Documentaries

Fool Proof takes us on an international roller coaster ride as we explore the history and art of clowning. With professional clown Beni Malone as ringmaster, this one hour documentary is a visual feast which celebrates the rich history and recent renaissance of the most animated of performing arts. Malone, who trained in Europe and with the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus provides anecdotes of clowning around the world.

Through rare footage and archival photos, Fool Proof traces the evolution of clowning in live theater, rodeos, television, movies and, of course, the circus. It features famous clowns from the European Fratellini Brothers to the American icon, Lou Jacobs. The documentary shows how these dedicated fools have allowed humanity to laugh at itself and learn some truths along the way.

We share Malone’s excitement watching his aerialist daughter, Anahareo, perform under the Big Top in Montreal and we get a sense of the importance of circus families in the history and development of this art form.

Malone brings us into his own clown world, from his rehearsal studio in downtown St. John’s, to touring coastal Newfoundland and Labrador by boat. We experience the connection between clowns and the odd quirky characters we meet in everyday life and we are introduced to the rising generation of new performers. Our journey comes full circle when we join a fraternity of clowns as they gather for Malone’s Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College reunion in Las Vegas.

Fool Proof is an uplifting, zany and highly entertaining view
of the mad, mad world of the madcap.

A world full of unique characters who follow their instincts to a place where angels fear to tread . . . and fools willingly rush in.

A CODLESSCO Documentary

*PRODUCERS Marian Frances White/Paul Pope *WRITER Marian Frances White

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