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John Towsen’s blog

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Prior to beginning this blog, I would occasionally provide guest posts on a blog published by John Towsen.   I credit Mr. Towsen with inspiring my studies on physical comedy.  It was shortly after earning my BFA that I read his book, Clowns, which is unfortunately only available used. The book made me realize that cartoon characters are just an extension of the world of physical comedians. John is a professor of visual effects at Bloomfield College in New Jersey, and travels the world like some sort of slapstick Indiana Jones.

I wrote several pieces for that blog and I encourage you to explore it like I have. I tend to write a little more fully in those guest posts than I do here, as I want to appear to be in his league, which I’m not.

My latest post there is about Cantinflas, the great Mexican actor and dancer.

The work of Mexican comedian Cantinflas

Nick Park interview from 1996

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Fun interview from 60 Minutes. Meet his parents, see his first animated film. I learned that Wallace and Gromit “A Grand Day Out” took six years to complete.

Bury the Hatchet, Stooges style slapstick

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I came across this odd black and white short on youtube. It is directed by Jules White, one of the Three Stooges directors.

From the youtube description:

Columbia Pictures rarity with Wally Vernon and Eddie Quillan in a fairly violent two-reel comedy from Jules White (which is a remake of a remake of a earlier Columbia short called BURY THE HATCHET with Monty Collins and Tom Kennedy). Film print is a tad on the dark side…always looking for an upgrade!

Reviving acts

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Pat Cashin posted this video on his clownally blog.

A short time later, I found this video:

Obviously there is a significant lapse of time between these two, almost identical acts. In such a case it could be considered a revival. That’s fine. There is no damage to the original performer’s career. It is also useful for judging the quality of the performance. When you are looking at two people doing the same act, differences can emerge.

I will occasionally post stories about comedy being revived, or gags being reused, or old acts inspiring new ones. It’s all part of the business of comedy. Virtually every joke in the world gets passed around, especially the good ones.