Brunk, Mercedes 1980-12-29

Mercedes Brunk discusses her life in show business with her husband, Henry L. Brunk.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Mercedes Brunk

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: December 29, 1980

Location:

Interviewer: Jerry Martin

Length: 52 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: 1952, Problems with the cast, Mikey diagnosed as retarded, Troublemakers on the show, Leading lady, Problems with appearance, No effort to improve after required for job, Buddy Manley, Eight fired in spring of 1952, Henry good judge of people, Jimmy and Eddie Farron, Troublemakers also, Payraises, Henry's brothers, Fred: Characteristics, Glenn: Characteristics, Elba: Characteristics, Pete: Characteristics, Charlie: Characteristics, Show business career, Drinking problem, Anecdote about Thanksgiving dinner, Relationship between Henry and brothers, L. V., Children, Show business career, Father (Sam, Sr.), Hated show business, Mother, Anecdote about mother's attendance of Henry's show, Henry and Mercedes Brunk, Married, Tucson, Arizona (1943), Henry's stories, Left company in 1939 to join Fred's show, Reasons for leaving, Freeze in the Valley, Show not understood, Move north, Performers restless, No money, Muddy Brown takes show

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Fred's show "J. L. Brunk Show", Weakness of show, Henry's deal with Fred, Henry and Mercedes get show going, Worked well for two years, Pearl Harbor killed, Business, Henry advised Fred to return home, Fred opened picture show in his tent, Reasons why Henry grew tired of show business, Christmas dinner in hotel room, 1930s Depression, Salaries and cutbacks, Ed Ward, Performers perception, Henry enlarged show prior to 1932, Mid-1932, Henry limited the show, Williams' Stock Company, (circa 1932), Material, Cast

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1930-1952

Bulk Dates: 1950s

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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