Thursday, August 24, 2006

The Stephensons


On the subject of dog acts, Eric sends this picture from the 1970 Blue Show.

Posted by Buckles at 8/24/2006 11:16:00 AM

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

The best!

24 August, 2006 13:26
Anonymous said...

Does anyone know what happened to the Anden poodle act. I was friends with their daughter Veronika. The poodle act was very unique and the last time we worked together was on the Clyde bros. circus 1975.

24 August, 2006 14:18
Anonymous said...

Me, too. I haven't known of the Andens since '75. I remember how Mr. Anden spent many hours a day not just cleaning for his dogs, but constantly keeping them groomed-up first class for the ring. In a special announcement for this act, Ernie McLane acknowledged the outstanding care given the poodles.

Now--does anyone know about Ernie these days?

24 August, 2006 17:12
Anonymous said...

In my most humble opinion, there has never BEEN a dog act to even come close to the Stephensons. To me, best of all they were talented DOGS. No human-like wardrobe. Tiny tuxedos or evening dress. This was first and foremost about the DOGS, not about the props.

One of those acs you could set your watch by -- it never varied, it was always letter perfect. I am proud to have known the Stephensons and remain among their biggest fans.

24 August, 2006 17:54
Anonymous said...

I agree with every word that Jack Ryan has written about the Stephensons 110%...Of the top five dogs I've seen since the late 40's the Stephensons would be Number 1...And, what a fantastic family.

25 August, 2006 10:43
Anonymous said...

It is not fair to compare Victor Julian with other action dog acts. His was a show piece beyond compare. I never missed a single performance of Victor Julian any time I was around a circus he was performing. We all like different people and their acts, Thank goodness for that difference. There was something VERY special about Victor Julian that I have never forgotten. CLASS Try keeping that fabulace wardrobe in perfect condition along with the dogs. And the wardrobe that Victor wore.

27 August, 2006 11:24
Anonymous said...

I have to agree with Rebecca. We're talking apples and oranges. The Stephensons were great; a wide variety of tricks, the acrobatics of the presentors, fast paced -- a first class, A-1 dog act.

I heard a tale that Victor Julian told someone he trained dog tricks for his amusement -- the costumed dogs were his act. He would open with a few hoop jumping dogs and a few fast tricks before going into the the dog "fashion show". I remember visiting Bobby Gibbs in Columbus. We were watching Victor Julian with Johnny Herriott. Johnny would say, "and the next one comes out a little faster, and here comes the blow off dog hopping across the ring and the people a begging to applaud". It was a master class in showmanship. It's not always what you do but how you do it.

You could put the Stephensons and Victor Julian on the same show, both great but different. (I'd love to see it.)

27 August, 2006 15:04
Buckles said...

I can tell you the names of the tunes in Victor Julian's act and you will immediately remember the trick.
1. Alice Blue Gown
2. Poor Butterfly
3. On the Beach at Wai-ki-ki
4. Roamin' in the Gloamin'
5. Yankee Doodle Dandy

I forget the name of the minuet they played for the little Peke in the tutu.

27 August, 2006 15:22
Anonymous said...

Then give three cheers, and one cheer more?

27 August, 2006 18:03
Buckles said...

For the hardy Captain of the Penafore!

27 August, 2006 18:31

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