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Figure Name:
Cleo
Created by: Regehel of New
York
Used By: Phil Burton
Unique Features: Moving Breasts
Trivia:
1. This papier-mâché standing figure was custom built by
Regehel Studios for "quick change comedian" Phil Burton.
2. Cleo joined the Vent Haven collection in 1956 when Burton sold
the figure to Vent Haven founder W.S. Berger.
3. At the time of sale, the figure was nearly new. Burton claimed
that the figure was only used twice in a performance. In
correspondence between Burton and Berger, Burton wrote, "[I] thought
it would be a novelty, to have a vent dummy in my act, but it did
not work out...It was just an experiment in my act, but I found out
I did not need it, as it slowed me up in my comedy act."
4. The figure was custom built from photos of Marilyn Monroe that
Burton sent to Regehel.
5. Cleo has one unique movement: Her breasts move up and down. The
movement is controlled by a piece of slide wood in the back of the
figure.
6. It is unclear how the figure received the current name of Cleo.
Burton claimed the figure was named "Marilyn Monroe."
7. This figure is on display in Building Two of the museum, but it
cannot be seen from either of the
Quicktime Virtual Pans of the
building.
Do you have additional information about this
figure? Do you have a suggestion for a future Figure of the Month? Is there a figure
maker whose work you would like to see featured? Let us know by emailing
the Vent Haven staff. |
