Monday, October 04, 2010

Cole Bros. #1


Scan13144, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Due to the interest shown in the "Fun By The Ton" book I thought I
would do a layout on Eddie and Jean Allen, taking care not to
include any pictures from the book for the benefit of those who
plan on buying a copy.
First notice I have of Allen was his listing as a hand in the 1924
John Robinson elephant herd. I have no knowledge of Jean's
background but they made an outstanding looking couple with 101
Ranch elephants in the early 1930's.
I thought it unique that they were both Jewish.
When the Ranch Show folded in 1931 the Miller's retained the
elephant act which was booked at fairs, indoor dates, etc. and leased to Barnett Bros. Circus in 1934.
The act was sold to Adkins and Terrell the following for their new
Cole Bros. Circus and the Allen's were off and running.

Posted by Buckles at 10/04/2010 07:22:00 AM

2 comments:

Harry Kingston said...

Buckles,
WOW, what a great way to start off a week with this great set of photos and you are a master of layouts plus your comments.
A million thanks.
Sure looks like both Eddie and Jean were sharp dressers as they looked great circus stars.
Harry in Texas

04 October, 2010 07:43
Roger Smith said...

Gene Autry was among the best businessmen in Hollywood, and along with William "Hopalong Cassidy" Boyd, and Bob Hope, among the ultra-wealthy. His acumen was shown twice in keeping circus men around him. Buckles noted Eddie Allen managed Autry, but before Allen, Autry hired the former Ringling Equestrian Director John Agee. When B&B was combined with Ringling for 1919, Fred Bradna, the B&B EQ, was titled "general" EQ, and Agee was under him. He didn't like the demotion, but honored out his contract. Agee later managed the Tom Mix Circus, and went on to manage Autry. (See Bradna's THE BIG TOP,1952.) I believe the change of managers may have come during or after Autry's military service in WW II.

In Clyde Beatty's JUNGLE PERFORMERS (1941), he credits Eddie Allen for assisting with Anna Mae (sic), upon whose howdah rode the lion Simba and tiger Primba. This act was created for Harriett Beatty, on Cole Bros. & Clyde Beatty, in 1936.

The question I hope someone will answer is, how did Allen align himself with Autry, and segue to MGM executive?

05 October, 2010 02:57

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