File puptcrit/puptcrit.0612, message 11


Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2006 08:28:56 -0700
From: "Steve Millward" <millwarden-AT-gmail.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Douglas Christopher Burnham and his Carmen


Hi Puptcritters,
     Here is  the latest revised description of the Carmen Miranda
puppet on e-bay

On Dec-04-06 at 06:59:16 PST, seller added the following information:
We have received messages from three individuals and one rude person
who assert that this marionette was not made by Frank Paris. They have
offered no empirical proof (pictures) to the contrary, and their
motives can be considered suspect. (One asked about our reserve
price). They have offered several other puppeteers as the "possible"
craftsman. Our research indicates that one named puppeteer is an avid
collector who indicates that he would not part with his "children,"
and plans to donate his entire collection. We can not locate any
information the other named puppeteer.

Here are the facts as we know them. The former owner represented this
marionette as one made by Mr. Paris. A framed obituary was included
with the marionette. As with most original hand made marionettes,
there is no certification, paperwork or markings available. This
particular "costumed" marionette does not appear in the video tape
recording of one of Mr. Frank's 1950's performances. This marionette
is a wood-carved full body marionette, that measures 3 =BD feet in
height. The marionette's dress and head-dress is highly detailed. The
strings and controller are original. This marionette was designed for
professional performance use, not display. The craftsmanship in this
marionette is excellent.

One super friendly E-Bayer informed us that early performing
puppeteers would make duplicate puppets as emergency back-ups, to
display different facial expressions or for costume changes to keep
the act fresh. Please bid accordingly. Thanks.


      At least may collectors will think twice or do more
investigating before bidding now.

Steve Millward



On 12/3/06, Alan Cook <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com> wrote:
> I'm sorry my schedule was so full, that I could not report the repeat false attribution earlier.
>
> I met Douglas Christopher Burnham at a little theater play in Hollywood. He also worked as a dancer (performed at The Hollywood Bowl) and with Sid & Marty Krofft puppets at the Coca Cola Pavilion at Hemisfair (1968) in San Antonio, Texas. After the Fair closed he remained in San Antonio for at least a couple of years and ran a puppet workshop (mentioned in local newspapers at that time) located in a historic neighborhood,
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