Two Words, One Answer.
acrobatic
 The Hanlon Brothers: Their Amazing Acrobatics, Pantomimes and Stage Spectacles $39.95 Much of 20th-century silent film comedy, especially the work of Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, grew directly out of the physical comedy tradition spawned by the 19th-century theatrical troupe the Hanlon-Lees. John A. McKinven has written the first history of this troupe, and he has done a fine job. It is obviously a labor of love. The illustrations are wonderful, the story fascinating, and his understanding of stage machinery a huge asset; indeed, many of the Hanlons' spectacular special effects were a precursor to today's Broadway stage and blockbuster films. An index would have been a plus, but other than that this is a thorough piece of work and a welcome addition to one's theatrical library. --John Towsen, author: Clowns, a Panoramic History  Acrobatic Tenement $11.98 2 1/2 There are a few sparkling seeds of abrasive greatness hinting at further gifts to come but the majority of angular, noisy sloppiness emanating from this frazzled neo-punk quintet had much to refine before achieving real power. |
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