non modern clown

I have never had a favorite traditional clown type, however the greatest clown I know of would be W.C. Fields. My father admired him and W.C. Fields was a fabulous cranky old man in many Hollywood movies later on in his life that he himself wrote and stared in. His movie characters would often mumble under their breathe and move almost penguin like while pointing out sarcastic comments and traits about other people. Watching Rowan Atkinson drum routine reminded me of a W.C. Fields clown act where he is playing pool. If you watch this 5 minute clip, (particularly minute 1:55 until the end) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEIUW5Rslrc,you might see, like I did, a very Rowan Atkinson type performance, just shorter.

In looking up W.C. Fields I was kind of embarrassed to find out that in his younger years he was a fabulous performer and juggler. I was blown away by Fields amazing juggling cigar box routine and that scene can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytgPGr6JhLo as well as that Fields had his own performer’s name, The Great Magonagle. When watching the juggling scene you can see a body that is in control but Fields personality acts like it is not. His feet work with the cane demonstrate that he was an extremely gifted athlete. Watch how he works the cigar boxes (that have opening lids) and you can see how just how quick his hands are moving to keep everything level. Fields learned how to juggle as a young boy living on his own and through practice and personality went to the top of Hollywood’s famous and elite. If I had to label Fields as a particular style of clown I would say he was an Aguste type clown for always causing trouble and mayhem. W.C.Fields may not be considered a modern day clown however I feel if you watch even a small sample of his routines you will see for yourself many modern day clowns used Fields as their own inspiration (and stole his bit) to find their own inner clown.

Scott

 

 

Imdb.com W.C. Fields Biography http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001211/bio#spouse