Mr. Gay mounts up Pluto the lion here at Gay's Lion Farm in El Monte, California. Mr. Gay seems a lot more gay than the lion…but then the only work he is doing is wielding a riding crop. (Actually, I believe, a "quirt" but let's call it a whip) Gay's farm was some 15 miles north of LA and he supplied the movie business with lions.
Puto was the grandson of Numa, a famous lion now stuffed. Well, back in 1930 stuffed, but Numa is probably no more. Numa worked with Charlie Chaplin (!) At one time, Gay's farm had TWO HUNDRED LIONS.
A film of Mr. Gay in action (sorta) is shown below.
Real Photo Postcard Mr. Gay and Pluto the Lion collection Jim Linderman
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That is one ticked off lookin' lion!
ReplyDeleteHow cool, now that is the kind of business I would love ... but I'm sure the chickens wouldn't. And Tattered & Lost is right, that lion does not look unhappy. I wonder what ever happened to Mr. Gay.
ReplyDeleteIs this real photo? !
ReplyDelete~ Herman Swan