Visit a retirement home you have to see to believe!

From Jennifer Dawson
Curator, Vent Haven Museum

Last summer Vent Haven Museum was visited by a producer for  KET’s (Kentucky Educational Television) Bluegrass and Backroads television show.  They spotlight interesting places and people  in Kentucky that make it  special.  The crew shot here for a few hours and the result is an almost 8 minute segment about the museum which  is airing this week on KET channels throughout the state.  While I know most of you aren’t able to view it on television, you are able to see the segment online if you would like.  Their site is: http://www.bluegrassandbackroads.com/
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From Mr. D:  Be certain to check out this piece.  It is excellent, informative and most enjoyable.

Tips on writing funny material

By Lee Cornell

First, I think you really have to have some sort of a sense of humor, or a "funny bone" to be funny in your comedy.

2) You can purchase some pre-written comedy vent routines and the key here is to alter the routines to fit your personality and THE CHARACTER of the puppet.

3) There are also lots of comedy writers out there who you can hire to write custom routines for you. Be careful, though. Since these writers won't know you, your act, your personality, or the character of the puppets you are using, they may not write something that fits you and you'll end up with a routine that may be funny if the person who wrote it performed it, but not work for you.

4) If you are writing your own comedy and/or blending your own writings with jokes from other sources (joke books, the Internet, whatever) you want to have a "theme" in mind for the routine. There has to be a common thread to the various parts of the routine. And find a re-occurring call back hook/comment/bit you can return to from time to time during the act.
5) Use only material that sounds funny to you.

5) Good jokes have a set up and a "punch." The trick is to take the audience down a certain path with the set up (where they think they know where you are going with the joke) and then POW! go a different direction and catch them off guard with the punch.

7) Try to write from personal experiences.  People love personal experience comedy. It easy for an audience to laugh at things that probably may even have happened to them or someone they know.

8) Look at news stories and find topical subjects that you can put the setup/punch spin on.

Writing GOOD comedy is not easy. Anyone can string a bunch of corny jokes together and write a lame routine. Really push yourself to be unique in your comedy and work hard on crafting a truly funny routine.
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These excerpts were taken from Lee's blog post answers to the question, "How do I write funny material?" You can read his entire post here:  http://ventips.blogspot.com/

Jerry Keychains

From Tom Ladshaw

Saw your blog this morning featuring Fred Anderson's post.  I'm attaching a photo of some of my Jerry keychains along with some variants.

 

        The authorized Jerry keychains were produced in several different versions..."plain" - with red flocked hair - with brownish flocked hair.  For years I assumed that the ones with the brown flocked hair had simply darkened with time.  Several years ago, I found a wholesale toy catalog with the Jerry keychains listed. I don't have it right at hand or would send a copy of the page.  The keychains were sold two different ways. You could order them in "loose bulk" (for insertion in gum machine capsules, etc.) or carded.  The flocked head keychains were only available carded.  The carded keychains were sold in "assortments"....plain, brown hair, red hair.

 

        Gressett Novelty Company manufactured the Jerry heads.  On the back of the neck, the keychain has: Paul Winchell's Jerry Mahoney.

 

        Clearly the Archie Andrews keychains are from a nearly identical mold.  I suspect they were fully authorized by Winchell.... Peter Brough was too upstanding of a businessman to allow someone to pirate toys in his name.  The back of the Archie keychain has: "Archie" Palitoy - Made in England. Palitoy was a major British toy manufacturer of the time and, in fact, was one of the very first British companies post-war that went into manufacturing goods from plastic.

 

        In the photo are several different versions of the keychains from my collection. Interestingly enough, some of the Jerry cards don't have the "How to Be a Ventriloquist" instructions on the back, though most do.  The Archie card has instructions on the reverse.

 

        Notice the odd version with the hat.  That one was made in Mexico and the spring to operate it is on the outside of the head!  The "dark" version needs a good polish...it's actually cast from Sterling Silver and was one of an extremely limited number (only 12, I think)!  It works exactly like its plastic counterpart, though with the price of silver today, it's worth far more!

Mini-Figure Question:

From Fred Anderson:

In 1950 as a boy growing up in Troon, Scotland, I purchased a dummy key chain head with moving eyes and mouth. At the time it was being promoted as an Archie Andrews replica (dummy of Peter Brough in England.).  It was made by 'Palitoy' in England.

Jump ahead some years and across the Atlantic. This same head is shown in the Paul Winchell tribute on Youtube, (part 2 @ 14:25), and was being promoted as a Jerry Mahoney key chain.

Was it originally an Archie, or was it a Jerry ? Or was it just a cute
little dummy head with moving parts that could become any character the
purchaser decided? For example, if it had a top hat and monocle, could it not be a Charlie ?

Any comments?

Performance and Instruction

90 minute VHS by the master, Col. Bill Boley. 

Part 1 - Enjoy six fun-filled performances.  Bill's vent figures seen include Freddy, Aunt Fanny, Willie, Jose the Crow, Timex the dog, and two humans.

Part 2 - Detailed lessons.  How to be a ventriloquist.  Novelty vent puppets.  How your puppet sings as you drink.  How to combine ventriloquism and magic.  How to Create a Distant Voice.

I have one copy, for auction now:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260967593888

GRAPEVINE NEWS for sale

I have a very small collection of 5 misc. rare issues of the Grapevine News for sale.  This quality newsletter of the day (1940s) was the official publication of the IBV (International Brotherhood of Ventriloquists).  I've listed the specific issues with their photo on my eBay listing.  As a result of a renaming contest, the publication was issued as "Grapevine News" for only a short period.  It is better remembered by the name that followed,"The Oracle".    More details here:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260966802288

Here are a couple interesting photos from the pages of 1948 Grapevine News:

Spain's professional ventriloquist,
Senior Eugenio Balder (Balderrain) "dancing" with
the very true to life, Dona Canerias

Group photo taken at Bournemouth (UK) during the 1948 I.B.M.
Convention.  Unfortunately, no names were attached to the photo.

VHS movie CHARLIE McCARTHY DETECTIVE

When a murder is committed, Edgar Bergen, with questionable "help" from Charlie, manages to solve the case in an entertaining manner! Mortimer adds his unique wisdom, too.   70 minutes, B/W.    (Movie released 1939 - I do not have the date this video was produced).  VHS Video For sale:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290676554009

Blind ventriloquist retires

Blind Japanese ventriloquist Masami Sasaki, 70, recently gave the last performance of his career here, after 23 years of entertaining and encouraging many young children, elderly people and more recently survivors of the March 11 disaster.

Sasaki created tragicomic original pieces meant to convey affection to children, give courage to the handicapped and encourage elderly people to live. He soon became popular and accepted many offers to perform at day care centers and elderly care facilities nationwide.

"Through performing ventriloquism, I met many people. I was very encouraged by them and learned the importance of living strongly from them," said Sasaki in tears. "I was full of anguish when I lost my eyesight but I overcame the feeling, so I hope disaster survivors have learned something from me."

Read the full story:  http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20120225-330078.html

Change of plans

I know I wrote earlier that I would be listing the eight vintage Vol. 2 (1938-39) DOUBLE TALK ventriloquist newsletters for sale individually.   I'm thinking now it may have been wiser to have offered them for sale as a set since I have the complete set in hand.  But - it's too late to retract the three already listed for eBay auctions - I never do that once bids have been made.

So I'm going to hold off listing any of the remaining five issues (pictured below).   I'm going to wait to see if the same individual places winning the bids on all three of the Vol. 2 DOUBLETALK issues currently listed, and if so,  I'll send that person the other five issues no charge, so the set of 8 remains complete.

Ventriloquists pictured on the covers, clockwise, beginning with the upper left

The Great Jaxon, Paul Stadelman, Dorothy Jenkins,

Jeanne Windsor, and Ralph De Shong.

"Who goes there?"

A few days ago I read this post on the Worldvent list:

"We are looking for Ventriloquist Dummies,damaged dolls, Parts of any kinds (heads, arms, legs, etc.) and, and Scary, creepy, anything. Any age, any condition. We are a non profit 501c3 month long event, Idyllwild's Haunted Ghost Town, raising funds for Educational Programs, and Ida Wild (one of our best scenes) has a room full of these. Do you have anything, or know where we can find them? We are extremely low budget.   Idyllwild's Haunted Ghost Town, Idyllwild (CA) PTA."

Sounds a bit like a description of my shop if visited in the twilight!  (Photo taken 2/20/12)

Jack Coats figure for sale

 Hopefully this won't offend my figuremaker friends, but I've always said if I had to pick a personal favorite figure maker, it would be Jack Coats. 

Jack was one of the first figuremakers I met in person and we talked frequently by phone over a period of several years up until his untimely passing in 1973.  In talking with Mark Wade earlier this week, Mark mentioned he was going to sell his Jack Coats figure, so I asked him to send me these pictures to post, giving blog readers an advance heads up, should there be a reader looking to purchase one of the rare Jack Coats carved figures.

This figure was made in 1972.  Mark used this figure called "Rudy" in the late 70's /early 80's, and also used him in the DVD "Successful Ventriloquism" for Maher Studios.  He was called "Jack" (after
his creator) in the film.  He has the original paint job on both head and
hands and has moving eyes and a hand shaker. 

For more information, contact Mark directly: markwade@kidshowvent.com

"Simplified Method" of writing dialogues?

The ventriloquist pictured on the cover of this issue of DOUBLE TALK is George W. Tizzard of Brooklyn NY.  According to the writer, Mr. Tizzard was "a monologist and a funny story teller for thirty years, who...after meeting W. S. Berger and receiving pointers on ventriloquism...is now doing very well with his offerings in and around Brooklyn."

And then the writer, who I assume was Revello Petee, continued, "After witnessing many ventriloquial acts and noting the lip movement of the ventriloquist when the figure was supposed to be talking, Mr. Tizzard started experimenting with dialogues to remove the cause of lip movement, and his 'Simplified Method' of writing dialogues was the outcome.  This 'Simplified Method' is the omission of all Bs Ps and Ms, thereby removing all cause of lip movement."

I did see an ad for 16 of Tizzard's Dialogues, written using his 'Simplified Method', in the following issue of Double Talk.  (I wish I could read a few of them).  Quite a different method than that used by today's better ventriloquists who purposely add words containing labials to raise the degree of difficulty in their dialogues!

I should mention this issue of DOUBLELAK (listed on eBay now) contains one of the most popular of routines written by Tommy Windsor: The Shutter Salesman.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260963972448

Purple perfect...

From William "Bill" Warren

I have a beautiful Purple looking puppet (see pic)that I picked up from a lady that couldn't find a voice or a character for....I'm going to use him in a really funny but point making Puppet Ministry skit that I'm putting together.   It's a message about communicating with our Creator.

Shop Talk



#267 - 34"



#266 - 38"



Figures recently completed, now in stock and for sale:

Click Here.

Hoosier Sweetness

 From Bob Abdou, Mr. Puppet

Moving to a different state may have it's pitfalls but when a special gig comes a knock'n because of my new location, it's sweet!!  Such is the case with The Heartland Singers in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Both shows were a success and they hired me again for 2013 before I left the building!!

After that great concert gig in Ft Wayne I had a senior show in
Lebanon, Indiana, just NW of indianapolis.   Met up with vents David Pendleton and
Fred Church to cap off a great trip.

Mark Wade Writes

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT A MUST FOR VENTS
I am an avid reader, a purveyor of book stores, a person who is always looking for the latest book on marketing, performing, jokes, whatever.  I have found that often what I am reading at the time makes good copy for my blog articles, and that's the stuff this one is made from.

I know one of the areas we, as entertainers, overlook is stagecraft.  I recently found a book on the subject written by a guy that was a personal stagecraft trainer.  He worked with people to make them more comfortable on stage, and in giving presentations.  The tips were great and I want to share a few with you.

•  Eye contact with your audience:  it is more than occasionally looking out at the crowd to make sure they are still with you.  This fellow recommends that instead of scanning the audience you give them eyeball to eyeball contact and establish a one-to-one intimacy.  Don't sweep the audience look a bit to the right, a bit to the center, and a bit to the left..but always with eye contact to the audience.

• Be Conversational with your audience:  you want your audience to feel as if you are standing in their living room having a conversation with them.  As the author points out, "be human".

• Develop "Stage Energy":  Learn how to psych yourself up before you go on stage to entertain or speak.  Be mentally alert and prepared and tell yourself good, confident things.  Let the electricity flow through your body.

This book called "The How To Of Great Speaking" by Hal Persons is one of the best books I have found.  I think it may be out of print..I found my copy in a second hand book store, but you might want to check on line.

Don't overlook the importance of EVERY aspect of performing if you are going to be your personal best!

You can contact me at: markwade@kidshowvent.com

Vol 2 No. 2, Arthur L. Dauer, Cover

The ventriloquist featured on the cover of this 1938 DOUBLE TALK newsletter, Arthur Dauer, was employed in law enforcement, performing ventriloquism as a profitable side line.  His home was Bradford PA at the time oif this publicaton. 

Here's a tip for remembering your lines from Freddie Lambert's article on page 12:  "For some of you voice tossers who forget your lines.  Get a two inch (wide) piece of adhesive tape, cut (a piece) about three to four inches long.  Write your ques on it and stick it on the palm of the left hand.  It is not seen and is much better than having a small card or slip of paper on the back of the dummy."

I listed the titles of all articles contained in this issue on the eBay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260962176987

Anniversary Issue

This first anniversary issue of DOUBLE TALK ventriloquist newsletter (Oct or Nov 1938) contained some interesting comments by George McAthy:

"Well, I guess now even the skeptics will agree that DOUBLE TALK is here to stay...the last two to three issues of D.T. have been late, but through no fault of Revello's (Petee).  Due to warehouse strikes, he was unable to get paper and stencils for the Mimeograph machine.  He had to beg borrow and darn near steal to get out the Oct. issue.  He even traveled many miles to other towns to rustle up supplies.  Not many people would have gone to all that trouble, but Revello wasn't going to miss an issue at any cost.  If we want D.T. to build into the best little magazine going we will ALL have to do our part.  If we don't look after the art of Ventriloquism, nobody else will."

It's never been easy to keep a specialty newsletter in print for any length of time.  Revello Petee tried, but little did McAthy know when he wrote the above words for that first anniversary issue that the second year would be the final year of DOUBLE TALK  publication.  I will be listing most of those final year two issues for sale on eBay over the next week or so, beginning with this one.  Vol. 2 No. 1 1938.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260961633752

Update...

Dr. Greg Pierce

I'm long overdue in saying thanks to you.  About 1982 or so I was traveling to Montana to preach a revival.  I was laid over in Denver for a day so my wife and I rented a car and drove to Maher Studio.  I think it was you who took time to walk us through your shop.  I took in as much as I could and when I returned to my church in Georgia I began experimenting with making composition figures (plastic wood).

I later became a missionary in Alaska and had a vent figure shop in my garage and made a dozen or so figures.  After 7 years I left Alaska and had to give my "children" away.  Now I've started making figures again using cast heads.  These make heirloom birthday presents for my grandchildren now...better than computer games.

Since Alaska I've been serving as a Southern Baptist director of missions, so far in three states, Virginia, Georgia and presently Arkansas...and still playing with dolls.

Thanks again, this unusual hobby all started with you taking time for me well over 20 years ago.

PS;  I still have my old expired NAAV certificate displayed on my office wall along with 3 Doctorates.  It makes interesting conversation.

Dr. Greg Pierce

Director of Missions

SE Arkansas

Requesting your vote

From Tom Crowl

 

I'm hoping you will help me out!  I have entered a video contest with 15 professional performers.  On March 30, the video with the most views on Youtube "wins" bragging rights.  Its the competitive nature in me that wants to get this out there.

 

The video is at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhy6hUudNtI

and runs all of 32 seconds - it features Dangerous Duck doing a cooking segment. 

 

If you get a chance and want to watch, I'd appreciate it!    

Tom Crowl