Monsieur Brunard (1901-1971) was Richard “Dick” Bruno, a well-known ventriloquist working with his vent figure, Joe Flip.
His father and grandfather had been harpists with symphony orchestras. Bruno took up the alto saxophone and led a small dance band. As a boy of twelve he purchased his first trick from Prof. Otto Hornmann of the Hornmann Magic Company. Years later his interest was renewed when he met Will Parks, one time assistant to Adelaide Hermann. In 1931 he became friends with Frank Ducrot.
In 1936, he played with vaudeville ventriloquist John W. Cooper and decided to change his career to ventriloquism. He starting studying while continuing to work with music, some magic, and frequently serving as emcee on variety show bookings. On one occasion he met The Great Lester who agreed to teach him his methods.
See more about Richard Bruno on MagicPedia.
