Frank Britton Wenzel
Encyclopedia
Frank Britton Wenzel, born Frank Wenzel in New York City
, (1893-1993).
In 1917, he changed his name to "Frank Britton" to form a double act (trombone and cornet) with Milt Britton. Originators of the "slapstick" orchestra, Britton's Orchestra became known in Europe and the United States as "America's Craziest Orchestra" and "The Mad Musical Maniacs." The band's routine was to begin playing a selection in the normal way, then about half way through the song, a musician would stumble and knock an instrument out of another's hand, thereby starting a melee of comedy. Their band played some Broadway shows, made tours of South America and the US, and made appearances in shorts and feature films. They are seen causing mayhem during the title song in Moonlight and Pretzels
(1933).
During his heyday in Vaudville, he opened the original Brown Derby
restaurant in Malverne, New York
, suburban village on the south shore of Long Island
. This establishment became a popular hang-out of vaudevillians such and Ole Olsen
, Chic Johnson
, big band leader Ralph Flanagan
and others.
He was elected mayor
of Malverne in 1951. During his four year as mayor, he oversaw the construction of the Malverne Public Library and institution of the Malverne Little League. He also served as commander of American Legion
Post 44 in Malverne.
Britton Circle in Malverne is named in his honor. The only address listed on that street is the Malverne Police Department.
He died at his home in Malverne at the age of 100 in 1993.
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, (1893-1993).
In 1917, he changed his name to "Frank Britton" to form a double act (trombone and cornet) with Milt Britton. Originators of the "slapstick" orchestra, Britton's Orchestra became known in Europe and the United States as "America's Craziest Orchestra" and "The Mad Musical Maniacs." The band's routine was to begin playing a selection in the normal way, then about half way through the song, a musician would stumble and knock an instrument out of another's hand, thereby starting a melee of comedy. Their band played some Broadway shows, made tours of South America and the US, and made appearances in shorts and feature films. They are seen causing mayhem during the title song in Moonlight and Pretzels
Moonlight and Pretzels
Moonlight and Pretzels is a musical film directed by Karl Freund, and is about a man who puts on a Broadway show. The film was released by Universal Studios, and featured Mary Brian and William Frawley who was later cast in I Love Lucy. Freund was also the cinematographer for I Love Lucy...
(1933).
During his heyday in Vaudville, he opened the original Brown Derby
Brown Derby
The Brown Derby was the name of a chain of restaurants in Los Angeles, California. The first and most famous of these was shaped like a men's derby hat, an iconic image that became synonymous with the Golden Age of Hollywood....
restaurant in Malverne, New York
Malverne, New York
Malverne is a village in the town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, United States. The population was 8,514 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land.-History:...
, suburban village on the south shore of Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
. This establishment became a popular hang-out of vaudevillians such and Ole Olsen
Ole Olsen (comedian)
John Sigvard "Ole" Olsen was an American vaudevillian and comedian.Born in Peru, Indiana, he graduated from Northwestern University in 1912 with a degree in music and hit the Vaudeville circuit...
, Chic Johnson
Chic Johnson
Chic Johnson was the barrel-chested half of the Swedish-American comedy team of Olsen and Johnson, known for his strangely infectious, high-pitched laugh.-Background:...
, big band leader Ralph Flanagan
Ralph Flanagan
Ralph Flanagan , was a famed big band leader, conductor, pianist, composer, and arranger for the orchestras of Hal McIntyre, Sammy Kaye, Blue Barron, Charlie Barnet, and Alvino Rey.-Biography:He was educated at Lorain High School, where he was a member of the National Honors...
and others.
He was elected mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Malverne in 1951. During his four year as mayor, he oversaw the construction of the Malverne Public Library and institution of the Malverne Little League. He also served as commander of American Legion
American Legion
The American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
Post 44 in Malverne.
Britton Circle in Malverne is named in his honor. The only address listed on that street is the Malverne Police Department.
He died at his home in Malverne at the age of 100 in 1993.