To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2006 00:17:35 GMT
Subject: [Puptcrit] Listing 12 best puppets ever
Thanks to Mary Horsley for adding Bruce David Schwartz' Dame Eleanor, the bigger-than-life star of THE RAT OF HUGE PROPORTIONS, which debuted at a Renaissance Pleasure Festival when Bruce was about 17, (deep breath, here) to the List of Twelve Best Puppets Ever.
At this rate, the list will grow way past a dozen, but we could call it a PUPPETEER'S DOZEN.
There is no way I could limit my favorites to so few.
In 1940s Los Angeles, early local TV boasted TIME FOR BEANY which began as puppets under the Bob Clampett banner. It was a huge hit, watched, like KFO by lots of adults, and much of its success was due to puppeteers Stan Freberg and Daws Butler. Cecil the Sea-sick Sea Monster was a hand-puppet along the construction lines of Ollie, but with a completely different personality. When Clampett did not want to raise the puppeteers' salary from $75 a week, the show became a crappy animated cartoon. Without respect for the puppeteers, the show lost its soul.
That was a case where positive connections between puppetry and cartoon animation did not occur. It was tragedy.
ALAN COOK
-----Original Message-----
From: puptcrit-request-AT-lists.driftline.org
Sent: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 12:23:03 -0800
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: puptcrit Digest, Vol 15, Issue 24
Send puptcrit mailing list submissions to
puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
puptcrit-request-AT-lists.driftline.org
You can reach the person managing the list at
puptcrit-owner-AT-lists.driftline.org
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of puptcrit digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Professionals DO make mistakes (Finn Campman)
2. Re: 12 Best Puppets Ever? (Robert Rogers)
3. Re: Professionals DO make mistakes (Gregory Ballora)
4. another note on TV and lip sync. (Steve Williford)
5. Re: 12 Best Puppets Ever? (Gregory Ballora)
6. Burr Tillstrom's use of proscenium stage on early TV (Alan Cook)
7. Los Angeles puppet events (Alan Cook)
8. Re: "Puptcrit" discussions aka The Burr Tillstrom Defense
Team (Alan Cook)
9. Re: Professionals DO make mistakes (Cahebay-AT-aol.com)
10. aka The Burr Tillstrom Defense Team (Steve Axtell)
11. Re: 12 Best Puppets Ever? (Mary Horsley)
12. Re: "Puptcrit" discussions aka The Burr Tillstrom Defense
Team (Jimsan777-AT-aol.com)
13. Professionals DO make mistakes (Steve Axtell)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 21:23:33 -0500
From: Finn Campman <finnhell-AT-sover.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Professionals DO make mistakes
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <017F31BC-848C-4CCE-A333-F998B809674B-AT-sover.net>
Don't we essentially live for the moment when our performance objects
(puppets)
surprise us, and in that moment reveal to us an aspect of our work
that was yet unknown. I can not imagine being a performer without the
possibility for the unknown. Theater must evolve and reassert itself
on the performer, otherwise lets pop in the DVD.
Finn
On Jan 14, 2006, at 10:44 AM, Brett Roberts wrote:
> Mistakes happen.
>
> Jim Henson used to tell a story about a skit he did for the P of A.
> Kermit
> had worn a wig during an earlier skit and somehow that wig got
> stuck on
> Rowlf's face during a later skit. Rowlf did the whole routine with
> a wig
> stuck to his face.
>
> Personally, I had a radio controlled puppet in a hot air balloon
> and his
> head fell off during a lecture... Fortunately there were only
> adults in the
> audience at the time. Otherwise lots of children would have needed
> therapy.
>
> Mistakes happen and we learn from them.
>
> Brett
>
>
>
> Brett Roberts Productions
> http://dfwentertainer.com
>
> Brett's school and library shows
> http://educationalmagician.com
>
> Brett's pictures for agents
> http://brettrobertsproductions.itgo.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
> Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-
> driftline.org
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 21:23:50 -0500
From: "Robert Rogers" <robertrogers-AT-frontiernet.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] 12 Best Puppets Ever?
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Message-ID: <002001c6197a$ba098b50$54d3d7aa-AT-puppet>
reply-type=original
Wait a minute. You forgot Howdy Doody, Spejbl & Hurvinek and Topo Gigio.
Robert Rogers
Well, that's debatable, but here they think
they've got the top 12 puppets nailed down...
1. King Friday the 13th
2. King Kong
3. Kermit
4. Triumph
5. Thunderbirds
6. Punch & Judy
7. Henrietta Pussycat
8. Bert
9. Lambchop
10. Oscar the Grouch
11. Sifl & Olly
12. Lady Elaine Fairchild
http://www.crowndozen.com/twelves/archives/000239.shtml
Steve Axtell
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
****************************************
<http://www.axtell.com>Amazing Puppet Characters Web Site
New show "<http://www.axtelevision.com>AxTelevision" on DVD
International <http://www.axtell.com/performers.html>Performer's Directory
The original content of this email or attachments
is ? 2005 Axtell Expressions, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
> Admin interface:
> http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org
>
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 19:23:20 -0800 (PST)
From: Gregory Ballora <gregballora-AT-sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Professionals DO make mistakes
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <20060115032320.1814.qmail-AT-web81111.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
I don't know about the rest of you, but now I am
REALLY interested in seeing Mark's show. Where do you
perform, and how often?
Greg Ballora
--- Cahebay-AT-aol.com wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 1/14/2006 3:20:21 A.M. Eastern
> Standard Time,
> alangregorycook-AT-msn.com writes:
>
> Mark, can you honestly tell me you never, ever made
> a mistake in
> performance? If you answer "yes", I won't believe
> you. Do you really think that if you
> made a mistake, you should give up puppetry? I'm
> really curious.
>
> ALAN (four letter-word) COOK ( 4 more letters)
>
>
>
> Yes I can honestly tell you that, but will not as
> you would not believe ,
> I'm a super
> perfectionist some would call OCD ;-)
> Mark
>
>
> _ChristianPuppeteer ? Christian Puppeteers
> International Group_
> (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianPuppeteer/)
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
> Admin interface:
>
http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org
>
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 23:14:37 -0500
From: Steve Williford <stevets-AT-macatawa.org>
Subject: [Puptcrit] another note on TV and lip sync.
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.1.20060114224831.00a131f0-AT-freenet.macatawa.org>
x-avg-checked=avg-ok-4D531958
It is my "current" understanding that in those early days of
TV ( which incorporated some of my early days) the sound
track and the picture track were not necessarily in sync all
the time anyway, which would have made it nigh unto
impossible to achieve "viewer noticable" lip sync
As technology "improved", so did the capacity for audience
appreciation of televised lip sync..
To blend a few thread lines here....
I would think that most "master puppeteers" that had the good
forturne to be featured on early television would not have had
such opportunities presented to them, if they had not a certain
finesse at lip sync (where applicable - as Kukla was exempt
from such) ... unless other factors were at work
or mistakes were being made on all fronts.
-Steve Williford
in Saugatuck, where indeed it is winter once again.
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.18/230 - Release Date: 1/14/06
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 21:22:14 -0800 (PST)
From: Gregory Ballora <gregballora-AT-sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] 12 Best Puppets Ever?
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <20060115052214.35912.qmail-AT-web81102.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Robert,
You know they won't go on the list if no one can
pronounce the name.
But hey, what about Yoda, for sheer impact an a large
audience?
--- Robert Rogers <robertrogers-AT-frontiernet.net>
wrote:
> Wait a minute. You forgot Howdy Doody, Spejbl &
> Hurvinek and Topo Gigio.
>
> Robert Rogers
>
> Well, that's debatable, but here they think
> they've got the top 12 puppets nailed down...
>
> 1. King Friday the 13th
> 2. King Kong
> 3. Kermit
> 4. Triumph
> 5. Thunderbirds
> 6. Punch & Judy
> 7. Henrietta Pussycat
> 8. Bert
> 9. Lambchop
> 10. Oscar the Grouch
> 11. Sifl & Olly
> 12. Lady Elaine Fairchild
>
>
>
http://www.crowndozen.com/twelves/archives/000239.shtml
>
>
>
> Steve Axtell
> Axtell Expressions, Inc.
> ****************************************
> <http://www.axtell.com>Amazing Puppet Characters Web
> Site
> New show "<http://www.axtelevision.com>AxTelevision"
> on DVD
> International
> <http://www.axtell.com/performers.html>Performer's
> Directory
> The original content of this email or attachments
> is ? 2005 Axtell Expressions, Inc.
>
>
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> > _______________________________________________
> > List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
> > Admin interface:
> >
>
http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
> > Archives: http://www.driftline.org
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
> Admin interface:
>
http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org
>
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 08:31:04 GMT
From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Burr Tillstrom's use of proscenium stage on early
TV
To: Leslie Evans <lae21-AT-yahoo.com>
Cc: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <BAY113-DAV18EE4BE999E1DC96A25D82BC180-AT-phx.gbl>
Burr was such a TV pioneer.In current puptcrit chat, much has been made how he worked on a puppet stage rather than moving about the studio space with puppets. But if he had wanted to use the full studio space it would not have worked. THE STUDIOS WERE REALLY S-M-A-L-L, ie: SMALL!
For the studio audience when I saw him in Chicago, there were a few folding chairs, and the light & sound and camera crew were not only working, they were part of the audience too. People are usually unaware how LITTLE, early studio space was.
Since Burr worked behind a scrim he could see the back view of the puppets, but the TV monitor (Placed at his right as shown in that LIFE Magazine article) provided a needed front view--so he could direct himself. TV cameras were huge and expensive, hard to move in a tight space, so working just as he did was the most practical way at the time.
Once he did an elaborate Easter bunny special in which the set was enlarged, and a host of bunnies on the assembly line were certainly not operated by just Burr. Fletcher rabbit did an interview with the other puppets
One of my favorite Muppets was Kermit He was also an adept reporter on camera.
I think it is neat that two important American puppet characters. both played similar roles.
I have mentioned before that Kukla and Kermit appeared on a puppet stage together in the early 1980s in the Recital Hall at the Detroit Institute of Arts. It was a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And at the First-Day-of-Issue ceremony last September in North Hollywood CA, Kermit & Miss Piggy made appearances on a puppet stage. So when circumstances required, Muppets have appeared on traditional proscenium stages, just like KFO.
ALAN COOK
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:44:43 GMT
From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Los Angeles puppet events
To: jim-AT-bowenspuppets.com
Cc: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <BAY113-DAV15EFCF348C22B019900953BC180-AT-phx.gbl>
Paul Zaloom's THE MOTHER OF ALL ENEMIES opens at the RED CAT Theater, at 2d & Hope Streets downtown Los Angeles Jan 18-22. INFO: (213) 237-2800 or www.redcat.org (Underneath Disney Concert Hall)
Jan 21, Los Angeles Guild meeting features puppet films collected by Mark Bryan Wilson 7 pm at The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 West First St at Glendale Blvd. $5 guest fee, members free (you can join the Guild or renew membership that night. Also you can check on current schedule of the Bob Baker troupe.
January 25 Jay Johnson opens a run in Bel Air (he was one of my favorite performers on the SOAP TV show
Feb 10 is Pasadena Art Night wih free buses between museums, central Public Library, Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Mus. of History, Pasadena Museum of California Art and many other locales, 6-10 p,m. An early start means you'll see more--all free.
Feb 25 $35 for Guild members. Guild workshop-limited to 15 participants
Feb 26 OPEN HOUSE at Conservatory of Puppetry Arts' new space at 1062 N Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena CA 91103 (626) 296-1536 2-4pm
April: L.A. Guild Day of Puppetry for teachers & Librarians
April: Newport Beach CA Film Fesival (expect a day of puppet films at Newport Art Museum
ALAN COOK
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:55:06 GMT
From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] "Puptcrit" discussions aka The Burr Tillstrom
Defense Team
To: Leslie Evans <lae21-AT-yahoo.com>
Cc: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <BAY113-DAV166FCCC3D7378F58B73C40BC180-AT-phx.gbl>
An important key to Burr Tillstrom's success was Buelah Zachary who contantly went to bat for him, even rolled out a red carpet for him once. When she died that effected Burr's career-her partisanship on his behalf was greatly missed.
We hear how puppeteers don't get no respect, but with Beulah she saw to it that Burr got respect. The witch was named after her. If you know Beulah Witch you know that's an honor.
ALAN COOK
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:34:01 EST
From: Cahebay-AT-aol.com
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Professionals DO make mistakes
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <79.542dabb7.30fbb759-AT-aol.com>
In a message dated 1/15/2006 4:36:31 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
gregballora-AT-sbcglobal.net writes:
I don't know about the rest of you, but now I am
REALLY interested in seeing Mark's show. Where do you
perform, and how often?
Greg Ballora
I've performed in various areas of entertainment for just over 42 years, 99%
have been
for corporate , Depending on the form of entertainment from Dinners ,
picnics to grand openings and other special events, including trade shows,
Audiences from executives
to employees ,their children and public associated with the companies.
Regards
Mark
_ChristianPuppeteer ? Christian Puppeteers International Group_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianPuppeteer/)
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 07:54:22 -0800
From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: [Puptcrit] aka The Burr Tillstrom Defense Team
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060115074721.06f768f0-AT-axtell.com>
Facinating Alan.
How great to have someone who sees their role as to help your career.
Henson also had an angel in the form of major money and risk - Sir Lew Grade.
I wonder if you could find a financial backer,
and emotional support team for each big name
puppeteer's success story, be it philanthropy, mentoring or symbiotic.
Ax
At 01:55 AM 1/15/2006, you wrote:
>An important key to Burr Tillstrom's success was
>Buelah Zachary who contantly went to bat for
>him, even rolled out a red carpet for him once.
>When she died that effected Burr's career-her
>partisanship on his behalf was greatly missed.
>
>We hear how puppeteers don't get no respect, but
>with Beulah she saw to it that Burr got respect.
>The witch was named after her. If you know
>Beulah Witch you know that's an honor.
>
>ALAN COOK
>
>_______________________________________________
>List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
>Admin interface:
>http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
>Archives: http://www.driftline.org
Steve Axtell
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
****************************************
<http://www.axtell.com>Amazing Puppet Characters Web Site
New show "<http://www.axtelevision.com>AxTelevision" on DVD
International <http://www.axtell.com/performers.html>Performer's Directory
The original content of this email or attachments
is ? 2005 Axtell Expressions, Inc.
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:50:04 -0500
From: "Mary Horsley" <mphorsley-AT-earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] 12 Best Puppets Ever?
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <410-22006101515504828-AT-earthlink.net>
The Little Old Lady who loved the Cheese......Bruce Schwartz....one of my
all time favorites!
Mary
"The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."
-Walter Bagehot
"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the
choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape
ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make
are ultimately our own responsibility."-----Eleanor Roosevelt
"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are
dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do
it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many
tomorrows.
-Michael Landon
www.gentleteaching.com
We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
--Oprah Winfrey
> [Original Message]
> From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
> To: <puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org>
> Date: 1/14/2006 8:54:30 PM
> Subject: [Puptcrit] 12 Best Puppets Ever?
>
> Well, that's debatable, but here they think
> they've got the top 12 puppets nailed down...
>
> 1. King Friday the 13th
> 2. King Kong
> 3. Kermit
> 4. Triumph
> 5. Thunderbirds
> 6. Punch & Judy
> 7. Henrietta Pussycat
> 8. Bert
> 9. Lambchop
> 10. Oscar the Grouch
> 11. Sifl & Olly
> 12. Lady Elaine Fairchild
>
>
> http://www.crowndozen.com/twelves/archives/000239.shtml
>
>
>
> Steve Axtell
> Axtell Expressions, Inc.
> ****************************************
> <http://www.axtell.com>Amazing Puppet Characters Web Site
> New show "<http://www.axtelevision.com>AxTelevision" on DVD
> International <http://www.axtell.com/performers.html>Performer's Directory
> The original content of this email or attachments
> is 2005 Axtell Expressions, Inc.
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 14:15:15 EST
From: Jimsan777-AT-aol.com
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] "Puptcrit" discussions aka The Burr Tillstrom
Defense Team
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <196.4f446c4b.30fbf943-AT-aol.com>
In a message dated 1/15/06 11:03:33 AM, alangregorycook-AT-msn.com writes:
> We hear how puppeteers don't get no respect, but with Beulah she saw to it
> that Burr got respect. The witch was named after her. If you know Beulah
> Witch you know that's an honor.
>
>
Sideways to history:
Alan may not remember, but we sat together at the 1955 Bowling Green,
Ohio PofA Festival (my first..just out of high school) watching Burr Tillstrom,
Fran Allison and the Kuklapolitans perform LIVE for the puppet festival. How
Archie Elliott talked them into performing for us was a complete mystery to
me. It was only one highlight of that Festival, when every single performance
was top notch. Alan can fill you in a lot more about Burr's career, but
for me it ranks as a highlight of my puppetry experiences....another was to
watch Speibl and Hurvenik in Prague in 1969...then there were the Muppets at other
Fests...
Tillstrom and Henson and others were perectionists, dedicated to the art
form, and used "mistakes" to improve their performances... another reason for
their respect along with their successes...and then too, TV helped. Jim
Gamble
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 12:23:27 -0800
From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Professionals DO make mistakes
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060115121923.06f27838-AT-axtell.com>
I don't doubt that someone could perfect a given
show and repeat it near flawlessly for years but
I've never done anything like that in my
life. I'm always changing and improving things,
so mistakes are part of the journey. If I'm not
making mistakes and correcting them, I'm not
growing or discovering. Nothing wrong with
mistakes. They are a creative persons stepping stones.
Ax
Steve Axtell
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
****************************************
<http://www.axtell.com>Amazing Puppet Characters Web Site
New show "<http://www.axtelevision.com>AxTelevision" on DVD
International <http://www.axtell.com/performers.html>Performer's Directory
The original content of this email or attachments
is ? 2005 Axtell Expressions, Inc.
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org
End of puptcrit Digest, Vol 15, Issue 24
****************************************
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org
Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005