Pneumatic bulb controls

Mr. D. Please tell, if you know, whether pneumatic bulb controls are still available or how to make one.

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I have this small "Pocket figure" made by Insull in in the process of refurbishing. The mouth is operated by pneumatic bulb (such as an ear syringe). The tube from the hand operated bulb ran into the head and was connected to a flat rubber "bladder" (think of a miniature hot water bottle) that was inserted between the two oval shaped tin plates, one of which moved forward when the mouth opens. Squeeze the outer bulb to inflate the inner bladder and the mouth opens; release the outer bulb and the airflow is reversed so bladder flattens and mouth closes. Ingenious (as long as there are no leaks).

Side note: This small head also had side to side moving eyes that moved automatically with weighted pendulum balance.

Still in business?

Question: Hello, I am wondering if you are still in business? I'd read that you retired earlier this year, but your blog pages selling the vent courses and books are still up. Thanks, John.
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Answer: I retired officially in 2003 and Maher Studios was closed in 3/2006. But I do still have some inventory of Maher supplies and that is what you see advertised on my blogs. www.maherstudios.blogspot.com I also continue to repair, repaint and build some vent figures as part of my retirement activities. Thanks for asking. Clinton

"The Bully"

The following puppet routine was reprinted from The Puppet Show Vol. 1, a book of 25 puppet/ventriloquist routines, first published by Canoe Productions, copyright 1984, and subsequently published and sold by Maher Studios. It is one of 30+ books now up for sale on my weekly 99cent eBay auctions. You can see all my current auctions: Click Here.

THE BULLY

By Marty Wilson & Lewis Lansford

(Three Puppets)

1: Hi, (Name of #2). My Mom gave me five dollars today. She said we could go downtown and get some ice cream after school.2: That sounds great! Why'd she give you five dollars?

1: I cleaned up the back yard when she didn't even ask me, and she said she was proud of me and stuff.

2: That's neat! Is it okay if we go after football practice?

1: Oh yeah. I forgot about football. I'm too little to play with you big guys. Sure...we can go when you're through practicing.

2: Great! I'll see you then. Bye! (Exits)

3: (Enters) Hey, squirt!

1: Are you talking to me?

3: Yeah, I'm talking to you, punk. Who'd you think I was talking to, the wall?

1: I'd better go.

3: No way, shrimp. I'm not done with you yet.

1: What do you mean you're not done with me?

3: I mean what I say, and I said I'm not done with you yet. You owe me some money, and I want it now.

1: What? I don't owe you any money.

3: So you're going to welch on me, huh? Well, I guess I'm going to have to teach you a lesson.

1: Listen...I said I don't owe you any money.

3: (Moves closer) I think I'm going to need to help your memory a little bit. You aren't very cooperative.

1: I know you're bigger than me, and you can probably beat me up, but I still don't owe you any money.

3: (Moves closer) I think you do owe me some money, and I want it now!

1: (Shaking) Okay, okay. I'll give you five dollars!

3: What a sucker! (Laughs)

2: (Enters) What's going on here?

3: Oh, nothing much.

1: This guy just took my money...he said I owed it to him.

2: Did you owe him a five dollars, (#1's name)?

1: No, but he kept saying he was going to help me memory, and stuff like that.

2: Oh, a bully, huh?

3: Hey...listen. I was just kidding. I wouldn't have kept his five dollars. You were right (#1's name). You didn't owe me any money.

2: Listen, (#3's name), I don't ever want to see you trying to bully my friend again, understand?

3: Yeah...never again...I promise.

2: I don't like people who pick on people smaller than them. What do you think you're trying to prove? How tough you are? Let's see how tough you are.

3: No! No...that's okay.

2: I'm going to be watching you, and I don't want to hear of you bullying anybody ever again. I want you to be nice to people and help them, not hurt them. Especially if they are smaller than you.

3: Okay, (#1's name), I'm sorry I tried to take your money. I don't know what I was trying to prove. I guess I don't have many friends, and I wanted someone to look up to me.

1: It must be a drag having no friends. (Whispers in the ear of #2.)

2: Okay, it's a deal.

1: (# 3's name), I want to be your friend. If you want to, you can come with us to get ice cream after school.

3: It sounds great...but I don't have any money.

1: It's okay! I have five dollars! (All laugh and exit.)

End

MORTIMER and CHARLIE: by Edgar Bergen

From the Sunday Morning Los Angeles Times, August 6, 1939.

Copyright 1939 by Edgar Bergen Interest, Inc.

International and Pan American Copyright reserved. McNaught Syndicate, Inc.

Ventril-o-"Kit"

Here's another new item series from Animated Puppets they are calling: Ventril-o-"Kit". This one was sold on eBay auction. It is now offered along with other characters on the Animated Puppets blog: http://www.animatedpuppets.blogspot.com/ . Click the sidebar link that reads "Kevin's Ventril-o-Kits".

This Ventril-o-"Kit" consists of :

1) Keepsake Charlie McCarthy Ventriloquist Doll with a hollow body, head on headstick, side to side moving eyes. Turn head full circle, tilt, nod etc.

2) I nstructional DVD on Ventriloquism (Successful Ventriloquism, 50 min.) by Mark Wade teaching Ventriloquism, so easy anyone can learn!

3) T ravel bag for safe storage. Everything fits inside to carry everywhere you go. Nothing to put together, just a great way to get started in Ventriloquism at a discount price! Great gift idea for anyone of any age!

Slappy anyone???

Kevin Detweiler

www.animatedpuppets.blogspot.com

If you've been hearing the rumor that there's a shortage of Slappy dolls, you just don't know where to go!

"Thanks, my friend ..."

I've had two ventriloquist puppets that could be operated both manually and by remote. The first was a vent figure with remote electronics installed by my good buddy, Don Thieman. The figure had two remote movements: mouth and eyes. But in using that figure from stage only once, and then reviewing a video of my performance, I realized for a large audience, moving eyes on a figure sitting alone before the audience were not effective for those sitting further back than the first few rows. But a turning head, although it presented some difficult complications, was going to be a must. So my smiling buddy, who had built and flown remote controlled air planes nearly all his life came to my rescue again. We combined our creativity to build "Albert the Alligator" whose remote operations were: moving mouth, turning head, and nodding head. And I purposely chose an alligator for this project because he had a BIG mouth and a BIG head. Perfect! (You can see Albert and get an inside peek at the workings) on my No. 2 Photo Album .

What fun Don and I had on those projects! I knew next to nothing about the electrical/remote technology needed, and Don never built a vent figure. But together, with much laughter, we found success. Last Week, after enduring years of hardship due to a physically weakened heart that could no longer sustain life, Don left this world for a much better and eternal heavenly home where he now enjoys a life free of pain and weakness. Yesterday Adelia and I attended Don's memorial service. We also revisited some of the many fond memories of times and events past. Our family has been blessed in so many ways through Don and his family - thanks my friend! Our prayers, love and sympathies to Dottie and all the family.

Today is Veteran's Day 2009. Don was a veteran and what better day to honor him and all those who serve and have served our country on this Veteran's Day, 2009. Thanks to all!!

"Slim Chance"

Okay - maybe we're on to something here (see post below). Jeff Scott (left) just sent in these two pictures with the accompanying note:

"Hi, Clinton. I have this figure from Tim Cowles as a man... he is 'Slim Chance' the cowboy. The face is loaded with character and gets a great response. (the picture does not do either one of us justice!)
This figure is bald on the top of his head and hair on the sides... dressed in a suit he makes a great looking butler. Dressed in an apron, he looks like a grocery store clerk. Honestly, the lines on the face set this character apart... good luck to Hillary.... Blessings, Jeff Scott "

Creativity and imagination make a wonderful combination with priceless results! Thanks, Jeff!

Granny to Gramps?

When one of our local ventriloquists, Hillary Saffrin, contacted me to tell me she plans to offer her never-used "Granny" figure (by Tim Cowles) for sale, I suggested she consider first letting me convert it to a "Gramps" character. What do you think? Does the unique face offer that possibility? With it's raising eyebrows and winker/blinkers, I think this character could make a strong addition to some vent's act, Granny ("bag lady"??) or Gramps. Maybe a wig or costume change? Eyeglasses? If you have comments or are interested in pricing, etc. , send me an email note and I will forward it to Hillary. mahertalk@aol.com

Fire restoration?

Question: Did you make Jake for me around 1974? If you did/or not, could you make one for me close to his looks? Moving self center eyes, eye brows that move and he would not need to have the eyes that blink. I lost Jake in a fire and would like him back. Respectfully Yours, Dennis Gutke

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Answer: I believe your Jake was a carved basswood figure that was sold by Maher Workshop in California. At the time of your purchase of Jake the California workshop was owned by Craig Lovik, then later sold to Chuck Jackson who went out of business several years later (late 1980s, I believe). As a result, no one is making that character today. You could watch eBay for a similar character, but honestly, that's a real long shot. Craig's son, Keith, is still building latex molded figures. Whether he could make you something similar or not, I don't know, but you can contact him here: info@lovikspuppets.com (Craig has long since left the figuremaking business.)

Maher Graduate

From Larry Youngberg:

"For over ten years I have been performing with the 'Those Were The Days Radio Players', recreating old radio programs. Here's a picture of 'Bart' and me doing our performance recreating Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. (I made the top hat out of cardboard and felt.) Originally I intended to just do the Bergen/McCarthy recreations, but I recently purchased a monkey puppet and am writing an evolution/creation dialogue which could be used for church work. I will see how it goes from here."

Comical Clyde update

Hi Clinton,

I noticed your post about the Comical Clyde repair. The character is still available from Keith Lovik. I think "Clyde" has improved with age. The slot jaw is now tighter and the curves on the face have softened over time and look more natural. Keith did a remarkable job. Regards,
Cliff Wiggs
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Host Note: Keith may be contacted via e-mail at( info@lovikspuppets.com )

Willy/Dan dolls

From Glen Rappold:

Looks like what you have there (see photo lower left) are 3 variations of the Willy Talk/ Dummy Dan vent dolls made from around 1925- the 1940's. Those dolls were actually available in 3 sizes...31", 22", and 18". there were actually two large toy companies making vent dolls during that time- and apparently both companies called their figures by the same or similar names. If memory serves me correctly, the Dummy Dan's were made by the Ralph Freundlich company of New York City, and the large Willy Talks by Regal.

These Willy/Dan dolls were actually the dolls Fred and Madeleine Maher upgraded to create many of the figures in their first catalog. Later, the catalog was upgraded to include the figures Dale, Buster, Bill, Linda, etc.- all of which were upgraded versions of the large model in their original incarnations. In fact, I owned one of those original Buster's for a time, and under the wig you could still see the original molded hair. Madeleine (or Fred) would build up the features (noses, cheeks, etc, with plastic wood to create the characters. Clinton, if I were you, I'd go back to the very original Maher catalog, and then the later version with Buster, and re-create a couple of those early characters- Maher fans like me would LOVE to see them!

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From Clinton: Russell was my personal favorite of the Maher figures made from the Willie/Dan dolls. If I could go back 20 years knowing what I do now, I might try to recreate that figure. But now? I'm afraid there's too much sawdust on the floor....

And since these little fellas (left) are the smallest 18" size, they're too small for any practical upgrade. Even their restoration is questionable at this point.

PS: My personal thanks to all of you who responded to my request for factual details on these dolls. I have saved all your emails and photos to my files for future reference.

Before and after

She arrived needing some minor internal repair, but while the wig was off I also closed up the gaps along side the mouth (using Bondo auto body filler) and repainted her.

2009 AUG/SEPT/OCT

HONOR ROLL GRADUATES

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NEW MILLENNIUM BASIC MAHER COURSE

David Dickey (NE)

Gene Reck (FL)

Oscar E. Malatesta (ON)

Patricia L. Van Scyoc (WV)

Natalie Vickery (UK)

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NEW MILLENNIUM ADVANCED MAHER COURSE

Joseph Motta (OH)

Gene Reck (FL)

James P. Tucker (PA)

Natalie Vickery (UK)

Janice Watson (UK)

Larry Youngberg (IL)

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

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For more information on the Maher Home Study Course of

Ventriloquism, or to purchase,

Click Here

From Maher Graduates & Alumni

"I graduated from Maher studios course in ventriloquism (both the Basic and Advanced) in 2008 and achieved honors in both Courses. Evan and I have done much more than one hundred performances since then. You are a very real blessing to a guy like me, as equipment, publications, etc. for ventriloquists are virtually non-existent here in Canada. May God bless and prosper you." Wilson Kindred

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"This is an excellent Course. It was recommended to me by Ken Groves. I would like to thank you for continuing the program after your retirement. Otherwise it would not have been possible for my study." Patricia Van Scyoc
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"I have enjoyed the Course. It has been encouraging and inspiring. I consider both my time and money well invested. Now I am able to give out help to others. My goals are to teach 'good character', 'anti-bullying', and so forth to kids. Our 14 year old son is special ed needs. I would like to help out in his school and others to promote good interpersonal relationships. Wish me luck!" Janice Watson
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"Taking the Maher Ventriloquism Course in 2005 was one of the best educational ventures I've ever been a part of. What joys and blessings I experience every time I put a puppet on my hand. I make sure to read your blog regularly. I receive so much help from it. Thank you for your encouragement and support." Barb Gregersen

For Sale

Hello, teachers - here's a an item for you! A Ventriloquist Talking Clock! Another one of a kind by Kevin Detweiler, owner of Animated Puppets. This little guy is so adorable your kids will love him! Plus they will learn! Watch their faces light up when "K.C. the Clock" comes to life with his easy to see moving mouth. Just like a true ventriloquist doll he has side to side self-centering eyes. Both controlled with one hand, so simple! The hands on the face are movable, you can set them up in any position and let the fun begin! He is 9" tall and 12" wide. No battery required. He will never run out of things to say, as long as you have the time! BID NOW before Ebay says times up! Click Here to see additional pictures.

For sale

Christmas Tree Puppet

From Kevin Detweiler, owner of Animated Puppets . Need an idea for a Christmas program? How about using a talking Christmas tree! A true ventriloquist Hollow body, with headstick, turn head full circle, tilt, nod, etc. Now available in plenty of time for this year's Holiday season! This little guy is 18" tall. So easy to operate his moving mouth with trigger on headstick. Need an idea on a routine? Or what he would say? That's available too! But only to the winning bidder! Christmas is just around the corner! Listed now on eBay auction: Click Here

Two happy scarecrows

From Barb Gregerson:

My "Cal the Cool Kid" puppet has many personalities. Here he is "Scrugs" the scarecrow, when we passed out treats to the children from the childcare center at Hawkeye Community College where I am a Professor in early childhood education. My students enjoyed having him visit my classes later in the day as much as the preschoolers enjoyed chatting with him in the morning. On other ocassions he is "Cal the Cool Kid", "Jingle" the Christmas elf, "Rocco" the clown, and "Francis" the Pilgrim boy - who was the son of my ancestor Elinor Billington. Each has a different costume and personality. We've had a wonderful time interacting with people of all ages during the 5 years we've been together.

'Evan Hardwood Kindling'

Dear Mr. Detweiler:

Last fall I graduated from the 'Maher Studio's ventriloquist's Course". My wife and I have been travelling across Canada, ministering in many different ways. We never realized how much ventriloquism (especially in the person of 'Evan Hardwood Kindling') would enrich and enhance our Ministry. Evan has been used of God to bless thousands of people in many venues. Kids of all ages enjoy Him. Children laugh and squeal with delight. The presentation for the elderly so often changes their expressions from a passive and detached slumping existence to a bright-eyed, and eager anticipation when Evan comes into view!

In this photo Evan is wearing his policeman's uniform. He also owns a Policeman's uniform, a railway man's outfit (Gandy Dancer), Dr's outfit, fireman's outfit, a cowboy's outfit (less horse and guns), and a tuxedo. He's better dressed than I am. Wilson Kindred