Jimmy Vee Unboxes Historic Ventriloquist Dummy Made By Frank Marshall
Did you know THIS famous ventriloquist dummy had a brother?
I’m really excited to unbox and show you guys an amazing, historic ventriloquist figure made by the legendary figure maker Frank Marshall. The fact that it’s a Frank Marshall figure makes it special but this figure is even more spectacular and historic than just that.
The dummy was made in the 1930s by Frank and it is one of his “Nosey” figures. A “Nosey” figure was Frank’s version of the english “Cheeky” boy style ventriloquist figure. The “Nosey” or “Cheeky” boy figure was the depiction of a smart alecky, mischievous boy that was popular during that time.
This figure was purchased from Frank by the legendary ventriloquist, Paul Winchell for his sister’s 11th birthday in 1940. Paul was 18. Paul turned pro at the age of 14 and purchased the Marshall-made Jerry Mahoney in 1938.
Rita, Paul’s sister, was into ventriloquism like her brother and was delighted to receive this figure from her brother. She named the figure Harry Mahoney after her brother’s now famous, Jerry Mahoney. The controls on Harry are set up just as they are on Jerry. Paul’s unique configuration includes the mouth lever in the front of the headstick and the eye lever on the left side of the stick with non-self centering eyes. There is screw that allows you to feel where center is.
Rita used Harry Mahoney professional in her life up until about the late 1970s. They even had their own local TV show in the late 1960s in Grass Valley, California. After the late 70s, she only used him occasionally for family gatherings and with friends.
Rita passed away in 2011 at the age of 82. She and Harry were partners for 71 years.
Filed in: Dummy Videos
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