Sunday, July 29, 2007

No. 139- Josip Marcan with Hamid-Morton Circus 1978


Scan10131, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Buckles, with all due respect to Dr. Quo Vadis, how about some more picture's of the globes of death costume instead. Geez Wade Burck

Casey McCoy Cainan said...

Dr. WHO???

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure Joseph always receives the credit he should for being the true outstanding performer he is in the ring. Yes, he may not have that great outgoing personality many performers do, but he has that true air of authority and command in the ring that is truly marvelous. I remember watching him in the middle 80s on the Beatty - Cole show. He took such great care of his animals. When he walked in to the tent and arena he had a slow authoritive gate that commanded attention. Once in the ring it was all about his cats. He spoke and they automatically went through their routines like push button. No proding, yelling, etc. The were trained to the highest level, knew their job, and went right to work. He could be in the ring for 20 minutes and it seemed like 5! A great showman indeed!

Carl Bly

Anonymous said...

To Casey : precisely !

Anonymous said...

I enjoy seeing these pictures of Josip, a truly excellent trainer. I regret I didn't have the opportunity to see his lion act in the '70's, but ended up with three of his lions when he dissolved this act. They were wonderful animals.

I remember Ron Whitfield did a Roman ride with his lions. In this picture the lions are standing, but I'm sure it's a very difficult trick. I've never tried it. (But I would.. ! )

The following picture of the liger/shoulder stand is beautiful. A very talented trainer.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, but tho he is a great cat trainer I think the only audiece he thrills are other cat trainers and hard core circus fans.

Bob Cline said...

I have to think that any audience member that saw Josip perform was awestruck. To see 14 tigers lay down and situp in unison is thrilling to say the least. To see not one but two tigers do a hind leg walk backwards at the same time is impressive. To see him vocally call a tiger from one side of the arena to him on the other and have the tiger stand up and hop to him is amazing. Now adays, he doesn't perform anymore that's true. But he still trains. His work is phenomoenal. Where have you ever seen a tiger on the ground in front of the trainer do a ground to leap over the trainer to ground leap before? He is unquestionably the finest trainer I have ever learned from and I use that term loosely in visiting with him in Beatty quarters on a few given weekends, not by working for him. I patterened my act after his by not using props and the audience loved it. What other cage acts today are doing a 12 minute act with no props featuring only the animals natural abilities? I don't mean to take anything away from any of our other professionals either. Lord knows, Pat White is as dedicated and classy as they come. Wade carries himself quite well at all times in the arena. Longevity has proven that. It's just that my hat goes off to the good Doctor for the gifted trainer, breeder, and performer that he has been over the years. If the audiences didn't appreciate it, he and his organization wouldn't be in demand the way they are.
Bob

Anonymous said...

Did he train those lions for Mr. Cuneo ? That looks like a Cuneo pyramid.

Casey McCoy Cainan said...

Quo vadis, is latin for "where are you going"

Bob Cline said...

If I understand the story correctly, Josip had these props for his lion act built and then sold them to Mr. Cuneo. Paging Mr. Burck, Mr. Wade Burck come in Please. I'm sure Wade has a clear picture of the events and can fill in some untold details if need be but I'm thinking that's the way the story was told to me.
Bob

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the nice compliment, Bob. Regarding the props vs. no props, I think it's just a matter of personal preference. Certainly less props is an advantage for loading space in the truck. I like the jump props, I think it's nice to get the cats up higher for some tricks, for audience viewing. Just my preference.

Josip's lion act props: Jimmy Cole is the most knowledgable person about Josip's cats, routines and equipment (besides Josip himself). What's the word, Jim? I'm curious too.

Dr. Quo Vadis. Let's see...
Latin for, "Where are you going?" Can't be that. Josip already there.
Quo Vadis: A heavy metal rock band. Nah.
Quo Vadis; A novel which took place in Nero's
Rome. With Josip's costume choice, I vote for this.
But who knows.

Anonymous said...

Bob, I don't know if I should thank you or say "what the hell". Longevity???? Is that a back door shot at my age? Kidding aside, friend, I know the story of the sacred pyramid, but I would rather let Josip tell it, if he so choses. By the way, we have 7 of them here. Do you want one? A half day of free operation instruction are offered with each purchase. Very good on Quo Vadis, Pat. I was going to call him Dr. Sparticus, but I was afraid Casey, would think I was sucking up to Josip as I have a tiger named Sparticus, who I used to give the good Dr. a clinic in bouncing a tiger with out a candy ass Clyde Beatty chair in your hand, in Evansville last fall. And yes everybody, by friend Josip is indeed very special. Wade Burck

Anonymous said...

P.S. Quick, somebody tell my friend, Roger Smith that I was kidding about the Clyde Beatty chair. Kim, have the Rompum on standby if word doesn't get through. The net's won't work this time. Wade Burck

GaryHill said...

Isn't there an old movie with Richard Burton or one of them guys that did all them old Roman Empire movies?

Anonymous said...

We went to Hawaii for Paul Kaye with Josip Marcan and his lions years ago. I could say many good things about him. He had the only lion cages I ever saw that didn't stink. They were cleaned instantly on needing it as often as needed. Yes he got up before the cats and did it himself (with help). Also the act was great.
Mark Horton

Anonymous said...

It's too bad that Rebecca a/k/a Dutchess is not on the blog these days to add her comments to the discussion.I heard from her recently by "snail mail" and she said she really missed to blogs and especially missed Gary Hill. She says she will be back and said hello to everyone. Wade, she didn't say anything about you.

Anonymous said...

John, I had forgotten all about Rebecca. Also, I didn't realize she was also Duchess. That denotes royalty, doesn't it? Wade Burck

Anonymous said...

I for one miss Rebecca/Duchess's lively contributions.

GaryHill said...

Yes the Dutchess could always "season" up the comments can't she!

Anonymous said...

Larry, even if you use three names, you will never be Gunther Gebel Williams. And my friend JC, said no animal guy worth anything would wear facial hair. Although I never met you, that's just what I have been told. Dutchess

P.S. LOL. Are you having fun yet, LAD. Rebecca

Anonymous said...

i hope this means the duchess has returned. i think we've all missed her.

Anonymous said...

Henry, Rebecca a/k/a Dutchess has NOT RETURNED to the blog. Someone has used her name to stir things up on the blog. Not the first time. Susuan Lacy what do you know??
Rebecca does not have an active computer at the moment. I wonder who has signed on with her name. Do the LADIES know????? W.B. where are you??

Buckles said...

This impostor failed to misspell a few words. A dead giveaway!

GaryHill said...

Darn, I sure hope the Dutchess can get back on board! Capt, I spent the day in Dallas yesterday, got to visit with Sonny and the big thrill was seeing Minyak. I had forgot how nice an elephant she has turned out to be!