Another Video-This Time Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and Mortimer Snerd

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Webmaster

Once again, another video was sent in to us and this time it’s with ventriloquist Edgar Bergen.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy this video.

 

[flashvideo filename=http://vc-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/wmleb/wmleb.flv /]

 

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. His collection of ventriloquist figures now numbers over 100 figures of which there are over 50 Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Edgar Bergen, Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Videos | 2 Comments

Ventriloquism – Punch and Judy

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Webmaster

At one time almost all the makers of ventriloquist figures also made Punch and Judy puppets or at least advertised that they were for sale. Finis Robinson sold them and so did Frank Marshall.

Frank had a complete page in his 1931 catalogue just for Punch & Judy. I have been told that he imported the puppets and then did his own paint job on them. I have seen some of Marshall’s Punch and Judy puppets and the paint was his unmistakable Marshall Orange.

Here is a picture of Frank’s Punch & Judy puppets.

punchandjudy
Frank Marshall Punch & Judy Puppets

Today there are very few remaining makers of this venue in puppetry. I am not privy to any American maker but I do know that in England Geoff Felix still makes Punch & Judy puppets but he will not sell to us here in the US.

I did find this great site belonging to Bryan Clark who produces hand carved wooden Punch & Judy puppets in the old tradition. These are fine puppets and I think are terrific and for the work involved are not a bad price. Take a look at this man’s web site and be sure to watch his video.

Bryan Clarke professional puppet maker

 

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. His collection of ventriloquist figures now numbers over 100 figures of which there are over 50 Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Frank Marshall Figure (Dummy), Puppetry, Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Figure (Dummy) Makers | 1 Comment

Shoes for Ventriloquist Figures

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Webmaster

For the most part the size of most full size ventriloquist figures run between 38 and 42 inches in length. I have found that the size of shoes that fit best with figures of this size are about seven inches in length from heel to toe. Flea markets and yard sales will turn up some great children’s shoes which work great. I myself really try to stay away from sneakers. Just my preference. I like leather shoes.

Many times once you put shoes on the figure and as you handle the figure the shoes will fall off and I know that can be frustrating to say the least. I have found that one of the easiest ways to remedy this problem is with velcro. You can purchase a strip of either black or white velcro at most craft shops like Michael’s or AC Moore or else at a fabric shop like Jo Anne Fabrics.

You cut a strip of the velcro about 2 1/2″ in length and attach one side to the bottom of the foot and the other side to the inside of the shoe. The velcro comes with adhesive and it is peel and stick. Once applied the shoe will not come off unless you actually peel it off separating the velcro strip.

I have also purchased figures where the shoes have actually been stitched with a few stitches to the back of the heel and front of the foot to keep it on. I think that is a bit much because then you can’t change the shoes very easily. I have also come across a couple figures where the shoes were glued to the bottom of the foot. Also prevents changing shoes but works..

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. His collection of ventriloquist figures now numbers over 100 figures of which there are over 50 Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Dummy Collecting, Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Figures | Leave a comment

Have a Safe Memorial Day

Posted on May 25, 2009 by Webmaster

memorial-day

For those of us in the United States, today we celebrate Memorial Day. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and it’s a day we pay our respects to the U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

For some, it’s also a day of picnics and family get togethers. So, no matter what you are doing today, be safe and enjoy the day.

 

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. His collection of ventriloquist figures now numbers over 100 figures of which there are over 50 Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Personal, Ventriloquist Central | Leave a comment

Ventriloquist Paul Winchell and Figure Maker Frank Marshall

Posted on May 24, 2009 by Webmaster

Here is a great little video that was sent into us. It features Paul Winchell on the old television show, What’s My Line. The guess is none other than figure maker, Frank Marshall.

 

[flashvideo filename=http://vc-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/wml-fm/wml-fm.flv /]

 

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. His collection of ventriloquist figures now numbers over 100 figures of which there are over 50 Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Frank Marshall Figure (Dummy), Paul Winchell, Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Figure (Dummy) Makers, Ventriloquist Figure Building, Ventriloquist Figures, Ventriloquist Videos | 3 Comments