. . . which includes a little roughhousing. (For this particular sequence, it appears that Buster was doubled by Melvin Koontz, who wrestled with his lion “Jackie.”) As a result of this amazing display, Buster is hired on the spot to become the show’s new headliner. Frances is also hired to travel with the circus and teach Buster English and the ways of civilization. |
Saturday, February 14, 2009
King of the Jungle #12
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Here is a link to a 1969 article about Mel Koontz's film career, which appeared in a Thousand Oaks newspaper:
http://www.lincolnheightsla.com/koontz/
Mel became a good friend when I met him after his retirement. He had been bitten by one of the Jackie lions, healed up, and due to his rapidly failing eyesight, fell to another attack, being bitten again in the same place. He wisely knew it was time to quit. I souht him out and found him bartending at the Thousand Oaks Moose Lodge #1919. I sat for hours asking him questions. He answered with patience and memorable generosity and I as a 23-year-old apprentice listened with respect to one of the truly great masters. Benny Bennett told me when Mel was on a DeMille picture, he demanded and received $1500 a day in the '40s and '50s.
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