Thursday, September 07, 2006

Blue Show 1980 Spec Blankets #1


Photos and Comments by Eric Beheim.
"Attached are some more photos I shot on the Blue Show up in Anaheim in 1980, this was the last Blue Show underwritten by Mattell. By 1982 the Felds had bought the show back and economy was then the watchword.
The 1982 Spec ended with a long mount thus saving the cost of blankets worn by the pay-off elephants like we see above."

Posted by Buckles at 9/07/2006 06:31:00 AM

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

From Eric:

These blankets were all used in the "Circus Galaxy" spec. (The excitement caused by the original "Star Wars" film had not yet subsided. In fact, its much-anticipated sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" would be released in December 1980.)

Following some R2D2-type sound effects, the music began with the processional music from Debussy’s "Fetes" (which John Williams had also borrowed from for his score for "Star Wars.") This was followed by Aaron Copland’s "Fanfare for the Common Man," played on a synthesizer to a rock beat.

The first half of the spec was devoted to Betty and Johnny Zoppe, Junior’s twin revolving rockets. (Incorporating a stand-alone act into the spec itself was quite an innovation at the time.) Their music included the "Princess Leia Theme" from "Star Wars" and a heroic theme from Richard Strauss’ tone poem "Don Juan."

Once their act finished, the spec itself got underway. The music included an excerpt from "The Planets" (Gustav Holst), "Mars and Venus" (Sousa), theme music from the film "Close Encounters of a Third Kind," the main title music from "Star Wars," "Swinging on a Star," "The First Circus in Space" (an original song), "Reach Out for Tomorrow" (another original song?), and a reprise of "Fanfare for the Common Man" as the music built to a grand climax.

(Lest anyone think that this “circus in space” theme was something new, in 1905 when the Hippodrome Theater first opened in New York City, it had offered "A Yankee Circus on Mars," a elaborate production that featured circus acts working in fantastic, extraterrestrial settings!)

07 September, 2006 12:05
Anonymous said...

Yhought you might be interested in this article from today's paper.

SPCA doesn't find elephant abuse at circus

By Kristina Martino / The Citizen
Thursday, September 7, 2006 10:06 AM EDT

When Cayuga County officials learned from an animal protection organization that the Carson & Barnes Circus allegedly abuses their elephants, officials quickly planned a local investigation held at the circus in Emerson Park, Aug. 25.

But investigation results compiled by the Finger Lakes Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals show positive care of elephants by circus employees during the event.

“Investigators were impressed by the care given to elephants and horses,” said Legislature Chairman George Fearon.

Prior to the circus, Fearon received a letter from an animal specialist at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a non-profit organization for animal protection, asking the county to pass legislation banning devices used to inflict pain on elephants.

PETA accompanied their letter to the county with a videotape allegedly showing a Carson & Barnes employee attacking an elephant with a bullhook.

Fearon inquired with the local SPCA, who informed him that state legislation already banning the devices existed, but SPCA members would conduct investigations at the circus.

During the circus, the SPCA sent members from their Humane Law Enforcement Division dressed both in uniform and plain clothes to investigate the treatment of all animals at the circus.

According to a report from the SPCA, an employee inspected the elephants by physically touching them.

The report stated no injuries were visible and that the animals were very social and responsive to the trainer's verbal commands.

Investigators found only a training staff and electrical fences in the trailers.

According to the report, the elephants had a clear bond with the handler.

Lisa Wathne, Captive Exotic Animal Specialist for PETA, said that the laws that exist are very lax and circuses have very broad rules to comply by, Wathne said.

“No animal is going to be physically abused in front of people. It is happening behind the scenes,” Wathne said.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net

07 September, 2006 19:19
GaryHill said...

Karen, I was wondering if that was David too?

08 September, 2006 00:04
Buckles said...

I don't think David ever went on the road with the show. The guy in the shorts looks a bit like Sonny>

08 September, 2006 00:45
Anonymous said...

I always thought the long mount was done at the end of the elephant act. The blowoff was a special ending to the circus show with all the glitter and spangles. Who changed this? As much as I love elephants the blankets were much more of a way to end the show. I never was a fan of that running long mount from the start. Either rideing in it or watching it.

08 September, 2006 09:03
Anonymous said...

I'm sure it is Sonny Ridley

08 September, 2006 09:43
Anonymous said...

The guy in the shorts is Dave Reeves. One of Axels crew that season.

08 September, 2006 22:03

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