Clyde Beatty Show

The Clyde Beatty Show

johnmmc

Along with "Jerry of the Circus," the "Clyde Beatty Show" was another afternoon program not to be missed in 1950-1952. It was made more real to us because the Clyde Beatty Circus had replaced Ringling Bros. and came to our Southwest Washington community every summer. I'll never forget Mr. Beatty's act: first, the growling lions rushing through the chute and then taking their places on top of stands inside the cage; Beatty coming in wearing white jodpurs and looking like he'd just taken a shower; and then the tricks and antics he'd put the big cats through while using his chair, whip, and revolver loaded with blank cartridges. He never had any close calls while here, but after each performance he'd leave the cage dripping with persperation (and our climate isn't that warm). Undoubtedly, it was not the real Beatty who acted in this radio show, but the dramatized exploits — supposedly based on Beatty's real adventures — kept us riveted to the old Zenith console. The show doesn't have the art or charm of "Jerry of the Circus," but it remains an interesting look at the final years of The Golden Age of Radio and the wholesome entertainment it featured for children. JohnMc