Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: Episode Summary

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild
Host: Aaron Mahnke

1. The Glass Delusion of Medieval Europe

Timestamp: [00:34]

In the opening segment of the episode, Aaron Mahnke delves into one of history's most peculiar psychiatric phenomena: the glass delusion. Predominantly observed in medieval Europe, this rare condition compelled sufferers to believe they were made entirely of glass. This delusion varied among individuals—while some feared their entire body would shatter, others fixated on specific parts like their heads or hearts.

Key Case Study: King Charles IV of France

Mahnke narrates the tragic story of Charles IV, the King of France, who fell victim to the glass delusion:

• Onset and Initial Recovery: Diagnosed with melancholia—a broad medieval term encompassing everything from depression to hallucinations—Charles exhibited intense fears, such as refusing to sit to avoid shattering his buttocks. His physicians attributed his condition to an imbalance in the body's humors, recommending rest. "His fever broke and the delusions faded," Mahnke notes, indicating a temporary recovery phase.

• The Battlefield Incident: In 1392, as Charles began to recover, he was summoned to lead French forces at the end of the Hundred Years' War. Ignoring medical advice, he donned heavy armor, which exacerbated his paranoia. A simple mishap—a page dropping his spear against a helmet—triggered a violent episode where Charles attacked his own men, resulting in the deaths of four knights. "He grew irritable and exhausted... and screamed that they were enemies," Mahnke recounts.

• Decline and Legacy: After being confined to his estate, Charles's condition worsened, characterized by fluctuating periods of lucidity and mania. His adherence to wearing iron rod-fitted clothing to protect against accidental collisions underscores the severity of his delusion. Attempts to cure him, including exorcisms and even drilling a hole into his skull, proved ineffective. Charles IV died of malaria in 1492 at the age of 62, leaving a haunted legacy both personally and nationally. Mahnke emphasizes, "His harrowing illness left a long shadow on his family as well as his country."

Historical Context and Insights:

Mahnke explores potential reasons for the prevalence of the glass delusion during this period, such as the mystical and alchemical associations with glass—a relatively novel material in the Middle Ages. However, he acknowledges that while these cultural factors provide context, they offer limited understanding of the sufferers' internal experiences.

2. Esther Lee Jones and the Birth of Betty Boop

Timestamp: [07:13]

The second narrative transports listeners to the vibrant vaudeville era, highlighting the competitive nature of performers who needed unique gimmicks to thrive. Mahnke focuses on Esther Lee Jones, known professionally as Baby Esther or Little Esther, whose brief yet impactful career left an indelible mark on entertainment history.

Esther Lee Jones's Rise:

• Early Beginnings: Born in Chicago in 1918, Jones was a prodigious talent, performing on stage from the tender age of four. Under the management of her parents, she captivated audiences with her singing, dancing, and playful improvisations. Mahnke describes her signature "nonsense words and sounds"—*e.g., "boo boo boo" and "wah da da"—*which delighted theatergoers across Chicago and New York.

• Professional Growth: In 1924, Jones signed with manager Lou Bolton, propelling her career to international stages, including the famed Moulin Rouge in Paris and performances alongside Cab Calloway's orchestra in the United States.

Helen Kane and the Betty Boop Connection:

• Imitation and Rivalry: As Esther's fame burgeoned, Helen Kane, a contemporary white jazz performer, began to craft a similar stage persona characterized by high-pitched baby voices and playful phrases like "boop boop be doop." Mahnke notes, "Helen Kane had been paying close attention to Jones's act."

• Legal Battle: When Fleischer Studios introduced Betty Boop, an anthropomorphized French poodle with traits reminiscent of both Jones and Kane, a legal dispute ensued. Helen Kane sued the studio for $250,000, alleging that Betty Boop had stolen her likeness. "Lou Bolton, Esther Jones's manager, testified that Kane had appropriated several of Jones's mannerisms," Mahnke explains.

• Court Ruling and Legacy: Despite Bolton's compelling evidence, including early sound tests of Jones's performances, the court ruled in favor of Fleischer Studios, determining that Betty Boop was an amalgamation of various performers and styles of the era. Mahnke concludes, "Without Helen Kane, there would be no Betty Boop. And there'd be no Helen Kane without Little Esther Jones." This underscores Esther Jones's pivotal, albeit often overlooked, influence on one of animation's most iconic characters.

Insights into Vaudeville's Cultural Impact:

Mahnke sheds light on how vaudeville served as a breeding ground for creative talents whose contributions extended beyond their lifetimes, shaping popular culture in unexpected ways. Esther Jones's legacy, preserved through Betty Boop, exemplifies the enduring influence of early 20th-century performers.

Conclusion

In this episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, listeners are treated to two enthralling stories that illuminate the complexities of the human psyche and the rich tapestry of entertainment history. From the harrowing mental struggles of a medieval king to the creative sparks that birthed a beloved cartoon character, Mahnke masterfully intertwines historical facts with engaging storytelling, inviting audiences to explore the lesser-known corners of our past.

For those intrigued by these tales and eager for more, Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities offers a treasure trove of the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre, delivered in bite-sized, twice-weekly episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• "His harrowing illness left a long shadow on his family as well as his country." — Aaron Mahnke ([00:34])

• "Without Helen Kane, there would be no Betty Boop. And there'd be no Helen Kane without Little Esther Jones." — Aaron Mahnke ([07:13])

Discover More:

To explore more curious stories and delve deeper into the unexplained, subscribe to Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities on Apple Podcasts or visit curiositiespodcast.com.