From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 21:00:15 GMT
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Pady Blaclwood and the Highchief Marionettes


There are a lot of Pady Blackwood fans in the puppetry world. I am one of them.

I think that anyone who has had puppets or puppet-related material (posters, photos, ephemera) stolen can understand the discomfort Pady feels, when reminded of John Hopkin's theft and deceit.

It strikes me as ironic that Sky Highchief swiped marionettes out of Frank Paris' North Hollywood garage during the remaining few days of Frank's life, and sent them to a known collector who also lives in Texas. I also know that Sky's own marionettes which were listed on e-bay were made by Sky and legitimately willed to Pady who is the rightful owner, just as I am the rightful owner of the pilfered puppets made by Frank Paris (in accordance with Frank's Will).

Whether the person(s) in Texas who attempted to sell Pady's property have a conscience or not, remains to be seen. But it remains important that puppeteers and puppet collectors know the history.  That the police DID visit the person who "purchased" stolen property means that this individual was aware many years ago that the puppets in question did not belong to John Hopkins. So "old age, blindness  and undependable memory" are insufficient excuses so far as I'm concerned, for describing the puppets on e-bay as by "various" makers (without ANY mention of Sky Highchief or Pady Blackwood).

I hope that the other Texas collector may some day return Frank's puppets to me. But in the meantime, I hope both the e-bay seller and the other Texas collector can listen to their consciences instead of burying them as they have, so far.

Alan Cook 


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