Los Latinos
Posted By thecircusblog on August 7, 2011
Herbie and Chatta Weber were like family. I remember them first as a kid on the Escalante Circus in the very early 1940’s. We worked numerous shows together over the years. They were terrific people and true blue to their profession.
For those of you who knew Herbie, and perhaps worked with him in a three or four ring display, you’ll probably remember this story.
Herbie was a nice guy, but if you butted heads with him and tried to finish your act last to get the applause for yourself,….BIG MISTAKE! Herbie was type type of performer who knew all three rings had to finish simultaneously, Each performer knew the finish trick and watched each other so they could do so, but there was always someone who wanted to be the very last to take the bows.
If Herbie would see you were stalling, he would immediately go into his last trick and deliberately fall from the wire, causing an uproar with the audience, and of course, all eyes were upon him. Chatta would lift him up from the floor and help him back to the rigging, with him limping every step of the way. Then, with a Roman-type style to the audience, acknowledging the applause, he would go back to the center of the wire and wait however long it took until every performer was done with their act. He would then finish his trick to a rumbling ovation and steal the thunder.
About the author
thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
2 Responses to “Los Latinos”
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Herbie was a true showman and could do it all !!!!
I have always remembered and admired his flair and style and I would try and add some of that to my presentation. I can see him dancing in peach baskets up there on his wire. I think He was on Teds show 60s. These guys always had to drive stakes for wire acts.