I'm No Dummy (2009)

Explores and examines the world of ventriloquism through clips, photos and interviews with many of the greatest vents from today and yesterday, illustrating that this perceived novelty act is truly an extraordinary art form.

Director:

Bryan W. Simon

Writer:

Bryan W. Simon

Stars:

Kelly Asbury, Allan Blumenstyk, Burt Dubrow

Cast

Credited cast:
Kelly Asbury	...	Himself
Allan Blumenstyk	...	Himself
Burt Dubrow	...	Himself
Jeff Dunham	...	Himself
David Goldblatt	...	Himself (as Dr. David Goldblatt)
Ken Groves	...	Himself
Jay Johnson	...	Himself
Mary Kingsley	...	Herself
Tom Ladshaw	...	Himself
Ronn Lucas	...	Himself
Jimmy Nelson	...	Himself
Norm Nielsen	...	Himself
Otto Petersen	...	Himself
Stevo Schüling	...	Himself
Lisa Sweasy	...	Herself

Storyline

Talking heads. A look at the art of ventriloquists. The first half examines basic issues, such as establishing two clear personalities for "vent" and dummy, the importance of not moving lips, the range of comedy that's possible, and the doors that opened when Jay Johnson appeared on "Soap" with his dummy. Several contemporary entertainers and historians comment. The second half profiles the best known ventriloquists -- Paul Winchell, Senor Weñces, Edger Bergen, and Jimmy Nelson - and assesses their strengths. The film closes with an assessment of ventriloquism's future. Included are many clips of performances.

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Plot Keywords:

ventriloquist | ventriloquism | dummy | interview | talking head | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 May 2009 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Montivagus Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Over 150 hours of interview and concert/performance footage was shot in less than one year for the film.

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Connections

References Jay Johnson: The Two and Only! (2013)

User Reviews

More than just puppets

I think this film was great, it was very educational about ventriloquism and the talented people behind the puppets. Although it was educational it was also full of clips from "vents" and some great insights from some talented comedians. I was really glad Jeff Dunham was in this documentary I think it made it all worthwhile. Venting is definitely something that some people take for granted or are not really educated about and this really gave a different perspective on some great talent.

I first thought that this would be more clips and stand up materials but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was much more than that! It's going to be interesting to see how Venting pans out in the future considering acts like Jeff Dunham are getting enormously huge. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for other Ventriloquists, I find them very interesting and entertaining.