Sven VS…the SAW!!!
Well, it happened. My return to the Little Boots Rodeo in Elk Grove Village- the final challenge with their Mayor Craig Johnson- and- my date with…the saw.Let me tell you the story…
We arrived at the rodeo right on time, and were met by a big fan, Sue, who was going to work as our “handler” for the event- making sure we got to every place we needed to go,that we had whatever we needed, and that our line was being managed. She whisked us to the area where the pig races were going to take place,where we met up with Cowboy Jack Groat, who oversees this yearly event, and Mayor Johnson. We addressed the crowd, and declared that, whoever came out victorious in this challenge (recall our previous challenges- the bull-riding event and the duck races- both of which had questionable endings) would be the once and final champion in infinitum.It was also added, once again, that the losing pig’s representative would be sawed in half by magician Mr. D, who was in attendance with his unqiue magic truck.The mayor asked first who in the crowd was hoping for a Svengoolie win- and the crowd roared! He then asked who was hoping for him to win…there was a pause- and then- the crowd…roared…kind of. Then, it was time for the pigs to be introduced. Mayor Johnson’s pig was a fine strapping fellow who calmly go into place at the gates. Then, they introduced my pig- a bionic wonder, they said , genetically produced to be an excellent- wait, what on earth is that squealing? Why, of course, it’s my pig- the experimental wonder- who appears to be about one-fourth the size of the mayor’s pig, and not very happy about being in the race!He was placed in his separate gate, and then- both pigs went through the gate early, before the official start of the race! The two pigs were corralled, and brought back to the gate- where they both went into the same enclosure, and my pig- the genetic wonder- was- ahem- facing the wrong way. This was finally rectified-the pigs were ready-the crowd was ready- and- away they went!
There they went spinning out of the turn, and- my lord! My little experimental model was in the lead! They headed for the checkered flags and- what a surprise-the mayor’s pig coursed ahead, and crossed the finish line first.
And so, the mayor won- and I lost. Being a goolie of my word, I knew our next stop would be- the saw!
We went over to Mr. D’s truck, where he had just finished a show, and needed to set up his saw paraphernalia…so, we took a quick side trip to the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile parked right next door!
The impressive vehicle is even more imnpresiive close up- and I recounted my tale, told in a previous blog, of seeing the Weinermobile as a small child, when the “Little Oscar” actor was actually there to make an appearance. I think our friend Sue pulled some strings- because we were invited to actually get on board to take a closer look at the inside of the Weinermobile- a rare treat!
We got to check out the interior- with its blue, cloud-infused sky-painted roof, and hot dog-shaped accoutrements- including hot dog red and mustard yellow decor, including a lovely squiggle of yellow “mustard” on the rug down the middle aisle! Even more imnpressive- that our guide, Jessie, a petite young lady probably no more than 5 feet tall, is the driver of the huge hot dog! Our visit concluded, of course, with her giving us -an Oscar Meyer Weiner Whistle!
But then- it was time- Mr. D was going to cut me in half. Would I cut the mustard? (No, that would stay in the Weinermobile…)I’ll continue the story in tomorrow’s blog-but- don’t forget- I will be back at the Little Boots Rodeo- in either one or two pieces- today from 1-3 pm! Come on out for the fun- info is under our “appearances” tab on this site!
13 Responses to Sven VS…the SAW!!!
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Sven, it sounds like your pig might’ve thrown the race! I think you should have the Interstate Pig Racing Commission look into it.
I couldn’t help but notice a familiar film noir plot element (‘femme fatale persuades boyfriend to kill her hubby’) in the concluding scenes of “Son of Dracula.” And this is before its use in such classics as “Double Indemnity” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” Maybe Robert Siodmak had some say over the storyline , since , as Dale Uhlmann mentioned, he’s a director who soon excelled at the noir genre.
Hey Sven, as always you were terrific, even in the hot sun and temps you remained as cool as ever. Thanks for signing my shirt to the Almost Home Foundation Animal rescue. I am sure it will be a big hit at our auction.
Anyone who didn’t go yesterday and can make it today should go. It was a fun event, especially for the kids. They even shot a guy out of a cannon. Maybe they will shoot Sven out today?
We couldn’t make this year’s event, so I never saw you there… get it?… “saw you there”?… ow-oW-OW!!
Hi Sven,
Many of us live too far away to attend any of the events where you’re appearing, so maybe you could post some photos on the blog.
It’d be great to see you with the Weinermobile!
Oh that swine! How could he let you down like that? I think that at the least, you are entitled to order yourself some of the bacon-flavored dental floss you saw in that catalog. Yes, Wicked Esther is right – photos would help us poor souls from out of town, but I’m hoping that the camera crew was able to tag along. I’m sure that you’re way ahead of us here…
I had two Weiner Whistles, both acquired around 1960, and probably still have them around somewhere. I’ve seen Weinermobiles on the road but have never visited one, and have always wondered something about it (them). I distinctly remember that in the old commercial jingle for Oscar Mayer (“Here comes Little Oscar in his Weinermobile; Little Oscar, the world’s smallest chef…”) mention is made of his “tiny tiny kitchen”. Do the Weinermobiles actually have tiny tiny kitchens in them?
Just an amusing thought here – the “little boots” rodeo – Little Boots is a translation of the Roman Emperor Caligula’s name – makes me wonder if the corruption of the Roman Empire is alive and well and your pig race was indeed rigged.
Sven, your June 23rd blog mentioned a Dracula movie “first” that occurs in “Son of Dracula,” but I didn’t hear you reveal it during the show. Sorry if I missed it, but was it the first time the special effects of Dracula transforming from a bat and mist were done?
Gary: I’m certain that was what Sven was referring to. I had read in that excellent book I’ve referred to earlier on this blog, UNIVERSAL HORRORS, that this was indeed the first time a movie had actually shown Dracula changing into a bat, and vice versa (and into mist, for that matter).
BTW, some more “Son of Dracula” trivia: Bela Lugosi BADLY wanted to reprise his Dracula role for this film and was very bitter when Universal by-passed him in favor of Chaney, Jr. In fact, according to UNIVERSAL HORRORS, the studio never even considered him for the part, much less even asked his agent! Supposedly, Lugosi remained resentful for years afterward over Chaney’s being cast in his signature role.
UNIVERSAL HORRORS also points out that director Robert Siodmak probably would have preferred Lugosi over Chaney in the Dracula part anyway. Reportedly, one day on the set, practical joker Chaney, who had been sipping all afternoon from his flask of “ice tea” (LOL), sneaked up behind Siodmak and busted a bottle over his bald head (“Oh, that’s gotta hurt!”). Understandably, Siodmak didn’t think it was funny!
Dale, thanks for the info. I suppose the studio came up with the “SON of Dracula” title to further distance the character from Lugosi’s association with it. And John Carradine being cast as the Count in “House of Frankenstein” could’ve only pounded another stake in Bela’s ego!
About the Chaney anecdote: That kind of behavior probably helped send Lon back to playing the Mummy as punishment.
Gary: Well put! As we probably all know, Kharis the Mummy was Lon’s least favorite part.
Do you think Lon C. ever enjoyed a Turkey Leg???.
I can’t comment on “Wiener Whistles” without being censored.