5th Year January 5, 1976 Number 1 Killer

After pleading guilty to terquarters of the Fisher Bros. two counts of murder and waiving . Emma's husband, Raymond, all rights to an appeal, Dennis is an advanceman and booker for Wright was sentenced on Dec. 19 the circus. to two life terms, running con- Shortly after the sentenc- currently. He will serve the sen' ing a police official reported tence at the Huntsville, Texas that Wright could be eligible prison. for a parole in 20 years. The 32 year old Wright shot and killed both Emma Duke and COMIK Janice Ruth Radcliff during a Highlights of the Ringling robbery of their home on the Barnum Circus will be telecast night of Sept. 7th. Both victims on Feb. 18 (NBC-TV) with Johnny lived at the Donna, Texas, win- Cash as the host.

A VAILABLE FOR LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS

HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTS Contact JUDY JACOBS KAYE Suite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood, California • 90028 Area Code 213 • 462-6001 Page 2 The Circus Report

RUTH and HENRY DUNCKLEE Original Music available for Cir. report they had a very successful cuses and shows - written by an season in 75 with their show. experienced song writer and a member of ASCAP. VIRGINIA FENTON had an ac- cident near Denver (Colo) last Marches, waltzes, specialty num- month which totaled her truck. bers. Two beautiful Bi-Centenn- She escaped uninjured. ial songs "200 Years of Liberty" and "America Forever Free." DEL GRAHAM and his All Gal Flying act have moved to the Tapes sent on request. Write? Cave Junction (Ore.) area. TAGGART ENTERPRISES PAULETTE BRAUN and RON PER- 1602 National Ave RY were with a Christinas unit of Rockford. 111. — 61103 John Strong's show. They present- ed both wire and baton numbers. WINNIE McKAY has a new An exciting and well attend- portable rigging unit for her ed Christmas show was produced aerial number. by John Strong for a Holloway Production engagement at Vancou- Magic ver,BC on Dec. 20th. About the middle of last Acts on the show were: month Kramien's Magic-Capades made a short trip into Northern Peter Ralston - TV star and MC California for a few sponsored Robbie Googal - unicycle/juggler dates. The show is a full magic John Murdock - stomach whistler program with numerous illusions Don Brien - ventriloquist and specialty magic and includes Don Arthur - magic/illusions a company of seven people. Don George - marionettes 30 piece Scotch band The show program featuredi Kramien & Co. - magic/illusions THE CIRCUS REPORT is published Los Latinos - tightwire each Monday by Don Marcks, 525 rogo, the - chicken cannon Oak St., El Cerrito, Cal. 94530 Stu Scott - vent SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $12.00 for a HISTORICAL FACT year; $6.00 for six months. Sands & Astley's Circus,of ADVERTISING RATES: Minimum ad 1895, was playing in Oklahoma $2.50; Quarter Page $5.00; Half that October, using 2 coaches, Page $10.00; Full Page $20.00 3 box cars, 3 stock cars and 5 flat cars. January 5, 1976 Page 3 KiNtr u. iis 11 ciristus circis .... by NORMAN WILBERT Although the Wisconsin winters prevent some of the more famous from visiting this area during the winter months, the Kohler Co.'s annual Children's Christ- mas Party (Dec, 13) was truly an exception. The children of Kohler employees were treated to some fine circus acts at the beautiful Kohler Memorial Theatre, which seats 1,200 people. Four perfor- mances during the morning and lighted the children and answer- afternoon drew straw houses, ed their questions. Joe's train- with a total of 5000 in atten- ed elephant "Donna" added cake dance. to the frosting and the kiddies howled with delight. Santa Claus was also in town with his Elves and so was the It was a gala circus treat famous clown Percy Rademacher, for all concerned. The Christma of Hagenbeck-Wallace fame. Mel Party was sponsored by the Koh- Hummitzsch and his well-known ler Co. (in business since 1873b who manufacture plumbing fix- band provided the tures, light plants and pottery background music for the acts. fixtures. They employ some Six exciting acts thrilled 6,000 people. the kiddies and parents this year, and included: The Claytons - acrobats, eason § hand balancing and whip and rope acts, from St8 Louis (Mo.) They've been on the Ed Sulli- van Show and numerous circuses and sport shows„ to All Our Friends The well-known Carmen Del Also Molino on the high wire and web Polack Bros., Clyde Bros., TNT & act. The talented Carmen and Royal Olympic, and the Howard W. vivacous crowd pleaser also com- Schultz Agency for a fine season bined with her husband to pre- from sent four black bears in some unusual routines. BILL BRICKLE and JOHN MEYERS Joe Frisco and his amazing Brickie's Poodle lantasij "Black Jack" a trained pony de- Page 4 The Circus Report Santa r urn ." An indoor circus PHIL BONTA died of a heart ^billed as "Santa's attack on Dec. 8th. He and his r; Christmas Show" per-wife Bonnie appeared with King formed at Redlands (CaD Bros. Circus last year. on Dec. 19th, in the JENNIE M. FELD (89) mother of University Chapel. The Irvin Feld, of Ringling-Barnum, show, presented before and grand mother of Kenneth Feld anthusiastic audiences RBBB executive vice president ran about two hours and featured and co-producer, died at Wash- Big John Strong as . ington, DC on Dec. 12 after suf- Included in the show were: fering a cerebral hemorrhage. , acrobats, artist, Born in Hungary, she came to tht jugglers, trained white German U.S. at the age of 16 and lived shepherd dogs, wire walker, a in Washington, DC for 35 years. magician and illusionist and old JESSE H. GOOCH (85) retired Santa himself. show trouper, died in early Dec. University officials refus- in Oklahoma. She and her late ed to allow the performing ele- husband had rep shows and they phant, trained camels, llamas, brought the first movies to Ok- ponies and Texas mules to work lahoma. Survivors include two inside the chapel. As a result grand-children, Jack Bennett,a chey were presented in front of circus man and Jody Miller, a the chapel at the conslusion of country-western singer. the indoor program. LOU WALTON died on Nov. 6 J ohn Lenker after a long illness. He was bur* ied at Showman's Rest in Hugo, SHOW ACTS Oklahoma. Acts seen working at the Old Chicago Mall on Jan. 1st includ- WANTED ed: Saul Shafton, The Crazy Sai- Family acts to tour with show on lors, Mr. Bell, Loreli, Arturo Capell Bros. Shows & Circus.Show Segura, The Burketts, The Walteis opens Jan. 28th for 36 weeks. Johnny Luxem, Mario Alberti, The Contact: Kellys, Antonucci's chimps, Cleo, Veno Venito, Miss Cheri, Arwood'j IVAN HENRY dogs, Ms. April, Stagg McMann, P. 0. Box 1175 Coleman's puppets, Ken Benge and Coolidge, Ariz. - 85228 Tony & Chris. January 5. 1975 Page 5 by BILLY BARTON

Happy New Year and a Yankee Doodle Dandy 1976! This is the Year of the Circus Super-Star Hero! JIMMY CAVARETTA has the cen- terfold spread in Playgirl which is causing shock waves and, look out, World, here comes BEN WILLIAMS, the most electrifying new Talent to thunderbolt the circus scene in years! This dashing young giant thrills the arena with verve and excitement in a bra- vura performance with an elephant, leopard and . The first social event of Ringling) GEE GEE ENGESSER magnitude in Sarasota was the has her Cossack Elephants at Showfolks Circus (at Robarts REX WILLIAMS', who has 10 bulls Arena Dec. 6), the second was there, some of which he is the DUBSKY bash on Dec. 19. The training for zoos. Gee Gee's Dubskys, who have their own cir- son, Billy, is now a promoter cus now, made a special journey for Ringling. from New Jersey for one day to see an Aunt and Uncle, newly ar- CORONAS, currently in Carac- rived from Hungary, whom they cas, return to the newly revamp- hadn't see in 25 years. ed Circus World when it opens in March, and TREVOR BALE is Performers donate their ser- training animals for that Event. vices to the Showfolks Circus JOHNNY HERRIOT, who waxes en- which is part of a charitable thusiastic about this column in program of activities including particular and CR in general, is two scholarships a year. KARL also in Caraccas working the Hox- WALLENDA, who produced the show, ie bulls. He has trained a new collected over $3,500 by person- pony drill for Hoxie as well.... ally knocking on doors! THE QUASSARS (Bill & Trudy)start TAJANA's cage act will be their season at Saginaw FLY- seen on MIKE DOUGLAS the week oi ING MEDALLIONS to Polack....JOR- Jan. 12th. JACKIE GLEASON went DANAS added bubbles and blue into the cage with her. BERTINI- lights to their aerial act - bea- MASCITTO wedding takes place to- utiful! day (Jan. 5) and CLAUDE REVLON's SANDY ZOPPE broke her foot - daughter Janet marries a police- falling over her own shoes! HER- man Thursday (Jan. 8) Mad- BIE BENSON, last of the Keystone cap CARLA WALLENDA, I am happy Kops, visited with Dame KATE to report is STILL a Madcap! ... HANNEFORD on a recent Mike Doug- BARBARA WOODCOCK, lovely as ever las taping JOHN HALL spent with DON FOOTE in tow (he makes three weeks in Europe, visited all those marvelous costumes for (Continued on Page 14) PaRe 6 The Circus Report lack, James Rison - promotions The program will feature: Circus Overture - Russell Darr The first performances of Tarzan Zerbini - wild animals the 1976 season for Polack Bros. The Young Troupe, The Fredy Circus will take place at the Troupe, The Teddy Troupe - IMA Auditorium in Flint, Mich., aerial display where the show plays Jan. 17-25. George and his Phunny Ford The program features a Bi-centen' Miss Sandra Fullbright - ponies nial cover and center spread by Circus Aerial Lovelies - ballet artist George DaDeppo. He has al- The Clowns so made up a new coloring book Sebastian's Poodles and other material for the show. Miss Young, Miss Francesca and The 1.976 show staff indides Mile. Tibi - single trapeze Tom and Pom Pom - elephants Louis P. Stern - Mgr/Dir.-Ex.Pro — Intermission — Sam T. Polack - general agent The Clowns Parley Baer - publicity/ringmstr The Flying Medallions Opal M. Paige - auditor Willy Lenz - performing chimps Arthur Barrett - concessions The Villams - Viola Macleod - office secretary The Fullbrights - Dressage Robert Hynds - superintendent The Clowns Henry F. Barrett, Kris Krendel, The Canestrellis - Joseph O'Donnell, Sam T. Po- The Resell Troupe - high wire Fall Kills Performer Buys Animals French highwire performer The racing animals and pet- Eugene Alexandre Bugler, who won ting zoo that made the late Gene international publicity when he rlolter famous were recently pur- walked a wire across Niagara chased by Jonny Rivers, of Cam- Falls a tew years ago, fell to denton, Mo. Both the zoo and ani- his death while performing at mals will be toured this year by Portoscuso, Sardinia, on Dec.19. Bill Cody Rivers and his wife, Margene. A crowd of some 1,000 was watching the highwire artist as The camels, ostriches,dogs. he performed in an open air show chimps and other movieland ani- when he suddenly lost his bal- mals, along with Jonny Rivers ance and plunged 100 feet to the Diving Mules, will be offered on ground. Officials report he was a separate basis or as a package killed instantly. by the Rivers Enterprises. January 5, 1975 Page 7 $35 Million for Park A recent report that Mattel, Inc., has allocated $3.5 mil- lion for remodeling work at Circus World Park in Florida should dispell any doubts about the park's reopening in April. The re- vamped park will offer a live theatre, plus do-it-yourself circus numbers, under the guidance of expert teachers. Circus World's new manager Michael Downs, came to the Mat- Eyes tel operation from Nashville's Plans for the operation of Operyland USA. He admits that a promotional circus were recent- the park was never a major nor a ly announced by Charles Gerraaine successful venture, but promises of Hedford, Ore« The announce- everything will be different ment followed completion of ne- starting in April. "We're play- gotiations vith Cliff VargasP of ing a fast game of catch-up Circus Vargas, who had purchased ball," he says. the Miller-Johnson Circus from Veteran circus performer Germaine in 1972, That show was Victor Gaona has been appointed later renamed Circus Vargas, head teacher for the audience Germaine has continued to participation circus. There'll be active in the promotional be a variety of events that vis- field through his California En- itors can participate in such as tertainment Enterprises^ Inc. He trapeze work, trampoline and on has booked and scheduled name down to petting the elephants. stars for a variety of shows and According to Downs, a plans to continue this work crowd of 2,000 was a big day for Circus World in the past, but NOW / after its second debut in April "our peak days will mean some Elephant act available for entire 7,000 people." season of 1976. Two young ele- phants that do more than any fi\e In the meantime 150 work- act in the country today. ers are preparing Circus World for its April opening. In Feb- YOU KNOW OUR REPUTATION ruary an additional 50 men will Contact be added to the crew to assure that the park reopens and is MAC MacDONALD back in business. 13645 I. H. 35 North San Antonio*. Texas - 78233 Phone i (512) 655-0457 Page 8 The Circus Report

American Freedom Train Word received by this re- Jan. 6-11 Anaheim, Calif. porter is that the Oscarian Bros Circus may not go on the road in Circus Vargas 76 as planned. The problem is Jan. 3-7 Alameda, Calif. finances, they say. 8-12 Fremont Do Do, the Clown, has been Patterson Bros. Circus contracted for the *76 season by Jan. 10 Battle Creek, Mich the La. Purchase Gardens & Zoo 11 Kalamazoo in Monroe. During Christmas-time Ringling-Barnum - Blue Unit Do Do switched to play Santa. Jan. 2-4 Venice, Fla. A new wild west show is ad- 6-11 St. Petersburg vertising plans for the coming Soviet Circus season and will feature Tex May- Jan. 6-11 New Haven, Conn. nard, Jr. John Strong Circus Among the circuses not lis- Jan. 10 Simi, Calif. ted in the current Cavalcade of Acts & Attractions are Rudy Br., TV DATE and Fisher Bros. "The Killer Clown" a Street? The Flying Terell's - 3 gals of San Francisco TV Show will be and a fellow were recently fea- aired on ABC-TV Jan. 29th. The tured on Howard Coswell's TV show features production numbers show. Mrs. Terell is featured as from the USA National Circus and the only woman performing the many individual performers inclu- triple somersault. ding Luanne Jacobs, trapeze; Uni- The Circus Committee for que McPeak, high wire; Ironberg's the 1976 CFA Convention in Dal- Pony Parade and the circus ele- las has been picked by Dr. Wm. phants under the direction of Hooper, chairman. I'm proud to Pauncho Magana. report this reporter has been Featured actors in the show asked to serve on the committee. include Parley Baer and Will Thanks Bill! Hutchins, portraying a ringmas- A unique Christmas card ter and clown. sent out by John Kunzog has San- Simone Finner of the USA ta, a circus tent and clown Dan National Circus is the circus Rice - it's a real collector's producer for the TV show. item* M. L. Dupont . January 5, 1975 Page 9 Bros. Drews Approximately 60Z of Garden Bros, dates for this year will be sponsored by Shrine Clubs in both the U.S. and Canada. The show is expected to open at Allentown (Pa.) on March 5th and will be out for at least 27 weeks. A second unit is planned for parts of May and June, with two full units working in 1977. This year's program will be almost completely new and wil] Acts featured as a part of include: the Billy Smart's Christmas Cir- Manuel Ruffin - lions cus, shown on a TV special the Merle Cook - comedy car evening of Dec. 26th included: Remo Cristiani - elephants Walter Galetti - comedy wire Tino Zoppe - high wire Wilson Smart - elephants (10) Miss Clga - single trapeze Coudoux Bros. - contortionists Les Robertsons •- /juggle Baron Leoni's high wire troupe Klara Bertini - wire/unicycle The Sallay Troupe - rolling gibe Roy Huston - illusions The show staff includes! CHESTER SHERMAN, clown,has Treva Bachand - contract, agent completely recovered from his Ray T. Foley - road manager recent eye operation. He worked Ron Morris - concessions/press "Breakfast with Santa" at the Frank Dailey - boss prop man Shelleto's Dept. Store in Cin- Leo Mascitto - musical director cinnati (Ohio) last month for In Mrmoriarri'-T1 the 5th year. MEL LARSEN, public relaths JOSEPH WILLIAMS (63) a cir- director for Circus Circus Ca- cus buff and historian, died at sion (Las Vegas) was recently Evansville, Ind. on Nov. 29th. named Vice President of Market- Survivors include his son, a ing for the Hotel-Casino. brother and sister.

A PROSPERS ,3/5 a® UL My Friends and Enemies HERBIE WEBER & CO. Page 10 The Circus Report

V: C P A proposed opening of April 3 Arabian geldings; liberty act 1st has been announced for the matched dapple greys - have just all new Hoxie's Great American come off the road. Circus, which will be the second unit operated by Hoxie Tucker in More look alikes available 1976. The show is expected to be BERTHA M. KAUFHOLD on the road about 28 weeks, cov- Santa Rosa, Calif. ering the southern and eastern Phonei (707) 542-3538 states. also be red, white and blue. The new circus will travel The side show will feature on about 12 trucks, all will be a variety of caged animals as painted red, white and blue in well as several lead stock ani- keeping with the show's theme. mals. The show's band will be The new top, 80 ft x 160 ft, will directed by Charles Moyer.

* * HAPPY NEW YEAR * * ANNUAL * *

ANIMAL & VARIETY ACTS WANTED

"BIO TIME" ACTS

- DEPENDABLE ONLY -

SEND PHOTOS AND DESCRIBE

NO PHONE CALLS * 3925 MACKINAW ST. SAG/NAW, M/CH. "R* ********* January 5, 1975 Page 11 you lake ;i look by KAYE SCHEIMAN The "Show Time Follies" produced by Garden Int'l Circus, played Mishawaka, Ind., on Nov. 30th for a matinee performance only. Music for the show was provided by Coco's Musical Comix with Byron on organ, sax and guitar; Bruce on guitar and Jim on the drums. The program included: Added Notes Overture and Introductions Bernie "Ko Ko" Kallman of Band - I Believe in Music the Clyde Beatty Circus, is with Clowns - one hand stand Jimmy Harrington's Circo Ameri- Band - country-western medley ca in Venezuela. Martin Lamberti - juggling Mike Naughton's "Santa Clowns - the funnel gag Glaus Magic Circus" played two Johnny Laddie & Co. - unsp.lad performances for audiences of Clowns - long tall glasses 500 each at the Bergdorf Goodman — Intermission — store in White Plains (N.Y.).Pat Martin Lamberti - balancing Bissonette played Santa Clowns - the ballet Coco - rope trick Don "Sparky" Washburn is in Band - Color My World Texas getting ready for Don Zoppe's Rhesus Monkey Revue Francisco's Pan American Circus, Band - Allmon Bros, medley opening in February. Clowns - stilt walking The Fearless Bauers recent- Visitors seen at the show ly appeared on the Mike Douglas included Gerry and Kaye Scheiman, TV Show. the Holloways and Bob Fancil. CFA's Felix Adler Tent cele- brated their annual Christmas ease //ote/ Party on Dec. 14th and all had a It has been impossible to marvelous day. answer all the mail and Christ- The Beatty-Cole Circus will mas cards that have been receiv- not open in the Long Island ed and we hope you will under- Arena (Commack, N.Y.) instead stand. We appreciate your kind the Royal Hanneford Circus will thoughts and good wishes and play there. hope 1976 will be good for you. Bobby Kaye with the RBBB's Red Unit for a few weeks, to see that the new clowns work out. .'. .. Mike Naughtin The Circus Report

>* 0 • •••* • • • * •r *• • •

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Diving Dogs- Ponies-Monkeys •(r-fr-tr Also The Jonny Rivers Grandstand Show A Complete 6 Acts 75 Minutes Show

Ask about Petting Zoo

Jonny Rivers Golden Horse Ranch Camdenton. Missouri Phone 314/346-5410 January 5, 1975 Page 13 !ma$ Party The annual Christmas party The 1976 tour has already and show for members of the Car- gotten underway for Big John penter's Union and their famil- Strong who reports he is current- ies, at Sacramento (Calif.) was ly playing dates in the Los Ang- held in the local Masonic Hall eles area. Because of a blowdown on Dec. 19th. Acts werei last year the show will move in- to Siroi on Wednesday (Jan. 10) The Wai-Tims - risley to replay that date. Linda Phillips - vent Last year's tour ended on Mr. Tim - magic an upswing after several rather Prize drawings poor months. The three Christmas Hi Fi, the clown - magic/comedy units did very good and John re- ports that four bookers - William In M mum am - Burger, John Lenker, Millie OSCAR KONYOT (78) former Raede and Bill Birchfield - are circus performer, died at Sara- all out setting dates for what is sota, Fla. on Nov. 10. He was hoped will be the longest tour born in Rumania and came to the ever. Ringling circus in 1910. Later The 1869 Circus will again he developed various animal acts play under the exclusive direc- then returned to Ringling in '52 tion of Holloway Productions.The In 1954 he toured with a chimp first engagement, featuring a rodeo show and rejoined Ringling Bi-centennial theme, with John in 1966. Survivors include his as "Uncle Sam" will be at San wife, Patricia. Diego. Page 14 The Circus Report Gircua 8«ntiii«| utmost to disrupt the perform- ance of a big circus act. What Circus Knie (his favorite show) can you expect from this same and the Moscow Circus in Budapest star who, several seasons past, Driving through Yugoslavia he tried to put down the great MAE was astonished to see posters WEST on a late-night talk show for a Circus Vargas PHIL & and was roundly booed for his ef- FRANCINE (The Appollos) are do- forts! ing a class comedy drunk act with their baby elephant, broken The Showfolks party, follow- by the Master: MAC McDONALD. ing the circus, had EVERYBODY who is ANYBODY at its function IRENE & TONY FOSSETT are and, when it was over, one was breaking three kangaroos for a left with the good feeling that major Vegas fun spot HERNAN- there really is NOTHING like DEZ act, with young Randy show business and NOBODY like holding sister Sylvia in a hand- show people! stand in his teeth is a standout FAY & ROSIE (Alexander)make See you down the road, luvs. Orlando for JOE BAUER TONY STEELE debuts his new flying act in Detroit BRAD FRANK (son of Tama Frank & Patsy) takes his LAWRENCE WELSH (61) a musi- three horses, whips and rope acts cian who traveled with circuses to Hoxie.. ..that adiow will have as a calliope player, died at its own lion act and, incident- Saginaw, Mich, on Nov. 4th. Sur- ally, is looking for a single vivors include his father, a high wire act to feature. brother and other relatives. HERBIE WEBER returns to G-M Circus but plays Sports Shows • irst ROCK SMITH FLYERS are ruing out with a Cannon Act.... .BERTO ZOPPE went to Italy for a hip operation. His package of acts will be with Hoxie and this year he is featuring a lion rid- ing a horse It is reported by those who were THERE, that MAREK MECNER's death was a sui- Terry and Camille O'Brien are cide. the parents of a son, Liam, born on Nov. 28th at Winter Park, Fla One wonders sometimes about They toured with the Int'l All the professionalism of Big Name Star Circus this past year, with Stars! On a recent TV taping one Terry's wire and juggling acts. boisterous name comedian did his He also handled concessions. January 5. 1975 Page 15

DOUG HENNING, magician, was recently featured on the Captain COLLECTOR'S ITEM - Only 400 Left Kangaroo TV Show, "Red, White and Blue" Centennial MAC MacDONALD is currently colored herald - 4 page newspa- breaking a young elephant for per size. work at Pontrarchain Beacn in THE 1976 CFA CONVENTION CIRCUS - New Orleans, La. plus one used ticket of the "Han HAL HAVILAND recently left neford Circus" Circus Vargas for previously $1,50 postpaid contracted engagements. Write: CIRCUS EMMA and ARLO WACH live at P. 0. Box 6131 8111 East Garvey Ave., Space 5, Monroe, La. -- 71201 Rosemead, Calif. (Not the pre- viously printed address). UNIQUE McPEAK was arrested on Dec. 16th for trying to walk BOB EMRICO has returned to a cable across the Golden Gate Oregon to start his tour of school magic show dates. Bridge. D. W. WASHBURN (Sparky) has JIM ELLIOTT has a new Merry- been working with the side show go-Round, which belongs to the on Circus Vargas, doing vent and W. G. Wade Shows, at a shopping magic. mall in Detroit, Mich. THE VOLANTES, unicyclists, HENK LUYCX, of Holland and are working the Sports Show at formerly with JOHN CUNEO has a Anaheim (Calif.) Jan. 3-11. new cage act working in Europe.

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