As has been mentioned in previous posts, our friend Rick Spector runs a company called "Stairway To The Stars" which specializes in costumes, props, awards and historical artifacts from the golden age of film and television. One of the ways Rick obtains these items is through auction.
I became aware of Rick and his work last year when I posted this piece about Ernie's classic puppet bit, "The Kapusta Kid In Outer Space". At that time the puppets were up for auction but nobody was buying them. After getting to know Rick through email correspondence it occurred to me that there wouldn't be a better person to acquire and care for those legendary puppets. I guess Rick felt the same way, because he ended up buying them. Now, a lot of folks will get to enjoy them!Rick sent me an interesting email with some pics of a couple of the Kapustas which he brought to a recent event. Our thanks go to Rick for granting permission to share these with you:
Hi Al,
Just wanted to share with you that some months ago we were asked to display some of our vintage film and TV used puppets at the Orlando Puppet Festival at the Avalon Island Gallery in downtown Orlando. This event is hosted by Heather Henson's (Jim's daughter) IBEX Puppetry Company. The event was launched with a special opening night party on Nov 16th and runs through to Dec. 10th. They have posted numerous images on their Facebook pages of which I include a few here including one of Heather.. I was specifically asked to bring Ernie and "Albumen".
I also made a slide show presentation for all the puppets and included a section on Ernie with stills of him with "Albumen" doing the "Kapusta Kid in Outer Space". It is on a digital screen that loops next to the cases for people to learn about or remember Ernie.
Rick
Rick mentioned in another email that the duck in the case with Ernie and "Albumen" was made for Dave Seville by Morey Bunin and used by him on American Bandstand in 1957:
David Seville was famous for his creation "Alvin And The Chipmunks", who of course figure very big during the holiday season with their number 1 hit "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)."
And on that note all of us here in Kovacsland wish you a most Happy Holiday Season and best wishes for a prosperous New Year in 2011! It's your gracious support throughout the year that helps to keep Ernie's legacy alive for a new generation of fans.
And, as EK himself might have said: "It's Been Real!"
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On Tuesday, November 19, 2013, MVD Entertainment Group will release "Here's Edie: The Edie Adams Television Collection"! This is a 4 DVD, 12 hr set of the
entire run of Edie Adams variety show which aired on ABC from 1962-64. It is the first-ever release of her classic variety show after more than 50 years.
Bonus material includes Edie''s musical numbers from the Ernie Kovacs show, a 16-page booklet with rare photos, program notes and her iconic Muriel Cigar
commercials. Here's a 
which will be officially released on Tuesday, October 23, 2012..jpg)
4 comments:
The Kapusta Kid puppets from Ernie's NBC morning show were made by noted puppeteer Larry Berthelson. Some of the kine's of the daytime show I've seen list his name in the credits. His NY Times obit give more details about his life and work. Nice to see the Kapusta Kid puppets went to an appreciative home.
-- Ben Model
Ben,
Thanks for the comment. For some reason the link isn't working so here it is again:
Larry Berthelson NY Times Obituary
and, just for the fun of it...I recognize the screen grabs as being from the Dec 19, 1955 broadcast of the morning "Ernie Kovacs Show" on NBC, his 2nd week on the air with that program.
Rick Spector emailed me the following:
"I appreciate Ben's comment and want to point out that on the placards Heather made for each puppet (you can see them in the long shot of the display) as well as on the digital slide show, we gave credit to Larry Berthelson."
Here is a photo
of that placard for anyone who'd like to take a look.
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