Editorial Review

Edgar Bergen once said, "Ventriloquism is one of the oldestforms of entertainment. It was practiced by the ancient Greeks... why,ventriloquists were even found up among the Eskimos!" To which CharlieMcCarthy responded, "They weren't found up there, they werechased up there!" Charlie McCarthy makes a timely reappearancehere as a 31-inch working Celebrity Ventriloquist Doll. Charlie'simmaculate hair and features are painted on, and his transparentplastic monocle is removable, as is his velvet top hat. Beneath asatin-trimmed, black tuxedo coat, Mr. McCarthy sports a white shirtfront and white satin bow tie. While not the classic tailcoat he worein the 1940s, his jacket has a straight hem that does an admirable jobof disguising the string that controls his jaw. A hidden string pull atthe back of his neck works his jaw; it seemed stiff, but its tendencyto pull his head back was easily worked out with some practice atpositioning the doll. Charlie would make a terrific gift for yourfavorite theater buff or aspiring ventriloquist--and he cuts a dashingfigure sitting on a bookshelf or bedstead. Simple instructions for thebeginning ventriloquist are included. --Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Dummy of mc
I have one of my onw and thes is so cool to see one as good is thes my dummy dos not havw the glass eiy or hat!!

Love'm to Death!
He is my new best friend.
He will make children go to bed when you want them to.
May you all that decide to adopt him have long and interesting conversations.

Nice doll
This is a nice doll if you like charlie McCarthy. As a working ventriloquist doll, it doesn't work very well. Good ventriloquist dolls have you stick your hand inside it. This one has a string to pull, and head keeps bobbing.

I liked the doll, but for decoration.

A BIG HIT!
I bought 3 of these for my grandkids for Christmas. They had so much fun talking to each other. The doll comes with a booklet that explains very simply how to throw your voice. My grand daughters wanted a girl doll which are hard to find in a basic beginners doll so I made a wig and glued it on, added some eyeliner with a flair pen and made some new clothes.

I still love Charlie
I've had my C.M doll for well over 12 years..My mother gave it to me as a xmas present when I was "about" 11 years old.. I am now about to turn 25 and and have a 1 year old... Although I have lost several accesories and his jaw no longer works ( it stays open)this is clearly one of the only toys that has lasted me so long.. Even my 1 year old loves Charlie... He is very well made and would make a great gift for someone of any age( over 3).. since I no longer have his small parts (eye lens, hat, shoes) it is safe for my son... I don't plan of ever getting rid of him, as a matter of fact I was consodering getting him fixed. But it would probably be cheaper to just get a new one..Either way this is a great toy w/ years of durability and enjoyment. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Howdy Doody Show was a phenomenal success. After its1947 crossover from radio to television, lines to see the show weretremendous, as fans were eager to watch the antics of the spunky,freckle-faced marionette and his cohorts. Goldberger's Howdy Doodyventriloquist doll is a playful reminder of those days. He's the mirrorimage of Buffalo Bob's pal, with everything but the strings. He hasfiery hair, great big ears, wide blue eyes, and a liberal peppering offreckles. Howdy sports a dark blue neckerchief, sunny yellow armbandsover a red plaid shirt, and red-and-white plastic cowboy boots. He's a30-inch, lightweight stuffed fellow with a vinyl head and hands. Thestring pull hidden on his back gets his jaw a-flappin'. The doll'saction is a bit stiff--it takes some expert positioning to keep Howdy'shead from following the motion of the string--but after a littlepractice it gets better. Included in the case is a set of simple,encouraging (and quaintly illustrated) black-and-white instructions forthe beginning ventriloquist. You'll want to practice in front of amirror before you lasso your own admiring fans. It's Howdy Doody time!--Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cool and fun
I looked all over for my son and daughter for venntriloquist dolls. These provided hours of amusement and play... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Willie Tyler's rambunctious buddy Lester has become so real tohis audiences that when Willie is spotted without him, fans have beenknown to ask if Lester is ill. With his impish grin and twinkling browneyes, Goldberger's Lester Ventriloquist Doll looks remarkably well--andperfectly ready to cause some mischief. He's dressed in a whiteturtleneck with a tan corduroy vest and plaid flannel trousers. Withhis matching plaid cap, round wire-rimmed glasses, and unruly hair,Lester looks like an icon of the early 1970s. He's a fairly lightweightfellow, with a stuffed body and vinyl hands and head. A hidden stringpull at the back of his neck works his jaw; it seemed stiff, but itstendency to pull his head back was easily worked out with some practiceat positioning the doll. Lester comes with a set of simple instructionsfor beginning ventriloquists (you'll quickly gain an appreciation forthe work the pros put into making it look so natural). He'd be a greatgift for your favorite show biz buff or would-be ventriloquist. --Julie Ubben ... Read more