Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Ringling-Barnum Circus 1948 #1


Arthur Springer, Announcer and Asst. Equestrian Director.

Posted by Buckles at 11/07/2006 06:22:00 AM

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Some of today's Ringling announcers sound more like Jerry Springer than Arthur Springer!

07 November, 2006 06:48
Anonymous said...

I still remember when Mr Woodcock anounced my cat act on Kelly Miller. I had to look and see who it was. He was great. He was a man of few words and it shocked me to hear the words coming out of his mouth. I have now learned he did the side show speel. From this blog no less. I was honored as I thought the world of Mr and Mrs Bill Woodcock. You were so blessed Buckles. How many times have you heard that over the years. Its odd but the first thing I remember about Babe is her coffee. That got you going in the morning for sure.

07 November, 2006 08:38
Anonymous said...

There's an amusing, if controversial, tale of Springer's quick departure from Ringling over an announcement concerning Old King Cole. Let's see who else remembers it.

08 November, 2006 02:01
Anonymous said...

Would be interested in knowing about the incident. I believe Springer went to Polack. Harry Thomas would take over in 49.

09 November, 2006 09:27
Anonymous said...

OK, now this version came from Eddie Dullum:

Springer's line for this section of Spec was, "Old King Cole, was MERRY OLD SOUL!" The clowns passing by him would stage whisper, "Old King Cole is a merry ***HOLE!" This went on for days, and Springer said, "Shut up, damn it. Someday I'm gonna say that." Undeterred, the clowns all repeated it one by one until, sure enough, in one matinee, Springer belted out, "Old King Cole is a MERRY ***HOLE!" And he was sent packing between shows.

I later heard Springer left over money--in mid-season? Another yarn had him leaving over a woman. Eddie's story is funnier.

09 November, 2006 16:47

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