Circus Celebrity Night!

historic_asolo_theatre_interior, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Quite an evening! This annual event has come a long way in the 17 years since Barbara and I received this award. Highlights were Bill Powell's outstanding film depicting his career detailing the trials, tribulations and eventual rewards with the Greatest Show on Earth. Photos on the giant screen of Jackie LeClaire doing his aerial act on the Ringling Show in drag, as well as shots of he and Cornel Wilde in identical wardrobe while he was doubling for the DeMille movie. An incredible film of Clyde Beatty working a mixed act in what appeared to be the Peru Winter Quarters, followed by Johnny Pugh giving insight into his personal association with Mr. Beatty. Col. Herriott stole the show however relating a story from his days with Beatty-Cole. It dealt with a local Committee President who after seeing the wheeling and dealing on the front door and concession operation was convinced that the Sponsor was getting cheated. He was steered to Roger Boyd who after getting yelled at and threatened finally said , "Why don't you go screw yourself? (word deleted). He then managed to find the manager's trailer and after pounding on the door was confronted by an awakened Frank Orman. "Your Ringmaster just told me to go screw myself! Orman replied, What do you need from me.....Directions?