Synopsis
This short film, which apparently originally aired on Channel 4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, takes a look at the Duncan Yoyo, a toy developed by the American toy manufacturer Duncan Toys Co. They were known best for their line of yo-yos. Duncan was founded in 1929. The show probably dates to the late 1950s, possibly 1958 when the Butterfly yoyo was introduced. The yo-yo actually originated in the Philippines. These were made popular in the US as Duncan hosted competitions throughout the country from the 1930’s through the 1950’s. Duncan was later absorbed by Flambeau. The film begins with a brief shot of WWII footage from a program that preceded this yoyo film on the air on Channel 4 (:16). The yo-yo return top appears (:26). Demonstrators sling the toy up and down (:36). Duncan Yoyo Champion Fred Fortunado (last name unclear) stands at the left (:42). He had just returned from a tour of the major cities of the far west teaching youth how to yo-yo as part of the company’s method to expand. The two yo-yo-ers are introduced by the host as Fred Fortunado and "Speedy Gonzales" (1:18). Fred demonstrates how to ‘walk the dog’ (1:46). The ‘creeper’ method follows (1:54) as well as the three leaf clover (2:05). Other tricks are called ‘skin the cat’ (2:19), ‘sleeping beauty’ (2:22) and ‘rock the baby’ (2:34). An advertisement encourages the youth to join the Duncan yo-yo contest for the chance to win big prizes (2:51). The grand prize was a trip to Disney in California (3:09).…
Uploader's description on archive.org
Details
- Running time
- 14 minutes
- Collection
- Ephemeral Films
Subjects on the Internet Archive
- Troutman Department
- Duncan Yoyo
- Duncan Toys Co
- Yoyo Champion Fred Fortunado
- Fred Fortunado
- Speedy Gonzales
- Duncan Number
- Tournament Yo
- Sonic Satellite Yo
- Clairton Fire Department