Extra criticism on Batty’s Bears

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Batty’s Bears.  This act was delayed in arriving here, as was noted in my criticism of Monday.  Not only did the animals not work well, but some of the paraphernalia was delayed, arriving on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Batty went to work and got his act going in good shape so that now we regard it as one of the most interesting childrens’ and womens’ animal features obtainable.  Whereas the bears do not do anything that can be regarded as an overwhelming novelty, there is not a dull moment in the act.  They turn summersaults, walk on barrels and gloves, do see-saw stunts, dancing, eating and drinking in a very ludicrous manner.  The big cinnamon bear is harnessed to a wagon containing little black bears, and gets a big laugh from the women and children as it opens the act.  The same big bear totes out a basket containing a little baby bear, whose antics are also very amusing.  Considering the difficulty of training these clumsy creatures to do anything but catch a stick and do a street dance, the act is a very creditable one and should make good anywhere between 8 and 9 o’clock.
Source:
Keith-Albee managers' report book, February 4-September 9, 1907