Karl Malden dons make-up for Clown of Death episode
While filming an episode for season four on “The Streets of San Francisco” we got to go behind the scenes of a circus. The title of the show was “Clown of Death” and aside from the series stars, KARL MALDEN and MICHAEL DOUGLAS, the television police drama also featured DAVID BIRNEY, MADLYN RHUE, LYNNE MARTA, and DICK VAN PATTEN.
Dick Van Patten publicity shot
The backdrop we used for the story was an actual circus performing at the Cow Palace auditorium in San Francisco- specifically, the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) circus. It was interesting watching what went on behind the scenes of a performance…seeing the performers prepare and the exotic animals cared for in-between shows. Unfortunately, one of our “extras”- dressed as an acrobat in leotards was not as thrilled about circus animals as I, when a chimp took a bite out of her calf as she was stepping into a trailer.
Myself with “Streets” jacket, outside Karl Malden’s Winnebago dressing room
We filmed a good portion of that week around the real circus – and I found the experience informative and strangely exciting. I guess you have to be a stage performer to totally understand the emotions I was feeling back then working behind the scenes of a “live” event.
My dad and Michael Douglas on location
It was a special thrill to witness from between the curtains the excitement of the audience, when (as an unexpected bonus) they got to see our star, Karl Malden riding on the back of a SFPD three-wheel motorcycle, red lights blazing and siren screaming, as my dad drove him around the center ring in the parade which opened the circus. As part of the episode, Karl goes undercover, disguised as a clown to try and flush out a killer. I could tell that Karl enjoyed the experience, as he wandered about the real audience replete in clown make-up, displaying his talent as a magician- sleight of hand- to an unsuspecting audience.
My personalized photo of Karl Malden
I had a role in the show too…one that really suited my personality…at least; I think that was what the first assistant had in mind, when they put me into a gorilla suit! 
That gorilla (far right), was me…type casting?
Memories are a gift, reminding us during those quiet moments of special people that are no longer with us. For me, it’s my dad, the wonderful Karl Malden, and our good friend, Director Virgil Vogel- all who’d played a part in making “The Streets of San Francisco” such a success…and, provided me with this precious reminiscence today. 
My parents and myself on location for “The Streets of San Francisco” during happier days.
————————————
Tony Piazza is author of the 1930s Hollywood murder mystery novel, “Anything Short of Murder,” which had its roots on the TCM fan website. His second novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was next released early 2012, and in July of 2013, his latest Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels” was published and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. A new Tom Logan novel has been completed and is scheduled to be released in 2015. He was an actor/extra during the 1970s and worked with such legends as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, and Karl Malden. His non-fiction e-book “Bullitt Points” is an in depth look at the making of “Bullitt” from a person who was there. Look for it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites, or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.
Tony Piazza is a member of three prestigious writer’s organizations: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the SLO NightWriters.
NEW! COMING SOON!
The novel that started it all. The first in the Tom Logan mystery series- read by actor James Romick,will be available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.
LOOK for the new Tom Logan novel. Tentative release date late 2015!
Also:
My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” and “Anything Short of Murder” now joins “A Murder Amongst Angels” on Amazon’s Kindle at a new, low price of $2.99. Now you can have hours of adventure, thrills, mystery, and romance for the price of a cup of coffee- and just as stimulating! Look for it on Amazon. Print versions have also been reduced.
Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels is discounted for e-book.
Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold. Also available for $2.99 on Kindle.
Lovely story and great pix, Tony. You really must treasure those experiences. Fun for us all to go back with you to those great times when we had such great stars on TV.
Thank you, Paul. Karl Malden was a consummate actor, who always cared about giving his audience his best performance…and that’s what made “Streets” such a great show.
I’m curious, do you know where the arcade scenes were shot for that episode “Clown of Death”? [they show a kids arcade a couple of times; do you happen to know where that was?]
Thank you!
Sara
Hi Sara,
I’ll have to review the “Clown of Death” on my DVD. It has been about 40 years since we filmed that episode. I do remember that we used the P.A.L. circus at the Cow Palace in SF/Daly City for the circus scenes, and the museum with the clown faces painted on eggs was actually a set at the Quinn Martin studio sound stage that was located near the SF waterfront. I’ll take a guess however, without seeing the episode…there was an arcade at Fisherman’s wharf that may have been used. If a laughing lady doll was in the scene, then it was an arcade beneath the Cliff House. The only other arcade I can remember filming at, at one time was in North Beach. Chances are, it was one of the three. If you can give me a little more information I may be able to narrow it down. I appreciate you reading and ALSO commenting. I enjoy hearing from fans of the show. Best- Tony Piazza
Hi Tony. WOW, thank you so much. Let me just give you a little more to help you out. In the episode they showed an exterior shot of an arcade with the name “Games People Play,” or “People Play Games.” It’s hard to tell which one it says from the camera shots. They then move to an interior shot which is a kid’s game arcade, and then there is supposed to be a small clown museum in the back (though the camera cuts to this scene and it might not even be in the same location as the front of the arcade).
I look forward to seeing your reply. Once again, thank you!
Hi again Sara,
That sounds like the arcade at Fisherman’s Wharf (which may not be still there) and as I mentioned earlier, the clown museum was a set at our studio.
Thanks again for commenting. Please do so anytime,
Tony
Great, thank you so much for the information and for taking time to reply; I’m truly grateful Tony. Best wishes to you and your family!
Sara