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Show PERILS OF THE PANTOMIME Chances Once Taken by Clowns, Har-lequins Har-lequins and Pantaloons Clockwork Clock-work Precision Was Necessity. In speaking of his connection with the Fox American pantomimes, the late P. W. Hofele, once manager of the Old Bowery theater, told me that the making of these many mechanical tricks consumed much time, "T. W. W." writes In the New York Sun. Many skilled workmen were employed, as these devices had to work perfectly perfect-ly and not get stuck when In use. The duties of the stage manager were arduous Indeed. From the time the stage manager tinkled his little bell for the rise of the curtain to his signal sig-nal to ring down the act drop he was as busy a man as could be found anywhere any-where in any capacity on earth. Everything had to be done when the order was given to do It or everything would be Instantly thrown out of trim, with the result of a confusion gone mad. Serious accidents are likely to happen to performers If the greatest care is not exercised. Take the work of Harlequin, that merry fellow with the magic sword, who Is always dano! lng and gilding about with his lovely : Columbine. What a hazardous part he plays. He Is perpetually taking a ; leap in the dark, trusting to sheer luck as to whether he will do that leap safely or not. I saw Paul Martinettl come up through the star trap In the' usual wy on one occasion, but In-' stead of leaving the trap In its place he took It up with him. The points of the star were sticking In his neck and the square framework was resting rest-ing on his siQuldjjrs. Vhen he landed land-ed on the floor he staggered a few - steps', then righted himself and ran off the stage. As he continued his part he could not have been Injured greatly. great-ly. I think he was lucky not to have broken his collar-bone. |