Carnack the Chimp
Posted By thecircusblog on September 14, 2008
Ivan and Makimba. This was a club date in Nevada. It was a spoof on Johnny Carson’s Carnack.
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Toby Playing Bongos
Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2008
One of Toby’s favorite tricks was playing the bongos. Sometimes he would even get a good rhythm going.
Cliff and Ivan
Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2008
This was a publicity for Pollack Bros. Circus. Jackie, Bongi, Cheeta & Little Toby doing an Al Jolsen bow.
Bongi’s Perfect Balance
Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2008
Bongi rivaled circus head balancers with this trick. He was an extraordinary chimp.
Ivan & Boy
Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2008
This picture was taken in 1977 at Legend City Amusement Park, Tempe, AZ. Photo was taken by Jan Young, Tempe newspaper reporter. Boy was well behaved and loved to perform. A typical actor….notice the sunglasses. Boy had his moments when this photo was taken he spotted someone that he took exception too, The look in his face tells it all.
The Reporter
Posted By thecircusblog on September 9, 2008
In the early 50’s we were playing the Tuscon, AZ fair. The local newspaper wanted to do a story on our chimp act. The reporter was writing notes and Bongi took his pad and pen and began to write. The reporter got a big kick out of it. This photo appeared in the newspaper titled “Chimp interviews Reporter”.
Piano Routine
Posted By thecircusblog on September 7, 2008
This was the beginning of the piano routine. I would lead Toby to the piano stool which he would grab and throw…breaking one of the legs. I took baby Toby between my knees and proceeded to fix the stool. This was repeated more than once to build the comedy. The audience roared because the chimp made a monkey out of the trainer….and that was the whole idea.
“Now Play”
Posted By thecircusblog on September 7, 2008
OK…now play! Toby would not play …..he would just sit there with his arms folded.
Toby Plays Liberace
Posted By thecircusblog on September 7, 2008
We did a show with Liberace …..hence came the comedy piano routine. Toby wouldn’t play the piano without his candelabra. There was always a hush in the audience so they could hear Toby play.Polack Bros Circus 1967.
Handstand Perch
Posted By thecircusblog on September 7, 2008
This trick was copied from Rubin and Anita Alvera. The styles of perch balancing include forehead, shoulder and belt. I felt it was safer for the chimp and I had more control by using a perch belt. The height of the perch is 14 feet.
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