File puptcrit/puptcrit.1001, message 166


To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:35:38 -0500
From: gregpaulw-AT-aol.com
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Elvis Presley sings to Bob Baker hand puppets in GI



 Bob Baker's take is that when they started shooting the number, Elvis became uncomfortable singing a love song to a female with a man operating her - at his crotch level. Bob was playing the girl's part - he is a puppeteer - and the gay/queer association spooked Elvis. He returned tohis dressing room, adjusted himself, came back and filmed the sequence. 

Alton snapping at Elvis makes sense too. Only Alton Wood would snap at Elvis Presley. And Presley may have handled the puppet like she was a real girl, in a hand's on way - the onlyway he knew how. (Girls were throwing themselves at Elvis at the time.)  The puppet is starched to perfection and Alton would have been pissed. 

Bob had lots of fun. The sequence is charming. YouTube rocks.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Cook <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Sent: Sat, Jan 9, 2010 3:59 pm
Subject: [Puptcrit] Elvis Presley sings to Bob Baker hand puppets in GI BLUES


So far as I know, Bob Baker still has those hand puppets created for G I BLUES.
For many years they were on exhibit at Bob's Theater.

Alton Wood, Bob's Businerss Partner at Bob Baker Marionettes was on the set when 
Elvis was either touching the puppets or about to do so when Alton yelled "Don't 
touch those puppets!", eliciting a contrite apology from Elvis.

Just one more reason to miss Alton since his passing.

I do wonder how the G I BLUES or other notable puppet scenes from movies (Like 
Leslie Caron ("LILI" 1953 with Walton & O'Rourke puppets) circumvent copyrights, 
but it is great for viewers.


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