Movie Poster Jumbo

| February 4, 2011

This is a movie I will always remember …not just because I was in it but it was a great time in my life.  I met so many fine people.

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Ivan and Durante

| February 4, 2011

“That’s it Jimmy, you are doing fine,  just take your time and use the balance pole.  How well I remember. When I wasn’t doing five other things on the movie Jumbo , I was coaching Mr. Durante on the wire, trampoline as he wanted to learn what ever he could for the picture. Jimmy indeed was a […]

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Jumbo Trapeze

| February 4, 2011

Well here we are three of six guys that did the trapeze number. We were called Barbette’s Boys. This photo is a wardrobe still used to keep continuity in the film. There were six of us side by side on separate trapeze bars and had to coordinate ourselves to perform five tricks together in a time frame […]

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Ivan’s Iron Jaw Wardrobe

| February 4, 2011

Notice the name Dana Madison on the chalk board…… this was my stage name that I used since the early 1950’s when I first got involved with motion picture work as an actor. I also did some stunt work. Whatever came first…. stunt work, acting  the circus or fairs …..I wanted just a little more than  making […]

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The Jumbo Big Top and Ivan doing Iron Jaw

| February 4, 2011

After many days of practicing with the stage crew on how to pull me up to where the director wanted me for the shot, the director changed his mind for a different angle and wanted me to go even higher just inches from the canvas.  It was pretty difficult for the stage crew to get a good, slow, smooth […]

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Ivan Doing Iron Jaw

| February 4, 2011

For the motion picture Jumbo, my Dad built the mouthpiece for me…. all leather with an upper and lower bit that fit behind my front teeth. Barbette wanted me to go to a dentist for an impression as to build a plastic upper mouthpiece. My father said no I will do it my way, He was […]

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Magic of Sinbad

| January 31, 2011

In 1958 I worked in a B film called Magic of Sinbad… it was one of the best experiences of my life.  Well maybe. I did all the stunts, had five different acting parts and even while learning I helped do follow focus on the Mitchel cameras.  I was paid weekly…….very weakly. I am sure […]

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Sinbad’s Clown

| January 31, 2011

This was a part in in picture where I was the Kaleife’s court jester.  Much to his surprise I was one of Sinbad’s men.  Soon after a little juggling,  the fight scene started and the juggling clubs became my weapon’s. The year 1958.

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The Circus Movie

| October 4, 2010

                     Greatest Show On Earth, most likely is the best circus movie ever made.

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The Big Circus

| September 18, 2010

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