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Ende explains that there are only about 3 professional figure makers. He has a preference for the old-time figures. "The craftsmen of the past were the true masters" he says. Figures range in size from that of a thimble to a full-sized, 42-inch partner
Among the more unique figures he owns is "Flip and Pip", the world's only two-headed figure. Vaudevillian great Roy Douglas formerly owned it. Ende obtained it from the Flosso Museum in New York.
"Another highlight of my collection are ten figures made by the great Frank Marshall. Mr. Marshall built all famous television figures, including Jerry Mahoney, Knucklehead Smith, Charlie McCarthy, and Windy Higgins."
Few fans remember that the great crooner of the 20's and 30's, Rudy Vallee, was a ventriloquist buff. He owned three figures made by the McElroy Brothers. These were the Rolls Royces of the trade. Each McElroy figure would have up to 13 different animations, including rolling, winking, crossing eyes, raising brows, flapping, movable tongue, wiggling nose, and raising wig, as well as smoking and other effects.
Rudy Vallee used a black figure named Linoleum, and a girl figure named Sally Ann. Ende purchased both of the dolls directly from Vallee, and Vallee was able to refer him to a number of other ventriloquial collectibles that have since become part of his collection. Linoleum has 16 mechanical movements, and is considered by many to be the finest figure ever made. Ende adds, "Linoleum is my personal favorite, and the number one highlight of my collection."
He continues, "I also own figures from all over the world, including England, Austria, and Mexico. Each area features its own unique characteristics"
Ende, however, has not limited his collection to figures alone. "My library contains over 500 books on the art and history of ventriloquism." One of the books, 'Ventriloquism Made Easy', was published in 1866. Only two inches high, it is considered to be the single most rare book on the subject. He also has publications dating back to the 1700's, as well as an assortment of books in foreign languages.
Alan Ende's ventriloquism collection is more than just a collection of "dummies". Its ultimate purpose is to present an educational history of an important section of the world's popular culture.
"The Odd Couple"
This site is dedicated to my best friend and mentor....
Jack Flosso
Jackie your the Greatest!!!
On September 26, 2003 Jack Flosso passed away from complications of diabetes at the age of 77. Jack was the funniest and friendliest guy I have ever met. Very seldom in life do you get to meet an individual who changes your life. I was one of the fortunate ones. As I write this I know that jack is schmoozing with the likes of Keller, Thurston, Houdini, and Edgar Burgen. GIVE 'EM HELL JACK!!!
- Alan Ende
"The King in his Court" |
Jackie Doing "Who's on First" |
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"Jackie, June Miller, and Me" at Tavern on The Green" |
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Alan and Andrea in Amsterdam
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Robin Lane - New York City based cult and underground "performance artist" using one of two owned "ugly babies ventriloquist figures" he bought from my collection |
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"Alan, thanks - you're class
personified" "Hey - the freaks come out at night" |
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March 2, 1996
WHAT A BLAST!!
 "Linoleum and Joe E. Sefus" |
 "Just Hangin' out"... |
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"Alan - I Love your site and view it regularly. Linoleum is the ULTIMATE ventriloquist treasure!! VERY COOL!!" |
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Morgan Bodie |
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"Clarence" - |
"McElroy" - Clarence |
 "Joe E. Sefuse's Crib" |
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Letter form Pleasant Valley Saddle Shop
Alan,
It was a pleasure speaking with you earlier today. Always fun talking to someone who knows the same "old timers" in the industry. I cannot tell you how excited I am to receive the book by Doc Mann. It means a great deal to me. As a young boy I had the honor to apprentice for Doc Mann's magic and ventriloquist act.
I am enclosing a check to cover the cost of the publication plus the shipping. I had been searching for that book for over 30 years!
Thanks again for your time.
