Constance Tomkinson continues her account of clown Charlie Rivel…

After ridiculous preparations he tripped over his flippers in to a forward somersault, knocking down both partners as he landed on his face. Alfredino gave Charlie an angry slap and he and Pauli retired to the other side of the stage to continue their tricks. Charlie rocking back and forth whimpering, ‘Alfredino, fate male,’ was a haunting little figure. But he perked up and giving his tight jersey another tug to bring it down to his ankles he waddled over to the others wistfully pleading to play. They condescended to allow him to join in. Attempting another trick Charlie became involved in ludicrous slippings, impossible recoveries, astounding  somersaults, and finally, by what appeared an accident, succeeded. Jumping for joy he did an ‘accidental’ back flip. Behind the brilliant clowning was an amazing acrobatic technique. Nobody had to tell us we were watching a great artist.

-See Constance Tomkinson’s memoir Les Girls, published 1956.