Page 19 - All About History 48 - 2017 UK

GATHER THE PROPS

Props such as sticks, whips and pistols – usually
loaded with blanks – were often just for show, or for
use as a last resort if things went wrong. However,
American cat trainer Clyde Beatty’s act also
required a chair. The lions became confused by
its four legs, unsure which one to focus on, and so
were successfully distracted from lashing out.

THE MAIN EVENT

Some lion tamers tried to cram as many cats into
their act as possible, with as many as 12 lions and
tigers in the ring at once, sometimes forming an
animal pyramid. Others focused on spectacular
stunts with individual creatures, getting them to
walk on tightropes, jump through hoops of fire and
even ride a horse.

SHOCKING STUNTS

While many lion tamers kept a safe distance
between themselves and their animals, others got
up-close and personal in an effort to really wow
the crowds. Russian performer Irina Bugrimova
often fed the lions from her own mouth, reclined
on their backs and rode with them on a trapeze or
motorcycle. Mabel Stark’s act also saw her appear to
brawl with a beast in the ring.

DISASTER STRIKES

Although most performances ended without
incident, occasionally the lions would rebel against
their trainer. This usually resulted in a few minor
scratches and bite marks, but after one particularly
vicious attack, Mabel Stark was left with her boots
full of blood and wounds that required 378 stitches.
Nevertheless, she returned to the ring just a few
weeks later.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Even when the animals lashed out, the trainers did
their best to keep calm and not panic the audience
for fear that their act would be cancelled or their
beloved animals would be killed. Stark famously
finished one performance with her arm hanging
limp from a tiger bite, but always insisted an attack
was the fault of the trainer, never the cat.

On command, this lion
leaps between two
ladders to the wonder
and amazement of
the crowd

© Alamy

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