email about finding a buyer for Mr. Toby. (Knee Pal figure by Lovik.) Hen has now been sold. Thank you again for your help!
9/29/12
Maher Grad at work!
Do you need some smiles to brighten your day? Enjoy the video performance of Mike Palma and Fah See Shus:
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For details about the Maher Course and how to purchase:
9/28/12
Figure Specialty Costumes
Comment: Here is a picture that I thought you might get a kick out of. I created a Superhero named Trojul. This is the costume that I designed and had made (left in photo) by a lady that makes doll clothes. Rebekah is posed with the mannequin displaying Moe's new garb. Rebekah is trying to learn ventriloquism, as well. Next time I see them I will have to take Joe and we will see what she has learned so far. Rebekah is 3 years old now. Hugh Troyer
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From Mr. D: First of all, I wish you the best of success with encouraging Rebekah to pursue her ventriloquist interest. The best vents start young!
And as for the costumes, very nice, the both of them. Your photo is a good reminder of the two most popular ways to custom outfit a ventriloquist figure. 1) Obtain the services of a seamstress, especially one experienced in creating clothes for dolsl. 2) Purchase a ready-made young child's costume - and now is the perfect season to do it, with the store racks well stocked with trick or treating costumes. Don't forget to check the racks at thrift stores. You can find some surprisingly appropriate seasonal clothing bargains.
Generally speaking, look for these sizes:
32" figure: 2T. 36" figure: 3T. 38-40" figure: 4T.
From Mr. D: First of all, I wish you the best of success with encouraging Rebekah to pursue her ventriloquist interest. The best vents start young!
And as for the costumes, very nice, the both of them. Your photo is a good reminder of the two most popular ways to custom outfit a ventriloquist figure. 1) Obtain the services of a seamstress, especially one experienced in creating clothes for dolsl. 2) Purchase a ready-made young child's costume - and now is the perfect season to do it, with the store racks well stocked with trick or treating costumes. Don't forget to check the racks at thrift stores. You can find some surprisingly appropriate seasonal clothing bargains.
Generally speaking, look for these sizes:
32" figure: 2T. 36" figure: 3T. 38-40" figure: 4T.
9/27/12
Wade Insights
Comment: I love the tid-bits from Mark (Wade). They are quite insightful and full of wisdom. I copy and past them into a document and save them together. Maybe Mark should write a book of Ventriliquial Insights. ;-)
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From Mr. D: As a matter of fact, Mark has written one book filled with his insights, advice and tips. And he's working on another. His first book, Kid Show Ventriloquism, takes the reader into his world as a successful kidshow entertainer. Not only does he explain the secrets of the business as viewed by the audience, but he takes you backstage and explains the tricks of the trade the audience will never know about. Regardless of where you perform, you'll find ideas in Kid Show Ventriloquism that are certain to make you a better performer.
I have a good supply of this book. $15 regular price. I'm selling for $7.50 each postpaid.
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From Mr. D: As a matter of fact, Mark has written one book filled with his insights, advice and tips. And he's working on another. His first book, Kid Show Ventriloquism, takes the reader into his world as a successful kidshow entertainer. Not only does he explain the secrets of the business as viewed by the audience, but he takes you backstage and explains the tricks of the trade the audience will never know about. Regardless of where you perform, you'll find ideas in Kid Show Ventriloquism that are certain to make you a better performer. I have a good supply of this book. $15 regular price. I'm selling for $7.50 each postpaid.
9/26/12
Set #3 - Hall of Fame Coins (2012-C) RESERVE YOUR SET(S) NOW
Reminder: In an effort to reduce my costs as well as yours, I will order production of only enough set #3 Hall of Fame Coins to fill advance order reservations.
Please tell me now the number of set(s) you wish to reserve. The cost will be $25 for one set, or $20 each for two or more sets. Send no money now. I just need to know how many sets to reserve for you.
The coins will be the same size, weight, and high quality of Sets One and Two. Set #3 will honor the following four ventriloquists:
Paul Winchell, Shari Lewis, Col. Bill Boley, and Dick Weston.
Thank you for your support of the Hall of Fame Coin project. Please email your reservations now: mahertalk@aol.com
Body Mechanics
Comment: I would love to have the 'nudge' and 'hand shake' feature. I also like the idea of the latex hands. The 40" body that you have for sale looks like it may be for a female vent figure. Am I correct? If it is female, do you have male bodies with the latex hands, 'nudge' and 'hand shake' features that you could sell to me?
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From Mr. D: The you refer to (now sold) is one of the older rigid latex Knee Pal bodies. While being more contoured, bodies molded from rigid latex are heavier and they do weaken when used over a period of time. That's why they were discontinued (primarily due to their weight).
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From Mr. D: The you refer to (now sold) is one of the older rigid latex Knee Pal bodies. While being more contoured, bodies molded from rigid latex are heavier and they do weaken when used over a period of time. That's why they were discontinued (primarily due to their weight).
The handshaker is a fun feature. However, it has its drawbacks. The arm/hand has to be one rigid unit. And since the hand extends a bit below the base of the body, it always seems to be in the way if you set the figure on a stand or table. You can learn to adjust in the way the figure is lowered but it's one more thing to deal with.
I had a handshaker on my first figure but quit using it as such when I discovered I did not want to encourage people to shake his hand. Kids up that close then wanted to stick their fingers into his mouth, poke his eyes, etc. And I would see that flash of surprise on their face when they touched the hard, hard and cold. Adults had the same reaction. In that instant, they were jerked from illusion and fantasy back into reality, if only for a second.. The purpose of ventriloquism is to create a lifelike illusion from an inanimate object, so unless you have very good reason to do so, why break the "spell"?
As for the nudger...that's the arm next to you. I say just take the figure's hand in your free hand and move it so he will nudge" you. Better still, have an arm control rod installed 0n that arm so you can manipulate the hand and arm from the elbow. That's the popular method many of today's vents employee.
Both the Nudger and Handhaker, when built as mechanics within the body, require the vent to release the headpost in order to activate either of the arm levers. In other words, it is not possible to have him talk and look around simultaneously as the arm raises, etc.
There's a difference between "rigid latex" and "flexible latex". And it's pretty much self-described. All the hands I have available are rigid, whatever material was used for their manufacturer. I'm told Axtell has some flexible latex hands available.
We can check that out.
9/25/12
Building Confidence
Question: I have a problem and it is confidence. I practice every day and am doing really good. I don't have a problem in front of my family but tha'ts were it ends. I have books and dvds that teaches ventriloquism. Maybe you can give me the right advice. WS
* * * * *
From Mr. D: I can appreciate your desire to increase confidence in your vent skills. From experience I know the feeling.
I found that confidence can be gained through practice and preparation, but the real lasting confidence comes from your audience. Their laughter, applause, post show comments, and requests for more - all of this assures you that your are effective in what you are doing, and they are impressed with your performance. Thus your confidence is built.
That is why the first shows are the most difficult. But as you do a few, your confidence increases.
Here are some things Col. Bill Boley once wrote to help make those early shows easier:
1) Be sure you know your routine well. Practice repeatedly. Test it on a family member or members before going before your "real" audience.
2) Use a routine or portion of a routine you have used for a previous audience if possible.
3) Start your act with jokes that you know have been getting laughs.
4) Pick a friend or relative in the audience and perform for them. If you have no friends or relatives in the audience, pick a friendly face and perform for that person.
5) Be friendly and smile at your audience and let them know that you are enjoying what you are doing.
6) Sometimes it helps to "ham it up". Over act a little bit - just don't overdo it.
These tips come from a booklet we published at Maher Studios called Conquering Stage Fright. Do you have that book? If not, I'll send you (and anyone reading this post) a free copy - just provide me with your mailing address. Contact Mr. D
And remember, to one degree or another, every ventriloquist has gone through the same emotions you are feeling. It's just one of the steps to become a skilled talent. You CAN proceed with increasing confidence...just prepare for the next show. That's all you ever need to do.
9/24/12
How would you answer this?
Question: I am a reporter for the Daily Gazette in Schenectady, New York, and I am doing a feature story on a talented 14-year-old ventriloquist in our area. Could you tell me a little something about the business right now? Did it seem to fall off in the 1990s, and is it coming back, or is it something that works better in a live show than on TV. I know we no longer have the typical "variety" show, so perhaps there isn't much of an opportunity for ventriloquists to get on TV. Anything you could offer as an expert in the field would be appreciated. Thanks. Bill Buell
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From Mr. D: Briefly, I've been in this business for nearly 50 years, and ventriloquists have always complained there are too few ventriloquists seen on TV. And yet, the huge popularity today of Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator are a result, at least in part, of their numerous TV appearances.
As an entertainment form, I believe ventriloquism is more popular today than at any time I've been associated with the art - over 50 years. Yet the number of youth being inspired to take up the art is probably as low currently as I've seen it. The involvement of youth in the art began to taper off in the late 80's- early 90s, a disturbing trend that can be directly attributed (my opinion) to the entry of electronic technology. And this trend is not unique to ventriloquism. I believe you will find this trend to be true with all the visual arts.
So, if you have found a talented 14 year old with enough confidence and foresight to lay his Smart Phone, I-Touch, and I-Pad aside, and take up a puppet through which to express his creativity, you have found a rarity...he deserves to be recognized! Thank you for doing so!
9/23/12
Alumni Report???
From Anne Wilson
Thanks for the Maher Home Course of Ventriloquism. I'm practicing daily and seem to be getting better. I have ordered a small figure from Axtell!
There is so much wisdom in these small books, it really is everything you want to know about ventriloquism and performing the art. I have completed the first half of the course and emailed you my answers to Test Booklet One.
I am looking forward to the next half of the course. Thanks so much for putting this all together and providing the opportunity for home study.
www.mahercourse.blogspot.com
Thanks for the Maher Home Course of Ventriloquism. I'm practicing daily and seem to be getting better. I have ordered a small figure from Axtell!
There is so much wisdom in these small books, it really is everything you want to know about ventriloquism and performing the art. I have completed the first half of the course and emailed you my answers to Test Booklet One.
I am looking forward to the next half of the course. Thanks so much for putting this all together and providing the opportunity for home study.
www.mahercourse.blogspot.com
9/22/12
9/21/12
Custom Case Question:
Question: I own several of your travel cases, but I was interested in having you build me a performance case on casters to use on stage. (I understand you built one for Al Stevens in the past). I'd like it to be able to hold 2 hard figures. Is this something you'd be willing to do?
* * * * *
From Mr. D: While I have provided custom cases at times, I currently am retired from the production and sales of ventriloquist figure cases. I won't go so far as to say I will never sell cases again. But I can tell you if I do, it will not be this year, 2012. I do thank you for your inquiry. Check out this site: www.atlascases.com/
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From Mr. D: While I have provided custom cases at times, I currently am retired from the production and sales of ventriloquist figure cases. I won't go so far as to say I will never sell cases again. But I can tell you if I do, it will not be this year, 2012. I do thank you for your inquiry. Check out this site: www.atlascases.com/
Mark Wade Writes...
One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of performing is how to tweak your routine or show. Tweaking is either putting the finishing touches on a piece of material you are happy with..or completely overhauling it in spots to make it work better and to help the flow. I always tweak my material as I want to have a stronger show for my audiences. Here's how I do it!
You can only rehearse a show or routine so many times in front of a mirror or video camera. To really get the "feel" for it you must audience test it. I pretty much stay to the written script that I've produced for my show so I can go back and red pencil areas to improve. If I adlibbed an entire routine or used sketchy notes I might not be able to find my way back to tweak it. I make mental notes as to what jokes or bits went over and then as soon as I can get back to my office I go to the computer, call up the routine, and take a look at the spot or spots that I felt were rough.
Sometimes it's just a matter of replacing the punchline or key word. Sometimes the joke is too complicated for my audience and I must replace that joke with a more simplified version of that line. Before I do any major work on the routine I let it play at lease a half dozen times before making changes. Who knows, maybe the audience was having an "off day" and it wasn't the material, it was them. Maybe I rushed the line or the delivery was off..anyway, try the material a few times before making changes.
Sometimes the joke or bit was good, but in the wrong place. Moving it around within the routine can also bring life into a faltering piece of material.
Test..test..test..experiment..experiment..experiment...there is no set rule of thumb here. If they laugh, it's a success, if not go back to the old proverbial drawing board and try something new in it's place!"
Mark Wade: markwade@kidshowvent.com
9/20/12
9/19/12
Wigs for sale
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261100604656 (photo right)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261100606011
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261100607252
Waldo Canyon Fire - Survivor
From Cindy Maluschka:
Hi, Clinton ! You had “reworked” Andy for me last year and I wanted to share some good news. While we lost our home in Mountain Shadows in the Waldo Canyon Fire, Andy was saved. I thought how awful it would have been for him to have been lost in the fire and my other doll Dennis lost in hurricane Katrina. At least the whole family is safe including Andy, ha. Take care.
Hi, Clinton ! You had “reworked” Andy for me last year and I wanted to share some good news. While we lost our home in Mountain Shadows in the Waldo Canyon Fire, Andy was saved. I thought how awful it would have been for him to have been lost in the fire and my other doll Dennis lost in hurricane Katrina. At least the whole family is safe including Andy, ha. Take care.
9/18/12
Unclaimed?
9/17/12
Maher Course comment
From Scott Hawkins:
I just wanted to say I've received my certificate for the advanced portion of the Maher course, and I'm pleased. I found the course very informative and helpful and I appreciate your feedback and guidance through the process. I am proud of completing the course, and I look forward to entertaining family and friends and continuing to practice and work on improving my skills in ventriloquism, public speaking and vocal abilities. I'm sure I will be reviewing the helpful course materials for years to come.
* * * *
From Mr. D: Thank you so much for your comments about the Maher Course and your study of it! I'm thrilled to know it proved beneficial and hope the positive instruction will continue to influence your ventriloquist career positively for many years to come! www.mahercourse.blogspot.com
I just wanted to say I've received my certificate for the advanced portion of the Maher course, and I'm pleased. I found the course very informative and helpful and I appreciate your feedback and guidance through the process. I am proud of completing the course, and I look forward to entertaining family and friends and continuing to practice and work on improving my skills in ventriloquism, public speaking and vocal abilities. I'm sure I will be reviewing the helpful course materials for years to come.
* * * *
From Mr. D: Thank you so much for your comments about the Maher Course and your study of it! I'm thrilled to know it proved beneficial and hope the positive instruction will continue to influence your ventriloquist career positively for many years to come! www.mahercourse.blogspot.com
9/16/12
Reader Comment
"The Lord has blessed me several months back with a Kem Poyner figure that I purchased on e-bay for about 1/3 the cost of a new one. He and I have become inseparable in our joy of sharing Jesus with children. I am presently only doing about 15 programs a year outside my home church, but am expecting the Lord to open up more opportunities in His timing. I enjoy reading your blog every day. Thanks for all you do for the vent community." James Hess (PA)
9/15/12
9/14/12
Nothing "Big"?
From Bob Fuller: My wife (Jacqueline Fuller) purchased a girl vent figure. We purchased it
back in 1978 or 79. Anyway, I found your web site and she wanted to send you a note of thanks. She is still using "Christi". Many children (and not a few adults) have been delighted by their conversations. Nothing big, just thank you.
* * * * *
back in 1978 or 79. Anyway, I found your web site and she wanted to send you a note of thanks. She is still using "Christi". Many children (and not a few adults) have been delighted by their conversations. Nothing big, just thank you.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: It may not seem "big" to you, but I love to hear from people who continue to use figures we made or sold years ago! It is "big" to me. How encouraging! Thank you so much for taking the time to send me your note! If convenient, send a photo sometime. I'd love to "meet" Jacqueline as well as see "Christi" again.
9/13/12
Replacement questions
From Sandra Sladkey:
I was so surprised when I googled Maher just now and discovered you seem to still be doing what I thought you had stopped--making vent figures. You made my Lacey Lu back in the 1980s (photo right). I paid around $635, if I recall. She was consumed (along with everything I owned) in a wildfire in the mountains of San Diego in 2003. It still breaks my heart today to think I didn't think to bring her along as we fled, but of course, the truly living creatures like my husband, daughter, and pets were the main focus!
I was so surprised when I googled Maher just now and discovered you seem to still be doing what I thought you had stopped--making vent figures. You made my Lacey Lu back in the 1980s (photo right). I paid around $635, if I recall. She was consumed (along with everything I owned) in a wildfire in the mountains of San Diego in 2003. It still breaks my heart today to think I didn't think to bring her along as we fled, but of course, the truly living creatures like my husband, daughter, and pets were the main focus!
So, the question is, are you still making figures? And do you still sell any of the other things you used to sell (i.e., magic)? I had a thing called Instant Painting (with Bible stories) that I enjoyed doing with the kids, and would love to find another one.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Your Lacey Lu is a variation of the Clipper figure made by Lovik (sold by Maher Studios). Unfortunately, I understand that mold no longer exists. I might be able to create a similar figure for you. (Maher Studios is closed, but I'm still building a few figures.)
The magic painting you describe was sold by Dock Haley Gospel Magic Co, and may still be available directly from them: Email: dockhaley@gospelmagic.com. Or online: www.GospelMagic.com
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Your Lacey Lu is a variation of the Clipper figure made by Lovik (sold by Maher Studios). Unfortunately, I understand that mold no longer exists. I might be able to create a similar figure for you. (Maher Studios is closed, but I'm still building a few figures.)
The magic painting you describe was sold by Dock Haley Gospel Magic Co, and may still be available directly from them: Email: dockhaley@gospelmagic.com. Or online: www.GospelMagic.com
9/12/12
Sore Throat
Question: I am on Lesson Eight of the Maher Studio Course and am getting a sore throat. What
do you recommend to relieve the sore throat? Or, how can I prevent myself from getting a sore throat in the first place?
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Keep a glass of liquid (water, hot tea or coffee - no milk) at hand while you practice. Take frequent sips to avoid dry mouth and throat as you practice. Several short practice sessions during a day are better than a single long session - even a few seconds of bonus practice as you go about your normal routine (driving, cleaning, cooking, reading newspaper, etc.) will prove beneficial. Do not practice vocally if your throat is sore. Also, avoid falsetto voice for the ventriloquial voice. I don't know if you are doing this or not, but a person is more likely to experience sore throat when using a falsetto voice. (The same is true of the "Distant" voice.)
You are using your throat muscles in a new way when you speak in the ventriloquial voice. Just as with any new physical exercise, your muscles need to adapt and strengthen. They will do so with practice and the likelihood of sore throat will lessen or be eliminated entirely.
do you recommend to relieve the sore throat? Or, how can I prevent myself from getting a sore throat in the first place?
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Keep a glass of liquid (water, hot tea or coffee - no milk) at hand while you practice. Take frequent sips to avoid dry mouth and throat as you practice. Several short practice sessions during a day are better than a single long session - even a few seconds of bonus practice as you go about your normal routine (driving, cleaning, cooking, reading newspaper, etc.) will prove beneficial. Do not practice vocally if your throat is sore. Also, avoid falsetto voice for the ventriloquial voice. I don't know if you are doing this or not, but a person is more likely to experience sore throat when using a falsetto voice. (The same is true of the "Distant" voice.)
You are using your throat muscles in a new way when you speak in the ventriloquial voice. Just as with any new physical exercise, your muscles need to adapt and strengthen. They will do so with practice and the likelihood of sore throat will lessen or be eliminated entirely.
9/11/12
This is one of Craig Lovik's earliest basswood carved figures. But it was not sold, and I just kept it in my shop. It is now in the process of restoration. The undercut on the jaw has been rebuilt. I have repainted the head. I hope to mount the control levers and restring the figure shortly. (It does have winker/blinkers and raising eyebrows.) I've found a very nice deluxe boy's wig for it. So one of these days it will show its face here finished, and ready for sale. In the meantime, it is reluctantly being used as a model to hold some very nice female child's wigs for eBay photos...(pause) ...maybe I should finish it out as a girl? I wonder??
9/10/12
Script Writing Course
From Tom Crowl:
At VentHaven, I sat down with Ken Groves, Mark Wade, Steve Petra, Sarah Jones (from Australia) and Bill DeMar. The interviews were taped, and we discussed their script writing processes. Their answers to my questions were incredible, providing a real glimpse into the thought process of creating original material. The resulting interviews were edited down and still provide over two and a half hours of solid information on how to write a ventriloquist script. The Master Class will time release like the original course and consist of twelve videos. The final video is a Process Synopsis that will walk people step by step through the process, and uses clips from the interviews to reinforce the methods.
The Master Classes were originally intended only for my course graduates, but I realized after creating this, it would be beneficial to so many ventriloquists, it should be released as its own time released mini-course.
The program won't be available for a few more weeks, but I have started to release some video teasers. You may find them on my own blog at:
9/9/12
Prepare now...
33" "Grandpa" that projects wisdom dispensed with humor from first sight! With side to side eye movement AND raising eyebrows. http://www.ebay.com/itm/33-Ventriloquist-Figure-Doll-Grandpa-SIDE-TO-SIDE-EYES-RAISING-EYEBROWS-/130762934663
And how about a gift for yourself? Do you need a Performance Stand? Here's a new one, "Buy in Now": http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ventriloquist-Doll-Puppet-Performance-Stand-NEW-/130707032482
9/8/12
Child's Wig for sale
A word about the figure modeling the wig: This figure is a handcarved basswood figure by Lovik which I own and am restoring. It is not for sale currently, but will be for sale on eBay when finished in the near future.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290772368770
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Here's another (photo right):
Radio Mirror, December 1948, For sale
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290771992120
9/7/12
9/6/12
"Joan Slivers" Convention Appearance
9/5/12
For Sale
BEST FOR VENTRILOQUIST FIGURE 36"-40" Traditional style: Sewn and stuffed They have never been used, although I have had them for several years.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290771133103
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261094280712
This is an unused pair of molded feet as would have been used on a Knee Pal ventriloquist dummy built in the '70s and '80s. Molded of rigid latex, the unit attaches to the cloth leg in the area of the "calf". This is not intended as a "bare foot" (although I have seen them painted flesh color and used as such). Rather, its design is to provide ankle support to keep the feet from "drooping" when wearing shoes. (I have this one pair only)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290771137798
Tommy Tomato grows up
From Ted Nunes
Last year, I shared with you the tomato stick puppets I made for our local Tomato Art Fest. Now I thought I'd share my progress on Tommy Tomato, a vent puppet I've been building for this year's festival. He's the most ambitious puppet I've ever attempted: head stick, slot jaw and moving eyes. (and I'll be making his suit--puppet tailoring is more new territory for me, but I'm hoping I'll figure it out.)
I've been making him out of CelluClay. His head, hands and feet started as wadded brown paper bag and masking tape. (I didn't get photos of that step, darnit.) The parts for the body were molded from a plastic container some spinach came in.
9/4/12
Hands for sale
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261093837172
Best Seller!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261093757165
Collector Coin/Card Combo Set!
9/3/12
Insull pocket puppet
In the mid to late 50s I purchased a small novelty figure from the Maher catalogue. I vaguely remember that it was from England and made to fit in a pocket with the head visible and controlled by a pneumatic rubber tube and ball. Are you able and willing to tell me more about it? His lower lip moves with a leather cover.
I dressed it in a body and simple wood frame to fit about my dummies’ leg in order to appear that my dummy had his own puppet which I operated via the pneumatic system. I was careful not to alter the original figure.
I don’t remember what I paid. Do you have any idea what he might be worth now? Thank you for your assistance. Ron Coulter
* * * * *
From Mr. D: They were made by Len Insull and designed to fit into the vest coat pocket or breast pocket of a suit coat. I still have one of these but it is in need of repair/restoration. Yours appears to be in very good condition and the addition of a body for use as a "dummy's dummy" is clever. How that modification might affects its value, I have no idea. You won't have any difficulty finding prospective buyers, but I have no idea of it's market value today. These were sold by Maher School of Ventriloquism while it was still located in Detroit, owned and operated by Madeleine Maher. o they were before my time with the business. However, I do think I remember seeing an old price sheet where these were offered for something like $7.50. (I wish I had purchased a dozen! What a gold investment that would have been!)
For Sale
Made special with unique eye color to match his shirt. Joey can wink his right eye and his left eye and you can close both eyes together. Joey also has a stick out tongue! What a great effect! Easy to operate! On the same lever that operates his mouth, if you want his tongue to stick out just pull down a little more on the same lever. Release the lever and his tongue will go back in and mouth will close. Very cool! Joey has a beautiful hand painted finish, so there is no plastic look! With his hair and outfit makes this guy a awesome Ventriloquist figure!
9/2/12
4T Coat of Many Colors (1 only)
The Colorful Coat is now offered for sale at auction on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261091935004
9/1/12
Coin Comment
Just received the Collector Coins and they are awesome. Wow, very well done. Thanks so much for putting that together...very beautiful. Thanks, love 'em,
Steve Chaney with "Cornelius"
Here's a BIG FELLA for you!
"Do you need a unique, odd, huge ventriloquist character? This is the guy! He's been a part of our family since 1981. He was only used for one production. He's been in our puppet room just sitting around and needs a new home. He measures 44" tall. Mr Big Head was made by Deloris Nitz. This is a definitely a one of a kind!"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ventriloquist-Doll-Puppet-Mr-Big-Head-/130758702197
Dummy encouraging others to vote
Comedian/ventriloquist Ed Thomas of Altamonte Springs, Florida and his dummy partner, Hugo, are performing shows with the message to get out and vote. The act is themed around the idea that only dummies don’t vote. Thomas said, “This was Hugo’s idea. He was upset that he couldn’t vote because he is a dummy, so he wants to be sure that everyone who is not a dummy votes.”
Ed and Hugo have performed together for more than 50 years. They were the first ventriloquist act to perform on TV in the state of Maine. They perform together at theme parks, civic clubs, comedy clubs, conventions, and much more.
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