I still use prat falls.

The last time was at a small towns Christmas Program.

The Mayor had also asked me do appear as Dr. Laugh, earlier that day at a Retirement Village.

I talked with him briefly before the second gig at the City's Community Christmas Event.

He said the show at the Retirement Village was perfect for that group.

How ever, He wanted a more upbeat show for family night. (I bit my tongue, listened and smiled..and listened some more)

A few minutes later...I was introduced..

I entered carrying a duffle bag and small but heavy wood table.
Just before hitting center stage I used the old "kick your forward calf with your back foot".
This causes a "realistic & spontaneous trip moment".

Down I went with a very surprised look

The surprise on my face was real, due to the extra weight I was carrying.
This led to the audience gasping as one.
A few seconds after they realized I was OK. They laughed again as one.
After the gig, the Mayor was pleased with the higher second show energy, And was still doubtful that the fall was
"Staged"

Oh what fun it is to do set bits...AND last minute additions.

Live entertainment has it's risk & great Rewards.

Happy H.O.Y.C.

Happy Holiday of your Choice...

You are a brave man

I've heard several famous guys who did prat falls credit a prat fall gone wrong for a long term back, knee etc... problem.

A cheap laugh would be a poor trade off for a long term chronic pain (that I could have avoided).

I used to walk slack rope as a Kid and I don't think I could have been dissuaded at the time. Now I quail at the thought. We all have to make our own choices but as adults we have a better perspective of the consequences.

Best of luck Harris.

-Mary Mowder

....

Safety first.....

I no longer do them down stairs.....

Safety first...

There are a lot of things I used to do, early in my career... I won't list them for obvious reasons.....

Anyone remember the Guy,.....Mike...who used to do a somersault...

Jay....some would say anyone stepping on the stage is a

Brave Man...

or

Brave Woman.....

(so is facing 7th graders in middle school)

I do both......

Regarding Pratfalls.....my use....has a corollary rule...

LESS is MORE.

At the right moment the right joke....or PRAT FALL is priceless......

On a lighter note...occasionally, I will use my head for the container I pour the water from a Lota Vase.

....again this is a time for less is more (often)

..and yes I cover the floor carefully...

Harris
still 2 old to know everything




Harris

That would be Mike Caldwell. He had to tip the scales over 300 lbs. and there was a loud BOOM as he hit the stage.

Thanks Mr. Baker. ...for the name and your memory.

I saw him perform once, I think at the Midwest Magic Jubilee in St. Louis, about 1980 or so. But, my mentor had mentioned him to me several years earlier.

I was around the Midwest in the 70''s until I moved to the west coast.

He was also written up in the trade publications in the 60-80's.

I still like reading old magazines.

You'd be surprised what's new back then.

My most ill advised prat fall occurred when I forgot the wireless mic pack in my back pocket as I
"Tumbled" down a short (3) stairs.
I and the pack were OK.
The sound man was not so OK with me.

Read Mike's short wiki bio and note the story about the scissors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Caldwell_%28magician%29

I saw Mike Caldwell do his famous flip a few times. It was an amazing thing to see live.

Gerry

Remind me, and, when I have time, I'll write up Mike's gag with Ned Locke (Ringmaster of the BOZO show on WGN TV) and the "Mrs.Brown's chicken commercial. The "payoff" was absolutely hilarious!

To write up all the anecdotes on Mike would take a "book"!!!

I did write up the $200 Opera Hat story in my book. There's another sad/funny story about Mike's son's funeral. Oh! I also wrote up Mike's "dog act" in the book.

Real world sharing...is priceless on this Little Darlings Spot here on the Café...

Thanks to all for giving us the Gifts that keep on Giving....

Early in our Marriage...my wife kept joking about my funeral and headstone...

She quoted me ..by asking ..."Did I flash"?


I await your sharing of the "Pay Off".




Harris
still 2 old to know it all....

[quote]On Dec 17, 2015, Harris wrote:

Early in our Marriage...my wife kept joking about my funeral and headstone...

She quoted me ..by asking ..."Did I flash"?


LOL

-Mary