Sunday, April 29, 2007

No. 90- Jim Frey 1953-55

Posted by Picasa

Posted by Buckles at 4/29/2007 06:00:00 AM

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is wonderful that Buckles blog has given us an opportunity of viewing so many animal acts and trainers both here and abroad. We have never had that opportunity before, so heres to one of the modern day inventions we can applaud. With that thought and this recent photo brings me to this comment.

Obviously this Mr. Frey and his lion act are not one of the huge ensembles we have seen of some of the great European acts or trainers. The props appear kind of basic and a small number of lions.It could very well be that he was one of Europes great. If not, he was no doubt one of the smaller cat acts that fill a niche for smaller circuses both here and there. We have a tendency to see more of the greats in the big time which is understandable, but I believe there are some unsung that it would be nice to have their few minutes in the sun. Maybe Buckles could dig some of them up, or some of you collectors could come up with some. Off the top of my head I think of Swede Johnson, Capt. Eugene Christy, Cap Engerer, Gladys Gillam, plus so many others. Onelate summer-fall I joined Hoxie and there as a young unassuming fellow that had a small cat act of three male lions and two tigers.Nice looking animals and they did a decent act. He was new to the business and didn't have much showmanship, nor was his routine very well put together, but for a small show it was O.K.I tried to give him encouragement and suggestions. He was broke and Hoxie paid him very little, but he was trying. John Lewis [if you are watching] would remember him well and was probably instrumental for him being there. Any way I never heard of him again. Wonder what happened to him. I believe he had trained the cats himself.

So it would be nice to see some photos on those others who also played an important part in a smaller way. Who they are or were, and with what shows. I think there are Equestrian trainers and elephant trainers as well. Not just guys that worked acts but those unsung trainers that deserve respect and recognition. Thanks Incidentally the young fellows name was Bill Cramer.

30 April, 2007 09:43
Anonymous said...

I believe Wild Bill Cramer sold his act to Safari Pete Woods
then I believe it went on to become the Jordan Circus cat act

30 April, 2007 19:26

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)