Puzzled

I first saw Beth Ann Derkson perform live using her Maher ventriloquist figure, Rusty, at the Abbot's 1970 Get-Together. An excellent ventriloquist - the audience loved them. One would assume they would have a long career ahead, but she seemed to fade from the public eye soon thereafter. That has always puzzled me. Anyone know the answer?

On the straight and narrow?

Remember this gent? He now resides in Phoenix with an Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Arizona. As I build these characters I never know for sure what they're going to be doing when they "grow up" - that's one of the intriguing aspects of figure making. (Not totally unlike parenting. :-)

And now, a word from his new owner ...

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"Hello, Mr. Detweiler, Just a note to let you know that the old man figure arrived in great shape a couple of days ago. I think he is terrific! Such an expressive face!

"I've decided to turn him into an old cowboy figure (which works well here in Arizona). I have a child's cowboy costume with a little hat, vest, chaps, and will eventually get him some small cowboy boots. I am going to call him 'Shorty.' I will send you a picture when I get his outfit together.

"He will be making his debut around the middle of August at the churches I visit. In years past I've used a soft puppet which I got from Maher about 25 years ago, 'Dexter.' He has been a huge hit as I travel around and visit parishes. He normally comes out doing the announcement time and we do a kind of children's sermon in the form of a funny dialogue. I think the adults enjoy it as much or more than the kids.

"Again, thank you for your talents. I am proud to own a 'one of a kind' figure from you!

Kirk Smith

Ready again!

This is a Knee Pal "Comical Clyde" character from about 25 years ago. One of the favorites from that era which explains why his mold was one of the first to wear out and be discarded. Thus, the character was retired early. This fellow came in to me with a broken eyebrow string (left photo) and left my shop with new strings all around and a fresh paint job...ready for another 25 years of service with a smile!

"There'll be a change in me..."

This doll arrived at my shop door one gender and ethnicity, but at the request of the owner, left changed in both categories (see photo). "Boy, oh, howdy!" Quite attractive, actually.
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Now, this just in from the owner: I just received "Charleen" today, She is cute!! Thank you for the new clothing too. I would like her to have a southern accent, I know I purchased a Norwegian accent info from you once, I was wondering if you might have a southern accent course too?
Thanks so much, John
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The Accent Course referred to was provided by actor's accent coach and instructor, David Alan Stern, PhD. Mr. Stern does indeed, sell a Course on how to develop a Southern Accent for stage:
http://www.dialectaccentspecialists.com/store/

Buffy (Ada)

From Natalie Vickery PhD:

"Just seeing how Buffy is coming along. I have decided I am going to call her Ada, that's a good old east end of London name I am sure we are going to make a good team. Ada is in her late 40's, looks good for her age. Ada will be a working clairvoyant. We already have Albert, and Ada is Albert's close friend. We already have a lot of folk who are waiting for her first performance. I know she is going to go down like a treat. Kind Regards."

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From Clinton: While Ada has surprised me with her career choice, she has been completed (see photo) and seemed eager to be on her way. Her international flight Eastward departed a week ago. Albert may possibly be greeting Ada even as I write this!

Reader Comment on "Case for two"

Go with two separate cases, strapped together by a belt under the handles, and around the two cases. The belt can also serve as a carrying strap. Much more convenient, plus you have the advantage of both cases with a little extra space in each for added costumes or props. Go with it - it works well. That's from experience.

"Talking" Toilet?!

Here's one you won't find just anywhere! Odd, different, okay - a little crazy! Another one of a kind by Kevin Detweiler, owner of Animated Puppets .

Raising eyes and moving mouth. You can operate him from within a box so controls are concealed or out of the box so controls are in plain view, doesn't matter - he's a toilet. Sometimes he feels a little "flushed". Things get "backed up" in his life. Do you get "clogged" down with problems? This guy knows what you mean. Easy one hand operation, two controls, one for his mouth (index finger) and one for his eyes (thumb). Who left the lid up!? Great for all ventriloquists, beginner or pro! You'll find it offered on eBay auction: HERE Toilet Puppet

Case for two?

Question: I am wondering if there is a hard case available that will hold two hard figures? I had checked out the local stores as I was thinking of getting a regular suitcase on wheels, but I wasn't crazy about the idea of putting my investment into something that provided no protection! I know you currently carry 4 different sized cases, and I am curious if they will safely hold two figures?
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Answer: The cases I stock (See them here) are designed to hold one hard figure each. Now, if the figures were small, you might be able to pack two in the largest case. (I have not tried to do so.)I can provide you with a custom case of any size (you tell me the dimensions required), designed to hold two figures (with divider), but having done this in the past, I can tell you the cost will be about double that of a single stock size case. Since there is little or no cost savings, only you can decide if the benefits of a single larger custom case for two outweigh the benefits of two individual cases. (My vote has always been for the two separate cases - much easier to transport.)

Shay

From Natalie:

Hello, Clinton. I thought you may find this of interest. My Parents, they make porcelain dolls. Like yourself, they build from scratch and have done so for many many years.

Anyway, they made a doll about 10 years ago the approximate size of Buffy. And her name (model/mould name) is "Shay". I could not believe it when as I was working through the Maher Ventriloquist Course I came across the magical word 'Shay'. What a coincidence! Of all the names, and I have Shay sitting here with me now. I was amazed!

Clinton's Creations - Photo album

I have a new photo album page now that will features many of the novelty puppets I have built over the years. I think you will enjoy it. I know I'm enjoying the memories! A dozen or so characters are posted now with some background information about each puppet; several dozen more characters will follow over the next few weeks.

Click Here: Clinton's Creations

eBay Book Sale

Once again, I have a large selection of ventriloquist topic books listed for eBay auction (99 cent starting bid) over the weekend. Bargains galore! Check them out Here.

Comment "Comment"

I welcome reader comments to my posts. They add to the value and interest of this blog. However, please be patient when you make a comment because comments are sent to me for pre-approval. I learned early on that unmoderated comments could lead to potential undesirable posts. I'm a "family friendly" sort of guy, and this is a "family friendly" blog. :-)

Another Comment comment: Only rarely will I approve for posting a comment that contains a hyper-link, so please keep that in mind as you send your comments. Thank you.

Newsy Vents Archives

Reader Comment: As a daily reader of Newsy Vents it just pure fun to look back on all the history you gathered regarding our world of Ventriloquism. First let me thank you for the time you gave us to look at and enjoy what you posted and also be saddened by its loss to our eyes. If you can find away to bring some of it back it would mean a lot to us. N Jay
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Thank you for your support and encouraging comments. From time to time I have and will give readers a peek into the past archives. Clinton

Customer Comment: Thank you so much for Luke. We received him a couple of days ago. Preston, my son, has not put him down. In fact he took him to school today and put on a show for his class. Again, thank you so much. Heather Burke

Mr. D's Photo Album

This is a new project I'm working on and will be a long term project - a Mr. D's Photo Album. But I have one page up and ready for visitors. You'll find photos and comments about retired puppets that were sold by Maher Studios, all of which were created and handcrafted by our son, Kevin Detweiler. "Scrubby" (left) is one of the featured puppets. I would love to hear from any of you who use or have used, any of the unique creations seen on this page: Pg. 1 Mr. D's Photo Album - Kevin's Creations

Also, please take a look at Kevin's current site: http://www.animatedpuppets.blogspot.com/

New "Do"

From Fred Anderson:

A few years ago the hair on my Lovik figure was becoming matted (too much hair spray over the years), so I decided to replace it. The original wig was stapled in place making removal quite easy.


A local department store was having a sale on ladies 'real hair' wigs so I purchased the 'small' size which fitted perfectly. A few carefully placed staples and a trip to the local hairdresser, and the job was done. And he sat patiently in the chair.


The cost of the haircut? Just a copy of the picture to hang in the store to prove, 'some of her customers are real dummies'.

Ventriloquist Walter Huntley retires

Ventriloquist to the troops hangs up his dummy after 70 years.

By Terri Judd

Seven decades after they first took to the stage, the soldier-turned-ventriloquist Walter Huntley and his dummy "Gunner Turner" were the stars of the show for one last time yesterday. Surrounded by curious children and autograph-hunters, the pair basked in the glory of an act that began in the Blitz.

Read the full story here

Squawk!

Yesterday I brought you a picture of Kevin's parrot puppet, made from a mechanical commercial puppet with the mechanics were removed. Today I bring you a picture of my own original parrot under construction. "Made from scratch." In spite of what you see in the picture, it is almost completed. Turning head, open & close beak, blinking eyes, and flapping wings. At the moment he waits with very little complaint in a pile of pieces while I attend to more pressing matters.

Parrot Puppet

You may remembers the Parrot I pictured several weeks ago that Kevin was going to turn into a vent puppet with intention to sell on eBay. Well, it was finished as a puppet, alright. With several animations including lifting wigs. But it never made it to eBay - it sold to a reader of this blog who made the purchase even before the puppet was finished! The pictures you see here are of the finished puppet. Since it is the "one-and-only", I guess the sign it hold is most appropriate!

News From Animated Puppets

Kevin calls it a "Side by Side" stand that allows you to walk around freely as you perform with your vent pal. Not a new idea, of course - DeMar's "Hip Stand" is legendary. "Side By Side" is a unique variation of similar idea. You can get more details on Kevin's blog:

http://www.animatedpuppets.blogspot.com/