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Story
May 10, 1954
The Daily Record
Dunn, Harnett County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
Comedian Jimmy Durante performed as a sad clown in a lion cage act, tweaking the lion's tail five times in rehearsals despite the danger. He was frightened but showed courage, earning praise from lion tamer Mel Krontz.
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When the comedian emerged from the cage the entire cast heaved a sigh of relief.
What most of the viewers didn't know was that Durante, who played the part of a sad clown, had to tweak the lion's tail five times during rehearsals just to get the act right.
While rehearsing, one of the two lions acted up and growled at Durante. The comedian admitted he was frightened to go through with the scene on his last show of the season.
The lion tamer, Mel Krontz, said: The lions are trained out they're dangerous. They have to be considered as wild animals. Jimmy was in danger every second that he was in the cage. I've got to give him a lot of credit for his courage.
What most of the viewers didn't know was that Durante, who played the part of a sad clown, had to tweak the lion's tail five times during rehearsals just to get the act right.
While rehearsing, one of the two lions acted up and growled at Durante. The comedian admitted he was frightened to go through with the scene on his last show of the season.
The lion tamer, Mel Krontz, said: The lions are trained out they're dangerous. They have to be considered as wild animals. Jimmy was in danger every second that he was in the cage. I've got to give him a lot of credit for his courage.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Heroic Act
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Jimmy Durante
Lion Act
Rehearsal Danger
Courage
Lion Tamer
What entities or persons were involved?
Jimmy Durante
Mel Krontz
Story Details
Key Persons
Jimmy Durante
Mel Krontz
Story Details
Jimmy Durante rehearsed a lion cage act as a sad clown, tweaking the lion's tail five times despite a lion growling at him, and performed courageously on his last show, praised by tamer Mel Krontz for bravery amid danger.