Boy Clown (1962)

Shrewsbury, Shropshire.



A big American car drives into circus site and stops next to a large circus tent. Driver gets out of the car. Two clowns approach the car to look through the window. As the man opens the boot, a young boy, a dwarf, who was 'sleeping' in the boot 'wakes up' - he yawns and stretches. Clowns see the boy and start pointing their fingers at him, laughing, but they greet him happily. More clowns arrive.



A group of clowns is seen hurdled around the car with the dwarf who jumps out and shakes hands with all of them. The young dwarf is a new clown apprentice Brian Jones. He calls himself Bingo. Bingo walks away with the clowns. They start playing - clowns line up with their legs spread so Bingo can run through the 'leg-made tunnel'. A tall clown at the front catches him, lifts him up in the air and starts talking to him. Then he puts him down. The tall clown is Chief clown Frank Harty who supervises Bingo's progress.



Clowns seem happy and up for action. A clown in chequered suit shows Bingo how to do a handstand. Bingo does his handstand helped by the clown. Another clown has a peculiar device on his bowler. A long wire with a butterfly on the top 'grows' from his hat. As he moves his head butterfly circles around - great!



As a clown, Bingo needs to have a unique face make up as well as costume. Frank Harty helps him to create it. Mr Harty is seen putting make up on Bingo's face while one of the other clowns puts an old lady's hat on his head. Bingo models to the audience after his image is completed. He wears a dress over trousers, old lady's hat and funny fluffy slippers. Ring master comes with a suitcase. He opens it and Bingo gets in. Clowns close the suitcase and walk away with it.
FILM ID:185.03

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