Posted By thecircusblog on September 8, 2010
The reason why I am posting these pictures is mainly because of all the circus animals and trainers that worked with Johnny Wiesmuller in “Tarzan” and “Jungle Jim” movies. Johnny liked wild animal trainers and off camera he was always talking to the them and showed great interest.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 8, 2010
Posted By thecircusblog on September 8, 2010
Most of the animals used in the Tarzan pictures were from the Jungleland compound in Thousand Oaks,Calif. That doesn’t mean to say they had the X on it. There were many circus animals and trainers that had something to do with these types of jungle movies.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 8, 2010
This I believe was one of Henry Tyndall’s chimps from the Jungleland compound. Henry was the only Native American chimp trainer in this country at that time and most likely the only one since. The studios really liked him because of his quiet manner and skill with his chimps on the set……… No one was ever bitten. Henry never worked in a circus arena, he was strictly a zoo compound and motion picture trainer.
Posted By thecircusblog on September 8, 2010
I believe that this chimp was one of the E.C. Learmont chimps. The Learmont chimps were trained and worked by Al Antinucci. Later Al came out with his own chimp act. I would like to add that he had one of the best acts in the business and was an excellent trainer for stage and movies. Thanks Casey for the Photo’s. Please remember that there were many different chimps and trainers that worked in the Tarzan films.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 31, 2010
This photo brings back so many wonderful memories for me. Johnny and Milonga are like family, and I could write for hours of the jackpots we experienced together. I will just write of one. I believe it was 1960…Dad and I took the chimp act to Hawaii for E. K. Fernandez. Johnny had the elephant act, ponies and a goat act. All of the animals had to go by ship to the islands. Johnny and I were self elected to go with the animals abroad ship to take care of them for the six day trip from San Pedro to Honolulu. There were more show animals than just ours and it meant a full days cleaning and feeding. After a few days Johnny got bored in the evening. He heard about a Poker game that the crew had every night after dinner…need I say more? Poker was Johnny’s game …after all he learned from the best on the Beatty Circus. By the time we made port in Honolulu he had won all of the crews money, plus the first and second mate also got nailed. Johnny made more money in those few days than his salary from E.K. I’ve got to tell you I thought we were going to get thrown overboard, there were some pretty hot sailors…………… Milonga is doing well these days , she lives in Florida and from time to time I give her a call to let her know how much I care.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 31, 2010
This is a very rare photo. From left to right: Clyde Beatty, Emmett Kelly, his daughter Stasia Kelly, Bill Pringle, Evi Kelly, and Monika Kelly. Photo taken June 6, 1961 at College Park, Maryland.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 31, 2010
Eloise and her African elephant Koa appearing with Harold Bros. Circus at the International Amphitheatre 1959.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 29, 2010
Chuck, I believe is a legend in his own time. His professionalism reaches the highest of standards, indeed a benchmark in circus clowning. Those who are just begineing this profession could learn much from this man.
Posted By thecircusblog on August 29, 2010
Our relationship throughout the years has sadly been been pretty skimpy but somehow we have always managed to stay in touch with each other. He is a true friend and a fine person and If I may add add…a great clown and showman.
