The Circus Comes to Echo Park, Los Angeles 1925

Opening day ballyhoo for The Great Circus Mystery overshadows Buster Keaton in Seven Chances. The 15 chapter serial stars famed strong man Joe Bonomo (born December 25, 1901 at Coney Island). It is now considered lost.



And who is that woman staring from the window?


Motion Picture News, October 17, 1925:

 "A real honest-to-goodness circus front, with sideshow banners and all, and a juvenile circus parade, featured the campaign of Manager Dick Darst  of the Hollyway theatre, Los Angeles, on 'The Great Circus Mystery' (Universal)."

Photo: Sportowiec

Hollyway Theatre

And for a taste of nostalgia: Bonomo Turkish Taffy 

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres. The first two volumes chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014. 

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

New selling vintage on Etsy