I'm No Dummy is a 2009 documentary film about ventriloquism directed by Bryan W. Simon and produced by Marjorie Engesser through Montivagus Productions.
[3] The comic documentary examines and deconstructs the art form of ventriloquism through clips, photos and interviews with many of the greatest “vents” or ventriloquists and their puppets throughout different eras.
The film stars Jeff Dunham, Jay Johnson and Lynn Trefzger and features Kelly Asbury, Tom Ladshaw, Jimmy Nelson and Willie Tyler.
This chapter defines ventriloquism from the ventriloquists’ and puppets’ point of view, such as Jay Johnson who states, “Ventriloquism is the art form of acting and reacting within the same word, much less the same scene.” Lynn Trefzger says, “It’s a way of expressing different sides of my personality,” and Israeli ventriloquist Allan Blumenstyk states, “Giving a character life aside from yourself.
“ German ventriloquist Stevo Schulling defines ventriloquism as, “Very much a focus through which I can see life and our times.” These and many more definitions are illustrated using performance clips.
In this chapter, four ventriloquists – Lynn Trefzger, Jeff Dunham, Willie Tyler, and Jay Johnson – discuss and illustrate through performance clips why they are “Vents.” Don't move your lips.
Ventriloquists such as Jimmy Nelson, Stevo Schulling, Jeff Dunham, and Jay Johnson explain and prove through performance clips just how important technique is to the art form.
Jeff Dunham states, “If I believe onstage that these guys are carrying on a conversation with me and are actually real, that audience is easily sucked into that reality as well.
You realize I am arguing with myself?’” This section dissects the illusion of ventriloquism with performance clips featuring British vent Arthur Worsley, Jeff Dunham, Jimmy Nelson, Lynn Trefzger, and others.
He often used a combination of ventriloquism, magic and juggling, having appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show a record number of times.
So many people working today go back to that,” and Historian Tom Ladshaw emphasizes, “That’s what so many of us in the early sixties learned with, was that album.” Jimmy Nelson, along with his characters Danny O’Day and Farfel, served as the spokespersons for Nestles Quick for over 10 years.
And we have to stop expressing to kill an art form.” The section concludes with Jeff Dunham, the most prominent modern ventriloquist, incorporating interviews, fan comments, and concert footage.
Patrick Hickey of ReviewFix.com praised it, stating, "With all of his segments a complete success, it’s easy to see why I'm no Dummy is a quality piece of cinema.
Edward Yerke-Robins of LAist observed, "I'm No Dummy presents ventriloquism as a complicated, controlled, and nuanced exercise.