Saturday, July 26, 2014

Clown Hall Of Fame #3


Carl "Swede" Johnson (Photo by Robert  Altman)

Posted by Buckles at 7/26/2014 06:12:00 AM

4 comments:

Mike Naughton said...

Swede's daughter married one of the Stephenson Family known for their outstanding dog act and all around circus expertise.

Swede's granddaughter, Georgia, is still involved in the business holding positions with RBBB and Cirque du Soleil.

If anyone has any clarifications or corrections please post; I am not always 100 per cent correct.

The blog is a great way to share bits and pieces of information which will be helpful for future historical research.

I saw a jam pitch at a New York County fair; but you had to be 18 years old in order to get the first free advertising merchandise which was the start of the routine. I don't remember enough to elaborate but it was done with a lot of entertainment and good laughs and the folks went away with about $10 worth of merchandise that was probably cost $2.00 wholesale.

Too bad we didn't have video cameras back then.

26 July, 2014 14:13
Roger Smith said...

MIKE: First, thanks for posting Clyde Beatty's guest shot on WHAT'S MY LINE? I had not been able to screen it via YouTube. I was watching that night, and was the only one in the room who knew who he was. In producer Gil Fates' book on the show, he told of the staff facing the question--what do we do with guests who have famous names, but not famous faces? Like Charles Atlas and Clyde Beatty. They had them sign in as Mister X, before the panel without their blindfolds. 2nd, MIKE, Mabel Stark also guested on WML?, and you may be better at finding her episode than I've been. Thanks again.

Then, let us remember, Swede Johnson was a respected lion trainer. His wire-walking lion, Big Johnny, was an astounding giant of his species, weighing 800 pounds, and standing 48" at the shoulder. Even the ever-arrogant Charly Baumann respected Swede, consulting with him about animal care, to which I bear witness.

26 July, 2014 17:18
Dennis said...

WOW What a nice time I had watching Mr.Beatty on Whats My Line.
A bit strange none on the panel recognized his face.

26 July, 2014 20:21
Mike Naughton said...

Yes, Roger, Mabel was on "What's My Line?" Give me some time to find it and I will post it.

26 July, 2014 23:20

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