The Puppeteer Who Needs A Bailout

(CBS)  To enter the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles is to take a trip back in time, where children suspend disbelief and accept that puppets suspended by strings truly sing.

It's a trip the city's children have been taking for 49 years, CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker reports.

"There's something magical about puppets," Baker said.

It's the dream come true for puppet master Baker, an 84-year-old kid.

"I want to make a 50th-year if everything goes well," he said.

But things aren't going well. It's the economy.

"To do a show around here costs about $10,000 to $15,000," he said.

Prices are up and his audience is shrinking. He's always taken his show on the road to local schools. But now, because of the recession, schools have cut field trips -- and school kids were the bulk of his theater audience. Due to the recession, he says he took out a mortgage, and then had to increase it.

Now the bank pulls the strings. Baker's in debt and the future of all the guys hanging around here is in doubt.

Is he in trouble?

"Yes, very much so," he said.

It wasn't always like this. There was a time when Bob Baker's marionettes were movie stars, on the silver screen with Shirley Temple and Elvis Presley. Baker performed for Hollywood's elite.

"We were at Ronald Reagan's many times," Baker said. "We were at Danny Kaye's .."

And kids of all ages are still delighted. "I had my 5th or 6th birthday party here, and it is a pleasure to be able to bring my son here," said Nicola Goode, a parent.

"I loved it!" said Dylan Goode.

And Kaylee Jenkins said she'd certainly come back for another show: "Because I loved it."

You see, magic happens there.

[legacyabq]

The more we forget about the arts, and other good things in life, like sharing and happiness, the further into chaos this country will sink

[junepotato]

What about your mentor "Barney Loves Frank?" He and his accomplice "Chris Dodge Dodd" should be thrown in prison for their sham on the American people. Lets give it to the poor because that''s the right thing to do. Well look where it got us.

[theatrartist]

I am so sad to see Bob Baker and his marionette theater fall on hard times. 40+ years ago, a visit to his puppet show and a tour of the workshop sparked a creative fire that burns to this day. We would visit the theater with each new show for the five years I lived in the Los Angeles area. I wish I were in a financial position to help Mr. Baker; his gift to children is one that has no price tag; it is priceless.