Sunday, August 31, 2008

Ben Williams and "Anna May" (From Mike Naughton)

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

When it is quality it is the fastest 4:53 in the business!
Was this your wife's cat? And did you train them together?
Carl

Anonymous said...

Rare skill and energy not seen today.

Buckles said...

Barbara was the leopard trainer of the family.
I have this tape in the VCR form that includes Paul Binder's introduction as well as his one-word comment after the act has exited "Wow!".
This was taken in Boston in 1982 when the front seats had been removed to accommodate the Boston Pops Orchestra.

GaryHill said...

Ben and Anna May were always outstanding! She seemed to do the routine on her own for the most part! Sure glad you posted this because no one will ever see anything like this again unfortuately!

Anonymous said...

I cannot even imagine how awful that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach was when you left her at Riddles regardless of how well she would be taken care of.cc

Anonymous said...

WOW! Wish we could see this live again but thankfully we have the tape with the great music also preserved and YouTube for sharing.
Dick Flint
Baltimore
P.S. I thought the ladies might have commented that Don Foote costumes aren't needed for this act!

Anonymous said...

We agree Mr. Flint,the less costume,the more "The Ladies" enjoy. Oh, there is an elephant in this video..!!..LOL.

Anonymous said...

Whats the name of the 1st tune in the video?

Buckles said...

Hindustan?

Anonymous said...

I've just checked and it's not Hindustan, any more suggestions?

Thanks for your help!

klsdad said...

Close....

It's "Caravan"!!

klsdad

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an elephant loved by so many people. He didn't even need the ankus. I wish I had had the chance to be in her presence. Thanks for sharing.
-Chris

Anonymous said...

That was PURE ENJOYMENT. Thank you for sharing that and I agree I'd love to see that live in today's circus world.....
Jody Campbell

Anonymous said...

without a doubt the best single elephant act ever!

masterfully presented

buckles you should run another video of ben and barbara co presenting with anna may...the two of them were dynamite

i would also like to see barbara doing the solo routine with anna may

god bless anna may....may she rest in peace...she was such a great old show gal herself...i really think she liked the spotlight as much as ben and barbara

just awe inspiring

bill powell

Anonymous said...

...a once ina lifetime experience.
:-)
Cindy Potter

Anonymous said...

I had to put it on the Circus Arts Vox Group and the Circus Open Group on Vox, that I moderate. I hope that you don't mind.
She is almost milking the audience at that dramatic moment as she steps over Ben.
Thank you, Buckles and Barbara.

Adaline

Anonymous said...

Hi all this is Jasmine Moore! Ben Williams is my grandfather! I have the original tape also and was very shocked when I actually found this video! I think it is very neat though. Anna May was such a good elephant and will always be missed!