File spoon-archives/puptcrit.archive/puptcrit_1999/puptcrit.9908, message 133


From: Angusson-AT-aol.com
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 15:31:39 EDT
Subject: Re: PUPT: Bil Baird............


Greetings, 

Concerning the Howdy Doody Show and Bil's book.

It's interesting to read Steve Webers remarks about the manipulation of the 
marionettes on Howdy as being "... undoubtedly the worst that one would have 
ever hoped to see...anywhere."  
Pretty strong language when one considers that the lead puppeteer on that 
show for years was Rufus Rose himself!  Margo may have helped out in the very 
early days of their tenure, but Rufie did most of the work. 
However, I am inclined to agree with Steve that Bil, who was a close personal 
friend of Rufus and Margo, saw little ART in the show and for him, as with 
Captain Hook, that "canker gnawed!" 

I recall Margo telling a story about rebuilding a Howdy marionette so that it 
would move more realistically.  Carefully crafted, as was their wont, and 
strung to respond to a good puppeteer, the puppet was brought to the studio.  
Apparently, the new and improved movements did not impress the sponsor's 
representative, who immediately insisted that this "new" Howdy JIGGLE like 
the old one.  For some, change is bad.  Even threatening. 

As some of you may know, I worked with the Roses and was a family friend for 
years. I still teach  ROSE marionette construction and technique with their 
eldest son, Jim, at the National Puppetry Conference in Waterford each 
summer. 

I HATED the Howdy show and in a passionate moment said so and revealed to 
Margo that the only reason I watched it was to see some of the newer 
characters which they had built. Margo quietly replied that she and Rufus 
weren't in love with the show either, but they had two boys to put through 
college. 

I know Steve is familiar with and respects the Rose's work. Some on this list 
recall with some awe the beauis considerable. The Howdy show was but a small 
part of their incredible artistry. Some of the newer figures which they 
created for the show are exquisite forms of the puppeteer / craftsman's art.  
Unfortunately, in this single instance, they as performing artists were not 
allowed to practice their art.

I might add that the Roses are mentioned in Bils book , "The Art of The 
Puppeteer," regarding their other works.


Thanks, Steve and all.

Fred Thompson



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