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 --- Personal replies to: Angusson-AT-aol.com --- List replies to: puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu --- Admin commands to: majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
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