T=U1fl EL

JANU A RY 1
199

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 JOHN CALVERT PRESENTS
A TRIBUTE TO HOUDINI
This is not a teaching tape. 3,600 amazing seconds. The 60-minute programme embraces the
exploits of HOUDINI (contains some archive footage) and captures the charisma and
showmanship of John Calvert with his evening show.

A MAGIC SPECTACULAR
£32.00 including registered post and packing

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EXCALIBUR
The legend of King Arthur's magical sword
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A deck is handed to a spectator who shuffles

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is completely wrapped in tissue paper.
EXCALIBUR - a 6 replfca of a knight's sword
made from pewter - is brandished and
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 61C,
THE
^,

Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 912

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 2
SCENE& HEARD ..................................................................................... 3
ADAIR'S IDEAS ........................................................................................ 5
AMERICAN SPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 7
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 9
ODE TO THE MAGIC CIRCLE .................................................................... 10
THIS IS YOUR LIFE .................................................................................... .12
SHOWAND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 14
BRITISH MAGICAL SOCIETIES No. 44 ........................................................ 17
VIDEO VIEW ............................................................................................ 18
LETTERS ................................................................................................. 19
OBITUARIES ............................................................................................ 20

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY: FERGUS GORDON ANCKORN, M.I.M.C. An amazing man who h as had a truly incredible
life. Read all about it on page 12.

Contributions must reach Peter Eldin by the First of each month if

it is essential they should appear in the following month's issue
and should be typewritten whenever possible.
 PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
T the start of a New Year it is customary to
make resolutions and to look forward to
the 12 months ahead. For all of us in magic
and especially in The Magic Circle, 1991 is a year of
exciting promise and potential.
Magic is generally enjoying an upsurge of interest
and more than any other art form seems to go
through phases of popularity At the turn of the
century, the Victorian magicians caused quite a
sensation by becoming more sophisticated and
entertaining in the more discerning drawing-rooms
of society.
Later, music halls created their own magical stars, particularly the large illusion shows and featured
many magicians as top of the bill. With the closing of most of the variety theatres in the late 50's and early
60's, magic went into a decline but was soon revived by television.
More recently "big names", both from this country and America, have brought sensational magic to
the public's notice and are reaching far greater audiences than the performers of yesteryear ever envisaged in
their wildest dreams.
For the professionals, the outlook now is just as bright. An increasing variety of sources and the type
of venues where magic can be used is widening all the time. There are not many night-clubs left but magi-
cians always survive and are, at the moment, increasingly being used for sales presentations, product
launches, hospitality rooms, television commercials, etc. Besides the many successful children's entertainers
who never seem to stop working, numerous restaurants are using close-up performers to attract family
audiences. The alert magician will always be able to make a good living.
For the amateur, too, the current ambiance is better than it has ever been in the past. More and more
people are coming to appreciate the unique appeal of magic as entertainment and as an absorbing hobby.
The Magic Circle plays an important part in maintaining and developing this interest. It is with this in
mind that we have decided to form a Junior Magic Circle which will help to promote and encourage young
magicians and magiciennes under our guidance.
Everyone of you can help promote The Magic Circle by making companies, societies and associations
aware of the popular "Evenings With The Magic Circle".
We are hopeful of finding the right premises for our new headquarters very soon but we are still in
urgent need of generous donations or large interest free loans. These loans would be for a predetermined
number of years and are, of course, guaranteed to be repaid in full. Your continued membership indicates
your love for our unique society and no doubt you will find some way of getting involved with this appeal.
Don't delay — act now!
Continuing to keep our high profile, I have arranged, together with our member Greville Janner,
Q.C. , M.P , to have a presitigious meeting with other Members of Parliament at the House of Commons on
Tuesday, 18th December, 1990. This meeting will be announced in the House and will be printed in their
official publications.
The purpose of this function is to establish magic as an art form and, hopefully, to get a grant from the
Arts Council. Our own member, John MacGregor, has promised to attend and our warmest congratulations
are due to him for becoming the Leader of the House. We are hoping to form a House of Commons Magical
Society.
I am confident that magic will achieve even greater prestige in the coming year.
DAVID BERGLAS
 SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN

ANY congratulations to our president,

David Berglas, who was recently elected to
M the post of Preceptor of The Grand Order
of Water Rats. In this prestigious position, he will be
responsible for guiding and directing members of the
G.O.W.R in all aspects of the rules, history and
traditions of this famous Order.

Near the famous Lord's cricket ground in north-

west London, there is a magnificent church of St.
Marks on Hamilton Terrace. Sadly the building is in
dire need of repair and the parishioners and some
caring neighbours of varied denominations are busy
organising events to raise funds for the work needed.
One of the neighbours, our member Alfred Gabriel, John Styles and Bruce Forsyth.
staged a show at the Church Hall on 5th December
and presented some of his friends from The Magic John Styles made a successful television appear-
Circle. The performers were Fred Buttress, John ance on "Bruce Forsyth's Generation Game" on 16th
November. He made balloon animals, with assistance
Penrose, Henry Lewis, Don Robertson, Chris Pratt,
David Scott and, of course, Alfred Gabriel and from Bruce, and then the contestants were invited to
have a go. He was engaged in more television work
Cecilia. Stage manager for the event was our inde-
during December including "Chris Serle's Summer
fatigable commissionaire, Mark. According to
Season", "Rainbow" and "It'll Be Alright On The
Alfred, all the performers were at the peak of their
form, much to the delight of the audience. Without Night" as well as several appearances on Children's
Channel.
doubt it was a show which cannot but add to the
prestige of The Magic Circle.

Appearing on the recent Tannen's Jubilee in New

York, Kovari and George Kovari, Jnr. attended the
Broken Wand service for Houdini. Every year fol-
lowing his death in 1926 the service has been held by
the S.A.M. at 1.26 p.m. on 31st October at
Machpelah Cemetery where Houdini and his family
are buried. The speech was given by John Bohanan
and the wand was broken by Bob Steiner. About a
hundred magicians attended the ceremony.

Congratulations to Andrew Eborn (above) who

made several television appearances for the Children
In Need Appeal in November. He performed the
chair levitation with Lloyd Grossman, the mutilated
umbrella with presenter Rob Curling and vanished a
cigarette in Guy Mitchell's jacket. Andrew was also
featured in one of the promotion spots prior to the
show intself in which he made blank paper change into George Schindler, Devil, Kovari and George Kovari, Jnr. at
money — just the job for a charity appeal. Houdini's grave.
 Robert Freeman recently returned from three
weeks working in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and
Penang at a British fair. This was his fourth fair in as
many years. Last year he appeared in Muscat, Oman
and the previous two years he was in Amman, Jordan.
LADY MEMBERS
During his recent tour he worked as a stiltwalker, did
his Jolly Jester act, performed on local television
shows and gave a number of newspaper interviews. The last date for the receipt of
On one TV show, which was live, he was asked to use
some Malay speech in response to questions. These ballot papers is
replies were written on cue cards and everything went Friday,1st March.
well until the assistant floor manager dropped the
cards! The show resumed after a timely commercial
break but this time the cue cards were held upside Whichever side of the argument
down! It caused great hilarity in the studio and
everywhere he appeared thereafter he met people you support, if you haven't voted
who had seen the show. yet please do so now.

Don't miss the deadline, your

vote is important.

TERRY GUYATT
Returning Officer

EXAMINATIONS
AND/OR, ISSUE OF

Jester Robert Freeman with the presenters of "TV Tiga" in

Kuala Lumpur.
Our member Simon Drake is as busy as ever.
Among his engagements during December was a
party for Bartle Boyle and Hegarty, one of Europe's
biggest advertising agencies, at which he cremated
one of the directors of the company. In the same week
he did a show for ex-Beatle George Harrison. Watch
out for a repeat of Simon's excellent series "Secret
Cabaret" starting on Channel 4 soon (probably in
February).
Globe-trotting magician Jon Klox has been off to
foreign climes with his clock act once again. He flew
off to Montpellier in the South of France at the end of
November for a season in cabaret in Narbonne until
the New Year. No doubt he will be off to somewhere
else equally romantic before very long.
DEGREE CERTIFICATES
If you have never received details of examinations for
higher degrees within The Magic Circle
PLEASE ENQUIRE NOW!
IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK
For enquiries regarding NON-RECEIPT of DIPLOMAS
etc. PLEASE give details and date awarded.
HEADQUARTERS EXAMINATION DATES
AS SHOWN IN FIXTURE CARDS
Close-Up ............................................ 11th March
Stage/Cabaret/Children's ................. 18th March
Full fees and completed applications should be returned
to Examinations Secretary at least 21 days prior to
examination date.
Participation in any Magic Circle function may
also be used for examination. Please contact:
LES NOTTLE, Examinations Secretary
THE MAGIC CIRCLE,
74 CHERRYDOWN AVENUE,
CHINGFORD, LONDON E4 8DU
WHEN WRITING FOR
INFORMATION PLEASE ENCLOSE LARGE S.A.E.

4

1r,, ADAIR -1
RED OR BLUE?
BY IAN ADAIR
love using old principles to bring about a different
type magic ... this effect is just that.
EFFECT
The performer displays a plastic tube which can be
examined before, during or after the effect. Two
lengths of coloured rope are also used, one red and
one blue of similar length.
The performer asks a spectator to merely think of
one of the colours. This being known, the magic
commences. The performer lowers both ropes
through the tube, so that the tube is in central
position. Amazingly enough, as both lengths of rope
are being displayed, the colour which has not been
selected falls from inside, whilst the one which has,
adheres, suspends and can be swung around within
the tube.
So, here we have a mental mystery which has a mag-
ical theme of suspension, which uses objects such as
two lengths of rope, a plastic tube, all of which can be
examined.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
This effect is based on the old Arabian Vase which
uses a vase, a length of rope and that very important
`ball' or `wedge' which makes it all possible. In this
case we use a plastic tube, open at both ends, approx-
imately 2" in diameter, being some four inches in
length.
You also require two lengths of rope, one red and
one blue. I suggest these should be at least one metre
long.
You need a ball or `piece' big enough to wedge the
centre of the rope length against the side of the tube so
it sticks there.
Have the ball or wedge inside your right jacket
pocket, alongside the two lengths of rope. The tube
should be on the table.
5
WORKING AND PRESENTATION
Display the tube, even have it examined if you so
wish. Remove both lengths of rope from your right
hand jacket pocket, together with the ball, which, of
course, should be kept out of sight at all times.
Ask a spectator to decide upon which of the two
coloured ropes he or she wants and when this is
spoken aloud, work accordingly. First lower the
selected one inside the tube, secretly introducing the
ball so that the rope against it, in its central position,
adheres to the side of same.
Now introduce the other coloured rope through the
tube. You will find that you can thread this through
quite easily without disturbing the other. Holding
both lengths of rope from their tops, the performer
asks once again which colour was selected. As it is
once again announced, the indifferent coloured rope
falls through the tube and on to the floor, leaving the
selected rope suspended through the tube.
The rope can be made to swing from side to side
making the effect look even more bewildering. The
selected rope is removed, at the same time the ball
rolling out into the awaiting fingertips, so that the
ropes and the tube can be thoroughly examined.
THE CECIL LYLE
AWARD
A trophy and £50 Prize will be
awarded for the best trick or
illusion to be printed in The
Magic Circular each year.
Send your entries to
The Editor
Peter Eldin, M.M.C.
P.O. Box 43
Grantham
Lincs. NG31 6AA
Good luck to you all
The winner of the award will be
announced at the next Magic
Circle Awards Banquet
 You are invited to
A MAGICAL BANQUET
AT THE MANSION HOUSE
LONDON
in the presence of
The Right Honourable LORD MAYOR and Sherriffs
on Wednesday February 27th, 1991
Reception 7.00 pm, Banquet 7.30 pm

The evening is in aid of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council and The Magic
Circle, who will be providing magic at the tables and a star cabaret.
Tickets are £75 each (which includes all wine and drinks) and can be reserved by
sending a cheque made payable to the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council to Mrs.
0. N. Dawson, 12 Ilchester Place, London W14 8AA.
Please support this prestigious function and help two excellent causes, research
into arthritis and The Magic Circle Appeal.
Tickets are very limited, so please apply now.
MICHAEL BAILEY
VICE-PRESIDENT

6
 i%ERiCAi 4
By DALE SALWAK M.i.m.c.
IRST the airlines, then many restaurants, now
some theatres. American magicians shouldn't
F be surprised to see warnings posted where
they work as public knowledge of the possible harmful
effects of smoking increases. "WARNING: Cigar-
ettes will be smoked during this performance."
According to an article in The Los Angelese Times,
since January this sign has greeted patrons of the Los
Angeles Theatre Center, warning them that the actors
on stage will light up during the action. Bill Bushnell,
L.A.T.C. artistic director, believes that the warnings
are "the result of audience concerns — a vehement
feeling that they want to be warned if they'll be in a
closed room with smoke, even if the ventilation is
pretty good". No doubt a similar notice will appear
eventually in the lobbies at some of the other top
southern California theatres — the Mark Taper Forum,
the Ahmanson and Doolittle, the Pasadena Playhouse
and the Old Globe — not to mention the hundreds of
night-clubs. When asked why, the owners say it's
necessary to protect them from possible lawsuit and to
inform the patrons that the management does care.
When planning an act, magicians should remember
that smoking has become a very sensitive issue in this
country.
If we ever have trouble appreciating the difference
that magic conventions can make, if we are ever in
doubt about the wisdom of attending, we should try to
imagine what our magical lives would be like without
them. Many of the professionals working today can
trace their success from the early support and encour-
agement given to them by newfound friends at the
conventions. Packed into those two or three or four
days are wonderful opportunities for growth and
fellowship.
One of the most active groups in America is the
ellowship of Christian Magicians, Inc. (FC.M.), an
international organization of ventriloquists, pup-
peteers, jugglers and, of course, magicians, all dedi-
cated to promoting the gospel using their particular
talents. Since its inception in 1940, FC.M's member-
ship has grown to about 4,000 worldwide, repre-
senting many denominations, races and professions.
This month's Christian Conjuror Magazine reports
two upcoming conventions for 1991: the Western Reg-
ional on 15th and 16th February (Riverside, Cali-
fornia) and the International on 8th-12th July (Cedar
Rapids, Iowa). For information, write to Dr. Jerry
Burgess, International President, P.O. Box 220, Whit-
ley City, Kentucky 42653. Incidentally, if you ever
attend Abbott's Magic Get-Together, you'll see my
friend Jerry sitting in the front row from which he
videotapes every evening show.
Every year the Dragon Award is given to a magical
team in recognition of its contribution in the following
significant categories: Drama, Romance, Artistry,
Glamour, Originality and Necromancy. Previous
recipients include Harry and Gaye Blackstone,
Petrick and Mia, Marvyn and Carol Roy, Mark
Wilson and Nani Darnell, and Chuck and Jan Jones.
This year congratulations go to Glenn Falkenstein,
who has made his mark with his mental routine and
blindfold act, and to his wife, Frances Willard, daugh-
ter of Willard the Wizard and widely known for her
performance with Glenn of the Spirit Cabinet act.
One of Glenn's strengths as a performer is that he
understands the fine line between mentalism and the
occult, and he never pretends to cross over. In The
World's Greatest Magic, he is quoted as saying, "I
think anyone who claims himself to be a psychic is
limiting himself to a certain fringe of the public, and
because of that limitation I think he's hurting himself.
I can look back on some very famous psychics who
were around for a year or two and forgotten."
Walk down many city streets in this country with
T.V. host Marc Summers, and you'll soon find out that
daytime television viewers of all ages will stop him to
say hello. Most West Coast magicians have known
Marc since the early 1970s, when he would appear at
the Magic Castle and elsewhere with his comedy
magic. He still performs occasionally in evenings of
magic but since 1986 he has become a recognized tele-
vision personality from his hosting duties on the daily
Viacom syndicated and Nickelodeon cable T.V. game
show "Super Sloppy Double Dare".
 Marc used to work as a page at C.B.S.-TV. "One
day while seating the audience at the game show 'The
Joker's Wild'," says Summers, "the producer came to
the pages and said the announcer was sick. He wanted
to know whether any of us had performed in front of
an audience." That led to a regular position as
announcer on the show as well as the same job with
other game shows.
At the same time, Summers began spending his
evenings at the local comedy clubs in Los Angeles per-
fecting his comedy routine. Through these appear-
ances he caught the eye of casting directors and pro-
ducers who offered him guest roles on a variety of
television series. He was offered the job as host of
"Double Dare"; and thanks to his long-term relation-
ship with "Hour Magazine" as warm-up announcer,
he was asked to become a regular on that show as well.
JOIN CLUB 71 NOW!
Ever y issue of CLUB 71 MAGAZINE
has at least 84 pages, many with colour
and a four-colour cover. Contents include
tricks, reviews, articles and news from
around the world.
In addition each issue contains details
of several effects from the range of Repro
Magic, available exclusively to sub-
scribers for around half price, and a sen-
sational competition with prizes totalling
£150.
Annual membership is just £9.95.
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r r r'rr^

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MAGICIANS MUST HAVE.
THE
MAGIGRAM
Star columnists,
including
George Johnstone,
Max Maven,
Another act that has received well-deserved Alan Kennaugh,
acclaim over the past few years is the F.I.S.M.-
winning team of Hiromasa Fukai and Kimika from
Roy Baker, etc.
Osaka, Japan, now back home after a month of 72 packed pages
engagements in California, New York and New Jersey. Two Colour cover.:
Since earning first place in the P.C.A.M. competition
in 1979, they have worked as full-time professionals. Free TRIX1GRAM publication.
This time they brought to America their famous Free Brochures.
parasol act (at last count, they produce 62 parasols in PLUS! Subscribers become a member of
10 minutes) and a new act which made its debut at
Tannen's Jubilee, incorporating traditional oriental THE SUPREME MAGICIANS' CLUB.
music and wardrobe, silk magic, costume changes and Send cheque, cash, or by Visa, Access,
a levitation. As the final effect, the curtain rises to Mastercard, American Express.
reveal Kimika sitting cross-legged on the floor and
Price (12 issues post paid) £15,
playing a stringed instrument called the koto. Slowly
the instrument and musician float upward and then Overseas £18, U.S.A. $35.
return to their original position. Fukai has loved
SUPREME MAGIC CO. LTD., SUPREME HOUSE,
magic most of his life. He also holds a degree in
BIDEFORD, DEVON EX39 2AN, ENGLAND.
economics from Kiki University and for a short while
TEL NO. (0 237) 479266.
he was a professional race car driver.
 A RICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
170. THE MYSTERIOUS FRANK J. GOLDSOLL —
SON-IN-LAW OF CHARLES DE VERE

F several mysteries associated with the family of the

Parisian magic dealer Charles De Vere (1843-1931),
two that have particularly intrigued me concern the fate of
his two daughters. His younger daughter was the illusionist
Ionia who flourished from 1910 until 1917, when she had the
misfortune to be trapped in Moscow at the time of the
Revolution and lost her show. What became of her after-
wards has proved difficult to ascertain. De Vere's eldest
daughter, Elsie, was a soubrette who appeared at La Scala as
Elise De Vere. According to C. B. Cochran (writing in
1925), "Elise is now the wife of a film magnate and lives in
New York". Cochran (1945) also recorded that Florenz
Ziegfield saw Elise at La Scala and engaged her, presumably
for The Ziegfield Follies. This would have taken her to the
U.S.A. and, it may be assumed, have led eventually to her
marriage to the unidentified film magnate. These funda-
mental facts and other information about the Family De
Vere were covered in a previous article (Dawes, 1978) and
here attention is focused on some aspects of the De Vere
problem that have subsequently come to light.
Some five years ago, while visiting H. Adrian Smith, the
Dean of American Magicians, at his home in North
Attleborough, I had the opportunity to re-examine his files
of De Vere material. Amongst this treasure trove were some
pen and ink diagrams of the Amphitrite illusion, with con-
AMI'InTItIT6.
structional details, under the heading Amphitrite Goldsoll'.
At the time I had no idea what the 'Goldsoll' appellation
might mean other than perhaps this particular De Vere
version of the well-know illusion. Goldsoll slipped into the
subconscious and was forgotten until some time later when I Houdini, having tantalised his readers with these news
happened to be browsing through an old file of M. U.M. In snippets about the Goldsoll lawsuit, disappointingly never
the March 1918 issue, during the period of Houdini's editor- referred to it again in M. U.M. This reader in particular
ship, the great escapologist's news and gossip column would have liked more information about the hitherto
arrested my attention with the following item: unknown Frank J. Goldsoll. Did he subsequently become a
film magnate, did Elise later remarry a film magnate, or was
"Frank J. Goldsoll has twelve lawyers in Washington C. B. Cochran in error about her husband's calling?
defending him regarding a trifle of seven million dollars
which he gained here as commission in the purchase of There is one further, perhaps slight problem relating to
automobiles for the French army. He was supposed to be a Elise De Vere and Cochran's report of her being engaged by
Frenchman but in reality is a native of Cleveland. He is cer- Ziegfield. Searches of various volumes that have been writ-
tainly an energetic adventurer having been the originator of ten about the great impressario and his Follies have failed to
the Tecla pearl stores now doing business in cities throughout detect her name amongst the galaxy of stars recorded
the world and is the son-in-law of Charles De Vere, the well- therein.
known Parisian magician and dealer in magical apparatus. Whenever I have mentioned the name of Goldsoll to any
The newspapers have named him "a money wizard" and if of my knowledgeable American magical friends it has never
this is so he makes a record as the first magician to rescue raised a flicker of recognition. Research clearly remains to
seven millions from the atmosphere. These figures are of be done in American newspaper files for the relevant period
such monumental interest that I spell them out in full in in 1918 to see what other nuggets might be uncovered con-
order to fix the amount definitely, and thereby encourage cerning Charles De Vere's son-in-law, Frank J. Goldsoll.
others in our line."
So here was a clear indication that the Goldsoll of De
Vere's Amphitrite illusion plans was in fact his American
REFERENCES
son-in-law. The deduction that Frank Goldsoll must have
married Elise De Vere follows from her known presence in Cochran, C. B. (1925). Secrets of a Showman London:
the U.S.A. with Ziegfield, while her younger sister Ionia Heinemann.
was busily engaged with her illusion act in Europe. But what Cochran, C. B. (1945). Showman Looks On. London:
was Goldsoll's interest in an Amphitrite illusion? As a Dent.
sideshow? Or did De Vere simply attach his son-in-law's Dawes, E. A. (1978). Magic Circular 72, 198-202.
name to the illusion without direct involvement? Houdini, H. (1918). M. U. M. No 60 (March).
 IN

by BARR`i

f
/ Once
^
more unto the speech, dear friends, once more
And sing in praise of The Magic Circle
Anyone whose mode of work'll
Bring them in contact with legerdemain
Will testify — breathes there a man
With soul so dead
Who never to himself has said:
"How did they do it?" "What distraction
Diverted me from the core of the action?"
These necromancers, chancers in the grand old game
Purveyors of deception — but bereft of blame
For they are strictly legal — each one can look in his or her glass
Knowing they are not swindlers, burglars — or should that be Berglas?
But pillars of the community —straight as a die or dice
But watch their hands —for in a trice
Your card will rise — the lady's head
Will leave her torso — green become red
Handcuffs open — straitjackets split
Cabinets empty and you will admit
To baffl ement —but these are the rules
They fool us but they leave us happy fools
That is the bargain and has been since Merlin

This poem was recited by Barry Cryer,

II the end of his speech at The Magic Ciro
1990. To fully appreciate his delivery,
^ ^ (^ Shakespea.
 3

V ^

t ' CRYER

And before him — as ancient mists were supernaturally swirlin'

And sorcerers and mystifying shamen
Practised their arts — imagine Daniels in the lions' den
But here tonight midst bunting and frolic
A phrase I dread after too much alcoholic
Intake - we genuflect and tug our forelocks
And give a joyous cry of "Warlocks!
And witches!" who have enriched our imagination
With their hey presto prestidigitation
As old as time — endless like a circle
If I can rhyme that again, it'll be a miracle
But now my rhymes do grow progressively worse
I fear this poem is going from bard to verse
The saga of The Magic Circle has been unfurled
"Probably the best saga in the world"*
That is the end of the muse — I must desist
And salute all here who came to get well acquainted
The Magic Circle — that name has a ring
And so I repeat — I gladly sing
Your praises — long may you lock rings and eat fire
I greet you, toast you, thank you, Barry Cryer.
*(This line was spoken in an "Orson Welles" voice, based on the famous lager advertisement.)

well known British T.V. scriptwriter, at

rcle Awards Banquet on 17th November,
y, it should be read in a most dramatic
arean voice.

it

UST one month after the end of the First World War, a
J baby was born who was destined to become cannon fod-
der for the Second World War, that baby was Fergus Gordon
Anckorn. This happened on Tuesday, 10th December, 1918
at Dunton Green, Kent and half an hour later his twin sister
was born into a family where they joined a brother of six and
a sister of ten.
The young Fergus became a globe-trotter at the age of
four when he was dispatched to the South of France along
with his twin sister. The idea was that they should learn
French, this they did very well and in so doing really fell for
France to the point of almost becoming French.
He started into magic very early at the age of five, per-
forming in French from the age of six. Fergus has a great love
of languages and is very active in this field today and even
now he is studying Japanese language and writing. In addi-
tion to magic and languages, etymology and the history of
slang are his main hobbies.
12
LIFE
When the Second World War broke out he was the very
first man to be called up from Kent. Having had a sheltered
life, he was quite scared as he had heard yarns about bullying
sergeant-majors and their kind. He could not imagine him-
self lasting six months in such conditions but, drafted into
the artillery as a gunner, he was not to see the home fires
burning until seven years and three days later.
As a gunner, then gun driver and physical training instruc-
tor he found time to do lots of magic. His talents were
spotted by the general who recommended that he be sent to
the first Divisional Concert Party full time! Moving away
from general magic props, he specialised in sleight-of-hand
magic and for two years travelled all over the U.K. in
concert parties — performing nightly.
These shows were all self contained, they carried their
own lighting, stage and sound equipment. The now well
known Ronald Searle of St. Trinians fame dealt with all their
backgrounds and Fergus and Ronald became good friends.
Those years were a wonderful experience for Fergus, as they When his parents were informed that he had been killed in
performed in all kinds of situations, some very good and action, Fergus devised a code to get information to them
some very bad. He also performed on the race track, run- under the very noses of the Japanese. Prisoners were allowed
ning in the Divisional team, his favourite distance was half to send a pro-forma card and had to cross out facts not
mile but often ran distances of 100 yards up to 10 miles. applicable and the code was in the crossing out which his
Landing himself in hospital with pharyngitis, he found mother decyphered. The codes and cards fully explained
himself falling in love with a nurse on the ward but they were can be seen in the War Museum in London.
to be parted when he was posted to the Far East. Says Fergus Gordon Anckorn appeared on the late Russell
Fergus, "The sea was thick with ships stretching to the hori- Harty's television show and told how he conned the
zon and before sailing I became Japanese out of 50 eggs to do the
engaged to my `love at first sight' "silk to egg trick". The cost of one
nurse. I sailed to Greenland then egg was a month's pay, working 18
Halifax, Nova Scotia. We all dis- hours a day, and when they discov-
embarked at the dead of night and ered they had been fooled it very
changed on to American ships and nearly cost him his head. To this
away at dawn secretly. It was here day he shakes at the thought of his
that I witnessed a major secret of narrow escape.
the war. The Americans were actu-
ally convoying us at a time when When the lads eventually went
they were supposed to be neutral. home after the war, many discov-
We visited Cape Town, Mombassa, ered that their girls had found
Bombay and Ahmed Naga but I other men but Fergus was one of
was disillusioned by Indian magi- the lucky ones. His fiancee had
cians. They only specialised in a waited for him they were married
small number of routines passed on in December 1945. After a wonder-
from father to son but they were ful marriage, he sadly lost his dear
amazed at our magic, in particular wife eight years ago.
thimble magic, which they He has two wonderful children.
appeared not to have seen before." His daughter became a nurse like
Whilst in a working party her mother, gained her flying
unloading the ships in Singapore, licence and now lives in Nice with
Fergus was caught in a Japanese air her bilingual French husband and
raid. There were ten of them her two bilingual children. His son
unloading and two hours later became a classical guitarist, pianist
there were only four, six fine fel- and organist, spending seven years
lows were killed. The Japanese in show business, seven summer
then swam over the straits and all seasons with top stars, Royal Com-
hell was let loose. Fergus was hit. mand performances, television
With his right hand hanging off and radio, and to cap it all a 25-
and shrapnel in face, back and legs, minute act at the London Pal-
he ended up on a post office ladium. He is now manager of an
counter where a surgeon told him estate agents.
he could not save his hand but
when the orderly said to the sur- After the war, Fergus was
geon, "You can't take his hand off, offered a lectureship in further
he's a magician", the surgeon said education, teaching business
he would see what he could do. studies, maths, shorthand and
Fergus woke three days later to find typing, commerce, statistics, rapid
himself a prisoner and to his and commercial calculations. In
delight his hand was still on - 1952, he joined the special police
Magic saved his hand and it was
as a constable and finished up 20
later to save his life!
years later as Divisional Comman-
dant and was awarded the Queen's
With one hand and one leg working, he was sent to work Jubilee Medal for services to the police force.
on the notorious Bridge Over The River Kwai and on the
railway working parties he had to drag his foot along by tying He was proposed into The Magic Circle by Major Branson
a rope around it. This wretched situation lasted for 3 1/2 years. and seconded by Herbert J. Collings (Col Ling Soo), elected
The Korean guards were very fascinated with magic and member of The Magic Circle 6th January, 1937 and to
Fergus was allowed to do some but he had to perform left M.I.M.C. on 4th April, 1986, an event of his life of which he
handed. His magic worked wonders and the 10-minute rest is greatly proud. A friend of Francis White who although he
periods often turned into 45 minutes. was a busy man in the fire service always found time to tele-
phone his father during those dark days when Fergus was a
One day, Fergus was not able to climb to the top of the prisoner of war. He filled his father with hope and told him
bridge to creosote the structure, so he had four gallons of many times that he felt sure that Fergus would return home
creosote thrown over him. Because of the burns, he was sent safe and sound. Fergus says, "The late Francis White was a
down country where, by a stroke of luck, the Japanese Camp true gentleman and friend, a fine man whose concern,
Commandant was a magic fanatic. Fergus was kept in that sincerity and kindness I will always remember."
camp for eight months which gave him the chance to recover
in health and to enjoy meeting Sidney Piddington, Russell
Braddon and Ronald Searle. PETER BLANCHARD, M.INST.EL, A.I.M.C.

13

HE meeting of 1st October was opened by our
President, David Berglas, who introduced
T and welcomed the large number of overseas
members and guests to the clubroom. These included
a host of Ring Presidents, Past Presidents and their
wives from all around the world. Although a regular
"Monday Nighter", I must mention the new I.B.M.
President, Alan Shaxon. Alan was introduced and
said that two things had made a strong impression on
him over the past few days; firstly the broken down
East/West barriers and secondly the emergence of
young performers who had walked away with some of
the major honours. These included the current Magic
Circle "Young Magician" Richard Griffin who won
the I.B.M. Shield, Topas, Duncan Trillo and Su
Jayne. He left us with a quote from Shaw: "Youth is so
valuable, it's a shame to waste it on the young".
14
David Berglas handed over to Peter Scarlett to
introduce a new format to this annual recap. Instead
of verbally running through the events of the past few
days we would see performances by some of those
who took part in it. These were to vary from dealers,
performers, contestants and lecturers. First tonight
was Arthur Emerson with two card effects, the first
being a novelty spelling routine and the other a
Princess-type multi revelation. Peter next introduced
the act which he claimed kept the customers from his
own stand by attracting them to his neighbouring
demonstrations! The "laid back" Chris Power then
showed us how with his lovely handling of Ammar's
Coins Through Chiffon Scarf.
Peter's next guest brought us to our feet. It was
Sacha, President of the new Moscow Ring. Sacha
thanked Brian Miller and Tony Shelley and many
others for their "warm attitude" and then performed
a multi-slate effect from his mental act. I'd like to see
some of our members do their act in Russian! Alan
Shaxon was next to perform with his own "nudist
deck" routine and a little-seen Robert Harbin card
effect.
From the International Close-Up we were intro-
duced to Yorg Webber who performed a beautifully
clean stage presentation of Gypsy Thread followed by
an unusual three notes (bills) across. Mike Caveney
was next with his comedy presentation of Pavel's
Walking Knot plus Penetrating Coat Hanger. What
else? Then came the winner of the St. Louis I.B.M.
Close-Up competition, Mark Nathan Sicher. With
comedy, skill and above all, originality, Mark per-
formed numerous effects all themed into a "dental"
presentation. For example Coins from Purseframe
became Silver Fillings from a set of teeth. Another
performer I'm sure you are going to hear a lot about.
And to close this performance-packed evening was
Jumping Jack Delvin from the "Load of Cabbages"
show. Jack gave us the pleasure of part of his "lecture"
in originality including his Six Sausage Repeat and
Musical Rising Card gags. I understand that he's had
some enquiries for working details from some
performers. Obviously too subtle for some!
Peter Scarlett deserved a big thank you for a won-
derful evening especially as I was one of those forced
to miss the Convention — now I don't feel I have missed
quite so much.
JOHN GORDON, A.I.M.C.
Left: Richard Griffin, current Magic Circle "Young Magi-
cian", with the I.B.M. Shield he won at Eastbourne last
September.
 A T.V. ACT
HE evening of 29th October drew a capacity
audience and it is likely that many were
T expecting to see something to do with tele-
vision. If so, they were probably disappointed. What
we saw was a short stage act that had been included in
a show played to a live audience. The fact that the
show had been televised was incidental.
This might have been an occasion to say something
about the special relationship between magic and T.V.
In the circumstances it might be more appropriate to
say something about production in general. One of
the main responsibilities of the producer is to make
sure that the audience understands what the show is
about. This may seem obvious but things can go
wrong and often do. Sam Goldwyn knew how to get
the message across: "Tell 'em what you're going to do;
do it; tell 'em what you've done".
Leo Bond and Dot suffered from lack of produc-
tion. Their act is good, knockabout comedy where a
shambling magician and his inept assistant subject the
audience to a succession of magical disasters. Here
and there we get a flash of real magic but most of the
time we are in the realm of chaos. It would have
worked well in the middle of a variety show where the
audience was already warmed up. In the event it fol-
lowed the Club announcements and started cold with-
out the essential lead-in that would have prepared
them for the comedy that was to follow.
Anyone thinking of putting on a speciality act of
this kind would do well to discuss all these matters in
detail before the event. Meanwhile I for one look
forward to seeing Leo Bond and Dot well produced.
LEONARD CHASE
15
KENT MAGICIANS' GUILD
HE best laid plans do go adrift. Illness beset
the Kent team that were to field a magical
T evening for the Clubroom members on 5th
November. A valiant effort by the two survivors and
our Monday Night host saved the situation.
Bill Bulline opened with an act that was obviously
designed to close. An Egyptian theme in setting,
props and costume; he looked every inch a pharaoh
and his assistant as slave. Many of the effects were
original even to the talking vent sphinx. He gave us
food for thought in an act which was new and just off
the drawing board. He closed by a quick transforma-
tion into a Star Trek character performing a space
tube mystery.
David Blythe followed in lively fashion and had fun
with three helpers and performed Peter Scarlett's
Twin Set. This was followed by a card item with a novel
one-ahead move. He later introduced Danny with a
short vent spot finishing with a duo-rendering of Me
and My Shadow.
Neville Cooper filled in skilfully with compering
and champagne bottle from silks, Invisible E.S.P.,
knife thru' coat and card and silk effects to bring the
evening to an early conclusion.
HARRY REEVE
Turn to page l7 forJohn Wheeler's history of the
Kent Magicians' Guild.
Below: Bill Bulline (left) and David Blythe from the Kent
Magicians' Guild.
 EXAMINATIONS NIGHT Answers to Quick Quiz No. 24
(Published in the December 1990 issue of
The Magic Circular)
ONDAY 12th November was a cold, wet and
windy night and 10 members had braved 1. Eddie Dawes. (11/86).
M these unwelcome elements (and the crowds 2. Savoy Theatre.
who had gathered nearby to witness Cliff Richard 3. Collegiate Theatre, Gordon Street. 1980-81.
switching on the Oxford Street lights) to be tested for
4. Ron Macmillan. Empire Rooms, Tottenham Court
their membership to The Magic Circle. Road.
First on was Jerry Winter with his Uncle Willy 5. Leslie Soden. (2/76).
escapades using squared circle, colour change
6. Charles Dickens. (Dawes, The Great Illusionists).
records, c and r rope, sympathetic silks, vanishing and
reappearing die and crystal topper. 7. David Nixon. (John Wade, The Trade of the Tricks).
Reg Cantert opened with a bouquet production fol- 8. Magic Inc.
lowed by water in newspaper, c and r rope, card 9. Demon Magic Club. The members are all juniors.
revelation and burnt and restored note. 10. He organises the "Tricks and Stunts for Christmas"
Ray Russell-Jones did equal unequal ropes, linking evening at the Circle.
rings and sympathetic silks. (To help those who would like fuller information, some
references to issues of The Magic Circular are given
Bharat Pavel was the only silent (to music) act where appropriate.)
featuring linking beads in clear tube, colour changing
plumes and a large production drum which sadly went
mechanically wrong. REFERENCE LIBRARY
The following books have been kindly donated to The
George Prior began his act with colourful produc- Magic Circle Reference Library:
tion boxes producing red, white and blue balls and
silks all aided with a real magic wand and he went on The Yankee Magic Collector No. 4
presented by Ed Hill.
to produce wine and then vanished both a Martini
bottle and glass. He closed with a rope through body Make a Fully Working Ventriloquist's Dummy
with a saucy climax. presented by Dennis Patten.
PETER LANE
Bhiwsen Nowjee (Mike) did equal unequal ropes, Executive Librarian
sponges, string sight test, disappearing jumbo card
and Iota vase.
Fred Munson opened with a chase the ace card AN IMPORTANT DATE
trick and got David Berglas up and did some marvels FOR YOUR NEW DIARY!
with his autograph before closing with blank cards.
Clayton Adams opened with a six-card repeat fol- Saturday, 18th May 1991
lowed by a full rope routine with lots of business and
gags and closed to a rhyming patter with the magic
domino. THE MAGIC CIRCLE
Charles Temple did a full children's routine and
finally (and it was a long session), Daryl Rose closed
with a short raccoon sequence, red and white knot COLLECTORS' DAY
trick, coin in the bottle, Fred the card, but in this
instance it was Jerry, and finally a dice penetration. to be held at an exciting new venue
The latter two were going for their A.I.M.C.
degrees. Two others did not show up. THE THEATRE MUSEUM
Thanks must go to Les Nottle and his crew for the COVENT GARDEN
hard work they put into staging the events. And to the
large turnout of members who were there to support LONDON
the performers.
JACK STEPHENS Details of the Programme and the price
of tickets will be annnounced soon

MAKE A DATE FOR THIS EVENT NOW!

16
 President Hon. Secretary
REG MARTIN, M.M.C., I.B.M. DAVID BLYTH, M.M.C., I.B.M.

KENT MAGICIANS GUILD

FOUNDED 1983

HE Guild was first formed in 1983 when two
local magicians, Roger Pyatt and Reg Martin,
T got together and decided, through local
interest, to form the Society.
From its first meeting of eight in the local church
hall, the Guild has now flourished to a membership of
over 40 male and female members.
In 1984, the local town mayor, the late Tony Brason,
M.I.M.C. (Gold Star), was asked, and gladly obliged,
to become the Guild's patron and often remarked on
its friendly and relaxed atmosphere which is a source
of pride to the Guild.
Throughout its history the Guild's members have
enjoyed most of this country's top lecturers and
dealers' dems., etc., and have also performed charity
show, public shows and a show for The Magic Circle
and hold regular social gatherings for its members and
guests.
The Guild's most coveted trophy is the "President's
Shield", presented yearly for "outstanding services to
the Society".
New member procedure is at the discretion of its
very active working committee and the Guild's objec-
tives are to promote and advance magic but most of all
to keep magic "FUN".

7tkw", .
(FU-LING-YU)

MINI ADS
10p per word prepaid. Cheques, postal or money orders payable to THE MAGIC CIRCLE. Copy, by 1st of month for
the following month's issue, to PETER ELDIN, P.O. Box 43, GRANTHAM, LINCS. NG31 6AA.

HAROLD TAYLOR LECTURES:
... anytime ... anywhere ... Tel.:
0273 309559.
ANTIQUE PROPS/BOOKS bought
and sold. Bobby Bernard, 19 Exeter
Road, London NW2 4SJ. Tel.: 081-450
2201.
GEORGE NORRINGTON'S WHO'S
WHO IN MAGIC. Issue 12 now avail-
able. 58 pages of invaluable informa-
tion. £2.10 (inc. p&p). George
Norrington, 36 Lincoln Road,
Dorking, Surrey RH41TD.
BOOKS AND EPHEMERA ON CON-
JURING AND ALL PERFORMING
ARTS. Catalogues issued regularly.
Send three first class stamps for cur-
rent issue. I am always interested in
purchasing good material. Anne
FitzSimons, 62 Scotby Road, Scotby,
Carlisle CA4 8BD.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY. Annual
Supper 10th April. Collectors' Day
18th May. Dealers' Day 9th November.
Banquet 16th November.
THE MAGAZINE WITH NO NAME.
Australia's monthly magic magazine.
Latest news, hot gossip, convention
reports, reviews and unique articles.
$A75 — TWO years; $A40 — ONE
year; airmail postage paid. Money
payable to: Andini, P.O. Box 646, Bur-
leigh Heads, Queensland 4220,
Australia.
MINI ADS. For just a small sum you
can get your magical message seen by
the world's leading magicians. For
details see above.

17

VIDEO VIEW
reviewed by
PETER ELDIN
EDWIN'S MAGIC VIDEO — VOLUME ONE
Produced by Harry Nicholls. Running time 1 hr. 37 min.
Available on the PAL system for U.K. and most other coun-
tries and on the N.TS.C. system for U.S.A. £20 ($40
U.S.A.) from Edwin's Magic Arts, "Widgery," Northdown
Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LP.
A set of lecture notes is issued free with the video as a
means of further clarification of the effects shown if
needed.
Many magicians will, I fear, "fast forward" the first 10
minutes or so of this tape for there are no explanations,
simply Edwin displaying a few of the trophies and effects
acquired during his 50 active years in magic. Those that do
will miss a unique insight into part of modern magical tradi-
tion. Many of the items shown represent achievements for
which Edwin can be justifiably proud and which are worthy
of attention.
He can be justifiably proud of this video, too. Filmed in
Edwin's comfortable home, it has a warmth and informality
not seen on other magic videos. Please do not be put off by
my use of the word "informality" for the tape is full of 100
per cent practical effects, most of which are achieved by
amazingly simple means.
This is essentially the Goodliffe Memorial Lecture Edwin
presented to the British Magical Society in November last
year and comprises some 17 effects. These include three dif-
ferent methods for Blendo, each of which is very easy to do.
In fact every trick on the tape is easy to do, virtually all of,
them can be made by all but the most incompetent, and
many are capable of further adaptation. His Chinaman
Paper Tear, for example, is capable of infinite variation.
Among my favouritess on the tape are Miracle Prediction
which I shall certainly be using, and Card In The Glass.
Children's entertainers will go for Rabbit Pie, an easy to do
production of a rabbit, and Big Top Production which would
make a colourful finale to any act. There is also a neat
colour-changing cube effect, a vanishing beaker, and an
effective transposition of a silk and a pack of cards.
And that is not all! It may sound a cliche but I can honestly
say that any working magician will find something he can
use on this tape. I thoroughly enjoyed it and congratulate
Edwin for coming up with so many good ideas. Great stuff!
Sup me recently: announced the launch of The Supreme..:
Magic Viclecr Library: They promise a :top-flight performer
on Lach tape with ntagie:::never. seen on video bclore. The .. ..
tapes will cost t).50 ($60 U.S.A.) plus p..& p. of £1 U.K.,
12.50 overseas (S U.S A.). First .in .. the series, released in
December,. features .Karrel:I .:Fox :presenting his latest ideas
including the transformation ;of :a :came into .a wand, :a neat
hook test and a sensational method for .changing :blank :..:
papers into real ` money All of the items, using snag Anes.
silk4 rope. etc .aresuitihi for platform and elo se-up ::::
work..
18
SON OF TRIK - A - TAPE 4
Produced and directed by Vic Pinto and presented by Pat
Page. Running time 58 min. Write to Vic Pinto, The T.A.T.
Company, 45/47 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RS or
telephone 071-253 9693 for subscription details.
In reviews of previous SONTAT tapes I have mentioned
the quality, indeed Pat Page himself commented on it on tape
three. Well, Vic has now got the new video equipment he has
been waiting for and tape four shows a great improvement. I
know Vic himself is not yet satisfied but to my mind "he's
cracked it". I hasten to add that I have always been happy
with the content of these tapes, indeed I look forward to
each new one coming out, and SONTAT 4 contains an
equally varied and interesting mixture.
Among the goodies on this tape are coverage of the 1989
Magic Circle Banquet. I found this particularly fascinating
because I seldom attend formal functions myself and Vic's
footage provides a unique record of such events. I look
forward to the second part of the Banquet on the next tape.
Other items include Ken Brooke performing at Blackpool
in 1981. As mentioned in previous reviews Ken is not at his
best on these tapes but it is still a great pleasure to see him
and to recall pleasant memories of watching him perform in
the early 60s.
Another great name of magic on this tape is the irrepres-
sible Harry Lorayne, with a gathering of enthusiasts at
Reubens Restaurant near Tannen's Magic Shop in New
York.
Every SONTAT tape has several tricks for which a full
explanation is given. On this occasion Pat goes through a
coin effect that is in the armoury of most magicians but gives
it a subtle extra touch that will help to fool many of those in
the know. It is one of those "why didn't I think of that?" ideas
and although not in the sensational class it is certainly worth
knowing. Pat also shows how to produce card fans and van-
ish a pack of cards. There is also footage of him going
through his Miser's Dream, a routine I have always admired,
at the L.S.M. in 1981. And The Magic Circle's Public Rela-
tions Officer, Jack Delvin demonstrates some useful coin
and billiard-ball moves.
Once again, a most interesting and informative tape.
Keep up the good work, Vic.
Supreme Magic Video Library
Reveal Series
No. l '^
i
THE NEW KARRELL FOX
VIDEO
 LETTERS
Dear Peter, Dear Peter,
David Berglas in his Presidential message (November Greatful thanks to the President and the members of The
1990) makes the comment — "discrimination of any kind is Circle for the Cecil Lyle award which was presented to me on
against the interest of the Circle". David was talking about the evening of the banquet. Unfortunately, because of other
our present ban against lady members ... however I was commitments, I could not attend the function, but my friend
surprised to find active discrimination at the Magic Circle Terry Herbert delivered the clock to me here in Bideford.
Banquet ... a V.I.P. lounge. I find the very concept offen-
sive. I fully accept that council members, and others, It's a great honour for me, and I'm pleased that the ideas
deserve recognition for all their hard work, and other con- and writings which lead the Circle to giving me the award,
were worthy of this presentation.
tributions to the Circle, but I do not think a V.I.P. recep-
tion, in which fellow club members are literally divided Sincerely,
according to status is in the best interest of the Circle. Full IAN ADAIR
marks to the celebrity V.I.P. on my table who, although
entitled to go into the V.I.P. lounge, elected to stay with my
wife and myself ... not entitled to be in the V.I.P. lounge.
Has anybody else similar views to myself ... ?
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
GRAHAM REED

THE MAGIC CIRCLE

ANNUAL SUPPER
Wednesday 10th April 1991
Elizabethan Restaurant
Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London WC 1
6.30 for 7.00 p.m. until 11.00 p.m. Dress Informal
Dinner — Cabaret — Close-up Magic
"MAGIC'S MOST POPULAR FUN NIGHT"
Tickets £20.00
Cheques (payable to Magic Circle) to:
Ali Bongo, 6 Poynders Court, Poynders Road, London SW4
S.A.E. please Tel: 081-673 3066

19
 ! bituarp
BRUCE POSGATE
(1901-1990)

RUCE POSGATE, long time member of The Magic Circle, died at 8.00 a.m. on 13th November, 1990 at
B Toronto's Riverdale Hospital. He was one month away from his 89th birthday. Bruce had been in and out
of hospital for almost two years. It was a wearying struggle for him and his wife, Win.
Some years earlier, he had suffered a stroke, which left one arm partially paralysed. Still he managed
to brave that out by attending as many magic events as possible. With Win, he was a frequent overseas visitor
to the British Ring conventions.
In better times, Bruce was a robust and energetic man. For a decade, from his 70th to his 80th year, he
did walk-around magic for four hours every Sunday at a chain of family restaurants in the lbronto area. He
was a busy semi-pro, working mainly in the children's field.
Born in England but raised in Scotland, Bruce Dale Posgate came down to London in the early Twen-
ties and worked as a magician in concert parties for years before meeting other magicians and eventually
joining The Magic Circle.
In 1932, he married Winifred Williams.
In 1947, Bruce had become an A.I.M.C. with Silver Star and the Posgates made the decision to
emigrate. With school-age son, Dale, they settled in'Ibronto, Canada.
Here Bruce met Sid Lorraine and joined the Hat and Rabbit Club. Besides working at a regular job in
publishing and managing the mail order department of a jewellery firm, Bruce was very active on the magic
scene. During these years, he was elevated to the degree of M.I.M.C. with Gold Star. An officer of the I.B.M.,
he eventually reached the highest office by being named International President in 1980.
For 30 years he wrote a column in The New Tops first called "Kid Show Forum" and later just "Forum".
His books include Kid Show Showmanship, Dove Panorama and Table Hopping. He put his "Sam Lord's
Castle" on the market as well as several bead effects. In latter years, he was working on a bubble book. Bruce
is survived by Win, son Dale and granddaughter Jessica.
DAVID DRAKE

®bituarp
FREDERICK HOLLEY

REDERICK HOLLEY of Kenley, Surrey, a long standing member of the Magic Circle died
F on 14 September 1990 aged 78. He became interested in magic at the age of ten and gave his
first semi-professional show at 18. While on active service during the Second World War he con-
tinued to perform for his fellow servicemen in the desert. He was a member of Will Goldston's
Magician's Club and became a full member of the Magic Circle in January 1953. Until 1965 he per-
fornaed his act of general magic at charity functions, especially the Spastics Society in which he
had a particular interest.
PETER LANE

20
 I can't wait to tell you about Jack Delvin's new video
This is Jack's first video on a subject he knows a lot about - children's entertaining. It's called "Children are Magic" or, "Everything you ever
wanted to know about kid's magic but were afraid to ask", and believe me, you'll be flooded with magic effects, routines and practical advice that
on!yyears of experience can bring.
Like two tapes inoso
The video is 98 adantes long— that's equivalent to two videos, and in the first section you'll see Jack's lecture at The Magic Circle with lots and lots of magic. In part 2,
there is more magic and tons of very practical advice for the entertainer who is looking for more business, repeat bookings and better fees.
Audience participation
Jack shows you his way of getting kids going with standard effects —such as The Sympathetic Silks, Mutilated Sunshade, Tom and Restored Newspaper for kids, all
routines you will me. They are all explained in detail.
More magic
You will also see effects like Instant Painting, Coin in nest of Russian dolls, a linking ring routine and Giant Dwarf. You can see that there's plenty of magic!
Bits of business
Of course you will learn about how to deal with important matters like difficult children, but you'll also hear Jack give invaluable advice on how to talk on the telephone,
the problem of fees, and beating the local talent at their own game.
Jacktdisal
In section two there's more magic in the Delvin manner — such as Wandering Willy; The Teddy Bear Tie with a variation using a wind-up toy rabbit. You can make this
trick right away with an ordinary soft toy. There's also a'Mutant Thrtle' effect called Rocket Turtle and a great Glove Puppet routine — we had to 'doctor' it visually and
I'm sure it will amuse you! -
Gosh, what a lot of magic, advice and priceless information!
Honestly, there is more —and the picture quality is top class — I personally guarantee it 100% for its contents and professional finish. For all entertainers. So if you're
looking for lots of magic —even if you don't specialize in kid's entertaining— there is plenty of info on the 'business of magic' for you to use.
Learn from an entertainer who does over 400 shows a year!
No, you are not going to pay the imported style price of videos at £40.00 or more. This Is 'home grown' know-how- magic and ideas that youll use right away
How much for all this?
The price for Jack's "Children are Magic" video is £29.50 plus £1.50 1 st class p&p, but I will pay the postage if your order is sent right away.
You also gets 30 day no-risk money back guarantee. You have nothing to lose!
Write, ring or fax me.. only £29.50 in the U.H. (add £1.00 for Europe and £2.00 Overseas) delivered free.

Vic Pinto/The T.A.T. Co.

45 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RS 'telephone: 071-253 9696 Fax: 071-250 0953

THE MAGIC CIRCLE STAR LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS

_ Dan Garrett (U.S.A.) - Wondermaker
on Tuesday, 12th March, 1991
at The Victory Services Club (Trafalgar Room), Seymour Street, London W2
Time: 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m.
This is a London exclusive two-hour lecture never previously seen in the U.K.
Below are a few of the highlights of his magical career, magical awards, honours and trophies (abbreviated):
• 1974 First Place - Originality. Chattanooga Harvest of Magic (Professor's Daydream)
• 1976 Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year - Duke Stern Memorial Trophy
• 1977 First Place - Originality. Florida State Magicians Association (Faustus Ring)
• 1977 First Place - Originality. South Eastern Association of Magicians (Faustus Ring)
• 1979 The Linking Ring Award. "Best Mental Effect" - Linking Ring Trophy
• 1979 First Place - Closeup. Magic Texas Association of Magicians (trophy and medal)
• 1979 Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year - Duke Stern Trophy (only multiple winner to date)
• 1979 First Place - Stage Magic. Georgia Magic Club Annual Contest
• 1980 First Place - Stage and Closeup Magic. Georgia Magic Club Annual Contest
• 1982 Ellsworth Lyman Award - "Super Session South III" hosted by Rick Johnsson in Asheville, N.C.
By vote of the 25 attendees at the third (and last, to date) of what has been one of the most exclusive
"conventions" in magic. Awarded to the magician contributing most to the success of the event.
• 1984 IBM Achievement Award - Georgia Magic Club
• 1985 IBM Achievement Award - Georgia Magic Club
• 1985 Cover story, M-U-MMagazine (National Magician of the Month) , Society of American Magicians
• 1987 Elected into The Magic Circle, London, England, as an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (AIMC)
• 1988 Cover story, the LinkingRing magazine, International Brotherhood of Magicians
• 1989 Certificate of Appreciation - Society of American Magicians National Council
• 1984-1990 Best of Atlanta Award - Voted by prominent Atlantans. Published in the book Best ofAtlanta
Tickets available and limited: members £7.50, non members £10.00
(All tickets £10.00 after 1st March, 1991)
From: Darryl!. Rose, A.I.M.C., c/o 134 Hale Lane, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 9RZ
Telephone: 081-9061482 081-769 2737
and the Monday Night Host
(PLEASE SEND A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE)
 For Your Address Book...
PRESIDENT: David BERGLAS, M.I.M.C., 6 Great North Road, Barnet, Herts. EN5 1JS. 081-440 6688.
VICE-PRESIDENT AND APPEAL DIRECTOR: Michael BAILEY, M.I.M.C., Gunsgreen, Firway, Grayshott, Surrey
GU26 6JQ. 0428 713472.
SECRETARY: Christopher PRATT, M.I.M.C., 13 Calder Avenue, Brookmans Park, Herts. AL9 7AH. 0707 54971 to
whom all annual subscription, general and policy matters and changes of address should be addressed.
TREASURER: Sam GUPTA, F.C.A. , M.I. M. C., 75 Wrexham Gardens, Potters Bar, Herts. 0707 59754 to whom matters
of finance, other than subscriptions, should be addressed.
CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Derrick SPEIGHT, M.I.M.C., Upstream, Trout Rise, Loudwater, Rickmansworth, Herts.
0923 720431.
DEPUTY SECRETARY AND WELFARE OFFICER: Richard STUPPLE, M.I.M.C., 61 Springfield Avenue, Kempston,
Bedford MK42 8JB. 0234 851607.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Harry DEVANO, M.I.M.C., 17 Cedarhurst Drive, Eltham, London SE9 5LP.
081-850 8264.
EDITOR OF THE MAGIC CIRCULAR: Peter ELDIN, M.M.C., P O. Box 43, Grantham, Lincs. NG316AA. 0476 60657.
NON-RECEIPT OF CIRCULAR: Michael CANDY, M.M.C., "Sound of Music," Harthall Lane, Hemel Hempstead,
Herts. HP3 8SE. 0923 267057 to whom all queries on NON-RECEIPT of The Magic Circular should be sent.
LIBRARIAN AND BOOK POSTAL SERVICE: Peter LANE, M.I.M.C., 17 Milton Road, Ickenham, Middx. UB 10 8NH.
0895 674124 to whom all books borrowed by post should be returned.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Jack DELVIN, M.I.M.C., 18 Lodge Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 OQQ. 0689 26169.
EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY: Les NOTTLE, M.I.M.C., 74 Cherrydown Avenue, Chingford, London E4 8DU. 081-
529 5591 from whom details of examinations and non-receipt of certificates may be obtained.
BENEVOLENT FUND SECRETARY: C. Michael COLLEY, M.I.M.C., The Hollies, Oak Street, Lechlade,
Gloucestershire GL7 3AX. 0367 52482.
MONDAY NIGHT HOST: Neville COOPER, A.I.M.C., 5 Scarsdale Villas, London W8 6PT. 071-937 4710.
AT HOMES: Dick JAMES, A.I.M.C., 6 Compton Terrace, The Green, Winchmore Hill N21.081-882 5522.
CURATOR: Henry LEWIS, ES.V.A., M.I.M.C., 24 Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, Middx. 081-958 2525.
ENTERTAINMENTS COMMITTEE: Alan SHAXON, M.I.M.C.; Ali BONGO, M.I.M.C., c/o 7 Rivermount, Walton-
on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2PW. 0932 228796.
When writing to any of the above please enclose s.a.e. or International Reply Coupon (A4-size envelope)

THE NEW MAGIC CIRCLE SHOW CASE

JEWELS fo r wear at functions, etc .......................................................................................... 7.00
BUTTONBADGES for appropriate degree ............................................................................... 3.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE CUFF LINKS, new design ............................................................................. 9.00 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE TIES, maroon or navy blue ........................................................................... 5.00
MAGICCIRCLE CAR BADGES ............................................................................................ 5.00
MAGICCIRCLE STICK PINS, new design .............................................................................. 4.00 (New)
LEATHERBOOK MARKS, new design ................................................................................... 1.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE BANNERS in red silk ................................................................................... 4.50
COASTERS, box of six in red, blue, black ................................................................................ 5.00 (New)
CHINA MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .................................................................................. 4.00 (New)
POTTERY MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .............................................................................. 2.00 (New)
SILVER-PLATED TEASPOON, motif in red ............................................................................. 2.00 (New)
BOOKMATCHES, 10 boxes .................................................................................................. 3.50 (New)
BALL-POINT PENS ............................................................................................................. 0.50 (New)
KEYRINGS ....................................................................................................................... 1.50
12" BALLOONS with The Circle badge on, 10 of mixed colours .................................................... 1.50

Obtainable in the Club Room from Jack Mayes Postal enquiries to:-

JACK MAYES, 153 DERBY WAY, STEVENAGE, HERTS SG1 5TN

Tel.: 0438 352433
Cheques to be made payable to The Magic Circle
Please add £1.00 for badges and jewels, cuff links and other small items. Mugs, please add £1.50.
Some of the above items are ideal for presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc.,
i.e., book marks, mugs, coasters, pens, matches, key rings and silver-plated spoons

y
2HF.
Sen ices Club.63-79 Sey mour Street. London W22HF.
Printed be Barnard & Crannis Ltd.. Unit 3Q Lea %alle y Trading Estate. Angel Road. Edmonton. London N t83HH. and published bt 'The Magic Circle". The Victor
 1
[LITNRUARY/MARCH 1

1
vv&c ic CJ1ftC11L!I
YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE A LOT
TO THE APPEAL
This year, The Magic Circle Auction offers you the chance to donate to the
Appeal without giving any money! We are asking that everyone who sells at this
Auction in the normal way includes at least one extra lot for the Appeal.
This can be a trick or tricks, other magical apparatus or a book or books on
magic or allied arts. The item or items should be of reasonable value where you
might expect to get a bid for a minimum of £10. And no magazines, please!
The Auction is on Sunday, 21st April at The Victory Services Club and will
be conducted by auctioneer Henry Lewis, with Brian Miller collating the lots.
The Magic Circle Auction is always popular, so sort out your props ready for
sale now. They need to be delivered to The Victory Services Club on a Monday
Club Night or posted to reach Brian Miller by 1st April.
Just look out any unwanted prop or book and add that on as the Appeal lot,
for which the entire sum raised will go to the fund without deductions.
Of course, if you'd like to donate all your Auction lots in aid of The Magic
Circle Appeal, we'd be delighted.
Sunday, 21st April: The Magic Circle Appeal Auction. Buy and sell to help
the purchase of your new premises. Entry forms and acceptance of lots in the
Club Room or by post:
Brian Miller, Magic 'n' Fun, 353 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1TF
Phone: 081-478 2900
And please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

GIVE A LOT TO THE APPEAL

 AG IC cI A
Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 913

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 22
SCENE& HEARD ..................................................................................... 24
THEPROPERTY SEARCH .......................................................................... 25
MAGICCIRCLE'S POSER No. 7 ................................................................... 26
ADAIR'S IDEAS ........................................................................................ 26
POSTIMPRESSION .................................................................................... 27
THEOLD ONE TWO .................................................................................. 27
COMPUTERCARDS .................................................................................. 28
AMERICANSPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 29
VIDEOVIEW ............................................................................................ 31
THIS IS YOUR LIFE ................................................................................... 32
MILBOURNECHRISTOPHER'S LEGACY .................................................... 34
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 37
SHOWAND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 39
LETTERS.....................................................................................
BRITISHMAGICAL SOCIETIES No. 45 ........................................................ 45
MONTHLYROUTINE MATTERS ................................................

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY: MARK LEVERIDGE. Lecturer, author, inventor, all round entertainer, competition winner,
magical dealer, Associate Member of the Inner Magic Circle (Silver Star). His life story appears on page 32.

Contributions must reach Peter Eldin by the First of each month if

it is essential they should appear in the following month's issue
and should be typewritten whenever possible.

21
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
HE last few months have been even more hectic than usual and as this is a joint February/March issue, I
would like to highlight some of the more interesting events:
T

International Day of Magic — 2nd December, 1990

Every year Ron MacMillan amazes everyone with the international talent that he manages to find for his
unique one day convention. This particular one was better than ever, with extremely high standards of entertaining
magic. It featured three unusual and highly artistic acts from Russia. Congratulations, Ron!

Diamond Charity Ball — 4th December, 1990

This function was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in the presence of H.R.H. Prince Charles (M.I.M.C. !)
and H.R.H. Princess Diana, seated at two separate tables. I was privileged to be asked to entertain them both.
The large number of guests was intrigued by close-up entertainers Michael Vincent, John Gordon, Kay Kristal and
Trevor Liley. Later that evening, I had the opportunity to introduce them to the royal couple.

House of Commons —18th December, 1990

As mentioned in my last message, we had a highly successful event at the House of Commons.
Our Vice-President, Michael Bailey, and Council Member, Ali Bongo, joined me as well as some of our top
close-up workers — Trevor Liley, Kay Kristal, John Gordon and Michael Vincent.
The afternoon was hosted by our Greville Janner, Q.C., M.P., M.M.C. and a number of other prominent
M.P's, in particular our member John MacGregor, the Leader of the House of Commons.
We formed a Parliamentary Magical Society which will be under the auspices of The Magic Circle.
The media was well represented, with most of the major television and radio companies in attendance, as
well as many of the leading newspapers.

Magic Hands Convention, Sindelfingen — 9th-13th January, 1991

It was very interesting to attend this well-organised Convention, now in its 14th year.
As usual, Manfred Thumm went to great lengths to make sure that everyone was treated to many surprises,
eye-catching decorations and high standard magic acts. As President of The Magic Circle, I was an invited guest
together with Channing Pollock and Bill & Irene Larsen.
We can all be very proud of Ali Bongo, who really shone at this Convention with his multi-lingual
compering of the gala show, holding a large audience in a very professional manner. He also contributed many
novel ideas throughout the Convention.

22
 We took the opportunity to have a meeting of the EI.S.M. Committee (Lausanne — July '91) and a strong
case was put forward by the three Japanese delegates to hold the next Convention in Tokyo in 1994. (These three
Japanese magicians came as my guests to The Magic Circle on the following Monday and their President,
Masatoshi Furota, entertained us with some superb sleight of hand.)
Unfortunately, John Salisse had to miss this Convention at the last minute as he had to go to hospital the day
before we left. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing him a speedy recovery.

At the Magic Hands Convention with Galina Strutinskaja (left) and with Channing Pollock and Irene Larsen (right).

Gold Heart Day - 1st February, 1991

The Variety Club of Great Britain launched this campaign in aid of children's hospitals. These attractive
Gold Hearts are being sold at £1 each and have already raised nearly £1 million. As I am closely connected with
this appeal, I have been given special permission to sell these Hearts at £2 each, with £1 coming to The Magic
Circle.
Many of our members have been able to sell 50 or even 100 at a time, which has benefited our own Appeal.
They have also proved very popular at the "Evenings with The Magic Circle". The slogan is: "Wear your Heart on
your sleeve to show that you care". If you want to help in this charity drive and benefit The Magic Circle at the
same time, please ask me for details.
Melanoma 1Yust Charity Show — 21st April, 1991
As I have recently become the Patron of this Charity (which deals with research and treatment of skin
cancer through sun rays), I have agreed to present a full evening one man show at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury
Avenue on Sunday, 21st April, 1991. I hope that some of our members will support this evening. Tickets will be
obtainable only through the theatre box office.
MagiCruise'91 Cancelled
I have been informed that MagiCruise '91 has been cancelled. According to organiser Larry Krams, this is
due to the current political and economic situation.

This month I would like to mention some of our members who work quietly in the background for the good
of The Magic Circle.
Harry Reeve, Les Nottle, John Perry, our editor Peter Eldin, and Dick James, who has personally sold over
£27,000 worth of tickets for the "Evenings with The Magic Circle"!
Congratulations to Paul Daniels for his superb Christmas Special T.V. show and for entertaining our troops
in the Gulf just before the start of the war.
We have decided that The Magic Circle should be represented at ELS.M. and, providing there are no
administrative problems, we have chosen to sponsor Richard Griffin, the current "Young Magician of the Year"
winner and holder of the British Ring Shield.
If you have any comments or constructive ideas to enhance The Magic Circle, please let me know.
DAVID BERGLAS

23
 SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN

MILE HIGH MAGIC IN THE NEWS

Magician Robert Paul is a director of Mile High Peter Blanchard, who writes our "This Is Your Life"
Magic Ltd. and will be pleased to help fellow magi- feature each month, gained useful coverage in one of
cians with their travel arrangements. He tells me that his local newspapers just before Christmas. The half
he still has limited availability for FI.S.M. and would page feature detailed Peter's work as a pharmaceutical
be delighted to quote for individuals or groups plan- salesman (still on the road at 70!), his experiences in
ning to attend this prestigious event. He can also the forces which included an audition for E.N.S.A.
quote for all your travel requirements but let him know and his various inventions all interspersed with magi-
you are a magician for he is offering special prices for cal thoughts and reminiscences as well as a "plug" for
all magicians and their partners worldwide. Mile High The Magic Circle.
Travel Ltd., is at 16 Main Road, Hockley, Essex SS5
4FQ (Tel.: 0702 201292).
THANK YOU, MR. PUNCH
FEE FOR THE APPEAL John Styles is another member who received useful
At Christmas Michael Brettell (Uncle Michael) press coverage recently. A full page feature concen-
was booked to perform at his local Post Office Social trated on the rich and famous John has entertained
Club's children's party. He has performed for this over the years with magic, balloon modelling and
group on previous occasions but this time he asked for Punch & Judy. It was through Punch that John met his
his cheque to be made payable to The Magic Circle wife, Barbara, through Punch that he got his first big
Appeal. This enabled him to send it direct to the television break (on the Avengers series) and through
Appeal without the need for paying in one cheque and Punch that he became a performer to royalty. As John
himself says: "I've got a lot to thank Mr. Punch for,
drawing out another and also saving any possible com-
plications regarding tax. Michael commends this idea one hell of a lot".
to other magicians. If each performing member
donated just one fee a year to the Appeal (in addition
to any other donations they may care to make) it
would, as Michael so rightly says, raise a considerable
sum for our new Headquarters. Many thanks for the
suggestion, Michael.
SAD DEATH OF RUBY BOYNETT
Members will be saddened to hear of the death of
Ruby Boynett shortly before Christmas. She and hus-
band Frank received a great deal of pleasure from the
Diamond Wedding card signed by many Circle mem-
bers last year but she then had to go into a nursing
home and died a few weeks later. I am certain that the
condolences of all members go out to Frank, who now
lives with his daughter, on his sad loss.
MENSA MAGICIANS
Within MENSA, the organisation for those with an
above average I.Q., there are several special interest
groups ranging from archery to zoology but no special
group for magicians. Bart Harding, well known to MAGIC ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
magicians for his stacked deck system, is hoping to Some of our members perform in the unlikeliest of
remedy this. He has some support but he needs more places. Recently Cyril Golding exhibited his talents
to make the proposal viable. If you are a member of on the Orient Express! The photograph above shows
MENSA and would like details of this special group Cyril having just removed a gentleman's watch, the
drop Bart a line at 8 Adelaide Road, Southampton man himself being the only one completely unaware
SO2 1HW of what has happened!

24

MONEY MAGIC
Abbey National Building Society recently held a
competition with a magical theme. Children had to
answer three simple questions about magic and the
cartoon characters used to promote the Abbey
National Action Savers Club. The prizes consisted of
50 cuddly rabbits (for the under 6's) and 50 magic sets
(for 6-12 year olds). The competition was open to all
children and every child who opened a new account
during the promotion period (3rd December, 1990 to
2nd February, 1991) received a free calendar wall
chart on the theme of magic.
GOODLIFFE' S
Edited by Donald Bevan
The Lively Weekly Magic Magazine
Published Every Saturday Since 1946
Professionally produced, 20+ pages
every week of tricks, routines, advice,
news, reports, dealer reviews, adverts,
and comment on the International Magic
Scene.
Goodliffe Publications
150 New Road, Bromsgrove
Worcestershire B60 2LG, England
25
Sam Sharpe (right) with his Maskelyne Literary Award
which Eddie Dawes accepted on his behalf at The Magic
Circle Banquet in November and subsequently conveyed to
Sam at Bridlington.
THE
PROPERTY SEARCH
EFORE Christmas, I told the Monday Night-
ers that we had a property in view for our new
B Headquarters. It is conveniently situated near
Waterloo Station, with the floor space we need, at a
price we could afford. Our conditional offer was sub-
sequently accepted by the vendors and we set about
the lengthy process "to change the use" from light
industrial and warehouse to non-residential and social
purposes.
Our application was opposed by the local plan-
ning department and later turned down by the
Borough Council Planning Committee. Their main
concern was that by changing the use of the property,
it would nean the loss of an employment site and
would cause disturbance to local householders,
mainly during the evening.
Your President and I attended the meeting of
the Planning Committee, pleading that The Magic
Circle could offer a good deal to the locality and
should be considered as a special case. We were also
able to emphasize that our libraries and museum
would be operated by The Magic Circle Foundation, a
registered charity. Unfortunately, we did not succeed
in overturning the main objections.
As we have spent some six months negotiating
for this property, we have decided to risk our further
frustration and to appeal against the decision.
Needless to say, for over three years, we have
been viewing properties we can afford with the
facilities we need and this we are continuing to do.
Although we have property agents on the look
out, your help would be appreciated if you live or work
in the London area.
Briefly, we need about 4,000 ft. freehold or
with a very long lease, close to transport services in
the London area and in a reasonable structural
condition. Needless to say, we must be able to use it for
all our activities, bearing in mind the difficulty of
securing a "change of use".
If you find something and, after local enquiries
it falls within our guide lines, please get in touch with
me or with any of the officers immediately.
One day we shall succeed, hopefully as a result
of your involvement.
DERRICK SPEIGHT
CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL
 MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER NO. 7
y
►tr NDAlR'S
BY CLIFF TOWNSEND M.I.M.C.

Y. Magic Circle's Poser word has loosely

been slanted at Magic and the Allied Arts,
M and the centre circle letter has to be dis-
covered to complete the word. From this word, words
of four letters or more are made, always using the
centre letter. No abbreviations, foreign words, plurals
or names are acceptable but final answers may include
other nine-letter words. Each circled letter can only
be used once. TICK!
BY IAN ADAIR
HEN it comes to paddles, I become excited.
This particular effect, using paddles, is a
W mental one.

EFFECT
Ten board paddles are on display, all plain black in
appearance. A spectator is asked to merely think of
one and then asked to touch it. The nine paddles are
shown both back and front to be plain. The paddle
which the spectator selected is reversed by the spec-
tator and is seen to have a big white chalked tick mark
on same — the only one!

APPARATUS REQUIRED
Ten board paddles. These should be painted in matt
black paint so you can chalk on them. Mark ten tick
marks on them, one on each. Reverse the paddles so
their plain black sides are facing forewards.

WORKING AND PRESENTATION

The number of words made are totalled and ver-
dicts of GOOD, VERY GOOD and EXCELLENT This becomes obvious. Whichever paddle is men-
are arrived at. tally selected by the spectator, the others are shown
on both sides, using the "Paddle Move", as black on
The whole idea is for amusement only — no prizes.
both sides. The spectator is requested to reverse the
All rights reserved.
one chosen and that appears to be the only one which
(Solution next month.) bears a bold white tick mark! Easy, isn't it?

A NIGHT OF MAGIC
Wote Street Club, Basingstoke
8.00-11.00pm FRIDAY, 26th APRIL 1990
All proceeds to The Magic Circle Appeal
More volunteers wanted • All types of act (stage and close-up) required
Free overnight bed and breakfast accommodation can be arranged
See John Gannon any Monday night in the Clubroom or telephone: 0256 465123

26
 LfJWWLl
I C
ERE is a handy impression device which I have found
practical and easy to carry around. I carry mine in the
breast pocket of my jacket.
Obtain one of those books of four first or second class stamps
and remove the stamps. Carefully peel back the top layer of the
front cover. This can be done quite easily so long as you peel the
C rest of the book from the top layer and not the other way round.
Then paste the paper backing to the rest of the book, ensuring
that it goes under the little yellow tab. All you need now is a piece
of good quality carbon paper, which is lightly stuck to the inside of
( the top cover and a piece of light card or stiff paper sandwiched
between the cover and the rest of the book on which to receive the
impression. This should also be lightly stuck down with a pellet of
BY wax at the right-hand edge but make sure it is cut short of the tab.
BRIAN DAVI ES A.I.M.C. C Once these are in place, the cover is closed and the right edge slid
C under the tab. This holds the cover in place and the book may be
safely handed out as a support for any small piece of thin paper
^ upon which something is written or drawn by some unsuspecting
person. Simply by resting the spine of the stamp book across the
lower phalanges of the middle fingers with the thumb resting lightly on the outer edge near the tab, a slight
pressure of the thumb will cause the cover of the book to spring away, exposing the impression.
Do not be in a hurry to glimpse the impression after you have retrieved the device from your subject. If my
audience consists of just one person, I simply get him to close his eyes whilst he concentrates. Where more than
one person is present, I turn my back and ask the subject to imagine he is burning the impression into the back of
my neck. Most mentalists will be able to work out their own methods.

THE OLD ONE TWO

By HARRY CARSON
ERE is a four ace presentation which can be
used on its own or perhaps more profitably as
H as a finale to a four ace series.
REQUIRED A table mat, stiff magazine, or close
up mat, a pack with four aces and four twos. These are
set A.2 222 A. and placed on the face of the pack, the
suit order is immaterial.
WORKING Secure a left little finger break under
the top six cards, the pack being face up in the left
hand. Lift off these cards and place the pack face
down on the mat. Show the four aces by counting one,
two aces one under the other. Buckle the bottom ace
and count ace 3 and the four twos as one card. Snap
remaining ace and count four. Place this ace on top of
the other aces and twos. This leaves four twos backing
four aces.
Turn all cards face down (audience is only aware of
four cards; the aces). Pick up the pack and place the
stack upon it, then turn pack face up.
Slide ace no. 1 from the back and turn it to show its
face. Turn it face down and insert in the pack about
ten cards from the face. Repeat this with the other
three aces, spacing them at equal distances through
the pack. Push the cards into the pack and perform
the Vernon Multiple Shift. This leaves the aces face
down behind the face up pack and the four twos lost in
the pack. Hold the pack in the right hand and drop the
four aces from the bottom with the right thumb. Hold
the break. Lift the mat with the left hand and tilt it
upwards moving it to the left but keeping its long edge
on the table. With the right hand holding the pack tap
the table top exclaiming "Nothing here". Sweep the
mat back into place, momentarily covering the pack
and simultaneously dropping the four aces below the
thumb break. Tap the top of the mat with the right
forefinger and say "And nothing here".
Riffle shuffle the pack two or three times and place
it face down in the mat. Say "In the face down pack
are four face down cards. Can you name them?".
Naturally the four aces will be named. Ribbon spread
the cards face down when the four twos will show as
the only face up cards. Remove them and deal the
remaining cards face up showing no aces. Gather the
pack and lift the mat to show the four aces have
penetrated it.
Like the old one two, it's a knock out!

27
 Ruth Kedar thinks so. In 1988, she completed her
Computer Cards Master's thesis at Stanford University, California. Her
subject: playing cards.
BY MAURICE DAY Using computers, she developed some interesting
ORRY, card buffs — this isn't a trick. It's an ideas. Her first effort retained the indices and the
article to ask your opinion on the latest card traditional pips but they were presented in a more
graphic form (1). Court cards were modernized (2).
S designs.
Playing cards have a fascinating history. They were
reputedly invented in A.D. 1120 to overcome boredom
in an imperial Chinese harem. Another school of
thought is that the Koreans invented them. Whatever
version is correct, their shape was similar — long and
narrow. Imagine handling a deck 20 cm. long by 1 cm.
wide (8" x ½")!
Just as difficult to handle were early Indian cards -
circular in shape and of various diameters. European
cards were first made around 1370 and England fol-
lowed suit (no pun intended) 80 years later. These
cards were similar in shape and proportion to our
modern packs.
Many early designs in this country and America
were without indices. And court cards were "one
way". It wasn't until 1850 that picture cards were pro- This was followed by a deck with diagonal bars indi-
duced with half-length figures. This was done so cating values of the cards. A dot after every third bar
players could read the cards without turning them aids identification. Numerals and suit symbols were
round and alerting opponents that they had a high- also used although they are superfluous (3).
ranking cards.
Ruth Kedar's final design was completely abstract.
Tarot cards were used in fourteenth-century Italy Every card in the deck had a series of stripes — even
for a game called Tarocchi. Seventy-eight cards the court cards. The number of stripes indicating a
formed a pack. Italian heretics who were sought by card's value (4).
the Inquisition used tarot cards as a coded bible. The
picture cards illustrated their beliefs and reinforced xxk^
their messages to the peasants. And they could be 4
passed off as a harmless game to probing officials.
Nowadays tarot cards are used mainly by fortune
tellers (and magicians).
Some European countries used playing cards to
teach mathematics, history, astronomy and other sub-
jects. Information was printed together with the nor-
mal card values. Some packs were produced with a
political theme.
Around 1870, the De La Rue Company introduced
cards with round corners and indices. Then the turn s4xx
of the century saw mass production leading to stan-
dardization of face design. Added to this was the fact
that card players frowned upon changes to their card
0
faces. Suits were differentiated by two tones of red and
blue. Card players, including children, experienced
Since those times, card design hasn't altered except no trouble using any of these packs. It took them up to
for minor cosmetic changes — extra-large indices, for 20 minutes to familiarize themselves with the new
example. None of these minor alterations has been designs.
universally adopted.
One advantage for magicians is the interesting
In recent years, we have witnessed a revolution in patterns made when fanning the cards.
the printing industry with the introduction of compu-
ter typesetting. Computer-aided graphics have pro- None of these computer-designed packs are avail-
duced new design concepts. Has the time arrived to able in England. The abstract deck was produced in
reappraise our playing card design? America as a promotional item for a computer firm.

28
i%ERIC t4 All of this is certainly good news for magic collec-
tors, historians, indeed for magicians everywhere who
are interested in this very important era. "We are all
born into a world that we didn't make," Jack Gwynne
told me years ago, "and it is only fair that we should be
grateful to those who did make it." Charles Carter
made history, and now because of the energies of
Mike Caveney and Bill Smith, all of us will be able to
appreciate first hand some of his many contributions
to the development of our art.
By DALE SALWAK M.i.M.c. Also of historical interest is Norm Nielson's
announcement that he will soon offer a limited, de
luxe version of the Okito Checker Cabinet, manufac-
tured with the same decals, same craftsmanship and
even some of the same hand tools as Okito used. Years
ETWEEN 1907 and 1936 he toured with one ago during his apprenticeship with the master magi-
of the most spectacular illusion shows that cian, Norm was personally granted permission to
B the world of magic has ever seen — complete manufacture Okito items. He takes great pride in his
with many assistants, his own stage settings and cos- work, and this latest offering is sure to please many
tumes, and a cast of animals that included a lion and collectors. Write: Nielson Magic, 3467 La Sombre
an elephant. Repeat performances in Australia, New Drive, Los Angeles, California 90068 (Telephone 213/
Zealand, the Philippines, India, Egypt, China, Japan, 850-7650; Fax 213/850-6591).
Russia, as well as most major American cities, estab-
lished his name once and for all on the history pages of
magic's golden age. At every performance his audi-
ence would be treated to some of the most famous illu-
sions, including the Nicola Spike Cabinet, the Kellar
Levitation, the Spirit Cabinet, Sawing A Woman in
Half, Cheating the Gallows (of which he is the
reputed inventor), the Inexhaustible Barrel, Find the
Lady, and two of Selbit's mysteries — Stealing A
Woman and Million Dollar Mystery. His name?
Charles Carter, better known as Carter The Great.
In 1970 owner Peter Clute stored portions of the
show in The Magic Cellar at Earthquake Magoons,
San Francisco. When the Cellar closed a few years
later, he locked the show in a warehouse. Now I've
learned from my good friends Mike Caveney (Magical
Publications) and Bill Smith (Magical Ventures) that
they recently purchased the huge show along with
dozens of scrapbooks and boxes of programmes,
photographs, letters, newspaper clippings and films.
Mike tells me that he intends to publish a catalogue of
the show and then write a book on Carter's life. Bill
plans to refurbish and restore all of the illusions,
offering some for sale and featuring others in another
historic presentation at a national magic convention
much like the Dante/Thurston show that created so
much interest at the I.B.M. Convention in San Diego.
According to a detailed report in Stan Allen's Inside
Magic, the selling price for the show was not revealed,
but the asking price was $70,000.

29
 Many magicians are committed to reading most of
the current magic periodicals on both sides of the Genii
Atlantic not only because they like to keep up with the
news but because they believe it's important to sup- The International
port what is part of the lifeblood of our art. Along
with the new routines, methods and tricks offered Conjurors' Magazine
each month, Genii, Linking Ring, MUM and The is now in its 54th year of continuous
New Tops, among others, offer stories about our peers
and the magic scene. Now I'm sorry to report that publication by the Larsen family.
with the November/December 1990 issue, Magic WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE
Manuscript has ceased publication. Publisher Tony THE RETURN OF MAGICANA TO
Spina (Tannen's, Inc.) explains that subscriptions had THE PAGES OF GENII
dropped significantly since 1984 and it became too Now edited by James Patton it is truly a
expensive to continue to print. Most of us grew up in
magic not only from what we saw but from what we magazine within a magazine. This plus Dai
read. In our periodicals there's recorded a history of Vernon — Book, Magazine and Trick
magic. Let's hope that in the next decade the reviews. Feature issues and so much more.
remaining ones continue to flourish. Don't take them 64 to 80 slick pages every month.
for granted. RATES
One of the most informative publications — Inside Surface 1 year $45 —2 years $85
Magic — begins its seventh year as the number one up- Air Europe 1 year $70 —2 years $140
to-date source for what is happening on the American
magical scene. Each month readers receive eight GENII
pages of editorials, book reviews, letters, feature P. O. Box 36068, Los Angeles, CA. 90036 USA
news stories, regional news items, and with the March Phone (213) 935-9987 FAX (213) 933-4820
issue a comprehensive Convention Guide. Eventually, Please register if you remit cash.
I think, Inside Magic will become for magicians what
Variety is for the general entertainment industry. A Sorry, no charges
glance through the last six years of Inside Magic con-
firms once again that more magic is being performed
for more people in more places than ever before. With
few exceptions, most walls have been broken down; THE MAGIC MAGAZINE
wherever there is an audience, there is a potential MAGICIANS MUST HAVE.
market. THE
Much of magic's current popularity in this country MAGIGRAM
we owe to the contributions of the "Big Five" — Mark Star columnists,
Wilson, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Doug Henning, Including
Siegfried and Roy, and David Copperfield. Because
of them, said Karrell Fox a few years ago at a national George Johnstone,
convention, all of us have more bookings and much of Max Maven,
America has a greater desire to see live magic. The
above performers have brought dignity to the art.
They have been true to themselves — found what
works, stayed with it and aimed for a market. And
they've never lost sight of the principle that first and
foremost, magic should entertain.
Speaking of David Copperfield, his 13th C.B.S.-
T.V. special on 9th April promises the mid-air vanish
of an 80-foot, 70-ton Orient Express railroad car,
taped last December in a huge building that housed
the construction of blimps during World War II. The
rest of the programme-will feature David's stage per-
formance taped this month (February) during an MasterCard, American, Express.
eight-day run in Tampa, Florida.- Jane Seymourwill be Price (12 issues post paid) £15,
the guest host on the special. Overseas £18, U.S.A. $35.
May we continue to support, respect and encourage
each other in this great art that we call magic. SUPREME MAGIC CO. LTD., SUPREME HOUSE,
BIDEFORD, DEVON EX39 2AN, ENGLAND.
TEL NO. (0237) 479266.

30

VIDEO VIEW
reviewed by
PETER ELDIN
JACK DELVIN: CHILDREN ARE MAGIC
Produced and directed by Vic Pinto. Running time 1 hr.
38 min. £29.50 (add £1 Europe and £2 overseas) from The
T.A.T. Co., 45 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RS.
The first time I saw Jack Delvin perform was in Ellisdon's
shop way back in the 50's which proves that he has a wealth
of experience of immense value to impart for the benefit of
others.
This experience is well in evidence on this tape. If you
have ambitions to become a children's entertainer or if you
want to improve your expertise in this field you will find this
tape well worth while. Whether amateur, professional, semi-
pro or just a wishful thinker, you will find something of
value.
The tape is divided into two sections. The first part shows
the lecture Jack gave to The Magic Circle last year. The sec-
ond part gives more magic plus practical advice for the per-
former seeking more business, better knowledge and repeat
fees.
In just 98 minutes, Jack demonstrates and explains some
of his top children's routines. These include Sympathetic
Silks, Instant Painting, Torn and Restored Newspaper, Muti-
lated Sunshade, Coin in Nest of Dolls (showing how a basic-
ally simple effect can be built into a feature item) and a glove
puppet routine. There are also presentations of Jack
Hughes' Giant Dwarf, The Teddy Bear Tie (kids will love
this), Wandering Willy and a really up to the minute effect
using the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.
Between tricks, Jack imparts invaluable advice on tables,
handling awkward kids, confidence and the business of
children's magic.
THE NEW KARRELL FOX VIDEO
Directed by Derek C. Woodcock. Running time 47 min.
£29.50 ($60 U.S.A.) + p. & p. £1 inland, £2.50 overseas, $5
U.S.A. from The Supreme Magic Company Ltd., Supreme
House, Bideford, Devon EX39 2AN.
This is the first of a new "Reveal" series produced by
Supreme. Several other top names are lined up for future
videos but they will really have to be on their toes.to better
this one.
If I had to use just five words to sum up this video they
would be "simple methods plus maximum effect". Restrict
me to just one words and I will say "excellent".
This tape is packed with a wealth of practical material all
of which, as mentioned above, is accomplished by the
simplest and craftiest of means. Even I can do the tricks on
this tape!
31
Because the methods used are so simple, may I suggest
that you put the tape on "still pause" for a minute or two at
the end of each effect as the explanation follows
immediately after. Watch the effect then pause to reflect
upon its impact on you before proceeding to find out how it
is done. Then, having seen the explanation, do not dismiss it
because it is so simple — just consider the fact that you were
fooled by it just a few minutes previously.
In the right hands, Papa-Rose could be a winner when
performing for the ladies. Two pieces of tissue paper trans-
form, almost visibly, into a real rose. I liked the thinking
behind Jig-Saw Cards, a "sensitive fingers" type of effect
using just a few ordinary playing cards and an unprepared
paper bag. I performed this at a school in January and it went
down extremely well. On the same occasion, I used Flash-
Strip (torn and restored paper) in a "throw-away" style and
this will remain in my repertoire from now on.
Among the other items that particularly caught my fancy
were two book tests, a neat cut and restored silk, and a
cheeky card prediction. There are 15 effects on the tape and
no matter what type of magic you do, I am confident you will
find something you can use. Given time, I can see no reason
why I will not be using all 15 in due course!
I can find no adverse criticism of this tape but my wife,
who just happened to walk into the room as I was going
through it, came up with one. She said that Karrell's mustard
jacket clashed with the red tablecloth! And if that is the only
thing one can say against a magic tape, it must be good — and
it is!
Karrell and the Supreme team are to be congratulated on
a really superb product. Highly recommended.
QUICK QUIZ No. 25
Magic of the Mind
1. What do the letters E.S.P. stand for?
2. What name is given to the cards often used in
E.S.P. tests?
3. Who concluded each mentalism act with the
words, "You are the judges"?
4. Which well-known English mentalist died in
America in 1972?
5. How many steps did Corinda take towards
mentalism?
6. What kind of mental act did Pinetti originate?
7 Whom did Robert-Houdin use as his medium?
8. Which notable British mentalist appeared in a
Channel 4 series in 1986?
9. What are the names of Julius Zancig's two
wife/partners?
10. The Circular's issue for November 1988
referred to a magician's proposed attempt to
memorize 520 playing cards. Who was he?
(Solution next month)
GEOFFREY LAMB A.I.M.C.
THIS
IS
YOUR
LIFE
N 1989 an unusual convention took place at Bath Univer-
I sity, the British Close-Up Magic Symposium. Some of
the best close-up workers in the country were booked, a
tiered lecture theatre was hired for good viewing, and
lighting and music were used in a wa y to create atmosphere -
it was an outstanding success and it will be repeated next
month. Brains behind this new type of convention were
Mark Leveridge and Christopher Payne.
Mark Leveridge was born on 25th February, 1956 in Bex-
ley Heath, Kent. His father was a cake manufacturer's sales
representative and his mother an office secretary. Tucking
into his cereals one morning he discovered a free booklet —
"Al Koran's Teasers and Puzzles". The next packet con-
tained "Al Koran's Mental Mysteries", and the next "Al
Koran's Magic Tricks". Mark was so fascinated by these that
he began to take a keen interest in conjuring so his parents,
who saw the potential, bought him a conjuring set plus an
excellent book on magic for Christmas.
The family moved to a small village in south-east Kent
where there were no magicians or indeed anyone else
interested in magic so Mark began to invent his own tricks
32
RK
EE VERIDGE
and make them. All his ideas were recorded in a hand-made
book, then as a teenager he taught himself to type and pro-
duced neater books not realising that he would benefit
greatly from all this later on in life. At 16, Mark Leveridge
invented a special fake en v elope to vanish, produce or switch
any item which would fit into the envelope. He called it the
Leveridge Envelope and it featured in his early lectures.
When he was 18, Mark went to Bristol University to study
for an Honours Degree in German. He hoped to meet other
magicians if he could find any in Bristol but he didn't have to
look far — they came to seek him out. A note was slipped
under his door. It was from Christopher Payne, inviting
Mark round to his place for a magical session. Says Mark,
"This was my first encounter with a real magician of quality.
What an eye opener it was. Chris was a Ken Brooke devotee,
a Young Magician Of The Year winner and an I.B.M. Close-
Up Competition winner. He showed me a standard of magic
I had never seen before. It was a magical turning point in my
life for Chris taught me many of the basics of close-up magic
which I eagerly learned and practised, and to this day he is
still probably my closest friend and magical adviser. Armed
with all these new tools of the trade, I started to turn the
inventive side of my character to devising routines and
effects and within two years I had amassed a wide range of
material, so much so that I put a lecture together, `The Low
Down On Close-Up,' which was first presented to my local
society in Bristol."
After the Bristol success, Mark was destined to meet Tony
Griffith, an established lecturer, inventor and performer.
They became friends and attended lectures at the Zodiac
Society in London together. Tony introduced Mark to Presi-
dent Freddie Firth who booked the Low Down On Close-Up
lecture and so Mark's lecturing career was launched. Pro-
ducing a package of lecture notes and a couple of tricks, he
realised he had a saleable product which was received with
enthusiasm and the word spread resulting in orders coming
in.
In 1978, Mark graduated from university and commenced
a one-year teacher training course. In the same year, he mar-
ried Ros and they settled into a flat in Bath. When he joined
the Bath Circle of Magicians, he found he had the best of
both worlds — the Bath society and the Bristol society. Mark
Leveridge began to show his mettle by winning the close-up
competitions in both societies on a number of occasions.
Orders were flowing in, he increased his lectures and by
1981 he was doing 20 lectures a year. The strain of lecturing,
an increasing mail order business and full time teaching at a
comprehensive school was such that his wife, Ros, suggested
he turn professional.
Once having cast off the yoke of full time teaching, he
concentrated upon the business of being an author, dealer,
inventor and performer and selling his package deals. Suc-
cess came his way but it had to be maintained as in 1984 son
Timothy was born and Ros had to give up her full time job
and take a part time one. He had to do more business to
maintain their life style. In an effort to achieve this, he
turned his sights on the export market. In 1985, he flew to
the U.S.A. to embark on an extensive lecture tour of New
York, Chicago, Baltimore, Salt Lake City and Long Beach,
California, as well as a close-up show at the S.A.M. conven-
tion in Louisville. The tour was exhausting and not a great
success, expenses were enormous, little profit ensued but
valuable contacts were made, in particular with a Japanese
dealer who has since become a very large customer for his
items. In 1986, daughter Christelle arrived adding further
pressures.
A return visit to the U.S.A. proved an outstanding suc-
cess. This was arranged by Dan Garrett covering a smaller
geographical area and only a two weeks' stay. There followed
two trips to Denmark, Holland, Sweden and Ireland and his
children's show was such a success that he was prompted to
write a special work for the children's entertainer — "The
Magic Party".
For a young man, Mark Leveridge has moved forward fast
but the road has been long and hard — but it proves that one
can make it with determination to succeed. Nineteen ninety
was a year of big expansion for Mark Leveridge, his items are
handled by most dealers on a world-wide basis, his
manufacturing side is working overtime.
Mark Leveridge, the ideas man who puts ideas into prac-
tice in front of an audience. If they receive applause, he
Above: Mark receives the close-up cup at the Bath Circle of
manufactures them and sells them on the world market. He
Magicians' annual dinner in the mid 70s.
has many exciting plans for the future and we will be hearing
more, much more, about Mark Leveridge's enterprises
during the coming years.
Left: Manning his stand at Ron Macmillan's International
Day in December 1988. PETER BLANCHARD, M.INSTEL. A.I.M.C.

33
 HROUGHOUT his lifetime Milbourne
Christopher strove to raise the performing art
T of magic to new heights and to preserve the
MILBOURNE CHRIS
best from its illustrious past.
During his travels in 72 countries, he worked his A FOUNDATION TO
wonders on stage, he wrote, he edited, he produced,
he researched, he collected, he invented and he pro-
moted the now-you-see-it, now-you-don't profession.
Today, the Milbourne Christopher Foundation in
New York hopes to carry on his work.
In the months preceding his unexpected death in
June, 1984, Christopher had spent a good deal of his
time manoeuvring to keep John Mulholland's collec-
tion from being scattered to the four winds by the
Players' Club.
Years earlier, Mulholland had sold his antique con-
juring books and posters to the theatrical club for a
modest sum, with the stipulation that his collection
remain together and accessible to magicians and
researchers. After Mulholland's death, strapped for
funds, The Players decided to sell his treasurers.
Christopher had first met Mulholland, then the
editor of the Sphinx, as a teenager. He was determined
to carry out the last wishes of Mulholland who was no
longer around to battle for himself. After all,
Christopher had gone on The Players' library com-
mittee mainly to keep an eye on his old friend's
collection.
As a result he postponed — temporarily, he thought
— the second sale from his own extensive assemblage
of books, prints, posters, playbills and scrapbooks.
He planned to sell duplicates and triplicates to make
room in his overcrowded apartment in New York and
his childhood home in Baltimore to organize the
cream of the two collections. He needed space for
writing and for rehearsing new effects.
For decades Christopher maintained a working lib-
rary of rare volumes, references and lovely framed art
in both cities. Colourful, eyecatching magic hung on
the walls, from kitchen to bathroom, throughout the
house, wherever he lived.
His initial sale of duplicates at Swann Galleries in
New York in 1981 set a record for magic book and
poster auctions in America. (Returns from a friend
Neil See's auction at Swann's earlier this year topped
that event, but in See's case, an entire collection,
including props and equipment, was sold.)

Right: Christopher wrote two books on Harry Houdini and

staged a show recreating one of his medium-expose lecture
performances at New York's Lincoln Center. This late 70s
photo, for that production, shows one of the thousands of
Houdini items from the Christopher Collection.

34
 The Christopher sale offered a carefully chosen
370PHER'S LEGACY mix: the dramatic, such as a playbill of Richard Potter,
the first American-born magician to score a success in
the New World; the top line, including choice Harry
PROMOTE MAGIC Houdini likenesses, and the affordable. The
enthusiastic collector, who started buying as a child,
wanted youngsters to be able to leave his sale with a
book or two.
A few lots went to amuse the Christophers and to
bring back their dead friends for a moment. Hand-
some prices were paid for minor items from India's
P. C. Sorcar (a familiar, mass-produced head poster)
and from Roland Winder (a cloth bound checklist of
the Winder Collection).
As Christopher and his wife were riding home to
their New York apartment after that auction, he told
her he had this reaction straight from Roley:
"Old boy, if you can get that, just for my little
brochure, I'd like to see what you're going to fetch
when you sell some of your scarcest Deans and Hocus
Pocuses."
Soon the fates turned against them. There would be
no second sale for the Christophers to enjoy together.
Mrs. Christopher, who heads the Milbourne
Christopher Foundation, brought in professionals to
catalogue thousands of books, posters, prints and
paintings soon after her husband's death. Most of the
cataloguing was done by appreciative, knowledgeable
men who had worked with him on the cataloque for
the first sale. Portions of the collection have remained
in storage.
A fine arts photographer has also been at work in
the collection, making colour transparencies for a var-
iety of uses. Mrs. Christopher, a writer and editor,
supervisess all this activity. She is indexing the more
fragile items like letters.
This index file starts with letters to and from Harry
and/or Bessie Houdini. The Christopher Collection
contains many books, manuscripts and photographs
from the Houdini Collection.
The letters provide a fascinating trail, linking the
Houdinis with their stellar contemporaries in show
business — Harry Kellar, whom the younger magician
idolized; Howard Thurston, Kellar's successor on the
illusion show circuit in America, and Chung Ling Soo,
who died at the Wood Green Empire Theatre in Lon-
don in 1918, doing the bullet catching feat that
Christopher later presented in his T.V. specials in the
U.S. and the U.K.
Houdini and Kellar loved writing to each other. The
collection has the original of the Kellar letter
Christopher blew up on the screen at the start of
"Festival of Magic". This warning to Houdini, not to
do the D ... bullet catching trick, kept Houdini from
performing the dangerous effect that at once fasci-
nated and frightened him. Christopher caught bullets
despite his wife's fears.

35
 His foundation hopes to carry out his wishes for his
collection, to maintain it in good condition and to
make its valuable information on magic, mind
reading, E.S.P. and the occult available to serious
scholars and writers when possible.
The Milbourne Christopher Awards were created in
1989 to foster excellence, leadership and originality in
magic and to keep conjuring on a par with music,
dance and drama in the public mind. The awards are
presented annually at the convention of the Society of
American Magicians where Christopher served as
president, editor, publicity director and chairman of
the occult investigation committee.

Right: Christopher in his rehearsal room in New York. These

rooms are now filled with books — in 12 languages — on magic,
the occult and life after death and with art work on top
magicians throughout the ages.

Below: Milbourne Christopher used a backdrop of some

favourite playbills as he did a trick for a newspaper photo-
grapher in Baltimore in May 1943. These treasures are still in
his collection.

Among the other activities envisaged for the

foundation:
- The collection's automata and early illusions, such
as DeKolta's Original Vanishing Die, will be restored.
- Books will be published. Coming first: Howard
Thurston's Illusion Show Work Book, with Thurston's
patter, his corrections and backstage photos, his
daughter Jane's remembrances, and explanatory
material by Jim Steinmeyer. There is a wide choice of
other unpublished manuscripts, letters and scrap-
books. The Thurston Work Book is the first of a
Milbourne Christopher Collection Presents series.
- There will be a campaign to keep the magic classics,
including the Christopher books, in print. The
foundation is scouting for publishers in America and
elsewhere.
- Travelling exhibits will be mounted from the
collection for museums, parks, libraries.
- A bibliography and catalogue will be commis-
sioned. The library has books in at least 12 languages,
some dating from 1597. Its strongest section is
English: next, French and German.
- Videos and film and television projects are planned.

36
 3 3 icIj Cabinet of ,+.agitat urio^itir5
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.

171. SWEET SATURDAY BOOKS Book, an inspired choice. (Actually, in his Preface to Vol-
ume 8, where Russell tells of this incident, heinaccurately
cites the song title in the plural, Sweet Saturday Nights, and
ATERIAL of magical interest in non-magical books is
is unsure whether it was Florrie Ford or Victoria Monks
M a fertile field for the collector. One interesting source whom he heard singing it.) The song title was subsequently
over the 35 years of its existence was The Saturday Book.
used by Colin Maclnnes for his book on music hall (1967),
This annual Christmas gift anthology started, in retrospect
the Panther paperback edition of which (1969) is notable for
somewhat improbably, in 1941 during World War II when
having Geoffrey Robinson and his colleagues at the Green
paper shortages occurred and paper rationing was imposed.
Man, Blackheath, on the cover.
It was conceived by Leonard Russell, then assistant editor of
The Sunday Times, who believed there was a need for a Colour plates were introduced in Volume 4, an issue that
literary miscellany, a belief that happily was shared by the provided photographs of Coco the Clown and a music hall
publishing house of Hutchinson. Thus The Saturday Book stooge. In Volume 5 (1945) can be found a delightful photo-
1941-42 was launched in October 1941 and proved so popular graphic section titled "1895: A Panorama of Fifty Years
that a reprint was needed during the same month, a total of Ago" including inter alia clown, organ grinder, dancing bear,
some 14,000 copies being sold. Success assured, it acquired pebble swallower, theatrical and music hall personalities,
annual status, the second (still unnumbered) volume the Egyptian Hall and an advertisement for Hamley's Grand
appearing in October 1942 titled The 1943 Saturday Book in Magical Saloons. Former Magic Circle member and novelist
an edition of 10,000 copies. The numbering of the volumes J. B. Priestley is the subject of a specially-commissioned
commenced with Number 3. full-page Low cartoon. This issue also contained the first
article by Fred T. Bason, the Cockney autograph hunter,
The title of the anthology was seemingly supplied by cigarette card collector, bookseller and book runner about
Leonard Russell while the first volume, still untitled, was
whom previous Rich Cabinets have been written (Dawes,
actually in the press. He recalled the old music hall song
1978; 1983). His debut was made with an article about his
Sweet Saturday Night which had been featured by Victoria friend Somerset Maugham. The following year Bason wrote
Monks (1884-1927). From this he derived The Saturday
"On Being in the Saturday Book" and thereafter he became
a favourite, established figure of the anthologies until his
death in 1972. Four volumes of his Diaries were published,
edited by such notables as Michael Sadleir and Noel
Coward.
106
xn a& i ". Pr v
t.=n
Wr n
30'- The sixth year (1946) contained a photographic section
WIll50N5', x[w waxx vnlxnxc woxxs, LEICESTER.
titled "Marvels" which embraced General Tom Thumb,
Siamese twins, giants, midgets, strong men, contortionists,
Blondin, Dan Leno and Little Tich. Another section on
"Mechanical Marvels" included Spencer, the balloonist and
ancestor of magician Ron Spencer of York (Dawes, 1977),
and a theatrical section devoted to Laurence Olivier while
the "Social Register 1850-1914" recorded under "Other
Ranks" examples of street entertainers. For good measure
there were also colour photographs of playing cards by
Edwin Smith and an article by Elizabeth Nicholas on
"Second Sight".
In 1947 The Saturday Book acquired an elaborated title
Usa " SEEGER'S". HAIR DYE
page which reflected its contents admirably, "being the
THE a
Price
2s. per case. r-^
Wlnstanianeous antl Seventh Annual Issue of this Celebrated Cabinet of
Harmless.
From all Druggists One r paration
Curiosities and Museum of Entertainment, the Whole Copi-
anel Hairtlressc: s. only. ously Illustrated and forming an Indispensable Companion
for Gentlemen & Ladies". Fred Bason proffered "My Who's
Who", brief sketches of personalities met in his quest for
autographs which included amongst others, Noni the clown
("the finest clown I've seen"), George Formby Jr., Charlie
Chaplin and J. B. Priestley.
Amateur magician and creator of Alice in Wonderland,
LUXURIANT ` HAIR, Lewis Carroll, is featured as a photographer in Volume 8 with
WHISKERS, Bf:Y a portrait of Ellen Terry included, while Edwin Smith and
MOUSTACHIOS
his wife Olive Cook (author of Movement in Two Dimen-
sions (1963) on the pre-cinema) contributed a section on
"The Art of Acquisition" directed at "The collecting
THE WORLD-RENOWNED REMEDY FOR BALDNESS,
instinct (which) knows no barriers of age or condition".
WHISKERS' ANDHnMOUgSTACHIOS Depicted are a Burmese marionette and sheets from the
Juvenile Drama. A couple of pages are devoted to the bills of

37
Samuel Scott, the Celebrated American Diver, who met an
untimely end at Waterloo Bridge in. 1841 as graphically
related by Ricky Jay _(1986). This issue also presents "Haute
Ecole and the Great Days of the Circus" by Antony
Hippisley Coxe, nicely illustrated, and for connoisseurs of
such things James Curtis asks "Why Rhyming Slang?"
adorned by Ronald Searle's drawings.
With "Saturday Night at Vauxhall Gardens, 1784, after
Rowlandson" as its frontispiece, the ninth issue of "this
Celebrated Repository of Curiosities" has coloured photo-
graphs of Pollock's Toy Theatre Aladdin, and a tightrope
walker automaton clock. Fred Bason reveals "How I became
a Cigarette Card King" and his toy-making activities during
World War II, and there is an article by Ronald Fuller on "A
Man in a Bottle", the hoax of 1749 at the Haymarket Theatre
that created a riot.
Edited by
LEONARD RUSSELL
II ill
being the
Seventh Annual Issue
of dui
CELEBRATED CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
Museum of Entertainment
The !THOLE COPIOUSLY ILLUSTRATED and
forming an
Indispensable Companion for Gentlemen & Ladies
The Book Designed by Laurence Scarfe
HUTCHINSON
38
The Tenth Anniversary issue opens with a colour frontis-
piece of clowns, including Coco and his son, there are some
theatrical prints and Sir Osbert Sitwell updates the story of
Cinderella.
Volume II marked the end of Leonard Russell's editorship
due to pressure of other work. In it Percy H. Muir and
Roland Knaster offered suggestions for new fields of col-
lecting endeavour and C. Willet Cunnington related "The
Case of Mary Tofts", the "rabbit-breeder" of Godalming
(Dawes, 1987).
By this time The Saturday Book had become a national
institution and Sir Francis Meynell, one of the two judges for
the Modern Books and Writers Exhibition held in the Festi-
val of Britain year (1951), observed "If one book, and one
book only, had to represent the full versatility and fanciful
possibilities of printing today, this would be it".
(To be continued)
REFERENCES
Cook, Olive (1963). Movement in Two Dimensions.
London: Hutchinson.
Dawes, E. A. (1977). The Magic Circular 71,40-41.
Dawes, E. A. (1978). The Magic Circular 72, 35-39.
Dawes, E. A. (1983). The Magic Circular77, 72-74.
Dawes, E. A. (1987). The Magic Circular 81, 60-62; 85-88.
Jay, Ricky (1986). Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women. New
York: Villard Books.
Maclnnes, C. (1966). Sweet Saturday Night. London:
Panther.
AN IMPORTANT DATE
FOR YOUR DIARY!
Saturday, 18th May 1991
THE MAGIC CIRCLE
COLLECTORS' DAY
to be held at an exciting new venue
THE THEATRE MUSEUM
COVENT GARDEN
LONDON
Details of the Programme and the price
of tickets will be announced soon
MAKE A DATE FOR THIS EVENT NOW!

1990 CLOSE-UP MAGIC
COMPETITION
INETEENTH NOVEMBER saw 11 contes-
tants competing in the 24th annual Close-Up
N Competition. Once again Harry Devano
rose to the occasion and presented a great event. He
opened proceedings by introducing John Holland, Al
Woodrow and Patrick Page as the judges and Gordon
Lambert as the all-important timekeeper.
The acts drew for pole position and Lloyd Forster
got the short straw. Lloyd is a relative newcomer to
The Magic Circle and already participates in many
open events. He obviously has a wealth of material
and that evening included Slydini's newspaper tear,
cut and restored rope, water from a newspaper and
"trapping smoke in water", all held together with pat-
ter about schoolkid howlers. Lloyd gets points for
trying but now he has shown his versatility, perhaps it
is time he concentrated on improving his best effects
and finding a suitable persona for the presentation.
Anthony McDaniel, a popular club member,
romped through a traditional coin production and
coins across routine but the ending went sour. He pro-
duced a lemon! We were then shown "Tbventy-second
century manipulation" with cards which apparently
contained silicon chips to enable them to cavort so.
Anthony concluded with a production of a clockwork
mouse and deck vanish and reappearance.
Charles Pearce entertained with ropes, linking
handkerchiefs and finally defied gravity with water.
Following a hasty change of table covering a well
turned out Lionel Fordsman entertained with a card/
coin matrix, Daryl's Cross of India and a card routine
where the selection was mysteriously found in his top
pocket.
39
Neville Cooper demonstrated "Magic from the
Past, the Present and the Future". The tipple block
and self turning key demonstrated the ancient powers
in us all waiting to be released; El Duco's dice predic-
tion demonstrated present-day mind control and a
futuristic microwave screen revealed a selected card.
A very tight, well-routined act from Neville.
Leo Bond attempted a dice effect with a spectator
who unfortunately could not add up, a book test, a
stack colour effect and made a toy car change colour.
Terry Jones did a coin matrix first with cards and then
bare handed and then made them travel from one
hand to the other. Following a small packet card
effect, Terry concluded with a strong two-deck coinci-
dence effect recently seen presented by Tamariz on
"The Best of Magic".
Terry Guyatt opened with his beautiful coin routine
including six silver and one copper through the table,
across and back again in various combinations. Stan-
ding up, Terry gave us his routine with an Egyptian
cup, three balls and a wand. Oh yes, and one large
finale load! Terry's fine session was closed with his
handling of Dr. Daley's Card Up the Sleeve. A
competition-winning act if ever I saw one.
Alan Burtin, last year's winner, needed his dyna-
mite opening to follow this. The dynamite was
attached to a clock and left near the timekeeper. Alan
then produced a deck from an electric shaver and per-
formed his own variation of Daryl's Ambitious Card
finale with a bondaged deck. In Alan's case, he uses a
£10 note and rubber band. Alan then penetrated the
note with his wand and closed his lively session
sprinkled with one-liners with coin and Perrier cap -
both, yes both, into the bottle.
The penultimate act was Paul Cowling who, having
produced his deck from a bagless purse, went on to
perform Randy Wakeman's version of Spectator Cuts
the Four Aces, Paul Harris's Tap Dancing Aces and an
Aces to Pocket finale. Neat stuff from Paul who is
someone to watch in future competitions.
Archie Ologist closed the show (doesn't he
always?) with his own distinct brand of close-up pres-
enting a themed mini illusion show from the Land of
the Pharaohs.
Well, that was it. Eleven acts and very little repeti-
tion. I would like to compliment on the well presented
evening which this year had a new addition, namely
closed-circuit video coverage with a giant screen. Our
thanks go to Bob Hamilton for this wonderful extra.
Later in the Clubroom, Harry Devano announced
that Neville Cooper had won third place, Alan Burtin
second and a thrilled Terry Guyatt as winner of the
£50 first prize. A very popular decision and one which
I fully endorse. Something makes me think that next
year is going to be a strong competition and I am
already looking forward to it.
JOHN GORDON, A.I.M.C.
SECRETARY'S EVENING
UR host, Neville Cooper, welcomed Peter
Antoni, our German member from Berlin,
® Germany, on 26th November before intro-
ducing our popular secretary, Chris Pratt. Chris
opened with a fast and amusing rope routine, and then
announced Ken Barker as a Cockney street enter-
tainer with a table formed from a stack of orange
boxes! Ken is normally a stunt man but tonight he pre-
sented Four Ices, torn newspaper to fivers (Lady
Godivers), 50p to a glass of wine, colour changing
handkerchief and concluded with a masterly presenta-
tion of the Cups and Balls. Evidently, Ken is used to
presenting this programme completely surrounded.
Chris then presented a failed(?) prediction, finally
cutting tissue paper to resemble the chosen cards.
This was followed with an effect using two slates, a
helper's drawing changing over from one to the other
and then his immaculate presentation of the classic
Egg Bag.
Next we were glad to see Billy McComb over from
America. Billy did things with matches, Queens, four
Aces, red-backed cards across to join blue-backed
ones, and a borrowed credit card vanished and then
found in his wallet.
Chris next performed Name A Card, one of the
amazing miracles which dear old Len Wallace (foun-
der of our Summer School) perfected (did he invent
this miracle?) and imparted the secret to Chris.
Rita and David Budd.
Next came a fast-moving silent act by David Budd
and Rita from Leamington Spa. Production of
scarves, transference of a large die, handkerchief to
cascade of cigarettes, Chinese snowstorm and, finally,
empty cornucopia to a stage full of flowers and
bouquets.
With his version of the Gypsy Thread, Chris
concluded. An inspiring evening for us all.
CYRIL CORDEN
40
AFTER THE
INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION
ARRY BARON presided over an evening of
humour and light-hearted magic on 3rd
H December. Thanks to Ron MacMillan and
his team there was a wealth of international talent to
draw on and we were very fortunate to share in the
fun.
Mark Nathan Sichel set the pace with a card trick
involving a dental bib, a helper or two, a lost card, a
load of gags and a final discovery.
Jorge Weber in more serious mood performed men-
tal experiments using a pack of cards and what
seemed to be a version of the Koran Miracle routine.
Gay Ljundberg entertained with a thumb tie which
did not prevent him from getting his arms round an
attractive helper, through the sleeve of his coat and so
on, his predicaments adding to the humour.
Bob Little, of course, brought more laughter to the
evening, quick-fire card work with equally fast pat-
ter ... and who else would think of disappearing a
silken handkerchief into a false nose?
A great round of applause greeted Galena and
Evgeniy from Russia, simply for the fact that they
were able to be with us. Evgeniy read a newspaper
while some lively music played in the background.
The audience's laughter grew and grew ... Why?
Because his ears were waggling in time to the music
and the effect was ludicrous but entertaining.
The programme concluded with another Russian
act (from near to their borders with China), Baltabek
Jumogulov, who performed billiard ball manipula-
tion, and a glance at Ron MacMillan confirmed that
this was work of the highest order.
Thank you to International and to Harry Baron for
arranging a superb evening.
STEPHEN BLOOD
Evgeniy Voronin and Galina Strutinskaja.
By BRYN HUGHES
 x THE PETER KERSTEN
LECTURE
LTHOUGH this was in part a dealer dem,
Peter was generous in performing and then
A explaining all the effects and in selling notes
that clarified any points that we might have missed.
No doubt there was much activity on kitchen tables
and in workshops afterwards!
His first item was a "substitution trunk" perfor-
mance, using Jack and Queen playing cards and the
flat shapes in which the switch was apparently
achieved. This he makes in standard and jumbo sizes.
With two helpers he then forced the Seven of
Spades and tried to make it penetrate through a folded
handkerchief and through the table. It failed but left
evidence of its partial success by leaving the imprint
on the handkerchief and a blank card in its folds.
Next, Peter used the handkerchief as "cover" to
remove a rather large needle from a length of nylon
thread. The two needles and the handkerchief came
as part of the "bulk package" when buying his notes.
A favourite force was demonstrated, using a pack
with a dozen duplicates of the same card on top of
some 40 mixed cards. Face up the pack can be fanned
but a helper can easily be persuaded to exercise "free
choice" from the top of the pack, thus taking the
desired card. Laying down a number of cards from the
top of the pack, face down, will allow a wind-up toy to
move and stop and on any card which miraculously(!)
appears to be the very one that was chosen. Again a
toy soldier was included in the package.
Left to right
Top: Jorge Weber, Bob Little, Gay Ljuni
Bottom: Baltabek Jumogulov, Mark
Sicker
41
This form of force was used in the "Grandfather's
Spectacles" trick, in which the chosen card is revealed
by breathing on the glass. A Snow White mirror
responded to the same treatment, to reveal a "chosen"
card and a "selected" colour was again revealed by
this means.
The story of a theft and a Chinese magistrate who
had the presumed culprit beheaded was illustrated
with some hand-carved figures. It was a magician who
found the "culprit" not guilty and restored him to
wholeness of head and body.
Peter Kersten's version of the stacks of sympathetic
cubes, in which one stack follows the other in numeri-
cal order, is a lovely piece of work, in two sizes and
costs nearly £100 but it is no doubt well worth while to
those who have the opportunities to use it.
He also showed a set of six blocks with sections of
playing cards on the faces. Stacked in a haphazard
pattern, it took only a moment's covering behind a
screen for them to assume the clear design of a "cho-
sen" card. A second attempt looked to be a jumbled
failure, until a "prediction card" was removed from an
envelope to show the same jumbled selection of
pieces.
There seemed to be good business after the lecture,
evidence not only of the interest in his ideas but also of
the good value of his products.
STEPHEN BLOOD
 SUPREME EVENING
AT THE MAGIC CIRCLE
ESPITE the cut-backs and business failures
almost endemic today, Supreme keeps
D going, stronger than ever. In the 37 years
that Supreme has held the field, 32 of those years have
been served and serviced by the genial Ian Adair. He
saw the advent of Magigram (25 years old; read
worldwide) and starts out with the new children's
magic magazine, Alakazam (editor and graphic artist
— Maurice Day), as well as many new publications yet
in the pipeline.
The Supreme evening at The Magic Circle on 10th
December, an impressive display and an entertaining
demonstration by Ian Adair and John Palfreyman,
drew a full house. Supreme's novel layout logistics
promotes interest and curiousity among both begin-
ners and old hands. Tiered shelves along one wall,
together with a long trestle table — all loaded with old
and new goodies, simulated the Aladdin's den/magic
shoppe setting for the early part of the evening. There
seemed no evidence of hard-sell tactics. Instead, a
readiness and pride in demonstrating novel features,
answering queries and helpfully meeting customers'
needs. Prominent were many attractive materials;
effects in metal (copperplate dove pans, cups and
balls, production bottles, Chinese sticks), wood (die
boxes, drawer boxes with special Bill Weldon swit-
ching feature, Santa-in-chimney mismade blocks,
clown and dragon tables), cardboard (D.I.Y. produc-
tion boxes, Daz/soft soap, gozinta boxes, Kellini die
through silk, popaway wands, I scream ice-creams),
videos (Karrell Fox, Edwin and others) and many
publications (a few among their 750 or more).
Concluding the evening, Ian and John moved
centre stage to perform a large range of colourful
items. Ian featured D.I.Y. Production Box, Orchids
for Milady, Weldon Drawer Box, Santa Blocks, Anti
Gravity Tray and Glasses, Chinese Sticks, various
beautiful production boxes and the startling slush
powder effect (favoured by Shimada) whereby a tum-
bler of red liquid is tipped out to transform visibly in
to a red silk hankie. It quite updates the old
photographer's "Hypo" solution.
John Palfreyman supported with a well-put-
together programme (Rainbow House and Hat pro-
duction, Die Box, Spikes Supreme thru arm, Kellini
Die thru silk plus disengaged spots, Wand to
Cucumber or sausages and Switch it tube).
Despite the long trip from Devon, bugged by
further snow and sleet hazards, Ian Adair (and John
Palfreyman) brought the customary Supreme sparkle
and enthusiasm that is known wherever magicians
meet. Their hallmark "Quality in Production and Per-
formance" says it like it really is.
PATRICK LEVEY
42
TRICKS AND STUNTS
FOR CHRISTMAS
N Monday, 17th December, this hardy annual
appeared again, nurtured and sometimes
O forced by the long-time organiser Harry
Devano. It has been going I believe for about 25 years,
so perhaps he is going for the Guinness Book of
Records! It is a night when we try to forget about tricks
and do gags and stunts and party pieces.
Les Nottle opened the proceedings by showing two
linked circles of paper which were stapled together.
When cut through as for the Afghan Bands, the result
was one large square, most surprising.
Lionel Russell distributed some papers upon which
were a jumble of letters which we had to decipher. If
you are in a pub and feel a little hungry, why not eat a
beer mat? Rene Frotscher showed us how to do this,
showing how to win friends and annoy landlords!
John Greenwood had some fun with a rubber ball
which bounced beautifully for him but fell decidedly
flat for the volunteer helper.
Peter Eldin consulted some of the many books he
has written and came up with several puzzles by
tearing or cutting paper.
A variation on the Piano Trick was shown by
Stephen Blood, who can always be relied upon to
show something different. (I had to put that bit in — he
has paid me.) The trick was done with pairs of socks,
especially washed for the occasion. An ususual pres-
entation and he certainly "socked it to us!". Victor
Shine appeared as a clown and did an amusing spot as
a tightrope walker.
Cartoons were shown by Jerry O'Connell and Reg
"Taxi" told jokes and did a Just Chance/Note to Wallet
carefully avoiding to set off the smoke detectors.
Neville Cooper, our Monday Night Host,
demonstrated some puzzling effects with fingers and
arms.
Mac Wilson showed two Coke cans, one of which
was lying on its side. The distance between the two
was measured. The positions of the two cans were
reversed and measured again but there was a differ-
ence this time of four inches. This puzzle was repeated
several times, until at last the mystery was solved.
To close the evening, Harry made a special request
to Stephen Blood to let us hear his version of a radio
announcer tell the story of Noddy and Big Ears with
the aid of a large bottle of whiskey and a glass. It was
hilarious! A hearty vote of thanks was given to Harry
Devano who had organised the whole evening — unfor-
tunately, Harry was not too well to present the show
and a vote of thanks was passed to Mac Wilson who
deputised for Harry.
FRED BUTTRESS
 LETTERS
Dear Peter,
So The Magic Circle story that made a splash in The Sun
only managed the small print of the Council minutes in The
Circular. The June minutes announced that Al Glennan
would be expelled from The Circle and the August minutes
that he had resigned. The actions of the Council and the
silence of The Circular on this delicate matter are both
understandable but I would hope that "out of sight" does not
mean "out of mind".
A close relative of mine spent some time in prison. It was
only through the support of friends and family that he was
able to s»rvive the ordeal and pick up his life afterwards on
the right side of the law. Isn't this what we all wish for Al
Glennan; and shouldn't The Magic Circle be helping to
bring that about? Officially, he may no longer be a member
but representatives of The Circle could still visit him, copies
of this magazine could still be sent to him and when he has
paid his debt to society we could help ease him back into the
world of magic.
None of this is to deny the seriousness of his offence but
surely we can offer support to a fellow magician without con-
doning the wrong he has done? Or have we all turned our
backs on him? A quick check that the skeletons are securely
locked in our own cupboards then — sweep it under the car-
pet, bury it in the small print. And we can all relax again -
we who were happy to be photographed and videoed with
him, we who were happy to purchase the dodgy merchandise
he sometimes peddled. It's business as usual at The Magic
Circle!
Maybe we are doing things, as a club, of which I am not
aware. If so, I will be delighted. But Al Glennan's resigna-
tion does not absolve us of our responsibilities to him — and
let's not duck those responsibilities simply because the issues
are too hot to handle.
Yours sincerely,
ROBERT COX
Dear Peter,
Through The Magic Circular I would like to thank all
those who assisted to make the Auction on 9th December a
success, in particular members Bongo, Page, Russell,
Chase, Marchant, Budden and my ex-secretary Kathy and
her husband, Douglas. Their good natured co-operation
made for a very happy day. Many were the good "buys" and
those that made successful bids appeared to be quite pleased
with their purchases. Thank you, Mr. Editor, for the
publicity you gave this sale. It was appreciated by all.
Yours sincerely,
HENRY LEWIS
43
Dear Peter,
Interesting to read Charles Rutter's letter in the
December Circular. Unruly children at a birthday party
aren't such a problem. The same group in a restaurant is
another ball game.
If that restaurant is a fast food chain like McDonald's,
your problem is compounded. They usually set aside a sec-
tion of the restaurant for parties. You could find that the
toilet door is in your line of fire ("Sorry — you can't move -
this is the area for private bookings").
Customers will be chatting away. The toilet in constant
use. Their children will creep up to watch your show adding
to the size of your audience.
That's not so bad. What is disconcerting is the
background noise — waitresses clattering around clearing
tables, the espresso machine hissing and gurgling,
background music belting out tuneless noise (they won't turn
it off — you'll be lucky if they'll reduce the volume).
Your next difficulty is lack of room. Tables and seating are
usually fixed to the floor, aisles too narrow One of my recent
shows was at a Superbowl. A narrow area opposite the bow-
ling alleys sported fixed tables and seats. A wide wall
approximately four feet high separated the areas.
Seventy-five children trooped in, many clutching gas-
filled balloons. They squatted on seats, wall and floor — in
front, on both sides and a few behind. It was like
McDonald's with bad lighting.
Charles asks "What would you do?". Answer: follow
certain rules.
1. Use a small, powerful amplifier that runs on battery
power.
2. Perform for a maximum of 45 minutes.
3. Select routines that use few props; can be done sur-
rounded; can be held at chest height for visibility; don't need
much space.
4. You may not have a table or seat to put props on so use
carrier bags and put them on the floor. Roll-on tables and
similar set-ups may not fit the restricted area available to
you.
5. Charge a higher fee than usual. You'll approach the job
in a better frame of mind.
Sincerely,
MAURICE DAY
v
Dear Peter,
Re: your opening paragraphs in the December issue of
The Magic Circular, my wife Joan, who is Aunty Joan to the
"Little Horrors" and who usually reads my magical litera-
ture before I can get my hands on it, suddenly, simply and
swiftly answered the question "What would you do in those
circumstances?".
Her answer (and who am Ito disagree?) — "Become an
entertainer as well as a magician and if the children still get
the upper hand, pack in the job and become a butterfly
collector or something similar".
So many magicians, with no experience of entertaining
children, find themselves out on a limb when they encounter
unruly children. The first golden rule must be — let them
know (in the nicest possible way of course) who is in charge.
This comes with experience. A ploy I frequently use, time
and conditions permitting, is to stroll up to the children as
they are stuffing their little mouths and speak to them indi-
vidually, picking up the odd sausage roll, crisp, etc. on the
way and making it disappear with little or no sleight of hand,
other than the French Drop, finding the missing piece of
food behind a child's ear. To cries of "Do that again" for
example, I reply — "We have much better magic than that
later on when I shall be looking for the best boys and girls to
come up and help me". I casually mention there will be
prizes for those lucky enough to be called upon to help.
Whilst I am wandering around I am looking for the possible
troublemakers and also for the extra shy children who have
to be handled cautiously. I always give my helpers some little
gift even if it's only a balloon animal. Oh, by the way, a tip if
you do balloons — when I make the animal, hat or whatever,
I ask the child to sit down whilst Aunty Joan writes his (the
animal's) name on the balloon. Much fun can be had finding
a suitable name, deciding on whether he looks like a boy or a
girl, etc. Of course the eyes and other features have to be
drawn on the balloon and when it's completed it is explained
to the child that we will put it to one side until the end, when
we shall present it to the child. Of course, you will now place
the balloons in front of your fit-up and what a marvellous
picture it makes to greet the mums and dads as they come to
collect their little darlings. Little dodges like this will help to
keep your audience — a little bit of child psychology or even
bribery works wonders.
However, there is no substitute for experience but at times
I do get reports of so-called entertainers who go out and
chance their arm at entertaining children, with little or no
knowledge of what to expect. It has been known in this area,
which incidentally both Charles Rutter and I cover, for
expert finger flingers in other fields of magic to try and jump
on the band wagon at times such as this, believing they can
earn a few quid by just keeping a bunch of children occupied
whilst the organisers enjoy the liquid refreshments.
They try their hand at something which is completely alien
to them and I'm sure they would benefit a lot if they gate-
crashed the odd bun fight to listen to the patter and observe
the actions of the experienced, busy children's entertainers.
If he doesn't know who they are, he should make enquiries
at the local hostelries who cater throughout the year and not
just at Christmas for children's parties.
A quick glance in the entertainments section of Yellow
Pages might not be a bad idea. Generally speaking, unless it
is a first time advert, you are reasonably assured that the
advertiser is at least reasonably experienced.
Best wishes,
CHAS CROWLEY
44
Dear Peter,
Thank you very much for publishing a review of my "Colin
the Clown's Party Book" in your December issue.
I am planning to organise a book ready for the Christmas
Market 1991 entitled "Magic Aid". Ali Bongo has kindly
agreed to be the illustrator and this will be the third book on
which he and I have co-operated. John Gordon has offered
to help with the design, and Kevin Raey with collating mat-
erial. Argus Books, the publishers of the party book, have
expressed a wish to be involved.
The purpose will be to stimulate an interest in magic and
give advice to those interested and details of relatively simple
tricks. Magicians of both sexes will be welcome to donate a
trick and it does not have to be original. Full acknowledge-
ment of sources will of course be given. The Magic Circle
will be offered the opportunity to give details of how to join.
I have spoken to the President about the best way to chan-
nel the money raised and he is rightly concerned that it
should be funnelled through organisations which will use the
money efficiently.
Any magicians wishing to help in this venture should send
me their tricks or notice of intent to help by 15th April, 1991.
My address is 8 St. Mary's Crescent, London NW4 4LH. I
look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
DRCOLIN FRANCOME
JOIN CLUB 71 NOW!
Every issue of CLUB 71 MAGAZINE
has at least 84 pages, many with colour
and a four-colour cover. Contents include
tricks, reviews, articles and news from
around the world.
In addition each issue contains details
of several effects from the range of Repro
Magic, available exclusively to sub-
scribers for around half price, and a sen-
sational competition with prizes totalling
£ 150.
Annual membership is just £9.95.
Subscribe NOW.
V V
46 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RY
'Telephone: (071) 720 6257
 3^ ^ Aa([ftat JoCtWt^S No. 45

President Hon. Secretary

PAT FALLON y PAUL MAHON
AG %G

MYSTIC CIRCLE OF MAGICIANS

POSTMARNOCK, CO. DUBLIN, IRELAND

FOUNDED 1960
Headquarters: North Star Hotel, Amiens Street, Dublin 1

HE Society was first formed some 30 years ago
by Dublin magician lbmmy Murray (Mur-
T Ray). Among the founder members was the
well-known Hubert Lambert and the Society
flourished for a good many years until the untimely
death of the President.
In 1985, the Society was reformed by a committee
consisting of Bobby Bates, Paul Mahon, Peter Levins
and Philip Maguire. In the first year membership
grew steadily and they were able to hold their first
two-day convention plus magic shows for the public.
To date they have become a very stable society, with
a membership of 30, a monthly meeting and a yearly
convention. At the present time, Pat Fallon is Presi-
dent and he has held this position for the past three
years. Paul Mahon has been the Secretary since 1985.
At their convention they hold stage and close-up
competitions with trophies for the winners, the
'Ibmmy Murray Trophy and the Pat Conway Cup
respectively. Their meetings usually follow a theme
and a few meetings per year are given to competitions
with a voucher for magic props from member/dealer
Tony Thursby as prizes.
They hold their meetings in the North Star Hotel,
Amiens Street, Dublin on the third Thursday of each
month at 8.30 p.m. and welcome all visiting
magicians.

(FU-LING-YU)

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10p per word prepaid. Cheques, postal or money orders payable to THE MAGIC CIRCLE. Copy, by 1st of month for
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tion. £2.10 (inc. p&p). George
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BOOKS AND EPHEMERA ON CON-
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Send three first class stamps for cur-
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purchasing good material. Anne
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Carlisle CA4 8BD.
MINI ADS. For just a small sum, you
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45
 Monthly Routine Matters
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on Thursday, 11th October, 1990.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), Michael Bailey,
Chris Pratt, Harry Devano, Alan Snowden, Mac Wilson,
Ali Bongo, Michael Candy, Leslie Cole, John Gordon,
Henry Lewis, Les Nottle, Harry Reeve, Don Robertson,
Peter Scarlett, Alan Shaxon, Richard Stupple, Al Woodrow,
Jack Delvin and Ken Lee.
Apologies were received from: David Berglas, Sam
Gupta, Anthony Brahams, John Holland, Jim Jones, Alan
Maskell, Jack Mayes, Nic Picot and Darryl Rose.
Elections
Derrick Speight was elected Chairman of Council for the
ensuing year.
The Chairman extended a warm welcome to new
Members of Council.
Harry Devano was elected Deputy Chairman of Council
for the ensuing year.
The following were elected Hon. Vice-Presidents for the
ensuing year: Geoffrey Buckingham, Eddie Dawes, Harry
Devano, Gil Learney, Jay Marshall, Geoffrey Robinson,
John Salisse, Alan Snowden, Derrick Speight, Mac Wilson.
It was unanimously agreed that Jack Delvin be co-opted to
the Council for the ensuing year.
Deaths
The Council noted with regret the death of Phil Wye, a
stalwart of the Society in terms of being a regular Monday
Nighter, At Homes performer and magical enthusiast.
Members stood in silence as a mark of respect.
A.G. M. Minutes
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 17th
September, 1990 were received.
Matters Arising
A discussion ensued about "Friends of The Magic Circle"
and it was agreed the matter be reviewed at a future
meeting. The question of affiliation of other societies to The
Magic, Circle is already covered by the Rules.
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings held on 28th June, 1990 and
1st August, 1990 were confirmed and signed.
Appoin tmen is/Committees
Theatre and Stage: Al Woodrow, Les Nottle. Libraries:
Peter Lane. Museum: Henry Lewis. Tape and Film:
Anthony Brahams. The Magic Circular: Peter Eldin. Back
Number Circulars: Michael Candy. Press Officer: Jack
Delvin. Showcase Sales: Jack Mayes. Examinations: Les
Nottle. Review Panel: Chris Pratt, Harry Devano, Anthony
Brahams. J. N. Maskelyne/Benevolent Funds: Michael
Colley, Les Nottle, Derrick Speight, Richard Stupple, Al
Woodrow. The Magic Circle Show: Chris Pratt. At Homes:
Peter Scarlett. Ticket Sales: Dick James. Monday Nights:
Neville Cooper, Jim Jones. Convener of Reporters: Stephen
Blood. Banquet/Supper: Alan Shaxon, Ali Bongo. Auction
Sales: Henry Lewis. Dealers' Day: Harry Reeve, Ken Lee.
Collectors' Day: Peter Lane, Eddie Dawes. Young Magician
of the Year: Michael Colley. Hon. Chaplain: Stephen Blood.
46
Hon. Photographer: John Shoesmith. Occult Committee:
David Berglas, Darryl Rose. Historian: Eddie Dawes. Wel-
fare: Richard Stupple. Lectures: Darryl Rose. Awards
Committee: Derek Speight, Chris Pratt, Ali Bongo.
Secretarial Report
It was agreed that the new members on the attached
schedule be accepted.
It was agreed that the reinstatements on the attached
schedule be accepted.
The resignations on the attached schedule were accepted
with regret.
Letters of thanks were received from Ann White, John
Henry Grosman and Jill Pratt following upon recent
presentations.
The Secretary referred to a written enquiry from Robert
Cox about attending Council meetings as an observer. After
discussion it was resolved that, the business of the Council
being confidential, no observers should be permitted to be
present.
A letter from Tony Weston was received and considered.
The following presentations to the Museum were noted
with pleasure:
Birth certificate of Edward Victor presented by Harold
Taylor.
Programmes, handbill and poster — An Evening of Magic
presented by Chris Pratt.
Novelty pencil top — rabbit in top hat presented by Henry
Lewis.
Letter from Jasmine Wilding (nee Maskelyne) presented
by Henry Lewis.
Press cutting and poster — Alexander Char presented by
Alexander Char.
Book — "Everyone's Guide to Conjuring" •c. 1855
presented by Ken Lee.
Cream pottery tankard — Magic Club Vorischerlberg
presented by Jurgen Peters.
Book — "Magical Programmes and How to Present Them"
presented by Ken Lee.
The following presentation to the tape and film collection
was noted with pleasure:
"Memories of Magicians" presented by Larry Turnbull.
Michael Baily reminded colleagues of the need to ensure
the Society maintains "a common look" on both its products
and printed material. Richard Stupple referred to the agree-
ment reached last year whereby he would arrange for all
headed paper to be printed. It was agreed that John Gordon
be approached concerning Society notices and
advertisements appearing in the magical press.
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotions on the attached
schedule be accepted.
Welfare Officer
Richard Stupple again urged all members to let him know
of the indisposition of any member in order to avoid
duplication of effort.
 Treasurer's Report
Richard Stupple reported upon those U.K. members who
had yet to pay their 1990191 subscriptions. It was agreed that
they should be suspended forthwith.
Special Reports
Dealers' Showcase
Harry Reeve reported upon the Dealers' Showcase to be
held on 10th November, 1990 with some 28 dealers
attending.
Awards Banquet
Don Robertson reported that all tickets for the Awards
Banquet to be held on 17th November, 1990 were sold.
New Premises
The Chairman reported on the premises recently
inspected in the Waterloo area. A substantial offer had been
made on behalf of The Magic Circle conditional upon the
local authority approving a change of usage. A decision is
not expected for 2-3 months.
Visitors
Concern was expressed at the apparent abuse by a min-
ority of members of the provision of Rule 9 relating to the
admission of visitors. With a view to preventing this situa-
tion developing further, on a proposal by Ken Lee and sec-
onded by Michael Bailey, it was unanimously agreed that the
following interpretation be applied to paragraphs 9.2 and
9.3 of Rule 9:
Para. 9.2
Each Member or Associate may invite a maximum of two
visitors, but not the same visitors, on two occasions in the
year. No visitor may attend more than twice a year.
The visitor must be signed in by the Member or Associate
and will be supplied with a visitor's badge for the evening.
Para. 9.3
All meetings in the `Theatre' will be `Closed Meetings'
unless specifically designated otherwise.
Only known Magicians, or visitors able to provide evi-
dence of Membership of another recognised Magical Soc-
iety, will be admitted to the `closed' part of the meeting, and
will be introduced to the meeting by the Chairman or Host
for the event.
Junior Magic Circle
A paper on the aims of a Young Magicians' Circle was pre-
sented. There being insufficient time to digest the pager, it
was agreed_to defer consideration of all matters, other than
the title of the group, until the next meeting. In relation to
the name, it was agreed after full discussion, that the name
of the organisation should be "The Junior Magic Circle".
Next Meeting
Thursday, 22nd November, 1990— Allenby Room.
Elected Associates —11th October, 1990
Melvyn Charles Altwarg, 171 Isledon Road, Islington,
London N7 7JP.
H. Clayton Adams, 12 Mulgrave Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2
6LE.
David Jonathan Caley, 125 Wellington Road, Bush Hill
Park, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 2RR.
Bjorn Heimann, Hostrupsvej 2, DK-1950, Frederiksberg C,
Denmark.
Raymond Russell-Jones, 23 Newlands, Letchworth,
Hertfordshire SG6 2JE.
47
Lee David James Thompson, 53 Clavering Road, Wanstead,
London E12 5EY.
Peter McKeown, 7 Hobsmoat Road, Solihull, West
Midlands B92 8PE.
Joseph Sipos, 11 Meadow Way, Codicote, Nr. Hitchin,
Hertfordshire SG4 8YL.
Patrick Francis Conway, 26 Edrick Road, Burnt Oak,
Edgware, Middlesex HA8 9JD.
Sayed Shafique Ahmed, American Life Insurance
Company, P.O. Box 56437, Riyadh 11554, Saudi Arabia.
New Members — Elected 11th October, 1990
Denis St.-Jean, 26 Des Rapides, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
J8T 5K3.
Justin Monehen, 53 Clavering Road, Wanstead, London
E12 5EX.
Brian Richard Eames, 52 Tudor Rose Park, South Court
Road, Peacehaven, East Sussex BN10 8UR.
Derek Levene, 180 Grasmere Avenue, Wembley, Middlesex
HA9 8TH.
Peter Grahame Jefferies, 164 Hole Lane, Northfield,
Birmingham, West Midlands B31 2DD.
Keith Butler Norman, 64 Powys Lane, London N13 4HS.
Bernard Lawrence Reid, P.O. Box 5064, Sarasota, Florida
34277, U.S.A.
Reinstatements - 11th October, 1990
To Associate
Patrick Joseph Nolan, 21 Mulberry Close, Margaret Road,
New Barnet, Herts. EN4 9PP.
To M. M. C.
Roger D. Proudlock, 18 Ashley Court, Ground Avenue,
Hove, Sussex BN3 2NQ.
To A.I. M. C.
Louis Kyprianou, 14a De La Croix, Larnaca, Cyprus.
Revd. Owen Rupert Brandon, Lawiston, 40 The Green, St.
Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 OSY.
Resignations —11th October, 1990
Meredith Houston — Loughton; Ronald Denton — St.
Albans; Ronald Baker — Highgate; Alan Drury — London;
Bruce Bellringer— Wellingborough.
Promotion to M.M. C. — 11th October, 1990
Paul Norton, Hemel Hempstead; Michael Hoare, Swansea.
Promotion to A.I.M. C. —11th October, 1990
Lionel Russell, London; Donald Potts, Michigan, U.S.A.;
Jack Ruda, New York, U.S.A.
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on Thursday, 22nd November, 1990.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), David Berglas,
Michael Bailey, Sam Gupta, Harry Devano, Alan Snowden,
Mac Wilson, Ali Bongo, Anthony Brahams, Michael
Candy, Leslie Cole, John Gordon, Jim Jones, Ken Lee,
Henry Lewis, Alan Maskell, Jack Mayes, Les Nottle, Harry
Reeve, Don Robertson, Darryl Rose, Peter Scarlett, Alan
Shaxon, and Jack Delvin.
Apologies were received from: Chris Pratt, Gil Leaney,
John Young, Rupert Connell, John Holland, Nic Picot,
Richard Stupple and Al Woodrow
Deaths
The Council noted with much regret the deaths of Reg
Groom of Natal, South Africa and Tom Ellis of Felpham,
West Sussex. Particular reference was made to the loyal ser-
vice given to the Society by Tom Ellis over very many years
and of the generosity to the Society of Reg Groom. Members
stood in silence as a mark of respect.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 11th October, 1990,
after minor amendment, were confirmed and signed.
Matters Arising
Under item 11 (vi) — Visitors, it was agreed that Para. 9.2
should be amended to read as follows:
Each Member or Associate may invite other magicians.
No visitor may attend more than twice a year.
It was agreed that the name of the Occult Committee
should be changed to The Magic Circle Paranormal
Investigation Committee.
Secretarial Report
It was agreed that the new members on the attached
schedule be accepted.
It was agreed that the resignations on the attached
schedule be accepted with regret.
A letter of thanks was received from Anthony Owen con-
cerning his "Award for Excellence in the Arts" by Milton
Keynes Borough Council and to the invaluable contribution
of Richard Stupple in this regard.
The following presentations to the Museum were noted
with pleasttfe:
Personal publicity of Richard Stupple presented by
Richard Stupple.
Official letterheads of I.B.M. Ring 25 Presidents
presented,by Richard Stupple.
Convention brochure and badge — Israel Society
presented by Yosi Natkovitz.
Colour poster — The Best of Magic presented by John
Fisher.
Programme, place card, invitation Magic Circle Awards
Banquet presented by Henry Lewis.
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotions on the attached
schedule be accepted.
Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer reported receipts and payments of
£16,728.45 and £18,255.22 respectively.
Special Reports
Dealers' Day
Harry Reeve presented a comprehensive report on
another very successful Dealers' Day, with the proceeds of
the raffle held on that occasion being given to the Appeal.
Sincere thanks were expressed to Harry Reeve together with
Ken Lee for the considerable amount of work undertaken by
them in arranging this important function.
Dealers' Day for 1991 will be held on 9th November, 1991.
At Homes
A short discussion ensued on the great success of the At
Homes. It was agreed that more prominence should be given
to the sale of Magic Circle "souvenirs".
Awards Banquet
Alan Shaxon reported on another most successful Awards
Banquet and stated that consideration was being given to a
48
change of venue. A vote of thanks was expressed to Alan
Shaxon, Ali Bongo and Don Robertston for their
organisation of this event.
Junior Magic Circle
Members considered the paper prepared by Alan Maskell
and agreed that the title of the organisation would be "The
Junior Magic Circle". An amount of money, to be deter-
mined, will be made available by The Magic Circle Founda-
tion to finance the setting up of this body. The organising
committee was asked to produce detailed "start-up" esti-
mates to assist the Foundation Treasurer, Anthony
Brahams.
Any Other Business
The Annual Supper will be held on 10th April, 1991 at the
Imperial Hotel, Russell Square WC1.
A short discussion as to the involvement of the
Entertainments Committee with the fixture list.
A note of thanks was received from Gil Leaney following
his presentation of The Maskelyne Award.
The President announced that he had arranged a meeting
in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 18th December, 1990.
Elected Associates — 22nd November, 1990
Brian Ronald Gore, 19 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston,
Lancs. PR3 3JA.
James Harvey, 63 Gransha Park, Belfast, N. Ireland BT11
8AT.
Kenneth Lam, 52 King Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8
1JX.
Brian John Moore, 6 Shirley Court, 620 Streatham High
Road, Streatham, London SW16 3QJ.
Kenneth Brian Walling, 57 Thames Gardens, Efford,
Plymouth, Devon PL3 6HD.
Stephen Joseph Dunbar, 12 Grosvenor Road, Belvedere,
Kent DA17 5JX.
Charles Peter Townsend, 30 West Street, Harwich, Essex
CO12 3DD.
New Members — Elected 22nd November, 1990
Scott David Penrose, 17 Berkeley Drive, Billericay, Essex
CM12 OYP.
Michael John Edward Austin, Glemham Hall, Little
Glemham, Suffolk IP13 OBT.
Resignations —22nd.November, 1990
Clive Cullum-Smith — Barnstaple, Devon; Lee Noble -
Florida, U.S.A.
Promotion to M. M. C. — 22nd November, 1990
Lloyd Forster, London; Manfred Losch, St. Leonards-on-
Sea; Morley Budden, Hornchurch; Lionel Fordesman,
Chadwell Heath; Carey Peters, Enfield; Jerry Winters,
Swanage; Mike Nowjee, Surbiton; Fred Munson,
Gravesend; Clayton Adams, N. Carolina, U.S.A.; Peter
Dudley, London; Bill Whittington, California, U.S.A.
Promotion to A.I. M. C. — 22nd November, 1990
Ken Pumfrey, Banchery; Hector Robinson, Molesey; Darryl
Rose, London; Ron Escott, Welling; John Goodwin,
Hornchurch.
Promotion to M.I. M. C. — 22nd November, 1990
Alf Hayes, New South Wales, Australia.
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 For Your Address Book...
PRESIDENT: David BERGLAS, M.I.M.C., 6 Great North Road, Barnet, Herts. EN5 1JS. 081-4406688.
VICE-PRESIDENT AND APPEAL DIRECTOR: Michael BAILEY, M.I.M.C., Gunsgreen, Firway, Grayshott, Surrey
GU26 6JQ. 0428 713472.
SECRETARY: Christopher PRATT, M.I.M.C., 13 Calder Avenue, Brookmans Park, Herts. AL9 7AH. 0707 54971 to
whom all annual subscription, general and policy matters and changes of address should be addressed.
TREASURER: Sam GUPTA, F.C.A., M.I.M. C., 75 Wroxham Gardens, Potters Bar, Herts. 0707 59754 to whom matters
of finance, other than subscriptions, should be addressed.
CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Derrick SPEIGHT, M.I.M.C., Upstream, Trout Rise, Loudwater, Rickmansworth, Herts.
0923 720431.
DEPUTY SECRETARY AND WELFARE OFFICER: Richard STUPPLE, M.I.M.C., 61 Springfield Avenue, Kempston,
Bedford MK42 8JB. 0234 851607.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Harry DEVANO, M.I.M.C., 17 Cedarhurst Drive, Eltham, London 5E9 5LP.
081-850 8264.
EDITOR OF THE MAGIC CIRCULAR: Peter ELDIN, M.M.C. , P.O. Box 43, Grantham, Lines. NG316AA. 0476 60657.
NON-RECEIPT OF CIRCULAR: Michael CANDY, M.M.C., "Sound of Music," Harthall Lane, Hemel Hempstead,
Herts. HP3 85E. 0923 267057 to whom all queries on NON-RECEIPT of The Magic Circular should be sent.
LIBRARIAN AND BOOK POSTAL SERVICE: Peter LANE, M.I.M.C., 17 Milton Road, Ickenham, Middx. UB108NH.
0895 674124 to whom all books borrowed by post should be returned.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Jack DELVIN, M.I.M.C., 18 Lodge Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 OQQ. 0689 26169.
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529 5591 from whom details of examinations and non-receipt of certificates may be obtained.
BENEVOLENT FUND SECRETARY: C. Michael COLLEY, M.I.M.C., The Hollies, Oak Street, Lechlade,
Gloucestershire GL7 3AX. 0367 52482.
MONDAY NIGHT HOST: Neville COOPER, A.I.M.C., 5 Scarsdale Villas, London W8 6PT. 071-937 4710.
AT HOMES: Dick JAMES, A.I.M.C., 6 Compton Terrace, The Green, Winchmore Hill N21.081-882 5522.
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When writing to any of the above please enclose s.a.e. or International Reply Coupon (A4-size envelope)

THE NEW MAGIC CIRCLE SHOW CASE

JEWELS for wear at functions, etc . ...................................... 7.00
BUTTONBADGES for appropriate degree ............................ 3.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE CUFF LINKS, new design .......................... 9.00 (New)
MAGIC CIRCLE TIES, maroon or navy blue ........................ 5.00
MAGICCIRCLE CAR BADGES ......................................... 5.00
MAGICCIRCLE STICK PINS, new design ........................... 4.00 (New)
LEATHERBOOK MARKS, new design ................................ 1.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE BANNERS in red silk ................................ 4.50
COASTERS, box of six in red, blue, black ............................. 5.00 (New)
CHINA MUG, Magic Circle motif in red ............................... 4.00 (New)
POTTERY MUG, Magic Circle motif in red ........................... 2.00 (New)
SILVER-PLATED TEASPOON, motif in red .......................... 2.00 (New)
BOOKMATCHES, 10 boxes ............................................... 3.50 (New)
BALL-POINT PENS .......................................................... 0.50 (New)
KEYRINGS .................................................................... 1.50
12" BALLOONS with The Circle badge on, 10 of mixed colours . 1.50

Obtainable in the Club Room from Jack Mayes Postal enquiries to:-

JACK MAYES, 153 DERBY WAY, STEVENAGE, HERTS SG1 STN

Tel.: 0438 352433
Cheques to be made payable to The Magic Circle
Please add £1.00 for badges and jewels, cuff links and other small items. Mugs, please add £1.50.
Some of the above items are ideal for presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc.,
i.e., book marks, mugs, coasters, pens, matches, key rings and silver-plated spoons

y
Printed la Barnard & Crannis Ltd.. U nit 30. Lea Valle, Trading Estate..Angel Road. Edmonton. London N18 3HR. and published by "The bfagic Circle". The Victor Senices Club, 63-79 Seymour Street, London W22HF.
 G`ijC APRIL

MAGIC (:,l,RCULAR
3
 THE MAGIC CIRCLE
COLLECTORS' DAY
Saturday 18th May 1991
at The Theatre Museum
Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London
Coffee from 10.00 a.m., followed by Official Opening at 10.45 a.m.
Chairman: Dr. EDWIN A. DAWES
Speakers will include:
VOLKER HUBER (Germany)
An Attempt to Visualise the Invisible Lady
HANS WITTUS-WITT (Germany)
Unusual Magic Sets
Dr. NICOLAS BARKER
Magical Treasures from The British Library
Dr. BERNARD JUBY
Cartoons Revisited — Magical Themes
ALAN H. WESENCRAFT
The Harry Price Library
Tickets, including morning coffee, buffet lunch with wine and afternoon tea, with
admission to the Museum:
Members and their ladies £16.00 per person: non-members £18.00 per person
Send remittance (cheques payable to The Magic Circle), with s.a.e. to:
PETER LANE, 17 Milton Road, Ickenham, Middlesex UB10 8NH
Numbers are STRICTLY LIMITED to 80 and tickets will NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
Early application is strongly advised.
 GIC, .. .

MAGIC CIRCULAR
Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 914

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 50
SCENE& HEARD ..................................................................................... 52
ADAIR'S IDEAS ........................................................................................ 55
DOMINOBOX ........................................................................................... 56
SHOWAND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 58
ALLABOARD THE "METAMORPHOSIS" .................................................... 62
THISIS YOUR LIFE ................................................................................... 63
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 64
AMERICANSPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 66
THEWORLD OF MAGIC ............................................................................ 67
BOOKREVIEWS ....................................................................................... 70
LETTERS ................................................................................................. 71

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITIES: Linda Lusardi, Ringo Rabbit and ... er ... someone else ... who star in the new series "A Kind
of Magic" which returns to British T.V. screens this month. See page 52.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please note that all future correspondence and contributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to The Editor, PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG31 9TS

49
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
URING the recent Gulf crisis, the families of the servicemen were under considerable strain and needed
cheering up. On 17th February, a party of show business personalities, including Ernie Wise, Henry
D Cooper, Paul Daniels, Bob Holness and myself, put on an entertainment at the R.A.F. Station, Odiham,
home of the Tornadoes. During the afternoon the children had their own show which included Terry Burgess.
We are very jealous of the good reputation that The Magic Circle enjoys worldwide. From time to time people
have tried to use our name for their own purposes, and that is why we took legal advice when The Sun newspaper
recently featured a competition, widely advertised on television, using the name Magic Circle. Even the typeface
and layout were similar to ours. We were advised that an injunction against them would be successful, but in an
emergency meeting of the Council we decided not to take any action as there was a remote risk of having our
Trustees made personally libel for any losses incurred by the newspaper. We did however manage to get them to
print a disclaimer.
It proved too much of a strain for everyone to remember to say "Evening with The Magic Circle", so we have
gone back to calling it the more familiar "At Home". On 20th February, a strong team of close-up workers, my
usual presentation and a super stage show compered by Peter Scarlett included Don Robertson, Alan Shaxon and
Brian Miller and Audrey, provided our guests with an evening to remember. This proved the saying "The show
must go on" — as, after some cancellations, there were only 34 people in the audience!
I would like to thank some more of the team who help to make these evenings run smoothly: John
Greenwood. Michael Cand y. Jim Berry and Al Woodrow.

David Berglas shares a joke with Ken Dodd (centre) and convention organisers Bill Lamb (left) and Tom Owen (right) at the
Blackpool Convention.
The Blackpool Magicians Club's 39th Annual Convention on 23rd and 24th February was an outstanding
success. The proceedings were opened by their Lady President, Peggy Booker, the British Ring President, Alan
Shaxton, and myself as President of The Magic Circle. The two organisers, Tom Owen and Bill Lamb, are to be
congratulated. It is the first time that I have heard that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves — even the dealers!
I was accompanied by a young South African multi-talented magician, Julian Lincow. He is a juggler,
unicyclist, accomplished magician and qualified chef! He was in the Guinness Book of Records for performing 98
tricks in one minute 57 seconds, but this record was beaten last year by an American. Julian is determined to make
another record attempt in the near future.

50
 It was a very nostalgic experience to, once again, perform one of my "nationwide psychological experiments"
on sound radio. I appeared as a guest of Bob Hotness on B.B.C. Radio 2 on 27th February. After the usual
interview, I was asked to present the type of "magic" that I was associated with during the 50's and 60's. On this
occasion, listeners were invited to place four objects before them and to choose one. I was able to predict which
object members of the studio audience and the listeners would pick as well as the correct percentage of objects
selected by left and right handed people.
The evening at the Mansion House with the Lord Mayor of London proved very successful and raised a
substantial amount for our Appeal. A full report of this event appears on the inside back cover.
I was extremely disappointed at the poor response to our recent postal vote on lady members — only 701 voted.
Does this mean the other 50% are not interested to express an opinion about important decisions regarding our
Society? The Magic Circle is a democratic organisation, and rightly so, but democracy is not best served by silence.
The I.B.M. regional dinner, organised by the British Ring President Alan Shaxon, at the Hilton Hotel,
Cobham, was a most enjoyable and successful function — well supported by many of our members.
It was sad to hear that 86 year old Jack Gittings, O.B.E., M.I.M.C., passed away on 23rd February. Jack was
a Council member for many years and, after retiring from the army as a Lieutenant Colonel, magic became an all
absorbing interest in his life. I am told that he was still showing the nurses at Sutton Hospital some tricks with
biscuits two days before he died peacefully.
It was a shock to learn that we had also lost our popular member Reg Gantert at the early age of 57 He was a
regular attender and always willing to help in the clubroom. He will be much missed.

NOTICE TO ASSOCIATES
EXAMINATIONS - REVIEW PANEL
All Associates admitted to The Magic Circle on and after 1st June 1988 and who have yet to proceed
by way of examination to the degree of M.M.C., are reminded of the provisions of Rules 3.4.9 and
3.4.10 which are reproduced below:
3.4.9 Every Associate elected after the adoption of this provision shall be required to undergo and
pass an examination in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4 hereof not later than the end
of the second full subscription year (as defined in Rule 72.3) immediately following his
election as an Associate.
3.4.10 If at the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 3.4.9 above, any Associate shall have failed
to undergo and pass an examination as aforesaid, that Associate's membership of the Society
shall forthwith and automatically cease unless at least three months prior thereto he make
application to the Review Panel in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4.3 that his member-
ship of the Society shall be permitted to continue. Any Associate whose membership of the
Society shall so cease shall not be permitted to reapply for membership (as an Associate or
otherwise) until after the expiration of a period of two years commencing with the date of
cessation of membership.
The subscription year ends on 31st May of each year.
Any application for consideration by the Review Panel or, indeed, any query relating to this matter,
should be addressed to the Hon. Secretary.
CHRIS PRATT
Hon. Secretary

51

SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN
ROYAL MEETING
Terry Herbert's lifelong ambition was realised on
21st January when he was presented to Her Majesty
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
It happened at H.M. S. Nelson at Portsmouth when,
with Gary Poleykett, Gary the Musical Clown, he was
invited to entertain 400 children of servicemen serv-
ing in the Gulf.
Terry and Gary have worked together many times in
the past and so successful has been the partnership
they have created their own complete children's pro-
duction, "The Captain Kipper Show", incorporating
every facet of children's entertainment. Already 1991
looks like being a bumper year for the show.
MAGIC WITH THE MAGIC CIRCLE
Don't forget the Night of Magic With the Magic Cir-
cle at Wote Street Club, Basingstoke on 26th April.
All ticket sales and sponsorship from Bass Char-
rington and Courage will be presented to the Appeal
on Monday, 29th April. The show starts at 8.00 p.m.
and is scheduled to finish at 11.00 p.m., with a bar
extension until midnight. Tickets are £5.50 each.
GOLDEN WEDDING
Congratulations to Eric Widger and his wife Mary
on their Golden Wedding on 9th April. Two days prior
to his wedding Eric was elected a Member of the
Magic Circle. April, 1931 must have been quite a mag-
ical month!-
A KIND OWMAGIC
In just a handful of years Wayne Dobson has
emerged as a most accomplished and innovative magi-
cian. His new series of "A Kind of Magic" will be fully
networked on I.T.V. for six weeks from 27th April. As
in the last series he will be accompanied by Linda
Lusardi and Ringo Rabbit.
Wayne says that "television is the ideal medium for
magic and we have been working on some stunning
illusions for this series — I think viewers will be
amazed and amused by what we have to offer".
Among the items "on offer" are a circus sequence
during which Linda is fired from a cannon and into a
suspended cage — passing through a pane of glass en
route, the penetration of Linda with several fluores-
cent tubes, Wayne dividing himself into nine pieces
and a spectacular underwater sequence filmed in
Malta.
52
IT'S NOT MY FAULT!
Have you ever heard of the Lin-
coln Imp? He's the character pic-
tured on the left and the things he
gets up to are really diabolical.
Whilst engaged in some wicked
,y work at Lincoln Cathedral an
angel appeared and turned him
into stone. If you ever visit Lincoln
Cathedral you will find him still
there. Although this is supposed
to have happened many hundreds
of years ago his impish ways
appear to have continued
unabated and they seem to have
spread to my desk in Grantham (some 25 miles away).
How else can I explain any mistakes that may appear
in the Magic Circular from time to time?
On page 40 last month he gave credit to Bryn
Hughes for a photograph of Evgeniy Voronin and
Galina Strutinskaja. This picture was of course taken
by our ubiquitous photographer John Shoesmith. My
apologies to both of these gentlemen for the error.
My apologies also to Harry Carson for a mistake in
his trick "The Old One Two" on page 27. The set up of
the four aces and the four twos should be A 22 2 2 A
AA.
Should any other mistakes appear in the Circular
they will, of cause, be dew to the actvities of teh Lin-
coln Imp and will bee no faulte of mine!
BOUND TO PLEASE
Straitjackets, mail sacks and guillotines are objects
not usually associated with church work. Christian
schools worker Peter McCahon, however, uses them to
illustrate the need for young people to escape from
the straitjackets of prejudice about religion. Peter's
approach when he visits schools is most certainly an
unusual way to break down any image of the church
being dull and boring.
ROBERT HOUDIN COMPETITION
My thanks to Howard Peters for sending me details
of the First Robert-Houdin Magic competition to be
held in Blois on the 3rd, 4th and 5th May this year.
The competition is open to performers of manipula-
tive magic, general magic, illusions, close-up and
allied arts such as ventriloquism, shadowgraphy and
so on. The winner in each category will receive a prize
worth 5,000 francs and there will also be prizes for
second and third places. A special prize will be
awarded for performers under eighteen. There will
also be lectures, exhibitions and a visit to the Robert-
Houdin Museum. Registration is 300 francs for per-
formers and their spouses and 200 francs for people
under eighteen. Further information can be obtained
from Office du Tourisme, pavillion Anne de Bre-
tagne, 3 Avenue Jean Laigret, 41000 Blois, France
(Tel: 54.74.06.49) or from Columbo on 54.79.07.23
(mornings only).
MAGIC, MUSIC AND MEDICINE
Member Harry Waters contributed an interesting
article to the Medical Newsletter of Trinity College,
Dublin in January. In addition to Harry's interest in
music the article also detailed Harry's start in magic
and how his boyhood hobby developed into a valuable
asset in his medical career. Although still practising in
London Harry has to leave the National Health Ser-
vice this year as all doctors aged 70 have to retire.
Harry is 86 but he plans to continue practising pri-
vately. And no doubt he will continue to find magic
useful for he says it is particularly helpful when deal-
ing with young patients as it can distract their atten-
tion during any unpleasant or painful procedures.
COMPUTER CONJURING
What is claimed to be Europe's first magician's Bul-
letin Board commenced operations on 2nd February.
For those not into computers it should be explained
that a Bulletin Board is a system that enables mutually
interested parties to exchange ideas, messages and
files through their home computers. The new board,
MAGIC!-NL, through co-operation with MAGIC!, a
similar Bulletin Board in America, will help to bring
magicians in direct contact with other magicians to
inform them of all the latest news including T.V.
reviews, convention reports, opinions and a great
deal of social chit chat. Write to Arnaud van Rietscho-
ten, De Kamp 81, 1991 BK Velserbroek, Holland or
dial 31.23.388725 for further information.
MAGIC AT MARHAM
West Lynn member George Rissenden and Joy
achieved useful local publicity in January when he was
presented to her Majesty the Queen on a visit to
R.A.F. Marham in Norfolk. George was there to
entertain some of the children whose fathers were
amongst Tornado airmen in the Gulf and his meeting
with her Majesty made the day really special. The
Queen had made a personal request to visit the base
where she is honorary Air Commodore.
53
KIRK CHARLES U.K. LECTURE TOUR
Monday, 29th April. M.A.C. Magic, Rockbeare Vil-
lage Hall, Rockbeare, Nr. Exeter, 8.00 p.m. Contact:
Colin Crockwell 0404 822992.
Tuesday, 30th April. Bath Circle of Magicians, St.
Mary's Church Hall, Saltford, Nr. Bath, 8.00 p.m.
Contact: Simon Lane 0225 313551.
Wednesday, 1st May. Portsmouth and District Magic
Circle, Malins Road Community Centre, 8.00 p.m.
Contact: Barry Ray 0705 383953.
Thursday, 2nd May Sussex Magic Circle, Southover
Grange, Lewes, 7.30 p.m. Contact: Mark Worgan
0273 206562.
Friday, 3rd May. Home Counties Magic Society,
Mapledurham Memorial . Hall, Reading, 8.00 p.m.
Contact: Keith Churcher 0734 473353.
Saturday, 4th May. Davenports Magic Studio, 2.00
p.m. Contact: Fergus Roy 071-836 0408.
Sunday, 5th May. Peterborough Society of Magicians,
Millfield Community Centre, 8.00 p.m. Contact:
Terry Drudge 0778 423695.
Monday, 6th May. Northampton Magic Society,
N.M.C. Headquarters, Northampton, 8.00 p.m.
Contact: Royston 0604 4 114 13.
Tuesday, 7th May. Derby Magic Circle, Breadsall Vil-
lage Memorial Hall, Derby, 7.45 p.m. Contact: Joe
Bonsall 0332 831504.
Wednesday, 8th May. Mahatma Magic Circle, Liver-
pool Moat House Hotel, Liverpool, 7.45 p.m.
Contact: John Mills 051722 5840.
Thursday, 9th May. North Wales Magic Circle, Rhyl.
Venue to be decided. Contact: Noel Massey 0244
822619.
Friday, 10th May. Leeds Magic Circle, L.M.A. Head-
quarters, Leeds, 7.30 p.m. Contact: Jack Henderson
0532 584383.
Sunday, 12th May. Scottish Conjurers' Association,
Lecture Theatre, Western Infirmary, Dunbarton
Road, Glasgow, 9.00 p.m. Contact: Dr. Duncan
Fletcher 041427 1670.
Thursday, 16th May. Ulster Society of Magicians, Bel-
fast, 8.00 p.m. Venue to be decided. Contact: George
Bleeks 0232 450003.
Friday, 17th May. Society of Irish Magicians, Dublin,
8.00 p.m. Venue to be decided. Contact: Quentin
Reynolds 0001303478.
The Kirk Charles 1991 U.K. Lecture Tour is being
organised by Tony Griffith.
 TOP PRICES PAID
For vintage apparatus, conjuring sets, books, ephemera, early Davenport ventriloquial heads. One
item or an entire collection. Also early Circus and Wild West (Buffalo Bill) posters. For example:

POSTERS (in very fine condition) HOUDINI (for our personal collection)
- Chung Ling Soo will pay £300 and up - Signed photos we pay £300 and up
- Leroy, Talma and Bosco will pay £175 and up - Posters £1,000 and up

BOOKS/CONJURING SETS
— Some pre 1820 works will pay upwards of £5,000
- Early boxwood French or German sets as high as £1,000 depending on size, completeness
For large and significant accumulations, we will travel and arrange shipping and
packing, pay cash or certified funds on the spot. We are the oldest and the
largest in this field, established since 1968.

MARIO CARRANDI, JR, MMC

Antiquarian Magic and Collectibles©
122 Monroe Avenue
Belle Mead, New Jersey 08502, USA
Phone: 908-874-0630 Fax: 908-874-4892
© (Send US$10 for a copy of our latest photo illustrated catalogue with over 50 pages, the largest
and most comprehensive in the field. An encyclopaedia of collectibles by itself)

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting will be held at Headquarters, Victory Services Club, 63/79 Seymour Street, London W2
2HF on Monday, 16th September, 1991 at 7.00 p.m. The Agenda and Accounts will be circulated in due course.
Rule 5.2
"Constitution of Council"
The Council shall comprise:-
5.2.1 Twenty-one Members of the Society of not less than two years' standing in the Society to be elected at the Annual
General Meeting of the Society in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5.4.
5.2.2 A President, Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of
the Society in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5.4.
5.2.3 Past Presidents and Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Society.
5.2.4 A Deputy Secretary and Deputy Treasurer who shall be appointed by the Council.
Rule 6.4
"Business at General Meeting"
6.4.3 Subject to Rule 6.4.4. below, special business may be proposed at any General Meeting by the Council and by
Members upon written requisition in accordance with Rule 6.4.5. below.
6.4.4 Special business proposed for the Annual General Meeting and nominations for Officers and the Council of the
Society shall be in the hands of the Secretary not later than 15th June. Nominations for new candidates must be
proposed and seconded. Serving Officers and Councillors who inform the Secretary on or before the above date
of their desire to stand for re-election shall be deemed to be duly nominated. Elections of Officers and Members
of the Council shall take place in accordance with rule 5.4.
6.4.5 Where any provisions of this Rule require the Council to give effect to the requisition of Members of the Society,
such requisition must be in writing and be signed by at least 30 Members and shall state, concisely, the nature of the
business to be transacted.

54
 Ti t DAIR'S
/PEAS
COLOUR CHANGING-
PEN ETRATI NG WAND
BY IAN ADAIR
EFFECT
A black and white magic wand is displayed and
tapped on the table to prove it is solid. A spectator
assists and the performer forces the magic wand
through his back. The wand is seen to magically melt,
getting smaller and smaller as it penetrates. The per-
former then removes the wand slowly, only to find that
as it emerges, it changes colour.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
A special magic wand. This you will have to make
because it's not on the market. It consists of a wooden
dowel rod, measuring approx. 14" long, and approx.
l
h" thick. The wand has two white tips. One side of the
wand is painted black, whilst the other is painted red.
The wand can be held on its side to either show one
colour or the other. You also require the well-known
hollow white tip which fits and slides over the wand
itself.
SET-UP
At the commencement have the tip over the
genuine white tip and make sure the wand is showing
its black side towards the audience. It's a good idea to
have the wand resting upright in a tumber.
WORKING AND PRESENTATION
Invite a spectator to assist and position that person
so their back is facing the audience. Pick up the magic
wand and tap it several times on the table. Left hand
grips hold of the end of the wand, covering the
genuine white tip, as this section is placed against the
spectator's back. The right hand now pushes down on
the sliding tip and as it slides, the black wand appears
to be getting smaller as it sinks into the back.
When the wand is being removed, the wand is
secretly reversed (and remember, the entire coloured
section is up the sleeve at this stage) so that when the
sliding tip is brought back, the wand now appears to
be a different colour.
55
Genii
The International
Conjurors' Magazine
is now in its 54th year of continuous
publication by the Larsen family.
WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE
THE RETURN OF MAGICANA TO
THE PAGES OF GENII
Now edited by James Patton it is truly a
magazine within a magazine. This plus Dai
Vernon — Book, Magazine and Trick
reviews. Feature issues and so much more.
64 to 80 slick pages every month.
RATES
Surface 1 year $45 —2 years $85
Air Europe 1 year $70 —2 years $140
GENII
P. O. Box 36068, Los Angeles, CA. 90036 USA
Phone (213) 935-9987 FAX (213) 933-4820
Please register if you remit cash.
Sorry, no charges
JOIN CLUB 71 NOW!
Every issue of CLUB 71 MAGAZINE
has at least 84 pages, many with colour
and a four-colour cover. Contents include
tricks, reviews, articles and news from
around the world.
In addition each issue contains details
of several effects from the range of Repro
Magic, available exclusively to sub-
scribers for around half price, and a sen-
sational competition with prizes totalling
£ 150.
Annual membership is just £9.95.
Subscribe NOW.
46 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RY
Telephone: (071) 720 6257
 DOMINO BOX by Peter Jefferies MMC

EFFECT
A member of the audience is invited to shuffle a complete set of standard dominoes face down on the table.
One of the dominoes is now chosen whilst the performer's back is turned. It is then placed in a slot located inside a
small box with the spots facing the front. The lid on the box is closed and fastened. The performer now accurately
discloses the value of the domino without touching the box. The effect may be repeated ad infinitum. There is no
setting up, no practice is required and everything is examinable.
METHOD
The dominoes used are the regular sets found in most public houses. They are black with white spots. When
inserted in the slot inside the box, infra red sensors detect the position of the spots. Small lights (L.E.D's) located
at the rear of the box display the information of the chosen domino so that the performer may easily assess its
value.
To turn the display on, a magnet is needed to activate the reed switch (see general layout). The magnet may
be concealed in a close-up mat, in the performer's hand or in the double blank domino (this was a suggestion by
Trevor Lewis). The latter method of concealing the magnet removes any confusion in as much that the performer
will always expect one or more lights to be switched on. The exception to this is that the domino has been placed
into the box with the back facing the sensors.
READING THE DISPLAY INFORMATION
Since domino spots form a symmetrical pattern, it is only necessary to display two-thirds of the pattern in
order to determine the domino's value. See examples adjacent to sensors' layout diagram.

Circus, Magic and

Fairground Sale
Christie's South Kensington are currently
accepting entries for a sale dedicated to Circus,
Magic and Fairground material scheduled for
November 7th 1991. We are interested in a
wide variety of associated material including
toys such as Schoenhut's Humpty Dumpty
Circus, menageries, clown dolls and automata,
tinplate carousels and lead circus and zoo
figures — also ephemera such as props and
autograph material from famous magicians,
escapologists and human curiosity attractions
such as Houdini and General Tom Thumb,

I
circus and fairground posters, handbills and
lithographs and conjuring tricks.
Please contact Carey Wallace on (071) 3213275
or Olivia Bristol on (071) 3213401

85 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LD

Tel: (071)) 5817611 Fax: (071) 584 0431 CHRISTIE'S
56
 Domino Box (Not to scale)
Miniature reflective
Opto switch
4 1
Pin view 31__12
Dot identifies pin 1

General layout
Neutral
Chassis Perspex
II II - LI II No. 912
O O ._ • indicators PP3
00 0 000------ Battery Opto
sensors

Back of box Reed switch Black Perspex No. 962

o00 00o bb Ov'

Sensors layout

censor mustlineup with

I*** ***] Doub1e az. ••. • • sas/ Ptcv.

OOo0 0
•
LOW—* • • Fivd Four • • J '1 w& Throe
[^00000 O 0 0 0 O
` of da^nno displaye 1
000 000 • Om / Two • ••• Double Sour

Component Layout Diagram COMPONENTS

+ SW1 Qty. Resistors
R1
Dii 16 R1, R4 470R
*(see
. 8 R2 100k text below)
R4 G 8 R3 3K9
s1 R3
00000
4 1 C! •CQ 0 C) 0 _ 0 Transistors/ semiconductors
3
2 D R2
Tr2 l C) 0 0 16 Trl, Tr2 BC107
8 D1 3mm Red L.E.D.
Tr1 . 0 0 0 0: C' 8 Si Diffuse scan opto switch sensor
cR 0 0 (Radio Spares 301-606)
0 0

1 2 3 4 5
Miscellaneous
Bres -pp.
PP3 k 1 SW1 Miniature reed switch
Battery + 1 .1" Matrix stripboard

* Increase value of R2 if too sensitive.

Repeatt circuit tPTYI@6 Reduce value to increase sensi tivity.

57

THE DEMON CLUB
ENTERTAINS
N Monday, 7th January, 1991 our host, Neville
Cooper, introduced the "Demon Club" and
O their compere, Steve Majes (who was very
competent and efficient — where has he gained so
much experience for this?).
Your reporter was pressed into service at the last
moment and was unprepared for the task of writing
notes in complete darkness, so this will be an incom-
plete report of a fabulous evening which opened with
a "quick fire" "Cavalcade of Magic" by Timothy
Reed, Peter Hawken, Lee Hathaway, Paul Raid and
James Pritchard.
Nicholas Bower followed with impressive multi-
plying billiard balls, simultaneously in each hand,
wonderbox, ribbon fountain, etc.
Philip Blackmore followed, having a novel way of
getting a member of the audience to help, and an
entertaining line of patter.
Next came Wayne Martinez with a polished act,
including glove to dove, colour changing candles and
concluding with a vanish of doves.
Mark Spevick followed with a nice "mental" turn
and then Daniel Geller with original moves with his
"zombie" floating ball.
Timothy Reed and Peter Hawken presented a guil-
lotine in an amusing and entertaining manner and
were followed by Lee Hinton with a well performed
pocket knife through an assistant's coat.
Roy Davenport came next with an amazing exhibi-
tion of sleight of hand and skill, production of cards
with lots of coins (How could he hold such handfuls
undetected?), large billiard-balls appeared, disap-
peared, changed colour and multiplied, concluding
with linking rings, not linking rings as one usually
sees but built up into a great spectacle.
The programme was closed by a young man with a
great future, Richard Griffin, with his suave and
polished dove act.
This report doesn't do justice to the evening. The
magic, manipulating, timing and handling by these
young men was superb, the music to most of the acts
was very appropriate but they all excelled in the one
thing which many magicians and all amateurs lack -
good production. Fergus Roy has made a great con-
tribution to our art in this respect but he obviously
doesn't impose himself unduly on his students, for
there were no moments when one could say "That's a
bit of Roy coming through".
CYRIL CORDEN
Daniel Geller.
Timothy Reed and Peter Hawken.

Lee Hinton.

Roy Davenport. Mark Spevick Richard Griffin.

58
 BRING A TRICK,
DO A TRICK
HE evening of Monday, 14th January opened
with our President, David Berglas, intro-
T ducing three guests from Japan. They were
Masatoshi Furota, President of the Magical Society of
Japan and President of F.I. S.M. in that country, Yoshi
Tamura, Secretary of the Magical Society of Japan,
and Hiroki Fukushima. David had met them at a
meeting of EI.S.M. held in Germany where they were
putting their case for the next but one EI.S.M. to be
held in their country. So be warned, if you go to
F.I.S.M's, you had better start saving.
This was followed by the evening's entertainment
and we seem to have an instant tradition on our hands!
Inaugurated only last year, Bring A Trick, Do A
Trick, despite its cumbersome title has been such an
unqualified success that it must surely become a
permanent feature in The Magic Circle calendar.
Michael Palin, with a Far Eastern theme, produced
both flames and silks from an empty box, followed by
superb colour changing feather rings with a big finish.
The penultimate act was guest Masatoshi Furota,
who stepped up to do an impromptu act that he's obvi-
ously performed many times before, consisting of dis-
appearing knots in silk, card production from empty
hands featuring the Tenkai move amongst others
together with some excellent card fans and flourishes
using moves new to me, all carried out with the skill,
timing and aplomb of the true seasoned performer.
The versatile John Gordon positioned strategically
in case the programme needed padding out, ended the
show with a short and amusing jumbo card routine.
Well worth while braving the cold night.
F MUNSON

Lloyd Foster.

Tony Grieve started the proceedings with a jumbo

variation of find the lady to rhyme and it must be said
that his card work is far superior to his poetry. Brian
Moore (Kodo), a fairly new Associate, is gaining valu-
able experience by performing at The Circle as often
as possible and it is beginning to pay dividends. This
time he performed a card prediction from Magic
Circle Magic. Jonathon Jay did a snappy prediction of
a house number, followed by Henry Lewis with a very
good mind-reading item using a cheap paperback
book bought that day.
Lloyd Foster, with two "volunteers", caused much
amusement discovering a card and John Gannon did
some very competent work with coins and sponges.
Lionel Russell, putting to good use some of the items
acquired at recent auctions, not only shot an assistant
with an ancient handgun but caused the (red silk) bul-
let to appear between two green silks. Stuart Murray
demonstrated a modification to Dippy Duck ensuring
that only one card at a time is picked up, which will
breathe new life into many a £40 prop that has been
relegated to the "I'll look into improving that later"
cupboard. He showed an excellent new colour force
he's going to market and even did a card trick!

59
 NOT THE MA+
UR host, John Gordon, opened the pro-
ceedings on 28th January with his usual
® gentle homily expressing the hope that this
would be the last year he would need a special occa-
sion to introduce his troupe of women and children
and that they would soon belong to The Circle in their
own right. In the event, the children were splendid,
their patter and presentation well timed with just the
right degree of precocity. Twelve-year-old Daniel
Wallis had a vanishing rabbit in a jumbo card routine
and Farrah Visram performed a double-glazing trick
whereby three coloured liquids were poured into a
tower of glasses, each stopping at a different level. At
this point, during a scene change, John Gordon held
up a "skeleton" purse and drew from it a coat hanger.
Another 12-year-old, Elliot Jacobs, performed a
ribbon-through-coloured-blocks routine and followed
this with a sliding dice box presentation rich in classic
"Oh-no-it-isn't" patter. Although only 10, Jonathan
Brandman showed stage presence far beyond his
years as he tucked three coloured silks down a trans-
parent tube and then blew them out — knotted
together.
Now came the high spot of the evening. Simon
Lovell (an adult for those who don't know him) gave
1 Nicholas Einhorn us a splendid knockabout act that had the audience
falling about. He did two tricks — cards across and
2 Elliot Chevin
A6 3 Susan Segal
strait-jacket escape. But the magic was merely a
vehicle for a veritable cascade of quick-fire goonish
4 Janet Clare humour involving two volunteers from the audience.
Quite often this kind of comedy relies on being rude
5 Daniel Wallis to people but Simon Lovell played it clean and it really
51 Jonathan Brandman paid off. Following that act might have daunted lesser

60
 ♦8

\GIC CIRCLE
performers but perhaps through the innocence of
extreme youth, Susan Segal gave us a neat colour-
change rabbit and led us into Janet Clare, who told us
how she had been taught by Ken Brooke. Her act was
based on her association with Ken and she used some
of his props including his egg bag and linking rings.
Next came a classy 13-year-old, David Hardy, who
gave us a vanishing note-to-billtube that involved a
dove with a key round its leg — the wrong key! There
followed a skeleton purse routine from 15-year-old
Nicholas Einhorn, who vanished three coins in the
purse and found them again in a "portable hole". We
then had another adult performer in John Lenehan
who gave us a rather drawn-out book test. John appar-
ently didn't trust the microphone which he took off its
stand and bawled into it so loudly as to be almost unin-
telligible. We then had a double act from two of The
Circle's staunchest back-stage helpers — Barbara
Astra gave us Cords of Cordova, Chinese Pompoms
and cords-through-coloured-blocks. All with comic
interference from hubby, Alan.
The evening was rounded off by 15-year-old Elliot
Chevin, who gave us a very colourful finale with van-
ishing silks, appearing candles, torn coloured paper
which was restored to a cascade of paper chains pro-
duced from the mouth and fire-to-silk in a dove pan.
Finally. Elliot balanced Daniel Wallis on a broomstick
and that was the end of a well-packed evening. By the
time you read this you will know if this jolly event is to 9 John Lenehan 12 A
repeated. I must say that I enjoyed seeing something 10 Farrah Visram
different even if it was Not The Magic Circle. 11 Barbara Astra
LEONARD CHASE 12 David Hardy

61
 ALL ABOARD Answers to Quick Quiz No. 25
(Published in the February/March issue of
The Magic Circular)
THE "METAMORPHOSIS" 1. Extra-Sensory Perception.
2. Zener cards.
3. The Piddingtons (12/87).
4. Al Koran (1/79).
ERHAPS you've dined on board London's 5. Thirteen (2/86).
Pullman-coach restaurant but you'd be mad 6. A blindfolded medium identifying articles.
P not to "voyage" with Jan Madd on his magical 7. His elder son, Emile.
floating theatre, the Metamorphosis, in Paris. 8. David Berglas (8/86).
9. Agnes; Ada.
A boat, yes, but no banana boat: upon entering, 10. Joe Riding (11/88).
your coat is taken by a dapper commissionaire in
period costume. Then, in the plush bar, you're (To help those who would like fuller informa-
offered a glass of Champagne. tion, some references to issues of The Magic
Circular are given where appropriate.)
The theatre, downstairs, is impressively and exquis-
itely decorated with a gold Lurex backdrop,
proscenium lights and a star-spangled curtain. SOLUTION TO MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER No. 7
(published in February/March issue)
But the real star (and helmsman) is Jan Madd,
whose sense of humour, charm and originality com- Acceptable Words
bine to make the 1 1/2 hours unforgettable, DEER, DETER, DEXTER, DEXTERITY, DIET, DIETER, DIRE,
DITE, DREE, DREY, DYER, EDIT, EDITE, EERY, EXERT, EXIT,
unsurpassed, non-stop entertainment. EXITED, REDE, REED, RETE, RETIE, RIDE, RIDER, RITE,
TETE, TEXT, TIDE, TIED, TIRE, TIRED, TITE, TREE, TRET,
The anchor is weighed in a novel and magical way to TREY, TRIED, TRITE, TYDE, TYRE, TYRED, TYTE, YEDE,
remind you not to smoke or take photos. YEED, YERD, YETI, YETT, YITE.
The complete word was DEXTERITY and the missing letter was E.
Throughout the show an impressive voice-over
Note: 20 words GOOD; 27 words VERY GOOD; 33 words is EXCEL-
relates the history of magic, embarking with black LENT; 37 words is THE POSER.
magic.
Plenty of humour is in the offing: a borrowed ring is THE MAGIC MAGAZINE
discovered on a chicken; fruitless attempts by his MAGICIANS MUST HAVE.
assistant to make a rabbit appear — then her ensuing
heave-ho; and an unusual way of verifying the vacuity
of a prop.
No shortage of illusions to be espied: Sub'-trunk,
Harbin penetration with an original twist, Creation of
Life, and an unusual levitation.
There's a delightful "Butterfly Lady" aesthetically
and artistically fluttering her wings, plenty of
smoke(!) and, at the end — which comes too soon -
masses of confetti showered among the audience!
It might be your maiden "voyage" but it won't be
your last!
METAMORPHOSIS
Opposite 198, quai de Jemmapes — 75010 Paris
Nearest Underground station: Jaures PLUS! Subscribers become a member of
Reservations, information: 42.61.33.70
Price: 200 F THE SUPREME MAGICIANS' CLUB.
Send cheque, cash, or by Visa, Access,
ANDREW BRYANT
Mastercard, American Express.
Price (12 issues post paid) £15,
Overseas £18, U.S.A. $35.
SUPREME MAGIC CO. LTD., SUPREME HOUSE,
BIDEFORD, DEVON EX39 2AN, ENGLAND.
TEL NO. (0237) 479266.

62
 THIS IS YOUR LIFE
RNOLD ISAACS first became interested in magic
A quite late in life. His introduction to our fascinating
art came through meeting and becoming a close friend of
the late Oscar Oswald, who taught him a great deal about
the business.
Whilst young, Arnold persued the academic subjects,
although boxing was a hobby he loved, but those happy days
sadly came to an end and he had to get down to the nitty
gritty of planning for the future by taking up an appren-
ticeship with a firm of mechanical engineers. He also
attended the Poplar School of Engineering and Navigation
where he qualified for an O.N.C.
At the start of the Second World war, he was drafted to
H.M. Dockyard Portsmouth. Although a prime target area,
there was little activity, except for one occasion (once is
enough) when the dockyard was bombed but "Hey Presto",
Arnold lived to see another day.
The Portsmouth Military Band were looking for cornet
players. Arnold, who had only played the bugle in the
Scouts, applied for the job and got it. A few months later,
they let him play at a ceremonial visit of the Minister of
Defence, Emanuel Shinwell.
Later, Arnold became an officer in the A.T.C. and taught
mathematics to potential air crew.
After the war. Arnold Isaacs did not sink back into a hum-
drum life but became a thespian. Nothing very strange in
that when we consider that his mother's cousin was Ada
Reeves and he had an uncle who was one half of a successful
variety act known as Gilday & Fox. The brewery companies
were financing and running a company called "The Taver-
ners", Arnold was a member of this group and they played
the classics in rural pubs.
63
During this time, Arnold Isaacs was on friendly terms
with members of the repertory company at the Intimate
Theatre, Palmers Green. One member of this group wrote
the successful play "The Rattle Of A Simple Man" — Charles
Dwyer. Another member, Jan Butlin, wrote a highly-
acclaimed T.V. sit-com series and yet another member,
David Baron, devoted his entire time to writing and changed
his name to Harold Pinter, so Arnold was in good company
and revelled in it. It is some years since Arnold met Jan
Butlin when she was directing a West End production, so if
any member knows her whereabouts he would very much
like to be put in touch with her. The actor manager at the
Intimate was Billy Budd, who was also a fine magician and
some good magical wrinkles were picked up through being
associated with him; another valuable contact was John
Tremayne, who managed the magical department of a major
store in London. John gave him the address of a magic dealer
who he said "Supplied the professionals". A little later, he
found himself knocking on a door marked "Magic Mart".
This famous emporium of magic was run by Oscar Oswald
and their friendship, formed at this first meeting, was to last
right up to Oscar's death in 1976.
Quite by chance one day, he met one of his old tutors who
had just taken up an appointment as principal of a technical
college and he said that if Arnold had ever thought of
teaching then a position might be found for him. The pros-
pect was magic to Arnold, who in a very short time was on
the engineering staff. Arnold was also well able and pleased
to help in the areas of drama, magic and music.
Eventually, Arnold became aware of the passing years so
he decided to hand in his stick of chalk and cane and make
his hobbies his labour. Since then his main delight is to enter-
tain children. He says, "I love performing for children — and
it pays well too". Long may he continue giving pleasure to
others and enjoying life to the full.
Arnold Isaacs — children's entertainer, lecturer, member
of a theatrical family, actor in repertory, gliding enthusiast,
engineer, ex-rugby player for Portsmouth Technical College,
officer in the A.T.C., Associate Member of the Inner Magic
Circle (Silver Star) — this is your life.
PETER BLANCHARD. M.INST.P.I..•A.I,M.C.
 13 Aiti Cabinet of , agtcar Curtogitic,
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.

172. MORE SWEET SATURDAY BOOKS Adeiphi and the Celestial Bed, that allegedly aided procrea-
tion and had been made for him by Thomas Denton of The
OLLECTORS' delights continued to abound in The Conjurer Unmasked fame. The Cook and Smith team
C Saturday Book and the lively diarist and collector, turned their attention to an illustrated tale of "Bluebeard in
Fred Bason — "I have collected almost everything except a Bits and Pieces" which included, inter alia, a bill for a flea
wife" — indulged his cartophilic interests with "Got a Fag circus, the title page of The Astrologer of the Nineteenth
Card, Mister?" in the 12th volume (1952), including some Century and Rubini cutting off the head of a woman.
coloured illustrations. There was also an attractive
assemblage by Olive Cook and Edwin Smith to illustrate
"Beside the Seaside" which included Punch and Judy at
Weymouth, an automatic machine and pierrots.
The 13th volume, as a sop to superstition, actually opened
with a question that has graced many a conjuring book — "Is
magic dead?", in an article by Jonathon Curling titled "Thir-
teen — and After". The author examines man's antipathy to
the numeral 13 and concludes the prejudice goes back at
least to Babylonian times. "Cribs, Cards, Crackers and
Clowns", from the Cook and Smith team, provided a Christ-
massy set of illustrations, Kenneth Tynan considered "The
Tragic History of Travesty", while in the best traditions of
Tony Shiels' recent book Monstrum! A Wizard's Tale, there
are articles on sea serpents and dragons and, in a collection
of wood engravings from the 1860s to which modern cap-
tions have been added, one that immediately caught the eye
was "Bother! I've sawn the table in half, instead of the lady".
Perhaps the contribution that strikes home most, however, is
Wolf Mankowitz's essay on Collectomania. Writing as a
working dealer, he classifies the genus into two species, the
public or extrovert and the secret or introvert, examines
their characteristics and, in a final note, observes that he is
not qualified to say whether dealers and collectors are actu-
ally certifiable! Appropriately, this was the first book of the
series to have a section devoted to "Collectors' Items".
The Saturday Book overcame the 13th obstacle in fine
style and J. W. Lambert recalled "Palladium Nights" in
1954, dominated at that time by Johnny Ray; John
Montgomery told "The Sad Story of the Funny Fat Man",
Fatty Arbuckle; and James Laver catalogued "The Natural
History of the Chorus Girl", suitably embellished by illus-
trations. In the "Collectors' Items" section, Wolf
Mankowitz proffered "An Alphabet of Auctions"; for
example, under the letter C, we find "Catalogues are like
racing forms — they tell a great deal to the informed but very
little to the enthusiastic amateur". Alan Walbank wrote on
"Joys of the Junk Shop" in the same section.
The 15th issue was of direct magical interest with an
article on "The Mechanical Musicians" which includes
Maskelyne & Cooke's automata as well as masterpieces of Rubini. the stage name of Philip Prentice Anderson (1844-
Vaucanson and Jacquet Droz. Additionally, Olive Cook con- 1920), an illegitimate son of John Henry Anderson, the Great
tributed an article on "Moving Pictures before the Wizard of the North. Rubini became Professor Anderson
Cinematograph" with some fine photographs by Edwin after his father's death in 1874.
Smith of exhibits from the Barnes Brothers' studio, then at
Mousehole in Cornwall, and prior to opening their museum
at St. Ives. Here was the initial interest that was to blossom
into her full book. Movement in Two Dimensions, eight Corrigendum: Our apologies to the author for the
years later, husband Smith again providing the illustrations. misspelling of Ziegfeld as Ziegfield in A Rich Cabinet
Volume 16 brought an article by J. S. Barwell on "The No. 170 (January).
Ingenious Dr Graham", he of the Temple of Health in

64
 The Cabinet of Curiosities in Volume 17 included articles
by Peter Quennell on "The Invisible People", based on the
unpublished work of seventeenth-century divine, Robert
Kirk of Aberfoyle, whose manuscript on the Secret Com-
monwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies, revealed only to
"those who have second sight", perhaps offered a clue to his
own death; and Richard Carrington's "The Natural History
of the Giant". Carrington followed it up in the next volume
of the series with a companion contribution on "The Natural
History of the Dwarf" which, naturally, included Jeffrey
Hudson, Matthew Buchinger, Count Boruwlaski and
General Tom Thumb. Volume 18 also carried Kay Dick's
beautifully illustrated piece on "The Life and Death of
Pierrot", forerunner of her full-length book Pierrot, which
was to be published two years later in 1960.
Fred Bason revealed in the 19th Saturday Book that on
3rd January, 1959 he obtained his 12,000th autograph. It was
none other than Lenny the Lion and ventriloquist Terry
Hall, a favourite act of his, and he travelled from Walworth
to Birmingham to get it. Bason also disclosed how he
invented a slogan for a Birmingham firm — "Swallow Rain-
coats never get the Bird" — and thereafter got all his over-
coats free, plus thousands of postcards annually depicting
himself wearing his raincoat. Meanwhile Richard
Carrington addressed "The Natural History of the Mer-
maid", disdaining any of the ersatz variety beloved of
Barnum and his showmen colleagues.
The slogan that secured Fred Bason a supply of Swallow
raincoats for life.
Philip Henderson's "The Gay 'Sixties" referred to the
nineteenth century and the original application of that
adjective, including illustrations of Gustave Dore's "The
Stalls, Covent Garden" and "Blondin at Shoreditch", while
J. J. Curie was modern 1959 with a piece on "The Flicks".
Volume 20 brought "The Music of the Halls" by
Christopher and Amoret Scott, supplemented by illustra-
tions of nineteenth-century pictorial music covers, four in
full colour, not to mention an esoteric "Tailpiece on Tat-
tooing" by Mary Eden, replete with some bizarre examples
of the art.
65
The Saturday Book came of age in 1961 and founder
Leonard Russell recalled its origins in the midst of the
London Blitz, his realization after No. 2 that pictures were
all-important and the evolved conception of it as "a richly
illustrated super-magazine, produced with a care and
craftsmanship that no magazine could match". Sub-
sequently, John Betjeman called "the book the best
magazine in the world". The 21st birthday was celebrated
with a series of seven articles on "Twenty-One Years of .. .
Fashion, Travel, Films, Building, Jazz, Hard Reading and
Wine", and Fred Bason surveyed "London Street Markets"
with a splendid selection of photographs.
Volume 22 presented John Vinden's discourse on "The
Unnatural History of the Salamander", an historical survey
that included an illustration of Signora Josephine Girardelli.
But we are particularly addicted to this article because it
mentions, although not by name, one of the feats of our old
friend and magical colleague, Jon Gresham. Thus: "The
race of human salamanders is not yet extinct, for on 26 Sep-
tember 1952 it was reported in The Times that a fire-eater at
Hastings crouched in a metal box in the midst of a fire said
to be about 3,000 degrees. Although it was advertised as a
`cremation', this gentleman came out from his crucible none
the worse for his experience." For the record, that was the
outside publicity stunt for the British RingConvention of
1952. This same volume carried an article by Charles Gibbs-
Smith on "Ladies in the Air" covering female aeronautical
exploits, from the time they made the first ascent in a
Montgolfier balloon in 1784. This includes the first
parachute descent by a woman—the wife of balloonist, magi-
cal showman Garnerin. This short piece is accompanied by
14 pages of illustrations from aeronautical sources. One of
these depicts Zazel, the human cannon-ball, at the Royal
Aquarium, and another Kirby's Flying Ballet, beloved of
pantomime. Finally there's a poignant yet amusing piece by
Fred Bason, whose landlady of 30 years had died in 1961,
"Find the Lady", as he sought unavailingly for a successor.
The following year (1963), Bason recalled "1907, The Year
I Was Born" including theatrical and music hall performers.
Collectors' Items embraced Alan Walbank's "Bargains I
Have Missed" with the sage advice "If in doubt, buy; tomor-
row will be too late", and a fine, lavishly-illustrated article
for deltiologists, "Drop Us A Postcard", by Peter Bull. For
good measure, tucked away in "Puss In Boots newly told by
Olive Cooke and Edwin Smith" are rabbits in a hat, Prof.
Edwards, Magical Entertainer of Leeds, and Henri Cot the
Giant.
Prof. [D\X%ARDS,
Magical Entertdiner.
28, MARSHALL TERRACE,
CROSS CATES, LOCOS.

AWER
SPOT'
By DALE SALWAK m.i.M.c.
HE January, 1991 issue of Smithsonian
featured an excellent article on magic his-
T torian Ken Klosterman, written by Daniel
Stashower and photographed by Henry Groskinsky.
With over 20,000 effects representing three centuries
of magic, Ken's museum ("Salon de Magie") on his
230-acre farm in Loveland, Ohio may well be the
world's largest private collection of historic magic
memorabilia. Items include rare automata as well as
equipment once used by Blackstone ("Dancing Hand-
kerchief"), Robert-Houdin ("Light and Heavy
Chest"), Kellar ("Vanishing Lamp"), Houdini and
Thurston — whose "Chest of Enchantment" is one of
Ken's latest acquisitions. To reach the musuem ("com-
plete with moving walls, secret passageways and a
miniature theater"), guests must pass through a mine
shaft and a vault door.
Recently, Ken flew into Hollywood to tape a seg-
ment of "To Tell The Truth", a game show in which
two imposters try to fool a celebrity panel into voting
for them rather than the real person. Talking with Ken
brought to mind my own experiences on the pro-
gramme in 1966 (my first national television appear-
ance), then broadcast from "The Ed Sullivan
Theatre" in New York City and hosted by Bud Collyer
(the original voice of radio's "Superman") with
panelists Robert Q. Lewis, Kitty Carlisle, Tom Poston
and Peggy Cass. Over the last 30 years, many
magicians have received wonderful exposure on this
programme.
After 32 years and 22,000 performances, the
longest-running show in Las Vegas history — the
famous "Lido de Paris" — has ceased. Along with pre-
cision dancing, elegant production numbers and state-
of-the-art scene changes, the one hour and 37 minute
revue featured the work of many of the finest variety
artists, including Dominique, Picasso, Gali Gali,
Rico and, of course, Siegfried and Roy in the early
1970s. "The show never started or ended any more
than 30 seconds late," said stage crew member Walter
White in the Los Angeles Times. "You could call your
wife and tell her exactly when you'd be home for din-
ner." In mid-July, a 1990s revue, "Into the Night," will
open in its place.
66
The great conductor, Sir Thomas Beecham, once
said that good music gives us a sense "of both wonder
and contentment". Good magic shows a similar kind
of quiet paradox. On the one hand, the act has a com-
plete air of simplicity which makes the achievement
seem as effortless as it is open and uncomplicated.
There is a correlation between ease and grace and
years of experience.
Sadly, two performers who epitomized that ideal
have left us: Albert Goshman (13th February) and
Slydini (15th January). Both carried to the highest
level of perfection their own innovations, their own
particular styles of magic: Goshman with sponge
balls, coins and cards, and salt shakers; Slydini with
cigarettes, coins, paper balls, ropes and scarves. Until
1988, Slydini continued to teach privately from his
New York studio. Goshman was a frequent guest at
conventions here and abroad, and of course he always
brought with him a suitcase of sponge balls of all sizes
and colours. Fortunately both artists have preserved
for posterity their effects and philosophy in books and
on videotape.
I was also sad to learn of the passing of Richard
Charles ("Dick") Jarrow, a distant relative of Emil
Jarrow and (with Bud Dietrich) the author of what is
still essential reading, The Trade Show Handbook
(1973). Through him I came to know his daughter,
Jane, who won the 1964 I.B.M. Junior Prize in the
States. I last saw Dick at the 1990 Abbott's Get-
Together; when I left, my pockets were filled with
effects he wanted me to have. He was a good friend
and very generous with his time and ideas.
Tina Lenert continues to keep very busy both here
and abroad. Like many of us, she performs on tele-
phone promotional shows. Usually these are highly
lucrative productions that attract large crowds to a full
evening's entertainment. On one occasion, however,
something very funny happened. Prior to show time,
Tina and Mike Caveney arrived to find the custodians
setting up over 1,000 chairs and so they assumed that
the show would be a sell-out. At 8.00 p.m., however,
Mike peaked out through the curtain and saw only a
family of five seated in the front row. The rest of the
auditorium was empty!
True to tradition, the show started. The promoter's
wife sang a few songs, a dancer followed, then Mike
came on and did 20 minutes, finishing with the pro-
duction of silverware from a coat. He had instructed
the M.C. beforehand that Tina would follow as a
cleaning lady and go into her act. When Tina came out
to sweep the stage, however, the audience of five
assumed the show was over. The family gathered its
gear, stood up and began to leave the auditorium. The
promoter bolted through the the centre of the cur-
tains, shouting, "Hey, it's not over, there's a lot more
show!" They returned, watched Tina, listened to the
girl sing five more songs and went home. The topper
to all this: two weeks later, Tina ran into the fellow
who had been at the show and had seen her act!

1/NA L f NER t
An all-star American show toured New Zealand,
opening in Christchurch and starring Chuck Jones
and Company, Kevin James and Antonia Hoyas, and
Michael and Stacey. Chuck did his big illusion show,
Kevin performed the same act seen recently on the
Paul Daniels Show, and Michael and Stacey (Chuck's
daughter) debuted their dove act. To compere and do
fill-in spots, they selected New Zealand's only
M.I.M.C. with Gold Star, DeLarno (Burns
Scandrett). For seven shows they played to capacity
houses at the prestigious 1,200-seat James Hay
Theatre, then toured the country for the next three
weeks, playing two, three or four houses a night. This
was Chuck's fourth visit to New Zealand.
Speaking of New Zealand, the Auckland Conven-
tion attracted some 175 conventioneers including Billy
McComb, Paul Green, Mike Caveney, Tina Lenert
and Bernard Reid, an expatriate now living in Florida
and working cruise ships. DeLarno performed on the
two Gala Shows along with Billy, Mike and Tina.
From all reports the Americans were a hit, especially
Billy with his delightfully dry sense of humour.
I am very glad to report that Karrell Fox is back at
home and recovering from a heart attack suffered in
January. Write him at 73719 Desert Greens North,
Palm Desert, California 92260.
The Associated Press reported a fascinating item.
General Norman Schwarzkopf, Allied Commander in
the now-terminated Persian Gulf war, was once not
only an amateur magician but a member of the I.B.M.
He used to perform magic shows for children's parties
and Boy Scout meetings.
May we continue to encourage, respect and support
each other in this great art that we call magic.
67
THE WORLD OF MAGIC
HIS show was a dream come true for Steve
Giles, its director. Steve is a popular profes-
T sional magician in Jersey and President of the
Jersey Magicians' Circle, as well as being a long stan-
ding Member of the Magic Circle. His ambition was to
present a full evening of magic. So, with a few friends
and financial help from some kind sponsors, they
started planning this big project five years ago. The
last 11 months were spent making the 30 illusions
which featured in the show. The dream became reality
on 22nd February when "The World of Magic"
opened at the delightful Opera House in St. Helier
and I was pleased to be invited to see the results of a
great deal of hard work by a very small team of
magicians.
It was a lavish show with 24 dancers, excellent
lighting and special effects and good, pre-recorded
music. It was devised and directed by Steve and took
the audience on a magical tour of Egypt, America,
the Far East and to the world of children and circus,
and finally into the future.
All the illusions, bar one, were built from plans by
Steve and two other local magicians, none of whom
were carpenters, yet the results were surprisingly
good. They varied from the simple, like the doll's
house to the more complex, like Asrah. They even
built two thin sawing-in-halfs and two crystal caskets!
Steve, whose stage name is Chicano, was assisted
on stage by Olaf Blakeley, whose day job is reading the
T.V. news on the island. Dave Bell and Dorothy, who
are known professionally as Sherazade and who them-
selves have toured the world cruising, presented their
act in the Eastern scene. Very good it was, too. Tony
Addams was the kind of compere audiences look
forward to seeing.
The rest of the show had a series of story lines,
which gave excuses to show the illusions, pains-
takingly built against all odds. My favourite was "The
World of Children" which was charming, had a
number of excellent illusions and used the dancers to
good effect. The finale, called "Circus World", had a
lot of very good magic and included an outstanding
dance routine from the Jersey Majorettes.
"The World of Magic" was an enormous under-
taking. It needed a bit of tightening up here and there
and some fine tuning but it generally came off in a
spectacular way. The audiences in Jersey had never
seen such a lavish magical show and they loved it. The
artistes gave their services free so that Jersey's spina
bifida charity could benefit. They must have done
well, because all performances were a sell out.
And Steve Giles saw his dream come true.
MICHAEL BAILEY
 DONORS
The following is a list of those who have kindly given donations to The Magic Circle Appeal as at 17th
February. 1991. Some of those mentioned have contributed more than once.
The way in which money is continuing to arrive is both impressive and encouraging. This indicates very
clearly our members' appreciation of the importance of this project. We are approaching the £70,000 mark not
including sums obtained from sources other than direct donations.
A significant proportion of this total has been derived from those subscribing in the lower brackets, less
than £50. Clearly the greater the amounts the better but we emphasised that any sum at all helps in achieving our
goal, prestigious headquarters of our own.
There are still some plaques and clocks left for those wishing to go for higher stakes. Some members are
easing the impact of larger outgoings such as these, as well as life membership, by contributing by instalments.
So, one way or another, please keep those donations rolling in!
JOHN HOLLAND
Administrator
T. A. Aaltonen, M.M.C. H. Adler, A.t.M.C. Alan Alan, M.t.M.c.
R.J. Albo, M.t.M.c. E. Almond, A.t.M.C. M. Ammar Lecture
M. Bailey, M.t.M.C. D. Ball, M.M.C. M. Ball, M.M.C.
K. Barker, A.I.M.C. T. Barnes, M.M.c. A. Barons, M.M.C.
Harry Baron, M.t.M.c. P. J. Batkin D. H. Baxter, M.M.c.
M. Beddow, M.M.C. J. Bell, A.LM.C. D. Berglas, M.rM.c.
R. Bernheim, A.[.M.C. J. Bhownagary, M.t.M.C, R. Bishop, M.LM.c.
C. W. Bissell, M.M.C. PD. Blanchard, A.I.M.C. R. Bloch, M.t.M.c.
A. Blythe, M.M.C. Ali Bongo, M.t.M.C. P. Borsch, A.I.M.C.
J. Booth, M.t.M.C. Revd. M. Brettell, A.t.M.C. B. Bridger, M.M.C.
F. Briggs R. Briggs F. Brooker, M.t.M.c.
J. R. Browne III, M.M.C. R. J. Brown, M.M.C. R. Buffum, A.t.M.c.
B. Bulline R. F. Bunce, arM.C. R. T. Burrell, M.M.C.
R. H. Burton D. Bussey, M.M.c. R. Butler, M.M.C.
F. A. Buttress, M.t.M.c.
C. Cambra, A.t.M.C. M. St. J. Candy, M.M.c, A. J. Carter
J. Cass, M.M.c, H. Cecil, A.r.M.C. D. G. M. Chalmers
F. Chambers, M.M.c. L. Chase, M.M.c, B. Christopher, M.M.c.
C. Clayton, A.t.M.C. E. Cockle J. Cockle
L. Cole, A.t.M.0 D. Collins, M.M.c. G. Collins, A.t.M.C.
NI. Collins, at.M.C. Pat Conway, M.t.M.C. G. W. Cooper, M.M.C.
J. Cooper, A.I.M.C. K. H. Cooper, M.t.M.c. N.J. Cooper, A.t.M.C.
A. P. Crabbe, M.t.M.C. R. Cross. A.I.M.C. J. Crossini, M.M.C.
D. G. Crombie, M.t.M.C, C. Crowe A. L. Curie, M.M.C.
B. Curtis, A.i.M.0
P. Daniels, M.LM.c, E. Danson, A.I.M.C. P. D'Arcy, M.t.M.c.
A. B. David B. Davies, A.[.M.C. J. W. Davies, M.M.C.
G. W. P. Davies T Dawson, M.M.c. L. J. Day
M. Day, A.[.M.C. B. Dean Mr. Dees
J. Delvin, M.I.M.c. G. A. Desmond, M.M.0 A. Devals
H. Devano, M.LM.c. A. W. Dewdney, M.M.C. T. Dill-Russell, M.I.M.c.
H. Downing, A.I.M.C. R. Dowse, M.M.C. D. Drake, A.t.M.C.
A. F. Drewitt, M.M.C. M. Dykes, M.M.C.
C. Ellis, M.M.C. A. J. Emerson Jr., M.t.M.C. R. T. Escott. M.M.c.
K. Essex
S. Fell, A.t.M.C. M. Fenton K. Field
R. Field J. Fisher, M.t.M.c. B. E. Flaherty
D. Fletcher, M.t.M.c. I. Fletcher, M.M.C. P J. Flory, M.M.C.
R. Ford. A.LM.C. E. Franklin, M.t.M.c. J. Freedman, M.M.c.
F. K. Furkey. A.I.M.C.
A. Gabriel, M.t.M.c. P. Ganon, M.M.C. L. Gardner, A.LM.C.
F. Gatiller, M.1.M.c. Mrs. R. Gayton G. Genever
D. G. Girlmg, M.M.C. J. Gittings, M.LM.C. D. P Goodwin, M.M.C.
C. T. Graham-Rogers L. Green, M.M.C. H. E. Greenaway

68
J. Greenwood, M.M.C. 0. Griffith, A.t.M.C, R. Grigsby, A.t.M.C.
B. Grimshaw, M.t.M.C, K. D. Groom R. W. Groom, M.t.M.c.
J. H. Grossman, M.t.M.c,
G. R. S. Haigh, M.M.C. B. J. Hall Sir John Hall, M.M.C.
R. Hammond, A.LM.C. A. Harris J. R. Hart, M.I.M.c.
E. Hartwell F. Haxton, M.LM.c. B. Hicks, M.M.c.
J. A. Holland, M.t.M.c. K. W. Holyoake P. How, M.M.C.
A. J. Hudson, M.M.C. C. Hughes, M.t.M.c. P. Hughes, M.M.c.
D. M. Hunt, M.M.C. R. Huntley C. Hyams, A t.M.C.
N. Ingle, M.M.C. R. H. Ingleby (Robart)
J. M. Jarvis, A.t.M.C. J. Johnstone, A.t.M.C. H. B. Jones, A.t.M.C.
R. J. Jones, M.M.C. Terry Jones, A.LM.C.
W Kantor, M.M.C. J. J. Keeling M. E. King, M.M.C.
E. Kirby, M.M.c, K. J. Kirk, M.t.M.c. R. Knight, M.M.c.
J. Kolbert, M.M.C. K. Koppel, M.M.c.
P. M. Laing, A.t.M.C. G. Lamb, A.r.M.C. G. M. Lambert, M.M.c.
C. Larkey, M.M.C. Mrs. J. Lee J. S. Leith, A.I.M.C.
H. Lewis, M.t.M.c. J. F. Lloyd, A.t.M.C. R. G. Lloyd
J. R. Longmuir, A.t.M.c. R. F. Lord, A.I.M.C. M. V. Louis, M.t.M.c.
H. H. M. Lyles, M.M.C.
A. McGurk, M.M.C. A. D. O. McIntyre, M.M.C. C. Mackay, M.LM.C,
D. M. McShannon, M.M.c. A. D. Macve
L. Marchant R. J. Martin, A.t.M.C. C. R. Mason
P Matthews R. E. Matthews, M.M.c, S. Medley
D. Merlin, A.I.M.C. J. de Merry, A.t.M.C. B. Miller, M.t.M.c.
K. Miller, A.t.M.C, J. Milner, A.LM.C. D. M. G. Monk, M.M.C.
G. E. Moore, M.M.c. E. A. Morris, A.t.M.C, M. Munoz
F. Musson G. Murray
J. A. Napier, M.M.C. L. Neil, A_t.M.0 B. Newman
WE Nicholas, M.M.C. G. E. Novis
A. PG. Obee M. J. O'Brien, M.t.M.c. J. Ogg
P Page, M.t.M.c. M. G. Palin J. Palfreyman, M.t.M.c.
M. Palmer, A.I.M.C. A. J. Palmer L. Parker
I. Parry, M.t.M.c. A. Parsons C. C. Pearce
D. M. Pearson, M.M.C. A. Penn H. J. Penrose, A.t.M.C.
C. Perroton J. Perry, M.M.c. J. D. Phillips, M.M.C.
N. A. Phillips, M.M.C. R. A. Phillips N. Picot, M.M.c.
Pogthe Wizard T. Pointer M. Poore, M.M.C.
B. Postgate, M.t.M.C. D. Potts, M.M.C. C. Pratt, M.I.M.C.
M. Price, M.M.c. J. E. Pye, A.LM-C,
M. M. Rajput, M.M.C. G. Ray, M.i.M.C. G. Reed, A.t.M.C.
H. Reeves, M.i.M.c. J. V. Reilly, A.t.M.C. E. Remington-Hobbs
D. C. Richardson Co. H. R. Riley, A.t.M.C. D. S. Robertson, M.t.M.C.
R.N.L. 1
G. A. W Salter J. S. Sands-Renton, A.t.M.C. J. D. Schofield, M.M.C.
H. Scott, M.M.C. R. Sharpe, A.t.M.C. S. H. Sharpe, M.t.M.c,
A. Shaxon, M.LM.c. J. E. Shoesmith H. Shouting
B. Shotanus, A.I.M.C. A. Sinden, M.M.c. J. Simonett, M.M.C.
S. Slavny, A.I.M.C. G. R. Sleeman B. Smith, M.M.C.
C. McC. Snader, M.M.c. T. Snow R. P Solbe
K. M. Souter D. Speight, M.t.M.c. R. E. Spence, M.M.C.
PG. Spooner, M.M.C. M. Stall, M.M.c. P. J. Stedman, M.M.C.
P Stone, A.LM.C. R. Stupple, M.L M.C. J. R. Styles, M.LM.C.
Supreme R. Sweetapple M. Symes, A.t.M.C.
J. H. Tabbenor, M.M.c, H. Taylor, M.t.M.C. F Walford Taylor, M.M.C.
P. J. Thompson, M.M.C, S. K. Thomson, M.M.c. C. Townsend, M.t.M.c.
M. D. Y. Treen, A.t.M.C. B. Triggs D. W. Trimble, M.M.C.
J. Tyson, M.M.C.
H. R. Upton
T. C. Van Antwerp A. Vandome, A.t.M.C, M. Vishnick
B. Walker D. Waller, A.I.M.C. R. Walton, M.t.M.c.
M. E. Wardle, A.I.M.C. S. E Welton D. H. West, M.M.c.
A. R. Weston, M.M.C. W M. Wexler, A.I.M.C. E. Whebell, A.I.M.C.
J. Wheeler, M.t.M.c. G. A. Whiting, A.1.M.C. R. T. Wilde, M.M.c.
D. Williams H. E. Wilson, M.1.M.C. Mac Wilson, M.t.M.c.
W. Wolohan. M.M.C. R. Wooding S. P. Woolley, M.M.C.
A. N. Wright
J. B. Young, M.[.M.c. J. H. Young, M.t.M.C. A. Young. M.M.c.
Zodiac Magical Society J. Zweers, M.t.M.c.

69

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AUGUSTUS RAPP: THE
SMALL TOWN SHOWMAN
Written by himself (1990). Illustrated. Brown cloth, dust
wrapper. 23.5 x 15.5cm., pp. xviii, 183. Glenwood, Illinois;
David Mayer Magic Books. Price (post paid) £24.80 from
Magic Books by Post, 29 Hill Avenue, Bedminster, Bristol
BS3 4SN.
Over 30 years have elapsed since this enthralling book
chronicling the vicissitudes of life as an itinerant showman-
magician in the Mid-West of America was first published by
the Ireland Magic Co. The publishers, in the person of Jay
Marshall, fully acknowledged the shortcomings of that
inexpensive production, which reproduced the text in type-
script form; nonetheless, I suspect no one responded to Jay's
invitation to blame him if they didn't like the book!
Now, however, that state of affairs has been redressed
most handsomely. David Meyer has clad Rapp's narrative in
raiment worthy of its content and Dr. Joseph French adds a
Foreword to the Introduction that Robert Parrish provided
for the original edition.
Gus Rapp's autobiography furnishes a glimpse of a van-
ished world. For over 50 years (c. 1890-1942) he played, by
choice, small towns, villages and hamlets, bringing to them
a 2 1h-hour show of magic, spiritualist exposures, ven-
triloquism, marionettes, Punch and Judy and other allied
arts. His transportation spanned the eras from horse and
buggy to automobile, his theatre a tent or local hall, and he
was only forced into retirement by the gasoline shortages in
World War II. But it is not simply the fascinating record of
travelling and performing, often under appalling conditions,
that makes for such compelling reading — it is also Rapp's
gripping literary style and philosophy of life that leap from
the pages. Bob Parrish, who saw Rapp work, tells us that he
was a wonderful magician and delightful performer, and
Rapp assures us that his long years on the road were happy
and prosperous ones — and we can believe him implicitly.
An appendix to the book carries Rapp's views on his con-
temporaries, including Alexander Herrmann, Kellar,
Houdini and Thurston, there is a listing of his different pro-
grammes for each of six nights of the week, a comedy sketch,
vent script and information on making rag pictures.
Gus Rapp, the Herrmann of "the sticks", has given us a
lovely, lively "read" that is warmly recommended.
EDWIN A. DAWES
70
lluva
Now in its second edition, this book was created and illus-
trated by Eric Mason. Pabular readers will know just how
good and exciting Eric Mason was as an illustrator. Selling at
£25, the book comprises over 150 A4 pages, elegantly
printed in the Pabular format but on white paper, hard
covered with an attractive dust sheet designed by Eric
Mason himself. In all, some 65 effects are described
together with numerous descriptions of sleights including a
15-page section on card sleights. So far as your reviewer
could see, a greater part, if not all, of Eric Mason's consider-
able output has been published herein, including the mar-
keted items such as "A Peep in a Bottle", "Pandora" and
"Magnifique". In other words, we get the works of one of
our magic close-up originators whose death has left a sad
gap in the ranks of British close-up magical entertainers.
Frequenters of the Marlborough Arms on Monday evenings
will not have to be told how entertaining Eric Mason was. I
quote from Fred Robinson's introduction to the first edition,
"To patrons of a certain London hostelry, Eric Mason is
much more than just a name. It is there on most Monday
evenings that he can be seen entertaining both customers
and fellow magicians alike with his individual brand of
magic. Almost every conceivable kind of object is likely to
be brought into use plus the inevitable pack of cards."
Without being able to put one's finger on it exactly, there is
a certain individuality about Eric Mason's card sleights. One
example of many is Overture, described as an open change
of a card. The basic idea is that two face-up cards held in the
right hand are turned face down by the left hand which is
holding the pack. In the process, one of the cards is
switched. The subtlety of the thing lies in the build-up. By
the time the switch is made the spectators have got used to
the move that makes the thing possible: it builds in its own
misdirection.
Other items in the book include coin moves. For example,
Amason turns out to be a trick where a coin thrown into the
air changes into another one in passage. Reads well and not
all that difficult. A coin in bottle routine with a slight modifi-
cation that makes it easier and again more logical, a delight-
ful effect "Peep in a Bottle", which is probably my favourite
for sheer whimsical entertainment value. You whistle into an
empty bottle and cover the mouth over with the hand. On
taking the hand away, the whistle eerily proceeds from the
bottle. This is the sort of thing that people talk about. A mug
disappears while held by its handle by a spectator under a
handkerchief (the mug, not the spectator), the spectator
feeling the handle up to the last second. Kineto and Mag-
nifique are two "borrowed finger ring to keycase" type of
effect where the keycase is held in the cupped hands of the
owner. The most famous of the dealer items invented by Eric
must be Pandora. This has the usual start, a card is signed
and returned to the pack. A small circular ornamental box,
whose diameter is roughly half the width of a playing card, is
introduced. The lid is sprung open and out pops the chosen
card on the end of a jack-in-a-box spring. An almost perfect
close-up miracle.
That is really all there is space for and, of course, my
choice must be subjective. What is attractive to one person
would not be to another. At least your reviewer has had the
chance to see some of these effects performed, which is a
great help. This is a truly delightful book both as regards to
quality of the material and also the presentation and the
drawings. Thoroughly recommended.
JOHN HOLLAND
 MINI ADS
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orders payable to THE MAGIC CIRCLE. Copy, by 1st of
month for the following month's issue, to PETER
ELDIN, 29 FOURTH AVENUE, GRANTHAM, LINCS.
NG319TS.
ANTIQUE PROPS/BOOKS bought and sold. Bobby
Bernard, 19 Exeter Road, London NW2 4SJ. Tel.: 081-450
2201.
SURPLUS TO MY REQUIREMENTS: send s.a.e. with
loose stamp for list of unused tricks and books from British
and U.S. dealers. Frank Chambers, Bracklagh, Newport,
Co. Mayo, Ireland.
GEORGE NORRINGTON'S WHO'S WHO IN MAGIC.
Issue 12 now available. 58 pages of invaluable information.
£2.10 (inc. p&p). George Norrington, 36 Lincoln Road,
Dorking, Surrey RH41TD.
BOOKS AND EPHEMERA ON CONJURING AND ALL
PERFORMING ARTS. Catalogues issued regularly. Send
three first class stamps for current issue. I am always
interested in purchasing good material. Anne Fitzsimons,
62 Scotby Road, Scotby, Carlisle CA4 8BD.
THE MAGAZINE WITH NO NAME. Australia's monthly
magic magazine. Latest news, hot gossip, convention
reports, reviews and unique articles. $A75 — TWO years;
$A40 — ONE year; airmail postage paid. Money payable to:
Andini, P.O. Box 646, Burleigh Heads, Queensland 4220,
Australia.
BALLOONS 260E £6.50 gross. SILKS 36 — Dragon, The
End, Rainbow £30. RACCOONS £20. Lists s.a.e. Picot, 79
Anglesmede Crescent, Pinner HA5 5ST. Tel.: 081-863 2522.
WORKING WOODEN TUMBLEBUG wanted for my col-
lection. Buy or trade. Frank Chambers, Bracklagh,
Newport, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
"HOST OF IDEAS" one-hour video, complete with lecture
booklet of 12 miscellaneous tricks, effects, incl. children,
mental and cabaret as per the I.B.M. and The Magic Circle
lecture. Only £14.95 post free from Ron Gilbert, 7 Woods
View Road, Bournemouth BH9 2LJ.
GOSPEL MAGIC CONFERENCE, Sudbury on Thames,
28th October-lst November. Details: M. Nokes, 0962
854291.
NEW! Just published, "GLOVE PUPPETS, ROUTINES
AND PROPS", in A4, the best yet, packed with hints, set-
tings, routines, tricks and ideas for the entertainer. £15 (+ £1
post) from Ron Gilbert, 7 Woods View Road, Bournemouth
BH9 2LJ.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
It will save much time if all
queries are sent direct to the
"Secretary" and not the
"Editor".
71
Dear Peter,
This is a "thank you" letter written from the heart.
In recent months, I have been recovering, contrary to all
expectations, from a long and progressive illness, culmina-
ting in being four years confined to bed and 15 months in a
nursing home receiving full nursing care. Now I am out of
the nursing home and settled with my wife in a care home in
Eastbourne. For all this, we truly give thanks.
I wish to thank very warmly the trustees of the Benevolent
Fund and to acknowledge all the kindness that has been
shown me throughout my illness and at this time. It is typical
of the warm friendliness I have always felt through more
than 40 years in The Circle. So, at 83, I am back in magic
entertaining small groups of friends; and I hope soon to be
preaching again.
May I send warmest greetings to our President, to all
Council members and office bearers and to all within The
Magic Circle — those who know me and those who don't? We
are all members of a great society. Long may it continue to
prosper.
Yours sincerely,
REVD. OWEN BRANDON. A.I.M.C.
Dear Peter,
Due to a variety of reasons associated with difficulties in
renewing my membership a few years ago, I never received a
copy of the May 1989 issue of The Magic Circular. While the
lacuna went unnoticed at the time, a recent review of my
periodical inventory made me aware of it.
I wrote to Michael Candy, M.M.C., who has the charge of
"non-receipt of The Circular". Michael responded
immediately and cheerfully to my inquiry, explaining that he
was unable to locate the back issue but would investigate
further.
Within a week, I received Issue No. 895 from Michael,
"With Compliments".
I write at this time to commend Michael and The Magic
Circle. It is a small point, to be sure but none the less
remarkable. As a serious collector of conjuring periodical
literature, I frequently have cause to correspond with editors
or other officers seeking as little as information (not even
back issues!). I know the infrequency of this kind of cheerful
helpfulness and, I believe, the uniqueness of Michael's
office (in charge of non-receipt of back issues) and I doubly
appreciate it when it originates so far away. These small
courtesies do so much to bridge the gap and to strengthen
membership.
With gratitude, I have the pleasure to be yours, sincerely
and magically,
 BALLOT RESULT

LADY MEMBERS
The result of the recent ballot regarding the admission of lady
members was as follows:
Total votes cast 701
In favour 490
Against 211

With the percentage of 69.9% in favour being less than the 75%
required by the rules, the resolution is thereby lost.
CHRIS PRATT
Hon. Secretary

not
Signs of things to come?
2
 MANSION HOUSE MAGIC
The evening of Wednesday, 27th February was a very special evening, when the Arthritis
and Rheumatism Council joined with The Magic Circle to raise funds for both bodies. Circle
Council member Rupert Connell had the idea and it worked extremely well.
Guests were received by the Chairman of A.R.C., Sir Richard Butler, and by The Magic
Circle President, David Berglas, in the Mansion House, home of The Lord Mayor who, with the
Lady Mayoress and his Sheriffs, graced the evening.
During a superb meal, magic of a very high order indeed was presented at the tables by
some of the "At Homes" stalwarts: John Gordon, Mike O'Brien, Chris Pratt, Peter Scarlett and
Michael Vincent. -
Sir Richard Butler, Chairman of the A.R.C., spoke about their aims and proposed the
civic toast. The Lord Mayor replied and spoke wittily about managing not to have vanished (it
was his seventh function that day!) and was followed by David Berglas, who combined a short
speech with a baffling mental item with a double climax. He asked for some called out numbers
to be added up and the man he chose found it quite difficult. It turned out he was the chairman of
Barclays Bank!
The time was right for the after-dinner entertainment, something which is very rare at the
Mansion House. Indeed, this was the first occasion that magic had been seen in the magnificent
banqueting room called, appropriately, The Egyptian Hall.
The show was perfectly compered by John Wade (who unfortunately knows a bit about
arthritis himself). Brian Miller and Audrey opened with their very polished and colourful dove
act. The audience loved it. Michael Bailey featured his "Skyscraper Boxes" which has to be the
tallest and most entertaining ring in nest-of-boxes around, and Alan Shaxon, assisted by Anne,
produced a great finish with familiar items from his commercial cabaret act, including the Aerial
Fishing with live fish appearing under the noses of the audience, and a very effective Zig Zag.
The audience, who had paid £75 each for their tickets, reckoned it was excellent value for
such an oustanding evening. They were very appreciative of the table magic (with constant
applause rippling around the room) and of the cabaret. The surroundings, the food and fine
wines and the magic all contributed but it was the magic they really came to see.
The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council and The Magic Circle Appeal will benefit
considerably from this evening, which was arranged by Michael Bailey and Alan Shaxon in
conjunction with Mrs. Elizabeth Dawson of the A.R.C., whose committee did a great job in
finding the perfect venue and selling the tickets so fast there was a waiting list! John Gordon
designed elegant publicity and menu/brochure, and many others helped in different ways.
Thanks are due to all our members who gave of their time for two good causes.
 THREE NEW RELEASES!'
THE RING AND STRING ROUTINE - £5.00 I THE UTOP.
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VERSION as MASTER 5 ) made by a
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ROUTINE No.6. Includes a skilled picture ®,^
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which looks quite dark stained
impossible! Two booklets wood which can be viewed
supplied, one with the in extreme close up and
text, the other with 26 clear line diagrams. yet into which you can
THE WRINKLES COLLECTION load in seconds any signed
- l,^ 5.00 card! Comes with FIVE
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in a large ring binder.
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RIDGE Tel:- 0392 52000 Fax:- 0392 135725 . .,^A
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Here is the book you have been waiting for

THE COLLECTED WORKS OF ALEX ELMSLEY
Volume 1
£32.00 post paid
Written by Stephen Minch
Over 400 pages of top quality magic. Hard covers. Beautifully illustrated with very clear
li ne drawings. Some photographs. This book is the close-up worker's dream. Anything by
Elmsley is noted for the quality of its effect. Although there are several platform-stage
items, in the main this is a book of card magic that will need some practise. About 120
separate tricks.

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'irlJl r' LLI MAY 1991
aaa
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FA
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DON'T PAY YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION!
To date some 26 Members enjoy Life Membership of The Magic
Circle. They have donated a minimum of £1,000 to the Appeal (many have
given more). Apart from helping the best cause in magic, they have done
themselves a big financial favour since they won't be paying any more
subscriptions for life.

Subscription time is nigh. Over the years the amount is bound to

rise substantially, so this is a good moment to make a wise decision: don't
pay your subscription — send a cheque instead for a minimum of £1,000 to:
The Magic Circle Appeal
3 Cronks Hill Close
Meadvale
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Surrey
RH16BR
and become a Life Member. (We send you a framed certificate as well.)

The Council have decreed that there has to be a limit to the number
of Life Members, so act now whilst the list is still open.

£1,000 TO THE APPEAL-MEMBERSHIP FOR LIFE

 ®©HIV II IEN

(
^^<S PRl\,1A\\

Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 915

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT 'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 74
SCENE & HEARD ..................................................................................... 75
PRODUX TUBES ...................................................................................... 78
ADAIR'S IDEAS ........................................................................................ 79
MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER NO. 8 .................................................................. 79
AMERICAN SPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 80
A RICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 82
BRITISH MAGICAL SOCIETIES NO.46 ....................................................... 85
THIS IS YOUR LIFE ................................................................................... 86
SHOW AND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 88
ADDITIONS TO THE PRESS CUTTINGS COLLECTION ................................ 92
BRUCE POSGATE: A MEMORY .................................................................. 94
OBITUARIES ............................................................................................ 95
MONTHLY ROUTINE MATTERS ................................................................ 99
CHANGES OF ADDRESS ........................................................................... 100
LETTERS ................................................................................................. 100

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY: Bob Brown, (Bob Brown and Brenda), international magical artiste, lecturer, writer and Royal
Command entertainer. A first class all round magical entertainer and ambassador for the Magic Cirle and the world of magic in general
whose life is featured on page 86.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Please note that all future correspondence and contributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to The Editor, PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG319TS

73
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Y congratulations and best wishes to Ann White who celebrated her
80th birthday on 20th March. We all hold this lovely lady dear to our
M hearts and I know that every member will join me in wishing her all
the very best for the future.
Our best wishes go also to John Gordon on his latest magical
production, a baby girl. Congratulations also to John's wife, Mandy, who, I
believe(!), played a major role in this new creation. Perhaps by the time the
new arrival is old enough to join, we shall welcome lady members into The
Magic Circle? We shall see.
A well deserved "well done" goes to Philip Hitchcock on winning the
1991 Young Magician of the Year competition. He had some tough opposition
for all five of the finalists at the Polka Theatre on 7th April were of a very high
standard. With the calibre of talent shown in both the heats and the final, I am
confident that the future of magic is in good hands.
From new hands to many old hands — The Magic Circle
Council! My thanks to all the councillors who performed in the
Club Room on 25th March. A full report of this event appears on
page 90. It amazed me that we were able to see some 21 performers
in just 1 1h_ hours. That really is magic!
Two days before the Council show I attended the British
Magical Society's 86th Annual Dinner, where I was delighted to
present the B.M.S. Trophy, The David Berglas Award, to Ali Bongo
in recognition of his impressive and "outstanding contribution to
the art of magic" over the years. In winning this award, Ali is in
good company for the previous recipients have been Peter Warlock,
Paul Daniels and John Fisher.
David Berglas with Philip Hitchcock, winner of the Ali's activities behind the scenes of The Paul Daniels Show
1991 Young Magician of the Year Award, are well known. What is not so well known is the amount of work he
does for The Magic Circle. One of the many Circle functions in which Ali plays an important role (together with
Alan Shaxon) is the Annual Supper. It is always a good night out amidst convivial company and this year, at its new
venue of the Imperial Hotel. Russell Square, was no exception. Many said it was the best ever and we had a record
210 people in attendance. Certainly Ruth and I had a most enjoyable evening.
Ali Bongo is also the instigator of the Annual
General Debate on 29th April. By the time you read this
it will be over but I sincerely hope it is well supported for
its provides a unique opportunity for all of you to put
forward and discuss Magic Circle business in a relaxed
and friendly atmosphere.
At the time of writing, I am busily engaged in
preparations for my one-man show at the Lyric Theatre
in London on 21st April. With the publicity, a 28-page
programme. music, etc. (as well as my show!) to organise
it has proved a major task to get everything completed in
time. I hope my efforts will prove worthwhile with a
sizeable amount of money raised for the David Price
Melanoma Trust of which I am patron.
Although billed as a "One Man Show", many
people have assisted with this project and I am grateful to In the Club Room on 25th March, All Bongo proudl y shows
them all but particular thanks must go to Alan and members the David Berglas Award, presented to him by the
Barbara Astra for their unstinting help and support both British Magical Society in recognition of his unique contribution
before and during the show. to the art of magic.
Once this show has been completed, I have to prepare for a lecture at FI.S.M. Congress at Lausanne in
July. Ruth and I plan to visit the S.A.M. convention in Las Vegas after which we will fly to England to snatch a few
hours' rest before proceeding to Switzerland. I am particularly looking forward to F.I.S.M. for our own Richard
Griffin (sponsored by The Magic Circle) will be performing there for the first time.
DAVID BERGLAS

74
 GOSPEL MAGIC CONFERENCE
SCENE & HEARD The fifth Gospel Magic Conference takes place at
Sunbury Court, Sunbury on Thames from 28th
Compiled by PETER ELDIN October to 1st November this year. Sunbury Court
provides excellent conference and meeting facilities
with food and accommodation up to the standard of a
high class hotel.
HOW TIME FLIES! The conference is organised by the European
Chapter of The Fellowship of Christian Magicians.
It seems amazing that a whole year has passed since Special guest lecturers include Jerry Burgess, Inter-
I edited my first issue of The Magic Circular. How national President of the F.C.M., Duane Laflin, Bob
time flies when you're having fun! I am most grateful Hill, Henry Smith, Pete Hodge and Peter McCahon.
to all those members who have written congratulating There will be "Each One Bring One" sessions in
me on my efforts — and also to those who have pointed which delegates will be invited to perform as well as a
out some of the errors! It is also an appropriate time public show, dealer's showcase, instruction, exchange
to thank all those who help me in my monthly task. mart and workshops.
Firstly my thanks go to Alan Snowden, who acts as A few weeks ago I was advised that bookings had
Consultant Editor and who is always ready to answer already reached the half way mark so if you plan to
my questions and advise me on any problems I attend I suggest you get a move on. Further details can
encounter. be obtained from the F.C.M. Secretary/Treasurer
Without the contributors there would be no Michael Nokes, 72 Stockbridge Road, Winchester,
magazine, so I would like to record my appreciation of Hants. S022 6RL (Tel: 0962 854291).
their efforts. To all of them and in particular to the
regulars Stephen Blood and his gallant band of Mon-
day Night reporters, John Shoesmith for a never
ending supply of photographs always delivered
promptly, to Dale Salwak for keeping us in touch with
the American scene, to Eddie Dawes for his fascina-
ting features of times gone by, and to Ian Adair for
providing a regular flow of trick ideas. To list all the
contributors would take up too much space but this
does not mean I do not appreciate your efforts — my
thanks go to all of you who supply effects, reports, let-
ters and news items, this magazine would not be the
same without you.
Although not members of The Magic Circle, I also
owe a debt of gratitude to Nick Baughn and his team
of typesetters and to Ted and Colin Crannis who print
The Circular.
As this list of thanks is fast getting like an Academy
Awards acceptance speech, I'd better stop, so I'll
finish by thanking all members who have written with
ideas, contributions and letters and all those members
who will do so in the future. There — that should cover
just about everyone! Now for the next year!

LADY OF LEGERDEMAIN
Harry Carson kindly sent me the photograph oppo-
site of himself with Paula Baird. Paula was one of Bri-
tain's leading society entertainers in the 1940s and 50s.
During the war, she worked for E.N.S.A. (Entertain-
ments National Service Association) and was one of
the first entertainers to perform for the troops at El
Alemain. She was renowned for her superb manipula-
tion and Harry tells me that even though she does not
perform these days she is still adept at sleight of hand.
I am certain all members will join with me in sending
our good wishes to a remarkable lady.

75
 I am at present reading a fascina-
ting book, The Man Who Was
Erdnase by Bart Whaley, Martin
Gardner and Jeff Busby. Erdnase,
known to magicians for the card
man's Bible, The Expert at the Card
Table, was accused of murder, rob-
bery and deception, he was quite a
character!
So far I have read only the early
part of the book which covers
Erdnase's life and escapades. It
relates an incredible story and one
that could easily be the scenario for
a film. I know it is a cliche to say "I
couldn't put the book down" but in
this case it happens to be true. I got
so hooked on the story that I con-
tinued reading when I should have
been doing other things and have
been carrying it around with me to
read a little more at every
opportunity.
If you have an interest in the his-
tory of magic and have ever won-
dered about the identity of this enig-
matic figure, or you are a card
expert yourself you will find this
book, published by Jeff Busby, of Richard is getting used to a busy entertainment
immense interest. John Holland has schedule having trained with his father for over three
kindly agreed to review the book years before becoming probably the youngest full-
for The Circular. He has taken on time children's entertainer in the country.
quite a task for there is a great deal
of material for him to assimilate but Just a few days before flying to Monaco, Richard,
he is confident that he will finish it who recently became an Associate of The Magic
in time to be included in next Circle, presented a disco at his old school which raised
month's issue. over £150 for Comic Relief. Last month, Richard won
the Francis Haxton Card Magic Trophy of the Zodiac
Magical Society. In July, he will be presenting a two-
SIXTY YEARS IN MAGIC hour Fun Party Show at The Fairfield Halls, Croydon,
Congratulations to Wally Boyce who celebrates 60 twice daily for a week.
years in magic this year. He first became interested It seems as if we shall be hearing a lot more of this
when he was presented with a box of tricks on his young man in the future.
ninth birthday and has been entertaining people and
inventing his own tricks ever since. Keep up the good
work, Wally.
DEATH OF SIDNEY PIDDINGTON
FOLLOWING IN FATHER'S Sidney Piddington, the male half of the great mind-
FOOTSTEPS reading team of the late 1940s/early 50s, died in
Sydney, Australia on 29th January at the age of 72.
On 17th March, 18-year-old Richard Pinner, son of
popular children's entertainer Peter Pinner, flew out to He and his first wife, Lesley, caused a sensation
Monaco to do a children's show. With games, magic, with their incredible mind-reading stunts frequently
balloons and Oliver, his white fluffy owl puppet, performed with the couple separated by great dis-
Richard entertained a party of children in a penthouse tance or some other impediment. The act was first
overlooking the Grand Prix starting line. developed by Sidney Piddington in collaboration with
the author Russell Braddon (who later was to write an
One of the birthday children's grandfathers turned interesting but glamorized biography of the
out to be Count Dominic Le Foe, who some of our Piddingtons) whilst in the notorious Japanese
older readers may remember. prisoner-of-war camp at Changi.

76
 After the war, he returned to Australia, where he
was born on 14th May, 1918, and married Lesley Pope,
a radio actress, in 1946. A year later their mind-
reading act was achieving great success. They came to
England in 1949 and achieved further success on the
radio, topped the bill at the London Palladium and
toured the country with their "thought transference
act".
In 1954 they retired from the stage, although Sidney
did resurrect the act for a while in 1974 with his second
wife, Robyn - the first marriage had ended in divorce.
When the Piddingtons left England in 1954 their radio
spot was taken over by a young man fast making a
name for himself, David Berglas.

IN THE NEWS
I am always pleased to receive press cuttings of
members' magical activities. I cannot, of course,
guarantee to mention every one I receive but I will cer-
tainly do my best if I think the stories may prove of
interest to members. All cuttings sent to me will be
passed on to Bryn Hughes for The Magic Circle news
archives unless you specifically request their return.
Anything of a non-topical nature should be sent direct
to Bryn at 41 Elm Grove, Acton Park, Wrexham,
Clywd LL12 7NR. The collection is chiefly concerned
with items that deal with The Circle and its members
but Bryn is also happy to receive any material that
refers to magic in general as well as the allied arts.
Ideally the date and journal of origin should be
given and if an article covers two sides of the same This is one of the posters used to advertise the privatisation of
page it would be as well to send more than one copy if electricity in Britain recently. I first spotted it on a bus shelter
possible. Photocopies are acceptable but preferably in Grantham. The people at the bus stop must have thought I
these should be good ones! was mad when I went up to it for a closer look and then
shouted to my wife, "It's George!" — and so it was for the
If the item is in a language other than English a magician being pulled from the hat by the rabbit is none
translation would be much appreciated if you are able other than The Great Kovari. So that's how they do magic in
to provide one. Hungary!

Marc Paul, Anthony Grieve and Jon Allen, pictured here with presenter Sarah Kennedy, will be appearing on the quiz show
Busman's Holiday in the very near future. The show goes out on I.T.V. at 7 p.m. Wednesday for 13 weeks from 12th June onwards.
It is not known for certain on which day these magicians will be shown as the schedule is flexible — so keep your eye on the
programme if you want to see these three young men perform magic and answer questions on our favourite subject in an attempt
to win a Busman's Holiday.

77
 i3robux Tutiet GOODLIFFE'S
By ARTHUR SETTERINGTON
1 x
01 f w '

EFFECT Edited by Donald Bevan

Two tubes with cut-out windows are shown to be empty.
They are placed one inside the other and a large quantity of
silks are produced from them. The Lively Weekly Magic Magazine

METHOD Published Every Saturday Since 1946

The tubes are quite ordinary. The silks are concealed in a
collapsible black art container which fits inside the inner-
most tube. The insides of the tubes are covered with flock Professionally produced, 20+ pages
paper (black). The drawings will help to show the handling every week of tricks, routines, advice,
of the various items.
news, reports, dealer reviews, adverts,
A and comment on the International Magic
Scene.

Goodliffe Publications
c
150 New Road, Bromsgrove
Worcestershire B60 2LG, England

Q COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The container is hinged at the bottom and held together with a All rights reserved. No part of
thin rubber band. Container is covered with velveteen or black
flock paper. this publication may be
A is shown to be empty and laid on its side on tray in front reproduced, stored in any
of B. B is shown to be empty and replaced over the load con-
tainer hidden by A. The tubes are placed one within the
retrieval system or transmitted
other. in any form or by any means,
The production is made. During the production the
rubber band is removed from the container.
electronic, mechanical,
A is lifted and shown. It is laid in front of B which is also photocopying, recording or
shown. The load container will have collapsed on the tray as
B is lifted. The two tubes can now be shown and nothing otherwise without permission of
untoward can be seen as the edges of the tray conceal the
flattened container.
the Editor of
The Magic Circular.

MINI ADS
Something to sell? Something to promote?
Something you want?

YOU NEED MINI ADS

only 10p a word!

Load container flattened on tray. SEE THE INSIDE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS

78
 SET-UP
Place a duplicate red ball inside the compartment
of the bag which displays the red lining. The other
compartment is left empty at this stage.
WORKING AND PRESENTATION
Display the balls on the stand stating their different
colours. Display the cloth bag from the outside (I
suggest the exterior should be black). Ask a spectator
to place all the balls inside the paper bag, which is
then shaken by the performer. The spectator is further
requested to place his hand inside the paper bag, to
remove any ball wished, to clench his fist around it so
that when it is removed no one can see its colour.
The spectator is now asked to drop the ball inside
the cloth bag, and the performer makes sure that the
BALL IN THE BAG bag in question is held open so it is the empty side
which takes it. This means, after a suitable recap, the
BY IAN ADAIR bag can be turned inside out at the opposite side,
revealing the ball and lining match. A rather colourful
Here's a mental effect for those who like self- mental effect.
contained methods.

EFFECT MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER NO.8

The performer shows four coloured balls which are BY CLIFF TOWNSEND M.I.M.C.
displayed on a wooden stand. These are removed by
the spectator who is requested to place them inside an
empty paper bag. The performer further displays a Y Magic Circle's Poser word has loosely
cloth bag, front and back, but not inside, remarking been slanted at Magic and the Allied Arts,
that there is a prediction inside the bag in the form of M and the centre circle letter has to be dis-
a colour. covered to complete the word. From this word, words
The spectator is asked to place his hand inside the of four letters or more are made, always using the
paper bag, then to clench a ball of this choice, remov- centre letter. No abbreviations, foreign words, plurals
ing this without anyone seeing the colour and then or names are acceptable but final answers may include
dropping it inside the cloth bag which the performer other nine-letter words. Each circled letter can only be
holds open between both hands. used once.
When the bag is turned inside out it is seen that the (Solution next month.)
ball, which the spectator freely selected, matches the
colour of the inside lining of the bag. A prediction
which speaks for itself.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
The balls are unfaked and of a different colour, i.e.,
red, yellow, green and blue. The wooden stand is
unfaked also, this being a flat strip with small holes
bored along its length so that the balls can rest, at
intervals, along the line. The paper bag is ordinary
too.
It's the cloth bag which is faked and is responsible
for this self-contained effect. Made in cloth, it resem-
bles a changing bag, with two separate compartments,
with the usual divider between. Instead of the usual
same coloured interior on both sides, one side can be
turned inside out to show it is black, and other red. In
fact, only the coloured side is actually shown during
the routine, as you will see later.

79

OREO ... Unlock the Magic!" As part of
a campaign to promote one of America's
" favourite cookies, the Nabisco Biscuit
Company has launched a nationwide search for 100
talented, energetic magicians to work for the company
during the summer of 1991. As the magic consultant
for the project, Harry Blackstone is guiding Nabisco
in the development of special magic tricks using the
cookies. The magicians will be asked to perform the
Oreo tricks, and their own magic, for shoppers in
supermarkets across America. One lucky performer
will be selected by a panel of judges to perform with
Harry Blackstone during his International Tour in
1991/92. For more information call 1-800-MAGIC-93.
Magicians wanting to break into the American
comedy club circuit would do well to purchase copy of
The 1991 Comedy USA Industr y Guide, a 224-page
directory of the latest information on comedy clubs,
talent coordinators, cruise bookers, competitions,
television programmes along with current listings of
hundreds of managers, agents and publicists. Total
cost: $39.95, and available from Comedy USA, P.O.
Box 20214, New York, New York 10028. Telephone:
(212) 618-2850.
April was a big month for magicians on American
television. Along with David Copperfield's sensa-
tional new special ("The Magic of David Copperfield
XIII, Mystery on the Orient Express"), a repeat of
"Disney's Magic in the Magic Kingdom" featured
Siegfried & Roy, The Pendragons, Princess Tenko,
Harry Anderson, Dean Gunnarson and Lance
Burton. Also, Walter "Zaney" Blaney's talented
daughter. Becky, debuted her comedy magic on "Into
the Night with Rick Dees". And funny man Robert
Baxt returned to "America's Funniest People".
80
By DALE SALWAK m.i.m.c.
Dr. Aubrey Fine, a licensed psychologist and
Director for Special Populations at California
Polytechnic University, has developed "The Magic
Within You" — a programme designed to help children
who suffer from learning disabilities or hyperactivity
and risk low self-esteem. After twenty weeks of
instruction in the basics of magic, imagine what it is
like for a previously angry, defiani child to come smil-
ing into the classroom dressed as a magician. Under
his arm he carries a "magic box" loaded with the
tricks that he has made. He now believes that his
mind, like a magic wand, can make the impossible
possible. In front of the parents, his fellow students,
and the staff, he performs a ten-minute show, featur-
ing the four or five tricks with which he feels most con-
fident. He has learned to take control of himself. He
has developed a positive self-image. He has learned a
process that he will use over and over again through
life. In discovering how to perform a magic trick for
others, he is also discovering that he has the magic
within him — to do anything that he wants to do. Dr.
Aubrey Fine lectures internationally and may be
reached c/o The California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona, California 91768-4079.
Amos Levkovitch, winner of the Academy of Magical
Arts' Stage Magician of the Year Award for the second
time in succession.
 Harry Blackstone and his wife, Gaye, were among
the sell-out crowd of over 600 who attended the
twenty-third edition of the Academy of Magical Arts
banquet, held 9th March at the Beverly Wiltshire
Hotel. Beverly Hills, and produced this year by Bill
and Milt Larsen. Full reports will appear in all of the
journals, but I must say how good it was to see the
Literary Fellowship given to my longtime friend,
Micky Hades. In his acceptance speech Micky
revealed that he has resumed the Master Index to
Magic, beginning with the year that Potter's ends.
Many of us remember Micky not only for the 350
books he has published but for his Hade-E-Gram, a
monthly magazine in the 1960s that featured reviews,
news and tricks along with a young magician's section
edited by none other than Doug Henning.
Well-deserved awards also went to Charming
Pollock (Masters Fellowship), Silvan (Magician of the
Year), Dave Williamson (Close-Up Magician and
Lecturer of the Year), Michael Ammar (Parlour
Magician of the Year), Amos Levkovitch (Stage
Magician of the Year for the second time in a row),
81
I also had a chance to talk with Mark Wilson, his
wife, Nani, and son, Greg. Recently Mark held a one-
day only sale of illusions, props, memorabilia,
costumes, sets and accessories from many of his tele-
vision and stage presentations, including pieces built
by Owen and John Gaughan. Those interested in
learning more should write: Mark Wilson Produc-
tions Ltd., 11126 Chandler Boulevard, North
Hollywood, CA 91601 (818/980-3311).
Recently I spent a very enjoyable afternoon with
Ross Skiffingon, one of Australia's most-recognised
illusionists, in town along with his partner, Gordon
Arney. He has performed in all types of venues from
cabarets, casinos, circuses, corporate presentations,
theatres, television, world expos, and now hopes to
enter the American market with his "Electricks: A
Magical Song and Dance Spectacle". From all I've
read and seen of the show, it has great potential.
May we continue to support, respect, and
encourage each other in this great art that we call magic.
 is j Q tiinet of gicar (uriogitic
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
173. THE SATURDAY BOOK FINALE

HE Saturday Book was now entering its last decade,

T although in 1964 the Swinging Sixties gave no hint of
the factors that would precipitate its demise. Volume 25 con-
tained Olive Cook's interesting account of Robert W. Paul,
"A Pioneer of the Cinema", accompanied by seven pages of
photographs depicting Paul, his Animatograph (Theatro-
graph) projector and a collection of frames from his early
films, together with a couple of frames from Melies' trick
films. Amoret and Christopher Scott offered "The Social
History of the Quack". tracing their way through the
armoury of devices and medicaments that have been
peddled over the years in the name of health. There was a
fine article by George Speaight, author of several books
dear to the heart of the magic collector including The His-
tory of the English Puppet Theatre (1955), A History of Cir-
cus (1980) and his recent Collecting Theatre Memorabilia
(1988), titled "A Troupe of Puppets". He tells the story of
how he came into possession of the entire troupe of a
Victorian marionette theatre just after World War II, reno-
vated it and, with Gerald Morice, mounted The Old Time
Marionettes at the Riverside Theatre at the Pleasure Gar-
dens in Battersea Park during the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Four pages of photographs embellish the saga.
Of the complete run of The Saturday Book undoubtedly
Volume 27 (1967) was the issue of greatest direct interest to
magicians, for it contained Olive Cook's brief essay on
"Victorian Magicians" illustrated by nine photographs of
posters and engravings from Barry Duncan's collection.
Although the author's interest in magic lanterns mistakenly
led her to believe that all the imaginative flights of fancy of
the artists who created stock posters betokened the use of
phantasmagorial devices, this does not detract from an
interesting piece. The posters depicted are, with the
exception of LeRoy, Talma & Bosco, all stock ones and the
only regret must be that they were not chosen for colour Robert W. Paul, British inventor of the Animatograph, from
reproduction. whom David Devant purchased a model in 1896 to enable
"Animated Pictures" to be shown at the Egyptian Hall.

This issue is noteworthy. too, because it marks the debut in

The Saturday Book of Raymund FitzSimons, member of
The Magic Circle, well-known author whose books include a
Houdini biography — Death and the Magician (1980), and
husband of Ann FitzSimons, who purveys books and
artifacts on entertainments of all kinds to collectors
throughout the world. Raymund's article, "An Artist in
Cathay", told the story of artist George Chinnery. For good
measure, cinema buffs had Robert Kelly's piece about Al
Jolson, "The Singing Fool".
In Volume 28 Fred Bason's annual contribution was on
"Literary Life in the Twenties", opening with his visit to Sax
Rohmer, and continuing with an Edith Sitwell party to which
he was taken by Arnold Bennett. There a young man
ordered a book from him — it turned out to be Graham
Greene, who at that time had not yet published his first
novel. Olive Cook returned to her love of pre-cinema days
with "Lantern Moralities", an essay accompanied by a set of
lantern slides illustrating George R. Sims' harrowing,
sentimental Ostler Joe.

82
 George Speaight made a welcome return in Volume 29 The Saturday Book, having enjoyed its beginning and
with an article on "The Brigand in the Toy Theatre", accom- middle, has now come to its Pythagorean end?" The answer
panied by some colour reproductions of characters and was,' Not quite".
scenes from Pollock's Toy Theatres, and celebrating the The Saturday Book did not appear in 1974 due to the
recent publication of a new edition of his book on The Toy power crisis that hit the British industrial economy and so
Theatre (originally titled Juvenile Drama). David Cheshire
Volume 34, destined to be the last, was eventually published
contributed a piece on "Male Impersonators" in the theatre, in October 1975. It brought the sad news of the demise of
and for jigsaw puzzle aficionados, Linda Hannas' beautifully both the founder of the series, Leonard Russell, and the
illustrated "Joys of the Jigsaw" gave much pleasure and was irrepressible cockney contributor, Fred Bason. The Popular
a curtain-raiser to her book The English Jigsaw Puzzle Arts section featured "Pantomine" in which George
published three years later in 1972. Speaight examined that British institution with illustrated
Opening with Olive Cook and Edwin Smith's "The Art of examples from Webb's Toy Theatres and the 20th-century
Collecting" and containing a lovely illustrated essay on stage. Mitchenson and Mander furnished "Pin-ups of the
"Early Transport Posters", the 30th Saturday Book made a Past" assembled from their vast theatrical collection.
particular appeal to the collector. The Performing Arts The Editor foreshadowed the end of the series. "Whether
section of the publication provided "The Years of Rogers we can afford to come out next year — or you can afford to
and Hart", "The Barrison Sisters", Fred Bason's "Music buy us — remains to be seen; but it seems more than likely
Hall Memories" which, alas, did not include a magician, and that this is the last Saturday Book". And so it proved to be.
a series of photographs of Fred Astaire to complement J. J. It had been overtaken by inflation and the soaring costs of
Curie's verse. Reproductions from Gamage's 1902 book production that occurred during the late'60s and early
Catalogue included model locomotives, Edison Bell '70s. It was no longer economic to produce such lavish
phonographs and cinematographs but not magic sets — Will books, sales had dropped to 4500 by 1973 and the pub-
Goldston had not yet joined the firm! lication price had leapt from £4.50 to £7.50 from Volume 33
"A Raree Show of Art and Entertainment" proclaimed to 34.
the sub-title of the 31st issue in 1971, suitably adorned with a For individuals who are interested in entertainment in all
colour frontispiece of the Punch and Judy booth that its forms, The Saturday Book is a continual source of
appeared in Benjamin Robert Hayden's "Punch or May pleasure. For the magic specialist there is much to attract
Day" of 1829. Haydon was to take his own life in 1846, attention, as we have endeavoured to show, while the lover of
acutely depressed because the crowds deserted his exhibi- illustrated books produced to high standard. the collector.
tion in a room in the Egyptian Hall in favour of General Tom or the casual reader who simply likes to "dip in" and relax,
Thumb, who was also exhibiting in that same establishment will all enjoy the manifold delights that its pages enfold.
in Piccadilly. The Popular Arts section of the book carried
"The Entertainment of the Streets", George Speaight's
admirable survey of street performers, lavishly illustrated.
Here are various Punch and Judy themes, the Street
Conjurer from Henry Mayhew's London Labour and the
London Poor, peepshows and mechanical figures.
Paul Jennings proffered "Making Them Laugh", on the
topic of comedians, complete with a portrait gallery of full-
page photographs of fifteen of that species, including
amateur magician Will Hay and juggler W. C. Fields. There
was a lovely selection of photographs, too, by Edwin Smith
to accompany Olive Cook's "Fairground Baroque", and
Charles Neilson Gattey recalled a 19th century imposter in
"The Strange Case of Princess Caraboo".
The 32nd book of 1972 was tinged with sadness as photo-
grapher Edwin Smith, a contributor to the previous twenty-
eight issues, had died in December 1971. His wife, Olive
Cook, wrote a valediction, "Photographer by Chance".
Popular entertainment was covered by John Foster White's
"Surburan Nights' Entertainments: 1923", Kenneth Allsop's
"Jazz in 1923" and Richard Boston's well-illustrated "The
Silent Comics", including W. C. Fields. The topic of cigarette
card collecting returned with the "Joys of Cartophily" by
Peter Scully, a history of the hobby dealing mainly with their
first era and excellently illustrated, although none of the sets
that are of magical interest is included.
"I Collect Everything" was the omnivorous title of Ronnie
Barker's confessional article, superbly illustrated with many
examples from his postcard collection, including some
fantasy cards, in the 33rd issue. Editor John Hadfield in his
introduction mused over the number 33, recalling
Pythagoras, who considered 3 to be the perfect number.
expressive of "beginning, middle and end". "Could the
number 33", Hadfield asked rhetorically, "simply mean that

83
 NOTICE TO ASSOCIATES
EXAMINATIONS - REVIEW PANEL
All Associates admitted to The Magic Circle on and after 1st June 1988 and who have yet to proceed
by way of examination to the degree of M.M.C., are reminded of the provisions of Rules 3.4.9 and
3.4.10 which are reproduced below:
3.4.9 Every Associate elected after the adoption of this provision shall be required to undergo and
pass an examination in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4 hereof not later than the end
of the second full subscription year (as defined in Rule 7.2.3) immediately following his
election as an Associate.
3.4.10 If at the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 3.4.9 above, any Associate shall have failed
to undergo and pass an examination as aforesaid, that Associate's membership of the Society
shall forthwith and automatically cease unless at least three months prior thereto he make
application to the Review Panel in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4.3 that his member-
ship of the Society shall be permitted to continue. Any Associate whose membership of the
Society shall so cease shall not be permitted to reapply for membership (as an Associate or
otherwise) until after the expiration of a period of two years commencing with the date of
cessation of membership.
The subscription year ends on 31st May of each year.
Any application for consideration by the Review Panel or, indeed, any query relating to this matter,
should be addressed to the Hon. Secretary.
CHRIS PRATT
Hon. Secretary

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting will be held at Headquarters, Victory Services Club, 63/79 Seymour Street, London W2
2HF on Monday, 16th September, 1991 at 7.00 p.m. The Agenda and Accounts will be circulated in due course.
Rule 5.2
"Constitution of Council"
The Council shall comprise:-
5.2.1 Twenty-one Members of the Society of not less than two years' standing in the Society to be elected at the Annual
General Meeting of the Society in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5.4.
5.2.2 A President, Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of
the Society in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5.4.
5.2.3 Past Presidents and Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Society.
5.2.4 A Deputy Secretary and Deputy Treasurer who shall be appointed by the Council.
Rule 6.4
"Business at General Meeting"
6.4.3 Subject to Rule 6.4.4. below, special business may be proposed at any General Meeting by the Council and by
Members upon written requisition in accordance with Rule 6.4.5. below.
6.4.4 Special business proposed for the Annual General Meeting and nominations for Officers and the Council of the
Society shall be in the hands of the Secretary not later than 15th June. Nominations for new candidates must be
proposed and seconded. Serving Officers and Councillors who inform the Secretary on or before the above date
of their desire to stand for re-election shall be deemed to be duly nominated. Elections of Officers and Members
of the Council shall take place in accordance with rule 5.4.
6.4.5 Where any provisions of this Rule require the Council to give effect to the requisition of Members of the Society,
such requisition must be in writing and be signed by at least 30 Members and shall state, concisely, the nature of the
business to be transacted.

84
 Allra Aagitat JOV"^S
President
LEN BALL
F•A•M•E
FOUNDED 1981
Headquarters: St. Mark's Church Hall, Guildford Road, Farnborough, Hampshire
HE Farnborough Association of Magical
Entertainers (or FAME as they are better
T known) came into being on 7th March, 1988.
Actually the history of the club goes back to 1981
when they were called The Three Counties Magic
Society. After seven years of being confused with
another local society bearing a similar name, a change
was decided upon. (The very apt acronym FAME was
suggested by long-standing member Terry Barry.)
The aim of FAME is to promote the art of magic
and entertainment by organising together interested
individuals in the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire
and Surrey. FAME is now a thriving club with the
membership list currently standing at 28. The mem-
bers span all ages and abilities from several junior
members (lower age limit is 14) to a number of very
active semi-professionals. Mention must also be made
of their professional members, Mac and Vivian
MacDonald. Despite a very busy schedule, Mac and
Viv (also known as Fingers and Thumbs) have spent
(FU-LING-YU)
ENTRY TO
THE CLUBROOM
Members are reminded that for security and
administrative purposes entry to the clubroom
should be made through the Carisbrooke entrance
to the Victory Services Club (entrance nearest
Edgware Road).
After the meeting members are asked to exit via
the main entrance (through the Buttery).
Membership cards must be available for inspection
at all times.
85
No. 46
Hon. Secretary
DAVID HAWKINS
much time and effort providing tuition to members,
help in arranging shows and events and generally pro-
viding support and encouragement. A great deal of
the Society's present success is due to Mac and Viv.
Through the effort and hard work of their mem-
bers, the Society has been able to present a number of
shows for local schools, as well as staging their own
"At Home" and the usual range of shows, lectures
and competitions. The future looks even more exci-
ting with FAME being heavily involved in a major arts
festival in the area this year and also branching out to
provide close-up shows for local groups and
organisations.
New members or visiting magicians are always wel-
come to their monthly meeting. They meet on the first
Monday in the month (except Bank Holidays) at St.
Mark's Church Hall, Guildford Road, Farnborough,
Hampshire. Further details can be obtained from
David Hawkins at 107 Butts Hill Road, Woodley,
Reading, Berkshire RG5 4NT (Tel.: 0734 698094).
SON OF TRIK-A-TAPE
Magic's own magic magazine
on video
THE TRIK-A-TAPE COMPANY
45/47 CLERKENWELL ROAD
LONDON EC1 M 5RS
 OB BROWN is one of those entertainers who when
B the breaks present themselves he grabs them with both
hands. There have been at least four lucky breaks in the life
of Bob Brown. The first and most important was when he
met and married Norma, a woman who encouraged Bob in
every way and supported him in everything he persued.
The next was in meeting "The Professor", Dai Vernon, in
1961. He taught Bob how to perform in the natural manner
which is Dai Vernon's philosophy. He took lessons from Dai
and raised himself to new heights in excellence of perfor-
ming skills. Bob looks back on this phase of his life with
considerable satisfaction.
Break number three was in 1967 from an entertainer who
Bob had grown up with in Sacramento, none other than
Charming Pollock! It was Charming who offered to advise
Bob on how to develop a new international act for theatre,
night-clubs and television. The valuable advice given by
Charming Pollock produced an end product which has
thrilled audiences in five continents over the last 20 years.
86
It was the combined effort on the part of Charming
Pollock and Bob Brown which launched the current dove
and card manipulation act presented by Bob and his viva-
cious partner, Brenda. Charming Pollock also devised a
second act for cruise ships and cabaret free from angle
trouble (completely surrounded). These acts were linked
together along with "Ultimate Levitation", again with his
friend Channing's efforts, to form the "Magic of Make
Believe Show".
Another important break was when Bob met his partner
"Brenda", who was a professional artiste in her own right, a
unicyclist and juggling expert, very much mechanically
minded, a natural as a magical partner in performing magic
and illusion in all types of venues.
Bob taught her magic in all it's aspects resulting in them
both performing as magicians rather than magician and his
assistant. She became so good at the job that she received
many bookings to appear solo with her own brand of enter-
tainment using her specialised skills. One of her top

presentations was the "California Magic of Ride Share
Program". Brenda was featured on 40,000 posters distri-
buted over the state of California on giant billboards. Bob's
tuition was paying off for Brenda and she became a valuable
asset to the "Bob Brown and Brenda" double act.
Bart Whaleys "Who's Who in Magic" lists Bob Brown as
America's most publicised globe trotting semi-pro stage
magician and T. A. Waters "Encyclopedia of Magic & Magi-
cians" states that Bob is noted for his businesslike approach
to obtaining bookings, which includes what may be the
largest press kit ever issued by an individual magician.
Bob Brown was born in Sacramento, California. His
magical life started with a Gilbert Mysto magic set at the age
of eleven, a second larger set, then an even larger set, then
on to reading Hoffman via the public library. Being from a
poor family he had no money to buy attractive magical props
but found tht there was an abundance of knowledge to be
obtained from the public library Later he saw "Francisco
the Magician" (Arthur Bull) at the local theatre which really
turned him on to magic. By now he was earning a little
money, and most of it went to the famous Thayer Magic
Company to pay for tricks and routines which he performed
during his college years.
During his military service (1942-1946) Bob specialised in
gambling techniques and close up magic, performing here,
there and everywhere whilst in the service. When his service
period ended he dropped magic and entered the world of
financial planning and gradually returned to the fold
87
through combined selling, promotions and magic. This reig-
nited the touch paper and his rise to the top in magic began
to take off, opening up bookings on an international basis.
Asking Bob if his life had been one long run of lucky
breaks without hiccups he said, "Certainly not — life is a
mixture of ups and downs and there was one very embar-
rasing time in Bombay where our "Ultimate Levitation"
presentation was given tremendous publicity There was one
poster on a billboard over half a city block long and 14 feet
high showing Brenda floating in the air. When we drove into
the town and saw the massive publicity se prayed that our
performance would live up to it, but our fears were
unfounded we played to packed houses who showed their
appreciation. Two nights before the end of the tour I injured
my shoulder and could not perform the "Ultimate Levit-
ation". When the theatre manager announced to the
audience that the "Ultimate Levitation" could not be
featured there was a riot, people were shouting that they had
come all the way from Calcutta, and that the cost of their
ticket was equivalent to three weeks' wages. I suggested that
the manager should give them their money back, but he
would not, so I went out front and explained to them what
had happened to my shoulder and they appeared to
appreciate my situation and they left the theatre grumbling
but without any violence. So Brenda and I lived to perform
another day."
In 1979, Claude Klingsor invited Bob and Brenda to
perform the "Ultimate Levitation" at ELS.M. This Gala
Show was presented out of doors. Claude also arranged for
them to perform at Brussels International Hilton that week.
This meeting with the General Manager of the Brussels
Hilton became the start of many, many appearances at Inter-
national Hilton Hotels in Europe, Africa and Asia. In
addition, it also became the springboard of meeting many
magicians and making friends all over Europe for the past 12
years.
Bob Brown, the semi-pro entertainer of international
fame, is completing his 43rd year as a professional salesman
and merchandiser. During this time he has sold over 500
million dollars worth of investments and life insurance. The
magic of Bob and Brenda (The Magic Of Make Believe
Show) has been presented at numerous international con-
ventions in North America, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland,
Spain, Germany, Italy, England, Denmark, Czechoslovakia
and the Hawaiian Islands. They have appeared three times
at ELS.M., have received the Diploma d'Honneur from
Federation Internationale Des Societes Magiques, the
Fachkongress Diploma from Magic Hands, the Publicity
and Promotion Award from Hocus Pocus Magazine and
Honorary Membership in the Indian Magicians Academy.
Bob is also proud to be a Member of the Magic Circle.
Bob and Brenda are truly Royal Command performers
having presented "The Magic of Make Believe" show for a
number of royal families, such as Prince Ranier and Princess
Grace of Monaco; Prince Troubetzkoy of Russia; Crown
Prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud of Saudi Arabia;
Tekle Tsadik Makura, Ethiopian Minister of State; and Ali
Alireza, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia. His audiences
have included leading business and professional people, and
prominent personalities such as President August Pinochet
Ugarte of Chile, Prince Albert of Belgium, Prime Minister
Felipe Gonzalez of Spain, Prince Albert of Belgium and
members of the Prime Minister's Cabinet of Egypt. These
experiences have added a dimension of glamour to his
performing activities.
PETER BLANCHARD, M.INST.PL , A.I.M.C.

HOW I DO
DIFFERENT ONES
RED BUTTRESS came out of "retirement" on
21st January to introduce, as a performer, our
F usual Monday night host, Neville Cooper.
Neville laid down ground rules, that the effects were
to be those he had neither performed before or seen
performed before at the Circle, tricks that though not
new were not very often performed, some high
technology, which presented some "hairy" problems
which were difficult to overcome. He designated the
two front rows of the audience as children, and the
rest as adults, saying that the show was designated to
have entertainment for both groups at the same time.
The first effect was a flash production of silk to
flowers, from which was produced a bowl of fish.
Another silk production from the "Demon" wonder
box and from that production was produced the
familiar latex scrawny chicken.
Then followed the "Chinese Emperor's Candle
Clock" an effect not previously seen by your reporter.
A lit candle stands in a box with three doors opening
in front to see the candle. The doors are closed and
two "swords" pushed in between the top and bottom
thirds of the box. On the doors being opened the
middle third of the candle has seen to have vanished.
The doors were closed again and re-opened and the
candle was restored.
Two quick effects followed, a torn and restored card
with corner missing, and a vanished ring re-appeared
tied to a ribbon from a production. Props for the
above were, Roterberg card box, firing wand, televi-
sion frame, borrowed hat (in which to light a fire!) and
dove pan.
Neville ended his act with two illusions. The first
was a levitation on chair backs, during which he took
away the board on which the assistant was lying, then
the sheet. This looked dangerous to me, as the assis-
tant was a little heavy for the apparatus. The final
effect was the sawing through of the assistant with
electric saw.
FERGUS ANCKORN, M.I.M.C.
88
TRICKS FROM
MAGAZINES
N the 18th February the "Monday Nighters"
gathered for the 24th Annual "Tricks from
O Magazines" to be presented by the ever
popular Alfred Gabriel. Whilst Alfred had completed
the arrangements for the event, unfortunately he was
unable to attend due to illness and Henry Lewis ably
stepped into his shoes to introduce the various acts.
First act on was Neville Cooper, our Monday night
host, who showed us some novel mental magic
involving the prediction of numbers and colours.
Next Peter Lane, our Honorary Librarian, pre-
sented a very good book test with a dictionary,
followed by a card prediction.
More mental magic followed with Brian Moore
revealing a card which had previously been mentally
selected.
Next on was Clive Hyams who managed to discover
a selected card with much fun.
The President of the Zodiac Magical Society,
Freddie Firth, showed us two tricks. The first was a
clever item with a length of string, a nut and a safety
pin. The other effect was a gambling routine with a
spectator's 5p being gambled against Freddie's wallet
complete with it's contents. Needless to say, Freddie
won! Freddie has been included in every one of the 24
annual "Tricks for Magazines" organised by Alfred
Gabriel and one can well see why.
Our presenter for the evening, Henry Lewis was
next and showed a most unusual trick. Five spectators
each chose a card which was sealed in an envelope and
stuck to a large pin board. A prediction which had
been on view throughout the show was then shown to
correctly predict one of the chosen cards. A spectator
then threw a dart at the pin-up board, spiking one of
the envelopes. When this was opened it contained the
same chosen card. Henry informed us that the trick
had been manufactured from rubbish he had taken
from a rubbish skip the previous week! Well done
Henry.
Next in line was our very own Pat Page who
immediately had the audience laughing by vanishing a
red hankerchief into what turned out to be a red
thumb tip! Pat continued by showing his version of
Cards Across with a very cheeky steal. As always,
everyone enjoyed not only Pat's magic but also his
excellent presentation.
Last, but not least, was Alan Shaxon, President of
the British Ring of the I.B.M., who stepped in at the
very last moment. He showed us two tricks. The first
was a "Bunco Booth" type effect with cards which
apparently gave an assistant a 51 to 1 chance of win-
ning a bottle of champagne — naturally he lost! The
second was Alan's excellent presentation of the torn
and restored newspaper. As always Alan's profes-
sional approach showed through and his contribution
was very well received by the Monday Nighters.
Finally, Henry Lewis in thanking the artists prom-
ised to tell Alfred Gabriel how well the evening had
gone and he also promised to pass on the good wishes
of everyone present for a speedy recovery. I for one
missed several things about the evening. Firstly, I
missed Alfred Gabriel's jokes. Secondly I missed his
immaculately dressed figure complete with button-
hole. And thirdly, I missed the music of Dennis Bussey
who for a number of years has contributed so well to
these evenings organised by Alfred Gabriel. Let's
hope that both Alfred and Dennis soon return to full
health.
KEITH SPELLER
FLEA MARKET
HE downstairs hall was a hive of activity on
25th February, with 16 tables occupied by
T dealers and would-be dealers in magical
memorabilia and not so memorable goods.
The Magic Circle stall with mugs, medals, key
rings, etc, under the care of Hairy-Harry's better-
half, was doing steady trade and next to it Nicky Ward
was demming the Supreme Light-Heavy Glass. Ilona
Scarlett was showing Peter how his tricks should really
be presented, and Hank Moorhouse was dealing in
Mental Epic (pocket size) and $2 bills.
Alan Shaxon had a good variety of books, child-
ren's and other tricks, and a fine coin bucket that
attracted interest — but did it find a buyer? Pat Page
uses such things, but he seemed more concerned to
sell his assortment of books and magazines, and
likewise Dennis Patten with the latest vent book with
doll, and mixed goods. Paul Spencer was showing the
attractions of "Run Rabbit Run" and Alan Astra was
showing how attractive his special embossing of
playing cards, etc, could be.
Ali Bongo had a few insects and other forms of
"still life" from his T.V. work, and Bob Little was
ready to swat spiders, sell coins for palming and to
adorn us with his tie clips. John Palfreyman is always
good for some spectacular apparatus, this time I saw
a head chopper and a rising block apparatus, while
Jack Delvin had on sale some videos of Jack Delvin.
Terry Herbert had also been video'd and had a
(magnetic) tray vanish of a cube.
Brian Miller had books and glove puppets (did I see
more videos?) and back by the door was Robin Maddy
ready to frame anybody who had a picture worthy of
such attention.
Ali Bongo organised the event. Thank you, Ali, for
a very worthwhile evening.
STEPHEN BLOOD
89
EXAM I NATIONS
CLOSE-UP
ES NOTTLE, our Examinations Secretary, has
the "Freedom of the City" four times yearly to
L introduce his candidates for promotion. He
announces them with the barest formality, except to
tell us that they have come "all the way" from
Islington, Ilchester, Iona or wherever. So having
warned us of the noises that would be generated by the
timekeeper's (Arnold Isaacs) devices, he announced
the first candidate.
Patrick Conway did follow his namesake in cutting
and restoring a rope, manipulated a coin, discovered
a chosen card and did a poor man's miser's dream,
using a borrowed wine glass. A pity he had set aside
his microphone, for even if it is "close-up", those in
the rear rows would like to hear the patter.
Bhara Patel linked and unlinked elastic bands bet-
ween his fingers and thumbs, then involved a finger
ring in the same process. A Rainbow Deck produced
an effective double coincidence, and then a card was
found by spelling, torn in pieces and finally restored.
Coins assembled under Joseph Sipos' hands and
likewise four small drums representing the four
seasons. Under a spread cloth he threaded a ring on a
string while helpers held the ends securely, and finally
a pack was cut, dealt and re-dealt, but when
assembled, the cards were segregated into reds and
blacks.
Nazim caused copper and silver coins to move from
pocket back to his hand several times, burnt the
centre of a silk handkerchief and restored it, torn
cards linked mysteriously, a chosen card was ejected
from the pack by a rubber band, and finally unequal
ropes were equalised in his bare hands.
Kevin Stebbing found a chosen card by the very sen-
sitivity of his fingertips and then another by the pulse
response of his assistant. Of four very strong poker
hands which he then dealt it was found that the per-
former held the winning royal flush, and finally he was
able to guess by weight how many cards were above
the knife which his helper drove into the pack.
Last, but by no means least came Jon Allen -
seeking his A.I.M.C. His experience was obvious. A
flash production of a pack of cards, two were chosen
and signed by his helpers. They were not in fact dis-
covered, but three cards linked inexplicably after their
centres had been torn out. It was no suprise that a coin
could pass through the hole in one card, but then it
turned into an outsize key, and the card was restored.
Finally the chosen cards were discovered in a clip in
the performer's jacket.
We leave assessment and further comment to the
examiners, but there was quite a lot of enjoyable magic
on the evening of 11th March.
STEPHEN BLOOD

THE COUNCIL
ENTERTAINS
T is not often that we see our Council at play. We
are aware of their hard work coping with Wim-
I min's Lib and looking for new premises and it
was delight to see them letting their hair down in the
Clubroom on 25th March. Their show ran two hours
with twenty acts but the evening simply bounced along
spiced with variety, comedy and exemplary skill. Our
compere was David Berglas who managed to make
twenty-one appearances without performing any
magic — apart from the magic of making a two-hour
show seem to flash by in half the time.
Nic Picot opened by inviting a lady from America
up to help him. He took a large sponge ball from a
skeleton purse and gave us a lively routine which he
described as his "clean version". He ended by giving
the lady back her wrist watch which he had purloined
while she assisted him! Les Nottle followed with a
Kiddies' act including cut-and-restored rope and rings
and funny scissors. Next we saw Harry Reeve — one of
the team engaged in setting up a Junior Magic Circle.
He performed a "Time Zone" trick with a magic
watch which reset itself to a time selected by the audi-
ence. Jack Mayes performed the Gypsy Thread and
this was followed by The Chinese Compass
demonstrated by Michael Candy who pretended to be
lost in London. During his act, he asked imaginary
passers-by for help and this gave him an opportunity
to demonstrate his command of regional accents of
the British Isles!
ALL
ADVERTISING
MATTER
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29 Fourth Avenue
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0476 60657
Rates for Full, Half and Quarter page
advertisements, etc. on application.
All advertisement copy should be received
not later than the 1st of the month for
publication in the following month's issue.
90
I imagine that most of us knew that Alan Maskell
had a leaning towards our psittacine friends but few of
us had seen him dressed for the part. It was a delight,
therefore to see him in his uniform performing a
sucker prediction routine with three wellies whereby
volunteers from the audience failed to win a fiver but
were consoled with free tickets for the London and
Whipsnade zoos. Next came the most off-beat act of
the evening. Now who, in the Council, would say was
most likely to go off-beat? None other than the Chair-
man himself! Derek Speight's act was reminiscent of
Heath Robinson. He demonstrated an elaborate con-
traption that not only cracked and scrambled an egg
but made a piece of toast, plonked the egg on the toast
and printed on the back of the toast the name of a card
"freely" selected by one of the bewildered audience.
There followed a charming act in which Don
Robertson introduced us to his white rabbit who sat in
a top hat watching while Don had a card chosen from
a pack. When the fanned pack was offered to the rab-
bit, he removed the chosen card. We next had a
demonstration of how to perform the coin-in-bottle
by Al Woodrow who appeared unaware that there
were lay guests in the audience. He outlined the stan-
dard routine adding a touch of his own whereby the
folded coin made a loud click while being secreted in
the neck of the bottle! Peter Scarlett then gave a rous-
ing card routine wherein a chosen card was discovered
reversed in the pack which had been placed in a card
box.
More cards followed when Alan Shaxon bewildered
us with a routine full of sucker moves, ace-cutting and
ending with a Flash Card change with a difference. He
ended up with four separate aces. It would need much
more space to do justice to this (and other) acts.
Suffice it to say that there was never a dull moment.
Jack Delvin kept up the pace with a coins-to-bucket
routine where members of the audience marked coins
and held them aloft wrapped in handkerchiefs. With a
wave of the hand Jack caused the coins to fly through
the air and drop into a bucket held on the head of an
assistant on the stage. Our compere David Berglas
then asked us to pay extra close attention to the next
act that would be so short that we might miss it. John
Holland gave us a twenty-eight second rope trick
wherein a knot slid up the rope and changed colour
into the bargain. Anthony Brahams then caused four
jacks and four spot cards to change places and Jim
Jones gave his own version of the Chinese Pom-poms
with an extra tassle.
By now the acts were coming thick and fast and at
this point a small miracle happened to me. Three out
of my four ball-points ran dry at the same time. I
looked up to see John Gordon pass a rope through his
body and then run through a gamut of tricks with
ropes and rings that would, in other circumstances,
have stopped the show. But there was to be no stop-
ping with David Berglas in charge. He next intro-
duced us to Rupert Connell, the "shyest" member of
the Council who bravely showed us a trick in which he
cut up a newspaper while telling of a Christian soul
anxious to get into Heaven. Since he didn't have a tic-
ket, he was hoping to try and make one out of his torn
paper. He unfolded the first piece and it spelt HELL.
The next piece had the form of a swastika but merci-
fully the last piece had the form of the Cross. We were
then introduced to an expert on gambling — none
other than our very own Harry Devano looking fully
recovered from recent illness. His demonstration was
not so much a trick as a mathematical paradox. He
showed a black bag and three discs with the sides
marked red:red; red:black and black:black. An assis-
tant was asked to withdraw a disc and Harry would bet
on the marking of the third disc. As he explained, the
prediction wouldn't work every time but over an
extended period the demonstrator would always win.
Henry Lewis then performed a bewildering trick in
which an assistant was given a set of special cards to
lay out on a frame without knowing what was written
on them. He was then given three objects to place on
the frame. On turning over the cards, they were found
to match the objects placed beside them. Since I was
the assistant I can vouch for the fact that this was
genuine magic. Now came the finale and since it came
from Ali Bongo, we were treated to the kind of mix-
ture of zaniness and fun that we have come to expect
from him. He invited an assistant up from the audi-
ence and handed him a bunch of balloons of various
shapes and colours. He then gave the assistant a pin
and placed a large paper bag over his head. He put a
paper bag over his own head and stood to the side of
the stage with his back to the audience. The assistant
was then invited to burst the balloons one at a time
and each time El Bongo was able to tell which one had
been burst.
This was an excellent finale to a splendid evening.
But we weren't quite finished. Our President
announced that the British Magical Society had
awarded the David Berglas Award to Ali Bongo and
amid warm applause handed him the trophy — a large
gilt cup big enough to hold three or four rabbits and
engraved with previous winners — Peter Warlock, Paul
Daniels and John Fisher.
LEONARD CHASE

THE NEW MAGIC CIRCLE SHOW CASE

JEWELS for wear at functions. etc . ......................................................................................... 7.00
BUTTON BADGES for appropriate degree ...................................................,........................... 3.50(New)
MAGICCIRCLE CUFF LINKS, new design ...................................._....................................... 9.00(Newj
MAGICCIRCLE TIES, maroon or navy blue ........................................................................... 5.00
MAGIC CIRCLE CAR BADGES .......................................................... . ........... . . . . . ................ 5.00
MAGICCIRCLE STICK PINS. new design .............................................................................. 4.00 (New)
LEATHERBOOK MARKS. new design ................................................................................... 1.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE BANNERS in red silk ................................................................................... 4.50
COASTERS, box of six in red. blue, black ................................................................................ 5.00(New)
CHINA MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .................................................................................. 4.00 (New)
POTTERY MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .............................................................................. 2.00 (New)
SILVER-PLATED TEASPOON, motif in red ............................................................................. 2.00 (New)
BOOKMATCHES, 10 boxes .................................................................................................. 3.50 (New)
BALL-POINT PENS ............................................................................................................. 0.50 (New)
KEYRINGS ....................................................................................................................... 1.50
12" BALLOONS with The Circle badge on, 10 of mixed colours .................................................. 1.50

Obtainable in the Club Room from Jack Mayes Postal enquiries to:-
JACK MAYES, 153 DERBY WAY, STEVENAGE, HERTS SG1 STN
Tel.: 0438 352433
Cheques to be made payable to The Magic Circle
Please add £1.00 for badges and jewels, cuff links and other small items. Mugs, please add £1.50.
Some of the above items are ideal for presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc.,
i.e., book marks, mugs, coasters, pens, matches, key rings and silver-plated spoons

91

ADDITIONS
TO the
PRESs
CUTTINGS
COLLE CTion
BY BRYN HUGHES
N September 1990, I delivered four albums of
Magic Circle press cuttings for the Reference
I Library. As it may be some time before the mem-
bership has easy access to the library, here is an
account, for the record, of what is in each album.
1. (Contributors to this album: Doctor Bondini,
Russell Butler, Tom Ellis, Foo Man Soo, John
Greenwood, Dick Grigsby, Paul Kieve & Lawrence
Leyton, John Rhodes, Wally Scott)
Featured: Paul Daniels/Debbie McGee (1988),
Michael Davis, Marc the Magician, Mr. Alexander,
Ken Webster, Mel Harvey & the Care Bears, Paul
Warren, Carl Nicholas & Patrick Carroll (1989).
Much of the album is taken up by The Stage's
annual review of 1989 holiday shows in the U.K.,
featuring a formidable array of magicians, from the
Great Ash-Lea & Helen to the Amazing Ashley &
Sarah, taking in such seaside regulars as Russ Stevens
and Craig Christian at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and
Geraldini at Wellington Pier, Yarmouth, and including
substantial features on Ray Alan and Johnny Hart;
the whole survey chooses as frontispiece Damian
Lloyd and his "Frontierland" illusion show, rendered
more photogenic by four basqued assistants. The 1989
British Ring Convention receives many write-ups in
the regional newspapers serving Scarborough, with
particular attention given to Nick Janson's opening
outdoor escape. A 1989 issue of Detroit News pro-
vides a friendly profile of the members, young and
old, of the Tel-Twelve Mystics. A feature inTVTimes
indicates the connections between great bygone
magicians and those featured in the "Best of Magic"
series.
92
Also in this album:
1986 James Sandys-Renton organises a 12-hour
charity "Enterthon" at Harrogate, with he himself
performing illusions in his Foo Man Soo incarnation.
1987 The Zodiac Brothers compete in I.T. V's "New
Faces" and work on the Canberra (where the editor of
the liner's newspaper thinks that a suitable "Thought
For The Day" is a stanza from "The Bay Of Biscay").
1989 John Greenwood describes his home street for
the Herts & Essex Observer, contriving to work in a
healthy plug for his magic! The "Fool Time" circus
school manages to raise sufficient funds to carry on.
Doctor Bondini vanishes one of his lady assistants for
the local paper. The Mail On Sunday atmospherically
evokes the fearsome ambience of a country club
where Kimberly Dawn in combining conjuring with
costume-shedding ("Someone wanders into a mirror
and is lifted off the floor by his partner") and Rovi
goes native to do magic at the National Eisteddfod of
Wales.
2. (Contributors to this album: Clare Bassam, Tom
Ellis, Bryan Evans, Henry Lewis, George
Norrington, Bruce Postgate, John Rhodes, G. B.
Scrivener, Eric Sharp, Malcolm Yaffe)
Featured: Bruce Postgate (1980), The Great Hardy
(1986), Bruce Armstrong (1988), Tarot, Cyril
Critchlow, Deveen, David Haggarty, Ronald
MacDonald, Bobo the Clown, Clifford Davis, Colin
Ceekay (1989).
Tony Christian & Dawn, Tensai, Phill Hayes, Ray
Sparks, Jonathan Neal & Jackie, Melton Mowbray,
Ricky Morrell & Joanna, The Great Ash-lee & Wilma
and Marc & Jayne all perform in show-cases during
1989; the rest of the album dates from that year.
Lance Burton and Wayne Dobson appear in the
Royal Variety Performance, and Paul Daniels stages a
full show at the Savoy Theatre before it burns down
the following February. Television magic receives
much attention: Wayne Dobson prepares for his own
T.V. series by levitating assistant Linda Lusardi and
injuring himself; the London Evening Standard
previews a David Copperfield special by describing
one of his illusions as a camera trick; Geoffrey
Durham is repeatedly written up as he gives up his
"Great Soprendo" persona and hosts "The Best Of
Magic" on I.T.V; a Christmas television tribute to
Tommy Cooper prompts many newspapers to print
concomitant commemorations.
The efforts of Romark and Richard Payne in
hypnotizing footballers towards a winning attitude are
recalled. Uri Geller claims to have a hand in the mys-
terious stopping of Big Ben. Four pupils from Elles-
mere College give a charity magic show to raise money
for a disability treatment. Richard Viner, sometime
illusionist/escapologist, tells of the performing life of
"Circus Variety" in North Wales. The children's enter-
tainment methods of Malcolm Yaffe, Phil Hopkins,
Eric Stringwell and Prince Edward are described.
 The alleged excesses of "The Nightmare Horror
Show" arouse a barrage of condemnation that was
probably pretty good publicity. Jason's night-club
show runs into problems when a lady who volunteers
to vanish in a coffin is bitten by his performing snake.
On the death of Harry Corbett, Sooty remains in
the hands of his son, Matthew. The marriage is
reported of Wendy Raffles-Taylor, daughter of one
magician and sister of another. Marc & Jayne con-
template how Jayne's disappearance into wedlock will
affect the sibling team's conjuring career and cele-
brate the lady's engagement by tying her up in a sack.
Both "trade" and "general" papers cover The
Magic Circle's affairs as it conducts its first contested
Presidential election and a membership ballot fails to
introduce female membership. This femininity ques-
tion also arises as Danielle wins prizes at the I.B.M.
convention, Maria Garwell is invited to be the first
lady member of the North Wales Magic Circle and
David Berglas speaks in favour of a wider member-
ship at The Magic Circle Awards Banquet. Newspaper
cartoonists, columnists and photographers all repre-
sent a woman's place in a magic act as being inside a
sawn-in-half cabinet, just as several papers preview
and review "The Best Of Magic" using more or less
the same few phrases.
3. (Contributors to this album: Gordon J.
Branchflower, Tom Ellis, Bryan Evans, Dougie
Gibbard, John M. Jarvis, Nick Janson, Henry Lewis,
Reg Martin, Geoff Newton, George Norrington,
John Rhodes, G. B. Scrivener, Christopher Thomas)
Featured: Jack Steel, Dougie Gibbard, Alan Jones,
Myster Yaffe, John McGregor, Rob Bromley, Wayne
Dobson, Trevor Wayland, Zodiac Brothers, John
Jarvis, Martin Daniels, Nathan De Brett, Ali Shazan,
Geoff Newton, Doug Gregg, Bruce & Morinne
Vickers, Gerry Sadowitz, Robert Palmer, Mr. Magic,
Mr. Duck, Just Adger, Steve Wyatt (1989), Ali
Shazan, Kelvin & Sonny Boy, Shahid Malik, Burden
& Moran, Ward Allen (1990), Kay Kristal (no vintage
specified).
Show-cases during 1989-90 feature many magic
specialities: David Merlin, Tricky Business, Chris
Taylor, Jimbo, Paul Ingram, Garry & Holly Ryan,
Gary Dudley, Paul Jeffreys, Ian Keeble, Michele &
Paul Shaw, Michele & the Highlights, Jimmy Carlo &
Crystal, Tracie Hughes, Keith Fields, Paul Zenon,
Terry Herbert, Colinski, Chris Bylett & Desmond,
Martiny's Magic, Taffy Spencer, Mystique; while Paul
Zenon, Johnny Lowe, Mike McLean and Michael J.
Howard compete in television and stage contests.
Pantomimes and seasonal shows over the 1989-90
season feature Des King, Keith Harris, Sooty, Jimmy
Tamley, Dawson Chance, Paul Delaney, Glenn Kinsey,
David Verrey and Neil James; magician/clown James
Duncan speaks out, through the Stage letters column,
against the practice of casting celebrities rather than
93
skilled entertainers in pantomime; other letters in the
same publication complain about the dearth of true
"variety", and call for children's entertainers to be
properly appreciated; by 1990, at least one job is open
to a skilled all-rounder when the Liverpool Everyman
Theatre seeks a fire-eater for an eighteenth-century
play.
Nineteen eighty-nine is unlucky for Arthur Oates,
done for "drink-driving" from the effects of his fire-
eater's fluid; unlucky for Richard De Vere whose
properties go up when Sandown Pier burns down;
Paul Daniels not only has his car catch fire but a prob-
ing profile in the Sunday Express magazine begins
"Who actually likes Paul Daniels?". (Though he's
unscathed in Radio Times' "My Kind Of Day" fea-
ture, which he writes himself, someone does manage
to misprint his secretary's name.) During 1989-90,
hypnotists make public their tightening of standards
and press Equity to lobby for a review of licensing law.
The union isn't quite so helpful to John Milner's wife
and assistant, Kim, over the same period: her mem-
bership application is left up in the air (as is the lady
herself, levitating for a newspaper photo) and her
eventual acceptance is not taken to be a precedent for
magic assistants trying to get Equity cards. Other
entertainers diverge into magic meanwhile: David
Bowie, Mel Gibson, Roger Moore and Postman Pat.
Also in this album:
1981 Trevor Revell is killed attempting an escape
when the nylon rope from which he hangs burns
through too quickly.
1989 A year for clowns, including their 44th annual
service in Dalston; American gospel clowns visit Col-
wyn, and Bingo & Smokey help to start a non-denomi-
national charity balloon race in Bognor. A year also
for teachers: Mystery Hyny (headmaster Jim
Bleakley) hosts a charity show in Blackpool Tower
Circus and Richard Wheeler gives up his deputy prin-
cipalship of North Devon College for full time magic
and Punch & Judy.
The Kent Magicians' Guild is written up in Tun-
bridge Wells Adscene and two members guillotine the
reporter. Stacey Lee and David Berglas discuss Magic
Circle membership in the aftermath of the female
eligibility referendum. Helix produce a "Magic Pencil
Box" and fortune tellers abandon a tour of Ireland
owing to unforeseen circumstances. Willane The
Wizard finds himself the subject of a do-it-yourself
"This Is Your Life" at a surprise party; the subject of
Duggie Chapman's "Tribute To Liberace" is
unavoidably absent but Mystina participates.
In its series "The Experts' Expert", The Observer
Magazine asks magicians to choose compatriots for
particular praise: Alan Alan, David Berglas, Pat
Page, Paul Daniels, Michael Louis, Fay Presto, Peter
Petroff, Janet Clare, Simon Drake, Kurt Jull, Ali
Bongo and Richard McDougall nominate David
Copperfield, Michael Louis, Dai Vernon, Jay Marshall,
Paul Daniels, Siegfried & Roy, Johnny Paul, Martin
Daniels, Larry Jennings, Alan Alan, David Nixon,
Topper Martyn, Lynn Thomas, Mike O'Brien,
Tommy Wonder, Channing Pollock, Ricky Jay, Fay
Presto, Simon Drake and Juan Tamariz.
1990 Houdini is used to advertise a building society,
the Supreme Magic Company finds new premises in
Bideford and Martin Duffy applies hypnosis to curing
driving test nerves and investigating Close Encoun-
ters of the Third Kind. The role of performing
animals is carefully considered, particularly in cir-
cuses (who receive a favourable R.S.P.C.A. report);
however, following objections and obstructions put
before a magician using doves, a spokesman for
B.B.C. TV's "Opportunity Knocks" says that animal
acts shouldn't approach the talent show.
4. (Contributors to this album: Doctor Bondini,
Harry Carson, Terry Coates, Tom Ellis, Eric
Franklin, Alf Gabriel, Reverend Gareth Jones,
Bernard Juby, S. R. McCann, George Norrington,
John Rhodes, Eric Sharp, Jack Stephens)
Featured (all in 1990): Reverend Roger
Crosthwaite, Keith Fields, John Lenahan, Paul
Zenon, The Girls And The Grcat Xar, Kelvin &
Sonny Boy, Jon Dolly, The Care Bears, Clown Jacky,
Harry Carson & Dave Royal, Paul Daniels, Harold
Taylor, Ward Allen, Bimbo/Val Andrews, Terry
Machin, Brian Chamberlin, Jonathan Chase, Derek
Childs, Jim Bleakley, Eric Notman, Nathan De Brett,
Melvin Le Hair, Poz, Howard De Courcy, Yendor the
Magician, Uri Geller, Richard St. John, Michael J.
Howard, Trevor King, Sooty, Chris Goring, Mel
Harvey, Royston, Kovari, Kovari Junior, Wizbit, the
Zippo Troupe, David Alexander, Robert Harbin.
Apart from Robert John's 1989 Welsh language
television series receiving the scrutiny of his fellow
professionals in The British Dental Association News,
all the news is from 1990. While clowns convened at
the Sixth International Clown Convention at Bognor
Regis and the Feast Of Fools at the Barbican, the
"Fool Time" circus school was appealing for help to
carry on. Revd. Gareth Jones was publicized with pic-
tures in Perth doing the Dagger Chest for charity. The
Nightmare Rocky Horror Show, facing a ban in Pres-
ton, appeals to Equity for support. Doctor Bondini
describes the making of magic apparatus in "Popular
Crafts". Police responding to a "street disturbance"
in South Bend, Indiana, find Muhammad Ali
performing magic in the street.
Press coverage of the 1990 Blackpool Magic Club
Convention pays attention to the celebratory presen-
tation to Mark Raffles of his own life-size portrait and
the struggle to find Russian interpreters for gala show
stars Raisa & Baltabek Zhumagulow. Paul Daniels,
Dawson Chance, Donimo and Ronn Lucas appear in
the Children's Royal Variety Performance and Ray
Alan appears for the first time alongside another vent
so that Lord Charles can converse with Scorch the
Dragon on Ronn Lucas's T.V. show.
The Annual Festival of Magic in Covent Garden
coincides with The Magic Circle's appeal to send
magic apparatus to deprived Romanian performers
and various reports examine the political and magical
credentials of Greville Janner, John MacGregor and
Edwina Currie. Wayne Dobson attracts much glossy
press attention for his "A Kind Of Magic" series.
Newspapers aren't quite as sure what to make of
Simon Drake and "The Secret Cabinet" on Channel
4: many declare that the participating performers
"aren't very Paul Daniels", yet quite a few of those
acts had previously appeared on guess whose show.
While people wonder what to make of Drake & Co.
with their burnings and blood, tour operators
Thompson set out to provide non-offensive entertain-
ment on their holidays. An article in The Listener
considers in some depth the phenomenon of "New
Magic" and the relationship of conjuring to television.
Interestingly, the photographs accompanying the
article depict Jeremy Beadle, Anthea Turner, Simon
Mayo and Geoffrey Durham, i.e., what with the
rather ambiguous status of the first-named, only one
of the performers used to illustrate a report about
magic is an out-and-out magician!

BRUCE POSGATE: A MEMORY

HE 1988 I.B.M. Convention in Brighton was Bruce Posgate's last trip to England. I accompanied him up to
London after the convention by taxi-cab; he wasn't feeling up to train travel on that Sunday. When we were
T settled in Dolphin Square, he began to feel better and asked if I'd like to visit the site of the recently-vacated
Magic Circle headquarters in Chenies Mews.
Bruce was in a nostalgic mood. He had always been interested in magic collecting, although he described
himself as merely a "hoarder". A touching facet of this was borne out on our excursion. He lead me down the
cobbled laneway to the low, whitewashed building of the former headquarters. A huge pile of green plastic garbage
bags stood outside the door.
Bruce stooped down and plucked a slip of paper out of one of them. His face brightened. He smiled,
reading. It was a receipt for payment of dues made out to Colin Donnister in the 1940's. "When Colin was Circle
Reporter, I was his deputy," said Bruce with a twinkle in his eye. He folded up the receipt and placed it in his wallet.
DAVID DRAKE

94
 TOMMY MARTIN

HOMAS BRADLEY MARTIN, one of the great magicians of the 1930's and 1940's, passed away in
T Houston, Texas,11th February,1991, of complications from Alzheimer's Disease.
lbmmy was born in Nashville, lbnnessee on 20th April, 1910. Before he became a magician, he worked
as a newspaper reporter, first in Nashville, then in Knoxville, and later, in New Orleans. His early work in
magic started with a brief apprenticeship to Clifford Jones, also known as "The Great Lesta". During his
work with Lesta, he put together a short manipulative act that was later to become the performance for which
he became noted. He persuaded Lesta to allow him to perform this short turn as an interlude in Lesta's
evening show. After leaving the Lesta show, Tbmmy studied with Max Malini, and learned much of his skill at
timing and misdiretion from this great master.
During the 1930's, Tommy toured with some of the best. He was featured on the Paramount-Publix cir-
cuit, the Warner circuit, and with one of the Franchon and Marco units. He played the best rooms and theatres
in Chicago.
He toured Europe as "Bradley Martin". He opened at the London Palladium on 6th July, 1936, and was
held over for an extra week. He played the leading venues in France, Germany, England and Monte Carlo.
During his European tour, he married prima ballerina Rosemary Deering, with whom he had toured while a
member of the Dave Apollon International Unit.
lbmmy and Rosemary moved to Houston in 1953, where he worked as a booking agent until 1962, at
which time he became a real estate appraiser. He continued to perform occasionally as a public speaker and
magician, until just a few years ago.
Tommy was very supportive of magical activities in the Houston area. He was a real gentleman and a fine
person. We will sorely miss him.
He is survived by his widow, Rosemary.
BILL PALMER

®bituarp
REG GANTERT

EG GANTERT, a big bluff cabbie with a huge fund of rude jokes, and a love of magic, died on 2nd March,
R 1991. Without being a loner, he had no particular cronies, he was friendly with everybody. I didn't know
him very well, we only met on Monday nights and the odd Magic Circle Function, but he always impressed
with his affability and his availability to assist at club nights and "At Homes".
He didn't perform very often, but a measure of his popularity is the fact that on Monday night before he
died, three people were heard to make comments such as "I haven't seen Big Reg for a while"; personally I'll
miss his jokes.
Aged 57 he leaves a widow Elsie and two sons.
The Magic Circle was represented at his funeral on Monday, 11th March by our President D. Berglas,
R. Stupple, L. Nottle, T. Guyatt, J. Wade, A. Snowden and E Munson.
E MUNSON, M.M.C.

95
 TOMMY TUCKER

,:'

LLSWORTH H. TUCKER, aged 79, who was always known as Tommy passed away 5th February, 1991,
E in Newburyport, Massachusetts, after a long illness.
Tommy's long, continuous life in showbusiness was started at an early age. Before his teenage years, he
was performing a manipulative act under the name, "The Boy Wonder".
He started showbusiness in New England summer stock and was sixteen when he invented "The Six Card
Repeat", one of the most popular card effects extant.
He performed in night clubs, hotels and theatres, and spent the W. W II years in U.S.O. camp shows,
most of it overseas.
lbmmy devoted every spare moment to creating and writing a two-person mind reading act, reviewing
every system ever published, and eventually developed, along with his wife, Liz, new concepts in its applica-
tion. With this act that they delivered with much speed, accuracy and comedy, they became the busiest act in
Boston. They eventually moved to New York, becoming the busiest act there also, once playing 29 dates in five
days. From N.Y., they began to play nationwide, once flying on 97 planes in one month and five in one day to
make dates on a dinner club circuit. All this happened before Tommy and Liz started playing industrial
theatre and trade shows in which they were pioneers. They have produced more varied presentations than any
other production company in the U.S.A. under their company's name, E.S.P. Inc., with offices on the East
Coast and in Studio City, California. Their staff included script writers, set and custom designers, a special
effects department and a stock company of experienced professional actors, performers, and science oriented
narrators. E.S.P. Inc.'s varied productions have been featured in more than 400 trade shows and expositions
for the largest corporations in the world. His career spans more than six decades, and covers 28 countries.
Tommy performed tens of thousands of live performances during his professional life and appeared at
The White House, on B.B.0-T.V. and U.S. network television and still booked and managed performers for
trade shows up until the end. He invented many effects, and wrote routines for the Charles Eastman Magic
manuscripts along with books and many articles in magazines. Many of his routines found their way into the
Hugard Books and "Greater Magic" without credit to his origination. His contributions to the two person
E.S.P. act described in his "E.S.P. 2000 Course" will go down in history. He was elected into the Magic Hall of
Fame and was an Honorary Life Member of the Academy of Magical Arts in which he held a Performing
Fellowship Award. In 1987 he was the recipient of the Mentalist of the Year Award, voted by the Psychic
Entertainers Association.
Tommy was the ultimate entertainer, which was emphasised in his comedy presentations. But which is
perhaps even more important, with his leaving it, the world has lost .a warm and loving man. He was a
beautiful human being, always there to help out in one'e needs. He will be greatly missed.
Tommy was the beloved husband of Liz, and father of Joyce Silberling. Also survived by his grandson
Bradley, his granddaughter Tracey Zucker, and his sister Louise Hardy.
JOHN GRAFFEO

96
 P
11
TOMMY TUCKER
OMMY TUCKER has died after a long illness, aged 79. Tommy enjoyed 60 years in show business, travelling the
T world and playing the best supper clubs and hotels in 21 countries. With his wife and stage partner, Liz,
Tommy came to London in 1974 to appear in The Magic Circle Show and they were outstanding with their special
blend of fast and very funny mindreading. Apart from being totally baffling, their ebullient personalities and the
pace of the comedy made them a commercial success wherever they went.
In 1975, Tommy and Liz went into the trade show business, forming a company called ESP Inc., devising and
producing shows for industry at exhibitions and conventions.
He was the author of a number of books on sleight of hand and the inventor of some excellent card tricks. He
became a supplier of electronic equipment for magicians. He holds an honoured place in the Hall of Fame.
I first met him in London when we were on that same bill at the Collegiate Theatre and we became friends.
He was a most kind and helpful man. Later, when I was lecturing in the States and I bought a small amplifier sound
system from him, he went to enormous trouble to make sure it was delivered to my hotel before I left, even though it
involved him in an extra cost out of all proportion to the price.
He was that kind of thoughtful man and we corresponded over the years, mainly about trade show magic
which had proved a successful "second career" for him. He often talked of a return visit to England but he never
made it.
Now he is gone and I shall miss his cheery smile and his wise words but remember his great talent as one of
the great mindreading acts of all time.
1b his wife, Liz, and his daughter, Joyce, we send our love and sympathy.
MICHAEL BAILEY

®bttuarp
GEORGE H. EDWARDS
EORGE EDWARDS died at his home in San Diego, California, U.S.A. on 21st February, 1991. George
G was born in Liverpool and served in the Highland Light Infantry during World War Two.
He was Chief Catering Officer aboard the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and emigrated to America
in 1963 where he managed local yacht and country clubs before retiring in 1986.
George was a 33rd degree Mason and a member of I.B.M. He was very proud of his association with The
Magic Circle which was reflected in the high standard of his performances.
He helped me with advice and with arrangements of Magic Circle Degree Examinations in the U.S.A.
when I was Examinations Secretary.
He leaves a widow, Olive, a son and daughter in San Diego and family in Liverpool, to whom we send our
sincere condolences at this sad time.
ALAN SNOWDEN

97
 Z bituarp

JACK GITTINGS
(1905 -1991)

ACK GITTINGS, Circle Member since 1954, died peacefully on 23rd February, 1991. During his final
J brief stay in hospital he had entertained the nurses by vanishing biscuits, which was somehow typical of
the man.

Jack retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Artillery circa 1970 collecting an O.B.E. on the way. He
had served in the Second World War in Europe and India. His interest in magic grew from a general interest
in the arts, particularly stage.

Jack Gittings is survived by his younger brother, Robert Gittings, the famous author and biographer.
Sadly his wife Eileen died in 1974 after a long illness, and earlier, they had lost an only daughter at the age of
eight. But Jack never mentioned these sad aspects of his life, nor did they seem to affect his warm and
enthusiastic approach to life.

Magically he was blessed with a very expressive face but this was only an adjunct to his thorough
approach to the work, including training in drama and elocution. He had a dry whimsical approach to con-
juring and his stage epithet, "the droll deceiver" was about right. Older members will recall his delightful
patter theme for the Chinese Compass involving penguins at the South Pole who had been educated at Balliol.
Jack was perhaps less well known for his children's performances but it is possible that this was his best area
of work. A genuine avuncular approach, instant rapport with the audience and unobtrusive control over
them. To see him trying to cope with the logistics of locating at one place the ghost tube, the tissue paper covers
and the two fixing rings was hilarious; moreover it was professionalism to a high degree.

Jack Gittings was elected to the Magic Circle in 1954 and to M.I.M. C. in 1983. He served on the Council
and was Monday Night Host for many years, an important task which he fulfilled with good humour and
distinction.

In recent years Jack was increasingly involved with T.V. and film work, acting generally in non-speaking
roles. He enjoyed this work and his yarns of happenings during a day's production were always entertaining.

Jack's love of magic was immense, the only exception being sleight of hand card tricks: he viewed
performers of his genre of magic with amused resignation.

Fifteen members, including our President and Anne and Alan Shaxon, joined Jack Gittings' family at
the funeral held at the South London Crematorium on 9th March. The service was conducted by the Magic
Circle Chaplain, Stephen Blood, whose sermon comprised a summary of Jack's life and his many interests in
the world of entertainment and arts. The lessons were read by Fred Buttress and Charles Pemberton.

The Magic Circle has lost a good and kindly friend but perhaps, at some celestial Monday Night, audi-
ences are watching a trick involving polar navigation which ends with the lines ... "wasn't it fortunate that
those penguins spoke French?".

JOHN HOLLAND

98
 Monthly Routine Matters
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on Thursday, 4th January, 1991.
Present: David Berglas, Chris Pratt, Sam Gupta, Harry
Devano, Mac Wilson, Ali Bongo, Michael Candy, Leslie
Cole, Rupert Connell, John Holland, Jim Jones, Les Nottle,
Nic Picot, Harry Reeve, Don Robertson, Alan Shaxon, Al
Woodrow, Jack Delvin.
Apologies were received from: Derek Speight, Michael
Bailey, Alan Snowden, John Young, Anthony Brahams,
John Gordon, Ken Lee, Henry Lewis, Alan Maskell, Jack
Mayes, Darryl Rose and Peter Scarlett.
Deaths
The Council noted with regret the deaths of Edmund
Akenhead of Salisbury, Frederick Holley of Kenley, Steve
Briffa of London and Bruce Posgate of Ontario, Canada.
Particular tribute was paid to Bruce Posgate, an excellent
performer who had given continued support to the Society
over very many years. Members stood in silence as a mark of
respect.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 22nd November, 1990,
after amendment, were confirmed and signed.
Matters Arising
The President gave a report of the successful afternoon
spent at the House of Commons on 18th December, 1990
which had proved a worthwhile public relations exercise
attracting good media coverage. The President was
congratulated for his efforts in organising this event.
Secretarial Report
It was agreed that the new members on the attached
schedule be accepted.
The resignations on the attached schedule were accepted
with regret.
The Secretary reported receipt of letters of thanks from
Sam Sharpe and Jeffrey Atkins following the last Banquet.
Letters of thanks were received from Ann White, John
Henry Grosman and Jill Pratt following upon recent
presentations.
The following presentations to the museum were noted
with pleasure:
Novelty Christmas Cards presented by Henry Lewis.
Magic Circle Diamond Jubilee Compendium presented
by Alfred Macve.
Collectors' Day 1988 Programme presented by Henry
Lewis.
Convention Brochure presented by Rene Frotscher.
The Secretary reported upon developments following
upon his recent change of employment and the loss of
administrative back-up previously available to him. It was
agreed that authority be given to the Officers to purchase
such office equipment as was deemed reasonable and to pay
for such administrative assistance needed.
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotions on the attached
schedule be accepted.
99
Treasurer's Matters
The Treasurer reported receipts and payments for the
period 1st November 1990-31st December 1990 amounting
to £24,578.41 and £19,398.04 respectively.
The Secretary was pleased to report that the total number
of unpaid subscriptions by Members was now below 100.
Magic Circle Enterprises Ltd.
Rupert Connell reported upon his efforts on behalf of the
Society to establish a property company with share capital
which would take the name of but replace Magic Circle
Enterprises Ltd., a company limited by guarantee. No
action was required immediately but he stated that he would
report back at a future Council Meeting.
Special Reports
Awards Banquet
Members were pleased to note that a small profit had been
made on last Awards Banquet, congratulations being
expressed to Alan Shaxon and Ali Bongo.
The next Awards Banquet will be held at the Bloomsbury
Court Hotel on Saturday, 16th November, 1991.
Annual Supper
The Annual Supper will be held on Wednesday, 10th April
1991 at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, with tickets
costing £20 per head.
Auction
Sincere thanks were expressed to Henry Lewis for his
invaluable work on the last auction which had resulted in a
substantial donation to The Magic Circle.
Appeal
John Holland reported that, so far, the Appeal had raised
some £68,000.
Special Dinner
Alan Shaxon reported on a special dinner to be held in the
Mansion House on 27th February, 1991 under the auspices
of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council and The Magic
Circle, tickets being available at £75 per head.
Property
The President stated that one particular property was still
under serious consideration awaiting a decision of the Local
Authority as to change of use, etc.
Variety Club of Great Britain
The President made reference to a Gold Heart scheme
aimed at collecting money for children's hospitals but of
particular interest to The Magic Circle to whom a special
dispensation had been granted in relation to the sale of the
gold hearts.
Any Other Business
The Secretary reported that he was hopeful that a
membership list would be available during the course of the
current year.
Elected Associate — 4th January, 1991
Thomas Andrew Cutler, 23a Goldstone Road, Hove, East
Sussex BN3 3RN.
Elected M. M. C. — 4th Januarv, 1991
Max Jacobson. 23 Windsor Road. Prestwich, Manchester,
M258FE
Charles Joseph Pecor. 1555 Westminster Drive, Macon,
CA 31204. U.S.A.
Thomas Sharp Irving. 8a French Road, Melville, Western
Australia.
Elected A.1. M. C. — 4th Januarv, 1991
John Marberger Stuart, 31 Westgate Blvd., Plandome,
NY 11030, U.S.A.
Resignations — 4th Januar y , 1991
Ray Hill, Bexhill-on-Sea: Nicholas Hillier, Devizes.
Promotions — 4th January, 1991
ToM. M. C.
Stephen Garcia, Walton-on-Naze: Andrew Eborn, London.
To A. I. M. C.
Frank Dailey. Indianapolis, U.S.A.: Michael Ellis, Boca
Raton. U.S.A.: Sidney Radner, Holyoke, U.S.A.: Peter
Mehtab, London: Zap, London.
To M. I. M. C.
Bradley Jacobs, Glenside, U.S.A.: Tom Owen, Preston.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Adams, Clay, P.O. Box 553, Dunn, North Carolina 28334,
U.S.A.
Becow, Malcolm, 3 Vine Court, Kenton, Middx.
Bird, D., 33 Abingdon Road, Intake, Doncaster DN2 5JP.
Denmead, D. J., 5 Ruskin Road, Carshalton, Surrey.
Gannon, John, The Wote Street Club, 2 Seal Road,
Basingstoke, Hants RG21 1NG.
Havelock, D. W. Merrilands, Waverley Lane, Farnham,
Surrey GU9 8BH.
Krams, Larry, 5134 Marsh Field Lane, Sarasota, Florida
34235, U.S.A.
Leek, Roger, 50 Sunnybank Road, Wylde Green, Sutton
Coldfield B73 5RJ.
Rann, D. G., 85 Alvington Manor View, Carisbrooke, Isle
of Wight P030 5NZ.
Reveen, Peter, c/o 1040 Trunk Road, Apt. 7, Duncan, B.C.
V9L3S5, Canada.
Riley, J. E., P.O. Box 2290, Julian, CA 92036, U.S.A.
Stephens, Jack, Cotswold House, Netherstreet, Nr.
Bromham, Chippenham, Wilts. SN15 2DW.
Twose, Dominic, 17 Granville Street, Leamington Spa,
Warwicks. CV32 5XW.
Welton, S. F, 70 Huron Road, London SW17 8RD.
Wiley, Stuart, 7528 Drum Drive, St. James City, Florida
33956, U.S.A.
Yelland, Bob, 65 Fouracre Road, Downend, Bristol
BS16 6PH.
Dykes, Michael J., 49 Highfield Close, Birchill, Onlhan,
Isle of Man.
Robinson, Hector, Bourne House, 45 Langley Drive,
Tolworth, Surrey.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please notify the Secretary
(not the Editor) if you change
your address.
100
LETTERS
Dear Peter,
I have read with interest the letters from your corres-
pondents in the February-March issue of the Circular on the
subject of magic for children.
I suppose I could be classed under the heading of a "finger
flinger", and yet I have had as much experience as most in
performing for children without being accused of "jumping
on the band wagon".
At nearly 89, I am now a bit past it, but in my day, before the
war there were no pundits to give advice; you had to learn
from experience.
The most satisfying occasions were the institutional
parties such as The National Childrens' Homes, which were
well organised and controlled. However, one which came
into this category was quite different from all the others, and
I doubt if any performer had taken one like it.
I had been booked for a children's party (so called) to be
held in The Browning Hall, Walworth. This hall I knew to be
a very large theatre-like building in the south east of London
and I assumed (quite wrongly) that they had booked a room
there for the party.
When my wife and I arrived, to my surprise, we were
asked if we would like to "see the stage".
Very puzzled, we were taken down a long passage and
through a door, opening on to the back of a stage in the main
body of the hall.
And there were the children; all 1500 of them (yes, one
thousand five hundred, give or take a few).
A sea of faces looked up at us from below. Another sea of
faces looked down from a large balcony with police standing
at intervals facing the children to ensure they did not throw
articles (or themselves) on to the heads of those below.
The noise was deafening. They had all been given sweets
and some kind of squeaker. A normal children's magic show
was useless. They should have had clowns, acrobats and the
like.
Back in the dressing room, my wife said, "Have you got
any flash paper?" "Yes, ten sheets." She continued; "You
will have to do your manipulative act to music."
I loaded up Miser's Dream, thimbles and billiard balls,
made arrangements with the pianist and out I went armed
with the flash paper. I lit all ten sheets. It went off like a
bomb and the pandemonium died away to a whisper. After
the act I brought out my vent doll (Dennis Patten still has my
vent figure in his collection). The pianist played popular
songs, Daisy, Daisy, etc. The children did the singing. All I
did was open the doll's mouth and waggle his ears. I must
have made a good impression because the following year a
church in the same district booked us for a much smaller
party. As we arrived the children were filing into the church
hall. They set up a loud cheer and one bright boy called out
" l ave yer got Jimmy wiv yer?"
GEOFFREY BUCKINGHAM
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NG31 9TS.
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 THE CARD TO WALLET BOOK £.30.00
The weakest place to reveal a selected card is in the deck
166 large pages. Hard covers. 40 contributors. Over 100 items.
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Sleight of hand and non sleight of hand.
Effects for stage. Effects for close up.
Many clear illustrations.

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ThU]9 LLIi JUNE1991
ii

ICcJ L

/
 A PLAQUE FOR ALL SEASONS

fr

N. Nnrke^ y n /^I
makea IHn^s sp /f /
11

This superb Commemorative Plaque, "A Carnival of Conjurers", has been

produced by Josiah Wedgwood especially for The Magic Circle Appeal.

The Plaque is 10 3/4' across and crafted in fine bone china with a
distinguished cobalt blue rim and edged with two burnished gold rings. The
centre shows the Carnival of Conjurers — David Devant, J. N. Maskelyne and
Joad Heteb (Selbit) each performing a speciality from their repertoire.

This is a limited edition of 100 only — no more will ever be issued — and each
is numbered on the back and there is s short historical note together with a
certificate of authentication.

Donations to the Appeal of £500 (or more up to £999) will be acknowledged

with one of these superb plaques. Since their issue a year ago, they have
already greatly appreciated in value.

Send your cheque (made payable to "The Magic Circle Appeal") today to:

The Magic Circle Appeal

3 Cronks Hill Close
Meadvale
Redhill
Surrey RH1 6BR

and a numbered limited edition "Carnival of Conjurers" plaque, in

presentation case, will be sent to you, carriage free.
 ^GIC C ..
11•1
I
k IE

^^! /S' Pkt\ ^^^^

Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 916

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT 'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 102
SCENE & HEARD ..................................................................................... 103
ADAIR'S IDEAS ........................................................................................ 105
AMERICAN SPOTLIGHT ......................................................................... 106
THEGREATEST SHOW ON EARTH ............................................................ 108
A RICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............... .................... 109
THIS IS YOUR LIFE ................................................................................... 112
AN EVENING OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION ........................................ 113
SHOW AND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 114
BOOK REVIEWS ....................................................................................... 117
MONTHLY ROUTINE MATTERS ................................................................ 119
CHANGES OF ADDRESS ........................................................................... 120
OBITUARIES ............................................................................................ 121
LETTERS ................................................................................................. 124

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY: GEORGE NORRINGTON, M. M. C. Child re n's entertainer, Punch and Judy man, magic
dealer, publisher and one of magic's colourful characters. He is the subject of this month's `This Is Your Life' feature on page 112.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Please note that all future correspondence and contributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to The Editor, PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG31 9TS

101
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
HE good news this month is that we have finally found premises that would be ideal for The Magic Circle
headquarters, as well as the World Centre for the Art of Magic which I have been talking about for such a
T long time. The bad news is that we immediately need to find at least another £300,000 in order to secure
this property.
This is the time when we really do need every member to contribute either financially or in some other way.
It is certainly not impossible if we all make that extra little effort. Although we have raised over £70,000 for the
Appeal, only 15% of our members have contributed so far. This means there are still 85% who, I feel, have been
waiting for this moment now that we have an exciting and suitable home in our sights!
You may be able to approach someone to make a donation or find sponsors for carpets, furniture,
decorations, electrical fittings, audio visual equipment, catering items, etc., but most important at this moment is
to find the balance of the money needed.
I appreciate that not every one of our members is in the financial position to give large amounts to this
Appeal but you may be able to raise some money by performing or organising shows or other events. If you would
like to discuss any ideas or get some suggestions as to how you could help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Once you have decided to take a positive action with this project, no doubt you will find many opportunities
to raise the money in order to secure a permanent home for The Magic Circle. This will be to the benefit of all
members, indeed to magic as a whole, both now and in the future.
I know that there has been some confusion regarding the relationship between the Foundation and the
Appeal and, to some extent, this confusion has been justified. There will be an announcement soon that should
clarify the situation once and for all.
Someone who has been particularly supportive of the Appeal is our American member, Jack Young (Old
Doc. Young). He was here in April at the Young Magician of the Year Competition. As he had to fly back to
America, he generously bought some tickets for my one-man charity show at the Lyric Theatre to be given to some
of the young magicians who did not make the finals. A typical, kindly and generous gesture from Jack.
The show proved a great success. I had hoped that it would raise something in the region of £12,000 for The
David Price Melanoma Trust but the final figures were well over £15,000. A really satisfying result.
My timetable for the next few weeks is even more hectic than usual! I am flying to Berlin for two days, to
Holland for one night and the very next day to Israel for a week, where I hope to collect the Richiardi Award which
was made to me four years ago but I have not had the opportunity to collect it until now. At the same time, I will be
presenting the recently-awarded A.I.M.C. to Yosi Notkovitz, who is the International Ambassador in Israel for
the Society of American Magicians. The remaining few days will be spent taking a much needed holiday together
with my wife, Ruth.
Very soon after that, we will be in Los Angeles for one week, with one or two visits to The Magic Castle, of
course. That is followed by a week in Las Vegas attending and lecturing at the S.A.M. Convention. The day after
we return, we are flying to Lausanne to attend the EI.S.M. Congress where I am also lecturing.
You will remember that, last year, we formed an All Party Parliamentary Magic Group under the auspices
of The Magic Circle. On 4th July, they are holding their first A.G.M. at the House of Commons, when our
member, John MacGregor, Lord President and Leader of the House, will be elected the President of that group.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as it clashes with the S.A.M. Convention but our other Member of
Parliament, Greville Janner, Q.C., M.P., together with Ali Bongo, is organising this special meeting in my
absence. Other Members of Parliament will be invited and it will be officially announced in the House of
Commons. Greville and I have also decided to invite some finalists of the Young Magician of the Year. The media
is, of course, very interested in this event.
Our popular member, Harry Baron, recently suffered a heart attack immediately after performing a very
energetic Linking Rings routine at a show and, following several weeks in a coma, passed away peacefully on 27th
May. To his family, we send our sincere condolences.
Congratulations to John Gannon, who managed to raise £500 for our Appeal by organising a Magic Circle
show at his club in Basingstoke. A good example of what can be achieved and thank you, John.
Recently I booked Peter and Sonja Moretti to present their exciting act here in London. They have just had
a daughter and proudly showed me a video of the six-week-old baby. I can definitely report that she has more hair
than the proud grandfather, Hans Moretti!
DAVID BERGLAS

102

SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHILDREN'S MAGIC
A must for all children's entertainers is Ian Adair's
new book The Encyclopedia of Children's Magic. It is
beautifully produced, with over 400 pages and hun-
dreds of illustrations. In addition to an enormous
number of tricks and routines there is invaluable
advice on all aspects of the business side of children's
entertaining. A full review will appear in next month's
Circular but if you appreciate a good thing when you
see it, you will be well advised to get your order in as
soon as possible. It is available from Supreme at £35
(p. & p. free).
Immediately I saw the book, I telephoned Ian and
congratulated him on what is destined to be a classic.
It is certainly a book of which he can be truly proud.
VENICE PERFORMANCES
On a recent visit to Venice, Cyril Golding gave
close-up performances in two restaurants. He has per-
formed in Venice before ... being able to speak
Italian helps.
DEED OF APPRECIATION
Congratulations to Edward Pearce who recently
received a "Deed of Appreciation" from the rector
and parishioners of Houghton Conquest, Bedford-
shire on his retirement as organist at the local church.
Part of the Deed pays tribute to Edward as a magician
"whose skill gave our children great delight and untold
mystification".
103
MANSION HOUSE MAGIC
In the April Circular it was reported that the perfor-
mance by The Magic Circle at the Mansion House,
London "was the first occasion that magic had been
seen in the magnificent banqueting room called,
appropriately, The Egyptian Hall". It has since been
pointed out that this is not true for Chimmo Branson
has performed there several times and Fergus
Anckorn performed there for consecutive Lord
Mayors some 30 years ago.
THE OLD BOY NETWORK
The Old Boy Network is a seven-part comedy/
drama currently being made by Central Television.
Starring Tom Conti and John Standing, it follows the
adventures of two MI5 agents. Towards the end of the
series, they disguise themselves as entertainers and
Tom Conti has to perform some magic. Central T.V.
called upon the Nic Picot agency to provide a magi-
cian to teach the actor what to do. As a result, Carey
Peters, M.M.C., expert children's entertainer, dashed
to Elstree Studios to show Tom Conti how to produce
some flowers and an egg. The series is scheduled for
the autumn and it will be interesting to see how Tom
Conti fares as a magician.
FIRST NOVEL
Member Michael Austin (below) has received
widespread publicity on the publication of his first
novel, Searching For Mother, which is published by
Palaver Publications at £4.99. The book, which has
been described as "a passionate story, full of wit and
wise observation", follows the story of a young
Englishwoman in Central America and her search for
the mother of a baby handed to her in the street. In
one of the chapters magic plays a part and if any magi-
cian would like a copy, Michael will be pleased to
supply a signed first edition at the publisher's list
price. His address is 40 Langham Close, Astley
Bridge. Bolton BIl 7RA.
LEGERDEMAIN AT THE LANGHAM
Recently, through Geoff Donald's Merlin agency,
two council members, Sam Gupta and Al Woodrow,
worked close-up at the reopening nights of the
prestigious Langham Hotel in London.
In keeping with the old Raj-style interior and colo-
nial history of the refurbished hotel. Prince Samir
(Sam Gupta) was, of course, resplendent in national
dress. When Al arrived, he was surprised to be asked
to don British nineteenth-century battle dress, com-
plete with pith helmet and puttees. As a result, he was
made pocketless at one fell swoop!
On one of the opening nights, the audience con-
tained a number of reverend gentlemen. It was inevit-
able that the appropriate comment would be made for
such a colonial occasion .....Canons to the left of
them, canons to the right of them ...".
PORTUGUESE PRESTIDIGITATION
The guests of the Hotel Viking in Senhora da
Rocha, Algarve, Portugal had a rare treat during a
"Beefeater Weekend" in April when they were enter-
tained by Terry Herbert at a Saturday gala dinner and
Sunday brunch.
It was Terry's first visit to the area by special invita-
tion of the Hotel Viking's management and proved to
be a terrific success. Many British expatriates, some
of them married to Portuguese nationals, and their
children, loved Terry's performances and all are Reinaldo Pereira of the Hotel Viking welcoming Terry
looking forward to seeing him again sometime in the Herbert at the start of his visit to the Algarve to perform at
future. the hotel's "Beefeater Weekend".

v V

Jane Thurston (centre) con-

gratulates Tina Lenert and
Mike Caveney on winning the
coveted Dragon Award at The
Magic Castle on 7th April.
The award, dedicated to the
memory of Herbert Judson
Browne, is given for excellence
in six different categories:
Drama, Romance, Artistry,
Glamour, Originality and
Necromancy.

104

r
PDAIR'S
/PEAS
V V
r
THREE-WAY JUMBO
PREDICTION
BY IAN ADAIR
DON'T really know why I'm giving this away,
although I do like sharing my notions with all
magicians. Ever since I saw Len Belcher's Sales
Talk effect in an "Abra" of over three decades ago,
I've always liked the methods of having three shots at
predicting something. This following effect is just
that, except that it is different.
EFFECT
Three different jumbo cards are displayed and a
spectator is asked to think of one. The performer then
asks the spectator to name the card, and when named,
the performer writes it on to a piece of Velleda board.
The name of the jumbo card is ultimately revealed in
a rather interesting way.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
A piece of cardboard covered in white Velleda
material. This is the material which takes the special
Velleda or Conte marker pens, the markings easily
erased with a wipe of a cloth. A thinner piece of card
of the same size.
A large bulldog clip. A Velleda marker pen. Three
jumbo cards, different values and suits.
On one side of the thicker piece of card, mark (with
the Velleda pen) the name of one of the cards, e.g.
Three of Diamonds. Stick the edge of the card, as
illustrated, on to the inside of the bulldog clip and on
the inside of the card, write the name of one of the
other two cards, e.g. Seven of Clubs. The final card
revelation is written of the opposite side of the card
which is attached to the clip.
105
SET UP
The bulldog clip, together with the attached piece
of card, which incidentally was a Pavel original as I
remember, but for a different type of effect, of course,
is fitted over the back of the main stiff piece of card.
When the main board is shown on front, it looks plain
and blank.
WORKING AND PRESENTATION
First of all, all three jumbo cards are displayed for
this is an experiment using three cards. One has to be
chosen from the three, at random, and the performer
takes up a sort of clipboard in the form of a piece of
stiff card with a large bulldog clip on top.
The spectator selects one of the three cards. The
one chosen is pushed under the clip from front view,
so it is there for all to see. This is the "reason", as
thought, for the clipboard to be there in the first
place.
We have three ways out — that's exciting. The first is
this — should the first spectator mention one card, e.g.
Three of Diamonds, then the "out" is this: remove the
clip which holds the thick piece of card, showing this
face on. The prediction will be the "Three of
Diamonds".
If, on the other hand, it is the Seven of Clubs which
was thought of, the clipboard is simply reversed, with-
out the clip being removed, showing the name of that
particular card written on the card.
If it is the last of the three cards, i.e. Five of Hearts,
place the jumbo Five of Hearts under the clip whilst
the clip is attached to the board, pointing to the
chosen card. Now remove the card with the clip
attached, so the piece of card stuck to the clip is hid-
den, taking away the other two unwanted card names.
Now turn the clipboard to show the correct name of
the reverse side of the board.
- aj
5 I c LvQS
NE I
 N[Rlci^l
^^
By DALE SALWAK M.i.m.c.

N 1910, soon after he had succeeded Harry Kellar

as America's leading magician, Howard
I Thurston decided to make a technical record of
his show. The major props were carried out to the
loading dock of the theatre where, in the sunlight, the
assistants held up the props, opened the trap doors,
and exposed the pertinent construction details to a
simple Brownie Box camera. These priceless photos
were then carefully pasted into a leather Work Book
and annotated with hundreds of precise dimensions,
including typed descriptions and explanatory notes
for Kellar's Levitation, The Prisoner of Canton,
Thurston's Inexhaustible Coconut, and many, many
other illusions.
For years this book resided in the Milbourne
Christopher Collection, but he died in 1984 before he
could publish it as part of a series of historical texts.
As curator, Mrs. Maurine Christopher adopted the
project and now, because of her devotion to
Thurston's work and her husband's achievements, she
has decided to release Howard Thurston's Illusion
Show Work Book with additional annotations by Jim
Steinmeyer. This month Magical Publications will
publish a li mited edition of 500 copies. Contact: 572
Prospect Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91103
(Telephone 818-449 1234; Fax 818-449 8025).
Gone! A Most Amazing Illusion from the pages of
history! On a bare stage stands a table, two small lad-
ders and see-through steps. The lady ascends the table
and stands on top. Two male assistants walk up the
side ladders and cover her with a drape. The ladders
and steps are removed, thus completely isolating the
girl from the floor, curtains, and props. Suddenly,
with music building, the magician gives the com-
mand, and the drape covering her flutters to the
tabletop. The lady has vanished!

106
 First presented by inventor Paul Valadon for the
Egyptian Hall in 1903, this empty stage table-top
vanish of a living girl has been featured by Kellar,
Thurston, Maskelyne and Virgil. Now Norm Nielsen
has recreated this illusion from the actual unit fea-
tured by Virgil — without mirrors, stage traps, gim-
micked ladders or rigging. Design, style and colour
scheme have been duplicated exactly from the Virgil
model, but Norm has improved the quality wherever
he could, using hardwoods in the main pieces, lacquer
undercoating and high-pigment quality paints
throughout. Write for details: P.O. Box 1202,
Burbank, California 91507-1202 (Fax: 213-850 9591).
Magicians attending the S.A.M. Convention at the
Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, 3rd-6th July, will be well-
entertained by not only the afternoon shows but also
the many evening revues all along the strip, many of
which feature at least one magician: Aladdin (Kirby
VanBurch), Bally's (Bob Arno), Caesar's Palace
(Jimmy Grippo), Desert Inn (Daniel Cros),
Excalibur (Kevin Barnes), Flamingo Hilton (Joseph),
Golden Nugget (Michael Skinner), Holiday Casino
(Dixie Dooley), Mirage (Siegfried and Roy), Riviera
(Shimada) and Sahara (Melinda).
Magicians will also want to catch at the Lady Luck
Casino Hotel a man who looks (and acts) like a cross
between Groucho Marx (one of his idols) and Harold
Lloyd. He is Ed Alonzo, one of the country's foremost
comedy illusionists with an impressive list of televi-
sion credits, including appearances on FOX network's
"Totally Hidden Video" and a starring role as "Max"
on the N.B.C. situation comedy "Saved By the Bell".
Ed used to be serious magician, until one night after
about 45 seconds of flashy magic, he leaned forward
and said what everybody was thinking: "So, the geeky
looking guy in the glasses isn't too bad after all!" The
audience roared and Alonzo knew he had stumbled
upon a whole new approach.
On Saturday, 4th May at U.C.L.As Schoenberg
Hall I joined Johnny "Ace" Palmer, Jeff Hobson,
Mitch Williams, John Kennedy, Dennis Forel,
Michael Ammar and others for a very entertaining
and informative "Day of Magic". Sponsored by Holly-
wood's I.B.M. Ring 21, this year's activities included
lectures, workshops, dealers, silent auctions, raffles,
stage show and evening buffet and party.
While there I learned that Ring 21 member Mel
Stein is currently producing 13 one-hour magic
specials for network television. Although the shows
will focus primarily on close-up magic, he is also con-
sidering unique stage and parlour magic. Mel may be
reached at 951 Air Way, Glendale, California 91201
(818-240 0224).
May we continue to support, respect and encourage
each other in this great art that we call magic.

TOP PRICES PAID

For vintage apparatus, conjuring sets, books, ephemera, early Davenport ventriloquial heads. One
item or an entire collection. Also early Circus and Wild West (Buffalo Bill) posters. For example:

POSTERS (in very fine condition) HOUDINI (for our personal collection)
- Chung Ling Soo will pay £300 and up — Signed photos we pay £300 and up
- Leroy, Talma and Bosco will pay £175 and up - Posters £1,000 and up

BOOKS/CONJURING SETS
- Some pre 1820 works will pay upwards of £5,000
- Early boxwood French or German sets as high as £1,000 depending on size, completeness

For large and significant accumulations, we will travel and arrange shipping and
packing, pay cash or certified funds on the spot. We are the oldest and the
largest in this field, established since 1968.

MARIO CARRANDI, JR, MMC

Antiquarian Magic and Collectibles©
122 Monroe Avenue
Belle Mead, New Jersey 08502, USA
Phone: 908-874-0630 Fax: 908-874-4892
(Send USSio for a copy of our latest photo illustrated catalogue with over 50 pages, the largest
and most comprehensive in the field. An encyclopaedia of collectibles by itself)

107
 TH E GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
By DARA R. KAKA
MAGINE my surprise to hear from a fellow magi-
cian that K. Lai and his son were appearing at
I Bharativa Vidya Bhavan, Chowpaty, Bombay,
India during a visit in April last year to the country of
my birth.
To try and book the seats via the telephone was
impossible as the line was constantly busy and once
through I found that it was sold out weeks in advance.
My thanks go to the ex-president of the I.B.M. Ring
Bombay, Mr. Minoo Poison, who came to the rescue
and managed to get hold of a few tickets. Indeed my
dream came true. I witnessed one of the great evening
shows lasting nearly three hours. Full of illusions,
glamour, colour, music and excellent back-drops.
Both father and son have an imposing personality
and when presenting illusions — sometimes together or
by themselves, their sweet tongued patter, burning
patriotism and refined way of presenting various illu-
sions brought a thunderous applause each and every
time from the full house. The gorgeous dresses,
enchanting music and impressive lighting effects
blended in such a pleasing way that the audience was
spellbound and they responded extremely well. I can
still recall their applause and laughter.
The show was called "Mayajal" and some of the
highlights were: Something for Nothing, From
Shadow to Life, Find the Lady, Egyptian Mummy
Mystery, Levitation, Buzz Saw, Zig Zag, Lady to
Lion, Production of a Giant Lizard, Snake to Lady,
U.F.O., Sub Trunk Escape, Chinese Dream Illusion,
Double Barrel (through the eye of the needle) and
many more but the finale was spectacular too. With
all the male and female assistants fabulously dressed
and K. Lai and K. Lal, Junior in colourful attire and
the whole stage full of colourful lights and glittering
decorations.
GOODLIFFE'S
:E
Edited by Donald Bevan
The Lively Weekly Magic Magazine Published Every Saturday Since 1946
Professionally produced, 20+ pages every week of tricks, routines, advice, news, reports, dealer
reviews, adverts, and comment on the International Magic Scene.
Goodliffe Publications
150 New Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 2LG, England
108
Really a super show performed really well by K. Lai
and K. Lai, Jnr., who have enriched the art of magic
not only in India but in Japan, Fiji, Australia, New
Zealand and the Middle East where they have
performed to full-houses.
After the show we went back stage and found hun-
dreds of people wanting to shake hands with them and
when we got our turn I found out that he brought the
show to Bombay after 12 years and was booked solid
for many weeks. Before we left, we wished him
success for many months to come.
Reading press notices "House full — sold out" ...,
"Sold out", confirms my belief that magic is not dead.
It was the great P C. Sorcar who was famous in the
'50s and '60s. Now it is K. Lai, his name has become
synonymous with magic.
My thanks go to the ex-president, Mr. N. Poison
and the president, Mr. D. A. Tayade, who organised a
special evening for me to attend their meeting, where
I attended wearing two caps for I represented the
International I.B.M. president, Mr. Tony Shelley and
The Magic Circle president, Mr. David Berglas. After
official exchanges, we discussed magic and its future
in India and ended the evening with members
performing some fine close-up magic.
A surprise farewell meeting was arranged by them
before my departure and not only many other mem-
bers who came did a few tricks each but the great K.
Lal and K. Lai, Jnr., who also attended, performed
one as well, followed by a good buffet and drinks.
Thus ended a minor Ring function at the home of Mr.
& Mrs. M. Poison, who were excellent hosts to me and
my wife and other members of the Ring.
It was indeed a most memorable trip to Bombay
after an absence of 18 years.
 1icIj Cabinet of 1atcat QEurto itieg
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
174. CHARLES OSWALD WILLIAMS -
THE CARDIFF CONJURER
ROM its earliest days, the membership of The Magic
F Circle has included notable provincial magicians. The
Principality of Wales had but one representative in the first
published membership list in 1906, Mr. C. O. Williams,
M.I.M.C., the accomplished conjurer of Cardiff who later
became a dealer. Recently Williams has received post-
humous recognition by statisticians since researches by Persi
Diaconis, of the Department of Mathematics at Harvard
University, and his colleagues have disclosed that Williams
and Charles T. Jordan independently discovered rising
sequences, the basic invariant of the riffle shuffling of
playing cards. A letter from Persi requesting some
background information on the life and work of Charles O.
Williams led to the realization that, so far as I could ascer-
tain, there was not any adequate collected biographical
material about "The Cardiff Conjurer". This is unfortunate
since some confusion already exists between C. O. Williams
109
of Cardiff and Carl Orton Williams of Sydney, Australia, as
for example, in Whaley's Who's Who In Magic (1990). Con-
fusion may also occur for the uninitiated with the illusionist
Oswald Williams. The present contribution represents a
modest attempt to remedy this obvious deficiency in the
magic literature, appropriately since through my collection I
have at least one indirect link with him.
Charles Oswald Williams was born in 1865 and, according
to a brief piece which accompanied his cover photograph
and designation as The Magician of Month in The Sphinx for
October 1904, he had taken up magic "as far back as he can
remember". Seemingly, his father was an amateur who took
a keen interest in the magic art. The same source indicates
that he was "a born Bohemian", equally at home enter-
taining the British aristocracy or Welsh miners in their cot-
tages. He was then the head of an (unspecified) extensive
business in South Wales which made heavy demands on his
time, although he still contrived to perform extensively and
to "originate new tricks and polish up old ones beyond
recognition".
Left: Charles O. Williams as the "Magician of
the Month" in the October Sphinx, 1904.
Below: Scaling/business card used by Charles
Oswald Williams. The reverse carries an adver-
tisement for D.C.L. Yeast and Extract of Malt
(The Distillers Company, Edinburgh).
Over: An undated Williams catalogue, circa
1923.

4
• ALL PRE V IOU S LISTS CANCELLED.
1w w w^v rt y vrer rw^r+;wSr
CONJURING
APPARATUS
^sw
Catalogue No,
6 in Welsh, then recollect himself and apologise in English,
0. WILLIAMS
• Ch ARLES
• 107 Stacey Roa
t C.':l D FF
Professor Hoffmann in his preface to Later Magic (1904)
acknowledged that he owed a special debt of gratitude to
Williams, and elsewhere added "a gentleman to whom I am
indebted for the knowledge of many 'good things', original
and otherwise". Charles Lang Neil also relied on Williams
for contributions when parts of The Modern Conjurer (1902)
were republished as separate titles in 1904, initiating what
came to be known as the "Yellow Peril" series. Although
Williams was not a contributor to the parent volume, to
expand the subsequent books, five of his items were included
in Modern Card Manipulation and a couple in After-Dinner
Sleights and Pocket Tricks, the latter publication carrying
his name on the title page. His forte was sleight-of-hand and
we are told that his skill was admired by Chung Ling Soo,
G. W. Hunter and Professor Hoffmann among others. At
the time of The Sphinx article, Williams's favourite feats
were the production of cards from the air using one hand
and an original handkerchief vanish and production.
Hoffmann and Williams corresponded regularly and after
Williams's death, his daughter gave a large number of
Hoffmann's letters, dated from November 1900 to
December 1910, to Dr. 0. H. Bowen. Bowen referred to this
correspondence in his Hoffmann Memorial Lecture at The
Magic Circle on 16th May, 1950. From this source we learn
that in November 1903, Hoffmann encouraged Williams to
take up conjuring professionally and suggested several pro-
fessional names for him, one of which, Charles Oswald. he
subsequently adopted.
ME
Charles Williams held the distinction of being chosen to
appear at the First Grand Magical Seance of The Magic
Circle, held at St. George's Hall on 10th April, 1906. In the
eminent company of Max Sterling, Joad Heteb, J. N.
Maskelyne, David Devant and Nate Leipsic, Williams mixed
a "Magical Salad" of Sleight-of-Hand and Patter which, as
recalled in his obituary in The Magic Circular, was success-
ful even though stage work was not his normal role. "He was
essentially a small-work man, a drawing-room entertainer,
with a vast repertoire of small, neat effects, performed to
perfection". Unfortunately there is no record of the tricks
he performed on this occasion but from the Hoffmann
correspondence we can catch a glimpse.
Hoffmann wrote in April 1906 to express his delight that
Williams was to appear at the First Grand Seance and
suggested that he should open with a production of flowers
from a glass bowl. On a postcard, the Professor notes "What
you say in a joke as to working a trick in Welsh suggests an
idea for the same thing (with a difference) in earnest".
Hoffmann went on to suggest that Williams should address
saying he thought for a moment he was back in his native
Wales. According to Dr. Bowen, Williams carried out
Hoffmann's suggestion most successfully, "especially to me,
as being one of the few Welshmen in the audience". After-
wards, in writing about the show. Hoffmann gave Williams
some good advice about his performance.
Williams next appeared at the Annual Banquet at
Pagani's, with Nevil Maskelyne in the chair, on 7th
December, 1907 and here the following report is available:
"He commenced with a pretty little paper tearing effect.
A tri-colour paper flag was torn up: and from the ball of torn
scraps, out came a Union Jack. That being torn up, the
pieces became, instantaneously, a large silk national flag.
The political aspect of this pretty illusion, in addition to the
fact that it was artistically manipulated, was much
appreciated. After showing some very subtle card work, the
performer concluded with a particularly novel effect in
which some dozen playing cards appeared to be magneti-
cally attracted to the fingers of his hand. The perplexing
finale, in which cards were placed between the fingertips
and the suspended cards, while all the time a clear space
could be seen through the hollow in the arched hand,
produced well-merited applause."
That Williams detested swank and boastfulness is attested
by his letter to the Editor of The Magic Circular on 28th
August, 1908 which appeared under the heading of Manipu-
lative Skill. In essence, his thesis was that "A man's work, in
any art, will clearly stamp that man's position as an artist;
and all the praise he may feel inclined to bestow upon him-
self will not raise him one iota above his true position. On
the contrary, it will create a spirit of antagonism in his fellow
artists, so that even his good work will not be judged at its
fair value."
It is an interesting sidelight on the etiquette of almost a
century ago, that, after corresponding for seven years,
Hoffmann commenced a letter in June 1907 "Dear Williams,
I think we have known each other long enough to drop the
' Mr." He goes on to discuss Chung Ling Soo: "I quite agree
with you as to Robinson's work. I think he is too good for the
Chinaman business, though it is perfect of its kind, and of
course he is right to give the public what the public likes
best."
Hoffmann presented Williams with a pack of cards that
had been marked by Charlier and also cut in such a way that
the four aces could be instantly found. Writing to the editor
of The Magic Circular in 1916 about relics of famous con-
jurers, Williams observed that his Charlier cards were in the
original wrapper in which they had been given to Professor
Hoffmann. On the wrapper, Charlier had written in pencil
"To Monsieur T. A. Louis, Advocate, from Chy.". The wrap-
per had a red wax seal with a peculiar design of a figure and
the word "Byhows" around it. The cards were of an old
English pattern.
Williams continued that it would be interesting to know
how many articles possessed formerly by famous conjurers
are now possessed by members of The Magic Circle. He
cited his own possessions, additional to the Charlier cards,
including the Pistol, Wand and Billiard Ball trick formerly
used by Hartz and also one of his travelling trunks. He
added "Through the kindness of Professor Hoffmann I was
able to purchase nearly the whole of Hartz's apparatus, but I
have since sold his Mechanical Rising Skull and his famous
`Devil of a Hat' trick to Professor Herwin, M.M.C. of Bris-
tol". The Hartz Skull subsequently passed from Herwin to
Richard Ritson of Sheffield, after whose death to his
brother, Colin Ritson of Darlington, and then into my own
possession.
There is an amusing aside about this relic in a letter from
Hoffmann in March 1909: "I sympathize with Mrs. Williams
in her objection to having skulls all over the house. The only
appropriate place for them would naturally be the scullery."
(To be continued)
QUICK QUIZ No. 26
Magic and Literature
1. Who wrote the well-known story, The Magic
Toyshop?
2. What is the title of J. B. Priestley's novel about a
magician?
3. The play Pygmalion and Galatea was written by
a keen amateur conjurer. Who was he?
4. In which Chekhov play does a character perform
conjuring tricks?
5. Somerset Maugham's novel The Magician was
loosely based on which Black Magician?
6. Who edited The Magic of Lewis Carroll?
7. Name The Sorcerer in W. S. Gilbert's play of that
title.
8. Whose story The Haunted Man was used in a
Pepper's Ghost sketch?
9. Was the play Magic written by G. B. Shaw, J. K.
Jerome, G. K. Chesterton, Harold Pinter or John
Osborne?
10. A biographer of Arthur Conan Doyle was greatly
interested in conjuring. Can you name him?
(Solution next month)
GEOFFREY LAMB A.I.M.0
111
FOUNDATION LIBRARY
The Foundation Library is extremely grateful to
W. Scott, M.M.C., for his kind donation of the
following books.
THE COMPLETE ORIGAMI COURSE
by Paul Jackson
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGIC
by Edwin A. Dawes and Arthur Setterington
HENRY LEWIS M.I.M.C.
HON. CURATOR
The following books have been added to the
Magic Circle Reference Library:
Dramatic Magic by John Booth
Devant's Delightful Delusions by S. H. Sharpe
Easy Card Tricks by Levante, donated by Bill
Collier
Tricks and Illusions — first edition — by Will
Goldston, Modern Coin Manuipulation — first
edition— by T. Nelson Downs, and Mathemati-
cal Magic by William Simon
from the estate of the late Tom Ellis.
CONTRIBUTIONS
To all members
Please note that all future correspondence
and contributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR
should be sent to PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG319TS
SOLUTION TO MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER No. 8
(published in May issue)
Acceptable Words
AEGIS, EAST, FASTING, EGIS, ENSATE, GAST, GENS, GEST,
GIST, GISM, INSEAM, INSET, MAGNES, MAISE, MAIST, MANSE,
MAST, METIS, MIST, MISE, MISMATE, NEIST NEST, SAGE,
SAIM, SAIN, SAINE, SAINT, SAME, SAMEN, SAMITE, SANE,
SANG, SEAM, SEAN, SEAT, SENTSETA,SIEN, SIENT, SIGMA,
SIGN, SIGNET, SIMA, SINE, SING, SINGE, SITE, SMIT, SMITE,
SNAG, SNIG, STAG, STAIG, STAGE, STAIN, STAMEN, STANE,
STANG, STEAM, STEAMING, STEAN, STEM, STEMMING, STIE,
STIGMA, STIGME, STING, TAMIS, TAMISE, TANIST, TEMS.
The complete word was MAGNETISM and the missing letter was S.
Note: 30 words GOOD; 44 words VERY GOOD; 53 words is EXCEL-
LENT; 62 words is THE POSER.
 THIS IS YOUR LIFE

ci ic& _ icici
MONGST the hundreds of thousands of folk who make
A up the exciting world of magic, we have the perfor-
mers, lecturers, writers and inventors. Yes, we have all these
— but we must not forget that section of the magical commun-
ity who perform a service, burning the midnight oil in order
to provide information which most of us find very useful, but
most of us would kick at the idea of performing such an
arduous task. George Norrington provides just such a ser-
vice in the form of his internationally known Who's Who In
Magic — Magical Societies, Magicians and lots of general
information are listed in this publication which has been
running for ten years.
George Norrington, born in 1950, was educated at
Ashstead Prep. School, and later at Clarkes Grammar
School in Surbiton. As a teenager he recalls the many street
parties where they danced the Hokkie Cokkie, and enjoyed
the performances of escapologists and amateur magicians.
When his brother Robert took up magic he was encour-
a.^
aged and helped by Sidney Hedley, Director of British Glues
and Chemicals, who knew much about the art of magic. Says
George "My brother gave shows and sang songs at the
Richmond Old Peoples Home. His songs were good, his
magic was lousy - but the old ladies seemed to be happy with George (left) and Robert Norrington.
it all."
Study of magic and allied arts became one of their main The Norringtons were a theatrical family, his father was a
interests and they worked up a double act to raise money for member of the Wimbledon Light Opera Company and
charity. They also sang together in Guildford Cathedral. George became a member too. They played in the Count of
Luxembourg, Orpheus in the Underworld and Gilbert and
George was so good he even sang at the Albert Hall in Sullivan. Mr. Norrington senior owned a printing works but
London, but his mind was set upon becoming a children's later moved from Havinda Road, Carshalton to Patecham
entertainer. He was lucky enough to meet a man called Will Park, Leatherhead where their neighbours were Max
Hayward who taught George all he knew about the art of Bygraves and The Moody Blues. They were great family
Punch and Judy and children's magic, and introduced him to days, and there was never a dull moment as the whole family
the Supreme Team. He also gained much general magical were like a miniature theatre company. His old aunt Bristow
knowledge from Noel Stanton who passed on some valuable who was born in 1883 appeared in films as a tea lady for the
tricks. Lyons Tea war effort. Aunt Bristow's father was also in
Music Hall. George's grandmother, born in 1886, was an
expert at "Tickling the Ivories". His father and a Mr.
Gardner impersonated Flanagan and Allen singing "Under-
neath the arches". His mother was a student at the Huntley
and Palmer school of ballet in Reading, later appearing in
various productions of Ivor Novello.
George was a children's entertainer until 1971 and turned
pro for a while. After this George and his brother teamed up
again and worked together until 1987, then a year later he
became a magical dealer and at this time he made it known
that he intended to publish Who's Who in Magic. As a result
people all over the world clamoured to get into it. With this
encouragement he went ahead with a "four page" produc-
tion. It has since proved so popular it is now 58 pages with a
considerable circulation. It is hoped that Who's Who in
Magic will continue to go from strength to strength and that
George Norrington will have many more years to provide
this service appreciated by magicians everywhere.
PETER D. BLANCHARD, M. Inst. P. I., A. I. M. C.

112
 AN EVENING OF
MYSTERY : ► IJ
IMAGINATION
IT . .
T is a unique achievement these days for one of
our fraternity to fill a West End theatre with a
I one-man show. Despite the changes in public
tastes, and the ever-consuming demands of television,
David Berglas has retained star status during a very
long career, always going his own individual way. He is
regarded with dignity and great respect by the public
and show business colleagues alike. This was echoed
by Pete Murray, who introduced David to a raptuous
reception from the audience at the Lyric Theatre,
London on April 21st, who supported this venture in
aid of the Melanoma Trust, following overtures from
his five-piece backing musicians.
In order to get to know everyone, David gathered
some 20-odd names, gave them all numbers, and was
able to recite the audience names in order, Giant
Memory fashion. During this he "questioned" the
audience with various optical illusions, the "Gozinta
Boxes" and other novelties to set the scene. His
routine of "Mathemagic" incorporated the magic
square, and an amazing series of impressive feats with
numbers called by the audience, resulting in the most
stunning predictions. His version of the newspaper
prediction is most convincing and builds again to a
series of climaxes to leave anyone guessing. The hands
of five borrowed watches changed to a nominated
time and the now familiar blindfold routine has to be
113
____
the best in this field. The first half closed with his
famous table levitation, to send the audience off to the
interval with plenty to puzzle over.
A car and a camera were awarded to lucky raffle
winners, as David turned the clock back to revive his
cigarette routine from the earlier variety days, along
with his pocket-picking which has always been one of
his features. The final card routine, incorporating the
memorising of a whole shuffled pack, ended the
evening with an ovation.
On stage for some 2 hours 15 minutes, David was
able to set his own pace, and his warm personality,
devoid of any hype or spurious claims, charmed the
audience and the numerous members of it who
mounted the stage to assist. To any magician it was of
note that not a single prop beloved of mentalists,
either visual or secret, was in evidence throughout the
night — for the most part the workings are indeed all in
the mind, one developed so painstakingly over the
years for his special purposes. We all know of the
enormous amount of work David does for various
charities and indeed for the cause of our magic, and
his reward on this occasion was some £15,000 for the
deserving Melanoma Trust.
ALAN SHAXON
(reproduced from Abracadabra with kind permission)

MENTAL NIGHT
ONDAY 8TH APRIL was mentalist's night,
and we were treated to a night of predic-
M tions in the main. The artists paid us the
compliment of dressing for the occasion. How much
better an act seems when presented in this manner.
Graham Murray presented a co-incidence with a
coin from second century Greece which, he says, he
purchased from an old curiosity shop.Graham asked
several people to think of single digit numbers, and
arrived at three — 2, 7, 8. On taking the coin out of his
pocket, the number 278 was seen to be on the reverse.
Next he had playing cards dealt out on to his palm,
the assistant stopping any time. On looking at the card
arrived at in this manner, it was seen to match the pre-
dicted card sealed in an envelope.
Graham finished his entertaining act by predicting
correctly the name of a film star arrived at by elimina-
ting envelopes containing the stars' photographs.
Ken Lee followed with a demonstration of hypnosis
and post-hypnotic suggestion. Two volunteers came
onto the stage, and one took a card from the pack, the
other selected a card by touching one in the pack. He
was given the choice of changing his mind or not. Now
one volunteer had been given an envelope, which on
being opened, a message inside stated — "By mental
hypnotic suggestion, both volunteers will take the
King of clubs". This thay had done, but by post-hyp-
notic suggestion, one of the volunteers had thought
that he had taken the six of hearts. A most unusual
effect.
Pat Levy had five keys, only one of which opened a
padlock to which was attached a ten-pound note. Pat
ended up with the ten pound note, and the volunteer
assistant, a consolation easter egg.
Pat's final trick was "supersonic". Ten cards on a
stand, and one jumbo card prediction hanging
beneath and covered by a silk. A free choice of the
"two of clubs" was made. but on uncovering the pre-
dicted card under the silk, a mistake seemed to have
been made as the three of clubs was in full view. Pat
cressed his fingers and concentrated, and one of the
pips rose up, and transformed the three into a two.
114
Morley Budden told us that while in a traffic-jam he
read a newspaper article about freedom, and won-
dered whether we had really got it. An assistant was
asked to look in a "squeezy" purse, and said there was
nothing in it. He was told that in fact there were five
pound coins in there. In fact they were invisible, but
he was asked to take one out and toss it. He said that it
had landed tails up. A prediction in an envelope said
"The pound coin will land tails". A nice change from
the invisible pack of cards, very entertainingly
presented.
The next trick or rather prediction was also a nice
variation and by using "dog lovers" or non-owners of
dogs, and thought of names for the dogs, the name of
a dog chosen was correctly predicted.
I very much enjoyed the final effect with three
purses, one red, one white, and one blue. An assistant
was asked to pick a purse and chose the blue one.
Inside was the message, "I believe that your first
choice will be the blue purse". Morley then decided to
chance his luck one more time and the assistant chose
the red purse after having turned down the chance
given of changing his mind, the prediction inside the
purse proclaimed "I predict that your second choice
will be the red purse". Morley was left holding the
white purse which on being opened was shown to con-
tain a £10 note.
Alan Shaxon then presented two short effects. An
assistant was given three London area telephone
directories, while members of the audience wrote
four-digit numbers on a pad. This was returned to the
assistant on stage who chose one of the numbers, and
one of the directories. He then turned to a page
arrived at from one of the numbers, and then chose a
column and then a telephone number. Alan then told
him that on that page, in that column was the tele-
phone number of N. J. Riley of Stoke Poges, and that
his number was Fulmer 2906. — Quite correct.
Henry Lewis
 His second and last effect was a prediction by dic-
tionary of a freely thought-of card. Confirmation was
given by looking-up the word "confirm", in the dic-
tionary. Across this word Alan had written in ink, the
name "Four of Clubs" which was the name of the
thought-of card. The four of clubs in the pack had
"confirm" written on it. The pack was shown to be
normal, and the dictionary "flipped" through dis-
closed nothing written on any other page. This is a
beautifully thought-out effect and for the layman
must be the nearest thing to a miracle. Both effects
performed in the Alan Shaxon charming way.
Henry Lewis, the host, then performed an effect
with three assistants, three chairs, three bags and
three cards. Rather involved, but after all assistants
had stood behind a chair, and then changed to other
chairs, had taken bags and changed their minds again,
eventually they were asked to read out what was in the
envelope that each had eventually arrived at. Each
message correctly identified what was in the bag, and
what chair it was on.
John MacGregor, better known to some as the
Leader of the House of Commons, presented a triple
prediction involving local elections. This, as in the
case of many prediction effects, involved a lot of audi-
ence work and became quite involved, with choices
being made, eliminated etc, etc. But the end result
was that from four candidates, he correctly predicted
which one was elected, the correct address was cho-
sen and predicted, the number of votes each received,
and finally the majority, The prediction had been in
full view throughout. Ali Bongo

Ali Bongo closed the show, with two "quickies".

The first involved a person in the audience just
thinking of any film star. On this being done Ali pro-
duced a paper on which a photograph was depicted.
Not quite as clever as it would seem, as the paper also
had on it photographs of every film star there ever
was. Ali said "It's on there somewhere".
For his second and last prediction, Ali had a volun-
teer on the stage and pinned a large envelope on to his
coat button, and then proceeded to put very large
envelopes about the assistant's person. One under
each arm, one in each hand and one between his
knees. A balloon was thrown into the audience and
the person who caught it called out his choice of
envelopes to be eliminated. Each eliminated envelope
was opened in turn to show a large card with an E.S.P.
sign on it. The card in the last envelope, in this case a
triangle, matched the prediction in the envelope
attached to the volunteer's coat button.
A very pleasant evening for mental buffs, and very
well received. Thanks to Henry Lewis, and special
thanks to John MacGregor, a very busy man who had
journeyed down from Norfolk to entertain us, and to
Ali Bongo who had virtually stepped off the plane
from Rouen and come straight over to Edgware Road.
John MacGregor FERGUS ANCKORN, MIMC

115
 DAVID GINN LECTURE THE MAGIC CIRCLE STAR LECTURES
AVID GINN makes his living entertaining present
people of all ages and specialises in the
D entertaining of children, doing 400 shows a
year. On Monday, 11th March he gave a two hour lec- JOHN CARNEY
ture on entertaining children and he not only dis-
cussed his philosophy of doing magic for children, the (U.S.A.)
mechanics of his show and his methods of dealing with
children's audiences, but he also presented in detail a
whole range of routines he has used successfully with
Monday, 22nd July, 1991
children at schools and parties. This was further illus-
trated by the showing, on a large video screen, of
excerpts from his school shows. RICHARD BLOCH
The underlying message throughout the whole lec- (U.S.A.)
ture was the word ENTERTAINMENT. Entertaining
your audience is the most important thing when wor-
king with children is what David said. Whether it be a Monday, 29th July, 1991
single child in a hospital bed or a show of 500 school-
children the entertainer must make them laugh, both at 8.00 p.m.
applaud, smile, and during the course of the show
forget all the unpleasant things in life. He stressed
over and over again that ENTERTAINMENT comes
VICTORY SERVICES CLUB
first (and it seems this fact is often overlooked by TICKETS: each Members £7.50 Non Members £10
magicians who think that technical skill is all that is or buy both for Members £12 Non Members £16
needed to entertain children). It was two hours of
solid, sound advice and for those members who stayed Cheques payable to "The Magic Circle"
on after the main meeting it was worth every second.
Please enclose a s.a.e.
JACK STEPHENS
Darryl I. Rose, A.I.M.C.
The Magic Circle Lectures
Victory Services Club

4*4 63/79 Seymour Street

London W2 2HF

THE MAGIC CIRCLE AUCTION

n Sunday, 21st April, those members who didn't feel up to competing in the London Marathon had a
marvellous excuse — The Magic Circle Auction. Held at the Victory Services Club, on behalf of the Magic
O Circle Appeal Fund, this well-attended auction was once again most ably organised and presided over by
Henry Lewis — and this was arguably one of the best of the 20 magic auctions Henry has handled for the Circle over
the past eight years or so.
Henry was well supported by a team of volunteer helpers who freely gave of their time to ensure a successful
auction — Ali Bongo and Pat Page, who exhibited and in some cases actually demonstrated each lot (believe me,
even if you have no wish to bid, it is well worth coming to these auctions just to enjoy the performance of these
two!), together with messrs Miller/Russell101ogistBudden/Ashby, and not forgetting Cathie and Douglas Reeve.
In the end, over 300 lots were sold, at prices from £1 to £110, and a total of over £1,350 was raised for The
Appeal Fund.
Well, if you missed this one, Henry has already let slip that the next auction is being prepared and will
probably be in October. More info when available ... see you there?
MORLEY BUDDEN

116

CREATIVE WORLD OF CONJURING
By John Booth (1990). Introduction by Paul Daniels.
Illustrated. Grey Cloth, 23.5 x 15.5cm., dust wrapper, xvi,
264 pp. Ridgeway Press. Price £30.40 post paid from Magic
Books by Post, 29 Hill Avenue, Bedminster, Bristol.
John Booth's literary output during recent years has been
remarkable, an outflow that not even cardiac surgery has
perceptibly restricted. This latest volume continues in the
genre of its predecessors, being based principally on mini-
biographies of both contemporary and deceased conjurers
and spiced with the author's personal anecdotes relating to
many of them. It is noteworthy, too, for the introduction of a
new synonym for a conjurer, namely a "conjurian", which
the author employs sporadically throughout the text.
Although many of the topics have featured in John
Booth's long-running series "Memoirs of a Magician's
Ghost", to which many Linking Ring readers turn first when
their copies arrive, it is admirable to have them together in
embellished and expanded form, and with additional mat-
erial, presented in the handsome format that characterises
books published by the author's Ridgeway Press. For those
who do not subscribe to the Linking Ring, here is an
opportunity to acquire some important material.
In addition to biographical vignettes the author addresses
topics such as techniques of successful television magic
series and their presenters and the background to the
American phenomenon of Television Special, popularised
by Doug Henning and David Copperfield. Canadian magic
is featured with a survey of its evolution and the per-
sonalities, native and immigrant, who have contributed to its
high standing at home and abroad — a distinguished band
indeed. Five mysteries of (and here the new word sits ill-at-
ease as an adjective) conjurian history embrace the priority
of Prevost versus Scot, the Bamberg generations, Cardini's
birthplace, Kellar's ashes and the death of Erdnase.
John continues the previously adopted formula of inclu-
ding tricks and routines from his earlier books and here we
have some good examples taken from Marvels of Mystery
(1941) plus some close-up magic with cards, fortune cookies
and colour changing silk.
Like its predecessors in the series, this is a book that can
be picked up at any time, dipped into at random and read
with pleasure, while the extensive illustrations furnish a
valuable repository of portraits of magicians in repose or
action. In short, it is a volume that indisputably claims a
place on your shelves.
EDWIN A. DAWES
117
THE MAN WHO WAS ERDNASE
By Bart Whaley, Martin Gardner and Jeff Busby. Pub-
lished by Jeff Busby Magic Inc. $39.50 with a limited luxury
edition at $76.50 plus packing and postage. Hardbound, 448
pages.
In the foreword Martin Gardner says: "One dares to hope
that this book will somehow find its way to persons capable
of casting more light on the life and death of the Man who
was Erdnase — on the world's most creative and most tragi-
cally flawed man ever to dedicate his life to curious ways of
clandestinely manipulating those 52 little pasteboard
rectangles". -
This may sound a little unkind but in fact the foreword was
written before the task was completed and the present book
just about tidies up all loose ends.
For many years since the publication of "The Expert at
the Card Table" in 1902, there had been doubts as to the
identity of Erdnase and, as facts fell into place or were redis-
covered, speculation as to the nature of his career. Many
readers found it distressing to accept the fact that the author
of their favourite book was a criminal as well as a profes-
sional gambler.
The present book fills in the picture. We learn of Erdnase
or Andrews, of his amazing life style, his amoral attitude to
life, and his squalid and violent death.
In the introduction the authors admirably sum up the
strange situation as follows: "Our cast of characters includes
two star-crossed lovers, four murder victims, several fancy
ladies, four card sharps including a double-crossing partner,
some angry bookies in Australia, a world-famed police chief
in Berkeley, a persistent one in Colorado Springs, a gullible
one in Denver, a forensically inclined dentist in Syracuse, an
alert shop-keeper, a curious grocer, four ruthless but bumbl-
ing San Francisco cops,a dutiful brother in Hartford, and a
graphic artist in Chicago. Also 66 more-or-less prominent
magicians scattered throughout the United States, Canada
and Britain who played a role, greater or lesser, active or
passive, in the hunt for Erdnase."
Backed up by earlier work by Jay Marshall and others, the
authors have produced a curiously composite book, mainly
historical but with complementary commentaries on
Erdnase's conjuring style, favourite tricks and his advice on
presentation, descriptions and discussions of some of his
most famous sleights. In addition we are told how the book
was written, who else assisted with its publication, the detec-
tive work culminating in the discovery of the graves of
Andrews and his mistress Nulda who died with him, the sub-
sequent history of the book, and finally the text of two alibi
notes sent to the local papers — curious mixtures of outraged
innocence and justification for a planned murder that was
bungled.
Like all works of research there are numerous notes (some
37 pages) as to material sources and background. At first
these are disruptive but once accepted, they add to the
scholarly interest. They also indicate the enormous amount
of work that has gone into the project.
One of the many factors which make the book so enjoy-
able are the many photographs and drawings. This was,
after all, a very interesting period in American history, the
era that was to change with World War I. There are num-
erous photographs and sketches of Erdnase and his last lady
friend Nulda together with tabloid sketches showing how a
previous amour, Bessie Bouton was murdered (not by
Andrews).
 Of equal interest, reading down the passing years, is the
gradual appearance of magicians that we know in the cur-
rent magical world — Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller taken in
1940, Martin Gardner, Harry Blackstone Snr., Jack
McMillen, Faucett Ross. One of the final items in the book
is the index of persons who "played more than a passing role
in this story". Omitting the cast themselves this covers most
of the well known names in mid-century magic.
This is a strange, sad history of a man who arguably gave
magic its most important book. Its appearance fulfils an
ambition that publisher and co-author Jeff Busby has had
since his college years in the seventies. The book is a serious
study carried out with the meticulous attention to detail that
we associate with Busby.
I shall never look at my well thumbed copy of Erdnase
with the same feelings as I did prior to reading this book. It
is a hauntingly good read.
JOHN HOLLAND
GLOVE PUPPETS, ROUTINES AND PROPS
By Ron Gilbert. Published by the author at 7 Woods View
Road, Talbot Park, Bournemouth BH9 2LJ. £15.00 (plus
£1.00 p&p).
When I was about to turn professional over thirty years
ago George Wallman, a very experienced children's enter-
tainer, gave me some very valuable advice. He said that
magic on its own was not enough to keep kids entertained for
45-60 minutes, you need variety in the performance such as
Punch and Judy or ventriloquism. He was right of course,
and I added both these skills to my entertainment.
The snag is that `vent' needs hours and hours of practice
and `Punch' is perspiration-producing graft needing lots of
equipment to `hump' about. This is where Ron Gilbert has
come to the rescue with his book "Glove Puppets, Routines
and Props".
This is the ideal publication for the performer who is
looking for something to add to his children's routine. It
must be said that some of the items in the book have already
been covered only recently by a previous author, but leaving
these to one side the audience tested routines straight from
Ron's own kiddies' programme are well worth the price of
the book.
The items covered are: The Rabbit House (utilising the
Chimney Sweep's brush gag), the Castle (great fun here with
the flag pole), the Cottage, the Bungalow, the customary
T.V. set and Puppet Theatre and a really new and great idea,
the Garage, complete with pumps and motor car.
Ron's D.I.Y. speciality is 'spring' loaded doors and lids,
operated by elastic, which allow the puppets to run around,
popping up and out of the set. Whilst on D.I.Y., there is a
chapter on making up the apparatus described as well as a
list of props suitable for use by `gloved hands' and a section
on animating your puppet.
Recommended.
DENNIS PATTEN
118
JESSE DEMALINE'S DEMAGIC
Edited by Brian Lead and Roger Woods with illustrations
by Donald Monk. 120pp. Available from Roger Woods, 12
Curven Edge, Helmshore, Rossendale, Lancs. BB4 4LE
Softback, £12.00 plus £1.00 post and packing. £20.00 plus
£1.50 post and packing for special limited hardback edition.
Overseas: softback £15.00 inclusive, hardback £25.00
inclusive — international sterling money order only.
I regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting Jesse
Demaline, although his name is well known to me from the
many contributions he had made over the years to various
magazines and publications.
Having read this book, which is a fascinating tribute to a
man and his magic, I regret even more that I never had the
opportunity to meet him.
For here was a man who obviously loved his magic and
continually strived to move magic forward. He did this by an
amazingly copious and continual programme of inventing
new effects and re-working the old ones, changing them
from obviously old tricks into effects more suitable for the
age he was performing in. A lesson for many a performer
here.
Truly he comes across as a very remarkable man and this
book is an outstanding tribute to his contributions to the
world of magic. Many of the items in the 120 packed pages
have never previously been published and include mentalism
(21 items, including his renowned second sight act), child-
ren's magic (22 items), close-up (23 items) and a miscel-
laneous magic section that is bigger in itself than many magic
books published today (26 items).
Add to this details of Jesse Demaline's life and thoughts on
magic, plus a foreword by Paul Daniels, and you have a book
which should be in every magician's library — and I do mean
every magician as both amateur and professional alike will
gain something from reading this remarkable book.
MORLEY BUDDEN
ALL
ADVERTISING
MATTER
To: PETER ELDIN
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham, Lincs. NG31 9TS
0476 60657
Rates for Full, Half and Quarter page
advertisements, etc. on application.
All advertisement copy should be received
not later than the 1st of the month for
publication in the following month's issue.
 Monthly Routine Matters
Minutes of an emergency meeting of the Council held at
Headquarters on Monday, 18th February, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), David Berglas,
Chris Pratt, Harry Devano, Mac Wilson, Rupert Connell,
John Gordon, Henry'Lewis, Harry Reeve, Don Robertson,
Darryl Rose, Alan Shaxon, Al Woodrow and Jack Delvin.
The Chairman outlined the circumstances leading up to
the emergency meeting consequent upon the publication
that day by the Sun newspaper of a game entitled `Magic
Circle'.
It appeared to the Officers that the type face selected was
similar to that used by The Magic Circle, the design of the
logo was clearly based on the Society's and the supporting
advertising material used on television and in the paper
featured magical apparatus.
It was the view of the Society's solicitors, in consultation
with Queen's Counsel, that there was a case for bringing an
injunction against the Sun, the reason for convening the
emergency meeting of Council. A lengthy discussion then
ensued during which the full legal and financial implications
of taking proceedings were explained and, in particular, the
personal liability of the Trustees of The Magic Circle should
the action fail.
In the light of the risk to Trustees personally, it was agreed
that no application should be made for an injunction.
However, it was agreed that further advice should be sought
in order to remove, in the future, the risk to individual
Officers/Trustees. It was further resolved that the Sun
newspaper should be required to print a notice to the effect
that its competition had no connection with `The Magic
Circle' (notice subsequently so published).
The Chairman expressed his sincere thanks to Rupert
Connell and his colleagues for the considerable amount of
time put in on this matter and the excellence of the advice
given. Thanks were also expressed to Jack Delvin for the
assistance given by him.
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters on
Wednesday, 13th March, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), David Berglas,
Sam Gupta, Chris Pratt, Harry Devano, Alan Snowden, Ali
Bongo, Anthony Brahams, Michael Candy, Rupert
Connell, John Gordon, John Holland, Jim Jones, Ken Lee,
Alan Maskell, Les Nottle, Harry Reeve, Don Robertson,
Darryl Rose, Peter Scarlett, Al Woodrow.
Apologies were received from: Michael Bailey, Mac
Wilson, John Young, Henry Lewis, Richard Stupple, Alan
Shaxon.
Deaths
The Council noted with regret the deaths of Jack Gittings
of Worcester Park, Reg Gantert of High Wycombe, Tony
Slydini of New York and William Haigh-Brown of Bristol.
Tributes were paid to Jack Gittings, an active Monday
Nighter in every respect for almost forty years, and to Reg
Gantert a more recent but regular Monday Nighter. Further
tribute was paid to Tony Slydini, an Honorary Member and
performer of international renown.
119
The Council also noted with regret the deaths of Al
Goshman of California, a great friend of the Society and
again a performer of international repute. Tommy Tucker,
Heba Haba Al, Dick Jarrow and Tommy Martin, all of the
United States.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th January, 1991,
were confirmed and signed.
Matters Arising
Rupert Connell referred to the recent legal action
contemplated by the Council and the requirement for such
action to be taken by the Trustees of The Magic Circle,
thereby placing the personal assets of the Trustees at
possible risk. He referred members to the recently formed
company, Magic Circle Properties Ltd., and proposed that
the existing Trustees should resign and that the President,
Chairman of Council, Secretary and Treasurer be appointed
Directors of the new Company and also as Trustees, but
without incurring personal liability. He agreed to report
back in due course.
Secretarial Report
It was agreed that the applicants on the attached Schedule
be accepted.
It was agreed that the re-instatements on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
The resignation on the attached Schedule was accepted
with regret.
The Secretary reported the results of the recent ballot
concerning the admission of ladies to membership of the
Society as follows:
Total votes cast: 701— For 490 — Against 211
There being only 69.9% in favour of changing the Rules,
the motion was lost. Concern was expressed that only 50%
of the membership had taken the trouble to vote.
A proposal to co-opt an additional member to the Council
was deferred for the President to take soundings.
The Secretary referred to an `Evening of Mystery and
Imagination' with David Berglas at the Lyric Theatre on
Sunday, 21st April, 1991 in aid of the David Price Melanoma
Trust.
The Secretary reported letters of thanks from Mike Ellis
and Brad Jacobs following recent promotions.
The Council noted with pleasure the following
presentations to the museum:
An At Homes Booklet
Illustrated London News `Make Money Promotion' 1988
List of Magical Societies accepting juniors
Letter from Douglas Craggs re: `Barrister at the Circle'
Terms of reference Occult Committee 1942
British Music Hall Society programme 1988
Occult Committee Dinner/Social Evening menu card
Pair of table mats — The Magic Castle
all presented by Mac Wilson.
Novelty Christmas card — Rabbit Under Hat
Christmas greeting card — John MacGregor
both presented by Henry Lewis
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotions on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
Treasurer s Report
The Treasurer reported receipts and payments for January
1991 of £7,70763 and £13,434.33 respectively, and for
February 1991 of £6,864.63 and £12,33718 respectively.
It was agreed that the sum of £10,000 be paid by The
Magic Circle to The Magic Circle Foundation under the
terms of the Covenant.
The Measurer announced that business commitments
would prevent him continuing as Treasurer after the next
Annual General Meeting. He stated that he had been
involved in discussions with Brian Miller concerning the
vacant post of Deputy Treasurer and was pleased to
recommend him unreservedly. The council was unanimous
in accepting the Treasurer's recommendation which, it was
agreed, should take immediate effect.
F.I.S.M.
The Chairman was pleased to announce that the Society
has agreed to sponsor Richard Griffin in the forthcoming
F.I.S.M. convention in Lausanne.
Video Cameras
The Secretary referred to a paper from Alan Shaxon,
which was circulated, concerning the use of video cameras at
Magic Circle functions. After very lengthy debate, it was
agreed that the Chairman and Secretary discuss the matter
with a view to putting forward firm proposals at a future
meeting.
Special Reports
Junior Magic Circle
Further consideration was given to progressing the
formation of a Junior Magic Circle. It was agreed that the
subject should be aired at the Annual General Debate on
29th April next but that, in general terms, those responsible
should press on to the next stage.
Annual Supper
Ali Bongo stated that 160 tickets had so far been sold for
the Annual Supper on 10th April next.
Lectures
Darryl Rose referred to the two recent lectures by David
Ginn and Dan Garrett, both of which had been well
received and very successful. Thanks were expressed to
Darryl for his excellent organisation of these two events. It
was generally felt that, where possible, special lectures
should be held on the Monday Night when there was a
guarantee of sizeable audience.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 23rd April,
1991.
Elected associates - 13th March, 1991
Ian Patrick Arrow, 36 Chevering Road, Kensal Rise,
London NW6.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
It will save much time if all
queries are sent direct to the
"Secretary" and not the
"Editor".
120
Harold Cataquet, 23 Heath Crescent, Stockport SK2 6JN.
Terrence William Daly, 61 Petworth Road, North Finchley,
London N12 9HE.
James Brown Docherty, 7 Easton Walk, Corby, Northants
NN171UE
Richard James William Gladwell, 30 Manor Park Drive,
North Harrow, Middx. HA2 6HS.
Basil Henry McDonald, 7 Ilfracombe Flats, Marshalsea
Road, London SE1 1EW.
Rajan Rajput, 165 Heath Road, Hounslow, Middx. TW3
2NR.
Yoshikatsu Shinozawa, c/o Daiwa Investment Ltd., 4th
Floor, Condor House, 14 St. Paul's Churchyard, London
EC4M 8BD.
Jonathan Paul White, Gulgate House, Priory Lane,
Ingworth, Nr. Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6PG.
Elected M. M. C. - 13th March, 1991
Enrique Ibanez, Castelor No. 11-6 Izda, Santander 39004,
Spain.
Re-instatement to Associate - 13th March, 1991
James Borg, P.O. Box 204, Barnes, London SW13.
John Lovat Boyd, 65 Scotstoun Park, South Queensferry,
West Lothian, Scotland EH10 9PQ.
Herve Roiter, 68 Hurstwood Road, London NW11 0AU.
John G. Perrett, 5 Marlborough House, Oakfield, Somerset
Road, London SW19.
Re-instatement to A.I. M. C. - 13th March, 1991
Myles Pollock, Woodside, Clifford Chambers, Nr.
Stratford-on-Avon, Warwicks.
Resignation - 13th March, 1991
Henry Thomas Leake — Dunnington, York.
Promotions - 13th March, 1991
To M. M. C.
Bharat Patel — London
Nazim Niyazi — London
Peter Osborne — Spain
Raymond Lloyd — Surrey
Peter Braun — Germany
To A. I. M. C.
John Wheeler — Reading, Berks.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Bob Bernard, `Hatters', 15 Slindon Avenue, Peacehaven,
East Sussex BN10 8NJ. Tel.: 0273 583062.
Rev. Owen Brandon, Condover House, 10-12 Burlington
Place, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4AZ.
Peter A. Jones, 88 Blissett Road, Leicester LE3 9HP. Tel.:
0533 877997
Stephen Jones, 4 Howard Drive, Chelmer Village,
Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6PE. Tel.: 0245 258787.
Trevor Liley, 35 Wakelin Avenue, Sawston, Cambridge CB2
4DS. Tel.: 0223 837398.
Randolph McDonald, `Terra Mara', Teangue, Sleat, Isle of
Skye IV44 8RE.
Tim Raffles, 34 Torridge Gardens, West End,
Southampton, Hants. S03 3NE Tel.: 0703 465843.
Kevin Stebbings, 12 Hillcrest Avenue, Scarborough,
N. Yorks. Y012 6RQ.
John Todd, 25 Skipton Road, St. Armes, Lancs. FY8 3PA.
Tel.: 0253 711363.
Colin Wade, 5 Jarry Court, Gunthorpe Road, Marlow,
Bucks. SL71UJ.
Mac Wilson, 48 Queens Court, 16 Queens Road, Blackball,
Edinburgh EH4 2BY. Tel.: 0253 711363.
 VICTOR JOHN

ICTOR JOHN passed peacefully away on 22nd April, 1991, in hospital. He had suffered from cancer for
V several years but had borne what must have been considerable pain without any complaint. A number
of low periods were always followed by a remarkable and courageous recovery that enabled him to be quite
active during his long illness. His decline in health was something that he accepted bravely and in which he
was strengthened by his religious faith but it was his wish that his illness was not mentioned publicly. Visitors,
through this period, enjoyed stimulating discussions with him as his life-long enthusiasm for magic was with
him till the end.
The funeral took place in Bushey Jewish Cemetery on 24th April in a moving ceremony with a large
gathering of relatives and friends. The Magic Circle was represented by President David Berglas, Henry
Lewis and Michael Candy. The Zodiac Magical Society was represented by their President, Freddie Firth and
the I.B.M. by Brian Barnes.
As we send our sympathies to Victor's loving wife Suzy and to all his family we want them to know that we
carry deep and lasting memories of many strong and excellent magical performances and of our long and
happy friendship.
Rest in peace, Victor.
BRIAN BARNES

(bttuarp
ALTON RENERICK "REN" CLARK
(1904 -1991)

RENERICK "BEN" CLARK, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star, died 3rd May,1991, in Fort Worth, Texas at the age
A • of 86. He was a member of many other magic organizations and clubs around the world. These include
I.B.M. Rings 15 (The Ren Clark Ring, Fort Worth), 25 (British), 124 (Dallas) and 155 (Singapore). He was a Past
International I.B.M. President (1947) and a Life Member of the S.A.M. and an Honorary Life Member of the Inter-
national Brotherhood of Magicians, Texas Association of Magicians; I.B.M. Rings 15 (Fort Worth) and 155 (Singa-
pore); Azteca of Guadalajara, Mexico; Swedish Magic Circle; Circulo Magical Argentino of Argentina; El Circulo
de Magos Mexicanna, Mexico and the All India Magic Circle.
He was a member of the I.B.M. Order of Merlin, Excalibur (50 years) and the recipient of the highest award
that can be bestowed by the Board of Tfrustees of the I.B.M., the Medallion of Honour.
Ren was most proud of his promotion to M.I.M.C., with Gold Star. He wore it every proper occasion and
even had it printed on his stationery. He was featured on the cover of The Magic Circular, May 1990. Ren's love for the
magicians of England was second only to his love of Texas. He had many friends in England and I know he would
want them to remember him.
The Broken Wand Ceremony was performed by David Hira, Derek Kennedy and Roger Crabtree, M.I.M.C.
His survivors are two sisters and two brothers. Unequivocally, the world of magic has lost one of its most lustrous
lights. Ren will be greatly missed and I shall miss him more than most.
"Goodbye friend, goodbye Ren."
ROGER L. CRABTREE, M.I.M.C.

121
 ^^i 1 i I 1

NARGIS KALYAN
ARGIS KALYAN, dancer and magicienne, died on 2nd April, 1991. Until stricken with cancer, she had been a
N headline act in hotels and nightclubs throughout the world. She was one of the first lady magicians to meet the
rigid qualifications for professional magician membership in the famous Magic Castle of Hollywood.
After early ballet training at the Royal Academy whe re she passed out with honours, her professional ca reer
began as one of the Tiller Girls in the '50s. She later joined various variety shows in Europe whe re she teamed up
with a girl singer to form her first speciality act, the duo known as Nargis and Nimi Kalyan. Their bookings took
them to India, whe re she studied and specialized in classical Indian dancing. Under contract to Indrapur Studios of
Calcutta, she appeared in Indian films and a command performance for the then King of Nepal.
Leaving India for the Middle East, Nargis studied belly dancing in Turkey an d became one of the best known
belly dancers working in Europe and, later, the United States. It was in Hollywood that she added magic to her act
and made numerous appearances in Las Vegas, Reno and other American cities, as well as guest spots on U.S. net-
work television shows. She was the first to combine magic and dancing in the same performance, producing doves
from her veils, while she whirled to the beat of Arabic drums.
She is survived by her husband, our Associate Member, actor-magician Francis Drake, with whom she did
her last world tour as Kalyan an d Drake. Also surviving is their son, professionally known as Kai Dominic, a
magician and actor.

card effects. Thus it was the publication in 1945 of The

TREVOR HENRY HALL
28th May 1910-8th March 1991
REVOR HALL was a prominent member of
The Magic Circle during the forty years of his
T membership, distinguishing himself especi-
ally in Circle activities during the first decade of his
affiliation. Subsequently his interests focused more
on conjuring book collecting, bibliography, critical
psychical research and Sherlock Holmes than on the
active performance of magic, and these were all fields
in which he made important and at times controver-
sial contributions to the literature. However, his
relationships with many colleagues in the sphere of
magic, save for an enduring close friendship with
Douglas Craggs, seemed, almost inevitably, to
undergo transitions.
Hall grew up at Walton, near Wakefield, and his
enthusiasm for magic stemmed from a boyhood visit
to Maskelyne's at St. George's Hall. In the 1930s he
became a member of the exclusive Yorkshire Magical
Club which met at Dr. H. Park Shackleton's home in
Bradford. The other members were Edgar Shackleton
and subsequently Roland Winder (comprising the
Bradford Brains Trust), and visiting professional
magicians in the area were always royally entertained.
Around 1938 Hall started to correspond regularly
with Ralph W. Hull of Ohio, whose absorption with
the rough and smooth principle generated many fine
Testament of R. W. Hull, based on this correspon-
dence, that brought Hall to widespread notice and
cemented the start of his friendship with Douglas
Craggs, then Honorary Secretary of The Magic Circle.
Hall's professional career as a chartered surveyor
was interrupted by World War II when he served as a
Captain in the Army. During this period he joined
The Magic Circle (January, 1942) and the British Ring
and contributed `The Diary of a Country Neophyte' to
The Budget and, later, Abracadabra. After the cessa-
tion of hostilities Hall -performed at an assembly of
the newly formed National Association of Magical
Societies at Northampton in November 1945, signifi-
cant for his first meeting with Edward G. Brown,
whose card work mystified him. It marked the start of
a new friendship and regular correspondence, halted
by Brown's early death in 1947. These letters on
Brown's techniques formed the basis for The Card
Magic of Edward G. Brown ultimately published by
The Magic Circle in 1973.
With the publication of Nothing is Impossible
(1946) and Reading is Believing (1947) Trevor Hall
shot to international magical acclaim. He was pro-
moted to A.I.M.C. in 1945 and M.I.M.C. with Gold
Star in 1947. In November 1946 he lectured to The
Circle on `Some Aspects of Presentation and Patter'
and performed An Ancient Chinese Legend' at the
Social that month. This routine had become very
much his `signature' at magical gatherings. A lecture
on `New Day Necromancy' followed in 1948 (both lec-

122
tures were issued as supplements to the Circular) and
in 1949 the first of his essays on magic books
appeared, to be succeeded in 1951-52 by a valuable
series of ten articles on `Magic Book Collecting'. He
was the recipient of the Hoffmann Memorial Prize in
1951 for his thesis `The Creation of a Magical Effect'
and participated in a B.B.C. T.V. programme from
The Circle H.Q. on 2nd January that year. Later the
same month he and Roland Winder hosted a dinner
for some Circle members at Ye Olde Cock Tavern to
meet his American magical friend Thomas M.
Harris, a Harvard psychologist.
A friendship with Dr. Eric J. Dingwall, starting in
1949 at a Magic Circle meeting, significantly furthered
Hall's developing interests in bibliography, magic
book collecting and psychical research. Others who
were close to him at that time included Bert Pratt (who
aided him in much of his later researches), Jimmy
Findlay and Stanley Collins (then regarded by Hall as
the foremost English collector and bibliophile). He
was also corresponding avidly with collectors over-
seas, including H. Adrian Smith, who had catalogued
his own superb collection in bibliographic detail and
issued an `Operating Procedure' for adding titles that
were not included in it. The Smith bibliography was
scheduled for publication by Carl W. Jones. In the
event, the appearance in 1957 of A Bibliography of
Books on Conjuring in English from 1580 to 1850
under Hall's name, published by Carl Jones at a time
when Jones was on his death-bed, and the simultane-
ous issue of the book with an English imprint, alien-
ated many of his collector friends.
Hall assembled two fine antiquarian conjuring lib-
raries. The first was sold to The Magic Circle under a
trust arrangement in 1955 and the second was sold pri-
vately in the early 1980s. He had a collecting penchant
for hand-coloured frontispieces which found expres-
sion in the beautiful book Some Printers & Publishers
of Conjuring Books 1800-1850 (1976) which he wrote
jointly with Percy H. Muir, the distinguished biblio-
grapher, a friendship which had begun after Muir
reviewed Hall's Old Conjuring Books (1972).' This
last was a collection of essays based on Hall's earlier
writings and a selective update of the 1957 biblio-
graphy. The selectiveness of this exercise is
emphasized by the illuminating fact that never, in all
his extensive writings on conjuring bibliography, did
Hall mention the important Conjuring Books 1580 to
1850 by Edgar Heyl (1963) which listed no fewer than
360 entries that were not in Hall's 1957 work. Not
without just cause is Heyl's compilation known affec-
tionately to collectors as `The Ones That Got Away'.
The Heyl omission is all the more revealing when
taken in conjunction with the dismissive criticisms
that Hall levelled at the conjuring section of Raymond
Toole Stott's Circus and Allied Arts: A World Biblio-
graphy. Old Conjuring Books was also marred by the
chapter on Libraries and Collectors which proffered
posthumous comments on some of his former friends
that would have been better left unsaid.
123
During the 1950s Hall became increasingly
interested in psychical research and in association
with Dr. Eric Dingwall, then in Cambridge, carried
out several investigations. Through this connection
Hall was able to conduct some of the work during 1956
under the terms of the bequest of Frank D. Perrott at
Trinity College, Cambridge. Hall's reputation in
psychical research was launched with his debunking
work (jointly with Dingwall and Kathleen Goldney)
on The Haunting of Borley Rectory (1956) which
exposed Harry Price as a charlatan who manufac-
tured `phenomena'. Later, Hall returned to Price, the
individual, and comprehensively dissected his
background, motives and activities in Search for
Harry Price (1978), a volume that some reviewers
considered an `overkill'.
Four Modern Ghosts (1958), jointly with Dingwall,
included the 'Ousedale' haunt, a pseudonym for the
town of Selby. An interesting circumstance is that
when Hall remarried in 1977, following the death of
his first wife, Dorothy, in 1973, he wed the widow of
Dr. R. L. McMorris and went to live at her home,
actually adjoining the house that was the focus of the
alleged haunt (attributed to sounds caused by under-
ground water movement).
Hall's other books on critical psychical research
included: The Spiritualists (1962); The Strange Case
of Edmund Gurney (1964); The Mystery of the Leeds
Library (1965); New Light on Old Ghosts (1965);
Strange Things (1968; jountly with J. L. Campbell)
and The Strange Story of Ada Goodrich Freer (1979).
His Daniel Home: a Victorian Enigma (1984) was sur-
prisingly equivocal towards this interesting character.
Hall's bibliographic researches on van Etten's
Mathematicall Recreations (1633) formed the subject
of a thesis that was accepted for the Ph.D. degree of
the University of Leeds and was the subject of a pub-
lished monograph in 1970. In 1972 he delivered the
second Cecil Oldman Memorial Lecture in Biblio-
graphy and Textual Criticism at Leeds University, dis-
cussing Thomas Ady's A Candle in the Dark (1655).
Following the death of Roland Winder and the disper-
sal of his library at Sotheby's in 1974, Hall wrote a
booklet on The Winder Sale of Old Conjuring Books
(1975) which compared and contrasted the then cur-
rent prices for antiquarian conjuring books. On the
occasion of the First Collectors' Day at The Magic
Circle in 1976 he presented an interesting paper on
`Old Conjuring Books and the Bibliographer'.
A man with a charm of manner, he was, by all con-
temporary accounts, a good performer and an
accomplished card worker until arthritis affected his
hands. He resigned from The Magic Circle in 1982.
Despite some notable bias, Hall brought a depth of
scholarship to all his books and his many publications
will remain a lasting testimony to the industry and
enthusiasm that he expended in his researches in his
various fields of endeavour.
EDWIN A. DAWES
 LETTERS
As the prime mover of the proposal to admit lady
members, I found the results of the recent ballot
extremely disappointing, even more so when the
figures are analysed and it is seen that only 211 mem-
bers voted against the proposal. This represents
approximately 15 per cent of the membership, or to
put it another way, one member in seven. This seems
to be a very small minority to have the power to dictate
the progress of our society, especially when the
majority of our elected council were in favour of the
proposal.
It is a great pity that only about 50 per cent of mem-
bers actually voted and, of course, we cannot know
how the others would have decided. So we still have
no idea of the true wishes of the whole membership. I
am quite sure that eventually, when enough undecided
members understand the practical advantages and
benefits to the society of admitting lady magicians,
the proposal will be carried.
Until then, maybe the best plan would be to revert
to the situation before the comparatively recent revi-
sion of the rules, which raised the necessary majority
of voting members to 75 per cent. There could come a
time when a small "anti" vote would seriously hold the
society back on an even more important issue.
After all, this country is run on a simple 50 per cent
majority basis — and that's between our elected
representatives. I leave you to make the comparisons.
ALI BONGO
The Israeli Society for Promoting the Art of Magic
has informed me that they will be delighted to meet
members of The Magic Circle visiting Israel and they
will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome. The
meetings are held monthly in central Tel Aviv and the
members of I.S.PA.M. comprise members of The
Magic Circle, I.B.M. and S.A.M. I.S.P.A.M. is an
active and vigorous society and includes many perfor-
mers of international standing with a majority of
members proficient in English and Continental
languages.
Our member Mr. Y. Notkovitz, A.I.M.C., can be
contacted in writing at 7 Haruvni Street, Ramat Gan
52331, Israel or by telephone from London 010-972-3-
333330 and he will be pleased to give readers any
further information they may require.
HENRY LEWIS, M.I.M.C.
124
May I through "The Circular" thank all my Monday
Nighter friends for the marvellous reception I
received at The Magic Circle on 13th May after my
return following my long spell in hospital from
suffering a stroke?
Thanks also to Alfred Gabriel and friends for a
most entertaining evening.
I must also thank my good friend, Richard Stupple,
for stepping in at the last minute to transport me there
when my son could not make it.
Best wishes,
LEON (LARRY GARDNER)
The Employments Agency Act is to protect persons
employed by any type of agency, including entertain-
ment agents. It is illegal for an unlicensed agent to
offer work to entertainers. Only when an entertainer
suffers a loss will the Department of Employment act
to prosecute the agent concerned. However, as most
entertainers rely on agents for work it is seldom that an
act will publicly make known his complaint.
One serious con and illegal practice is to ask per-
formers to pay money to be placed on an agent's list.
There have been many cases involving model agencies
where the agent takes the money and the would-be
model is left high and dry.
The answer is to make the workers aware of some of
the problems. One simple answer is for acts to deal
only with a licensed agent and better still to work with
those agents that are registered by organisations such
as the E.A.A., C.E.A.C., B.E.A., etc. These bodies
have strict codes of conduct and in addition to statute,
aim to protect the innocent.
I have been asked to represent the B.E.A. when the
British agents' contingent meet to discuss the Euro-
pean Federation of the Professionals of the Perfor-
ming Arts. The federation has been set up as a
spokesbody to the European Parliament in Brussels
when they decide on European employment agency
legislation.
If you have experienced any problems, I will be
pleased to hear from you.
NIC PICOT
79 Anglesmede Crescent
Pinner, Middx. HA5 5ST
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 THE RINC AND S TRINC
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This is Mark Leveridge's award winning borrowed
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No fakes or special props required, the whole

sequence has been carefully and thoroughly
described In the text booklet, while the
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What does the name Steinmeyer mean to you? If you know your magic, you will know it means
the very latest and best in magical thinking. There are few major magicians on the North
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This title explains many new Jim Steinmeyer illusions and stand up effects. All are fully
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There are nine illusions, Houdini's Rope, Neon, Perforation, The Artist's Daydream, India-
rubber, Th rough A One Inch Hole, Small Packages, Hot Air and The Lady In The Puzzle. In
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THE IL JULY 1991

IC C11EtCiI M1R
****************************** **

* 4mE
^, C4 mRCic
CIRCLE -'

THE MAGIC CIRCLE

AWARDSBANQUET
Bloomsbury Crest Hotel, London WC1
The President and Council of The Magic Circle
invite you to their Annual Gala Night
* on
Saturday 16th November 1991
6for6.45p.m.

* * BANQUET * * * DANCING * * * STAR CABARET

* Presentation of:
* "THE MASKELYNE AWARD" "THE CECIL LYLE AWARD"
* "THE JOHN NEVIL MASKELYNE PRIZE"
* "THE YOUNG MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR" "THE CARLTON COMEDY AWARD"
* * A GLITTERING NIGHT FULL OF SURPRISES WITH THE STARS

Tickets £35.00
Round tables for 12 Book a table for your friends
* Don Robertson, 1 Tara Court, Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5DT
Cheques payable to The Magic Circle. Please enclose s.a.e. and PRINT the names of your guests

**************************************
 THE JULY 1991

PRI\ \ M AG IC I iR
Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 917

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 126
SCENE& HEARD ..................................................................................... 128
ADAIR'S IDEAS ........................................................................................ 131
AMERICANSPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 132
DOUBLEVISION OF HAPPINESS ............................................................... 133
THISIS YOUR LIFE ................................................................................... 134
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 136
SHOWAND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 139
THET.A.T. CO. LONDON LECTURE ........................................................... 144
FINGERTIPVISION TRIED AGAIN ............................................................. 145
THEMAGIC CIRCLE SUPPER .................................................................... 146
OBITUARY............................................................................................... 146
THEHARRY BARON STORY ...................................................................... 147
HONORARYSECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT ........................................... 149
MONTHLYROUTINE MATTERS ................................................................ 151
MAGICCIRCLE'S POSER No. 9 ................................................................... 152
THE MAGIC CIRCLE FOUNDATION MUSEUM ................................ Inside back cover

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY Jean de Merry, A.I.M.C. (Silver Star), versatile globe-trotting performer of magic and ven-
triloquism. A.F.A.R Master of Magic, entertainer to royal houses, founder of Le Cenacle Magique 5 (Switzerland). Read more
about his life on page 134.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Please note that all future correspondence and contributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to The Editor, PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG319TS

125
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
HE latest and most promising property (after looking at well over 100 sites) has excited everyone who has
been actively involved in the search. These premises, in Willesden, only three miles from Marble Arch,
T seem to have everything that we are looking for. The large amount of money we need now to finalise the
purchase and refurbish has to be found immediately.
My particular thanks this month go to our Vice-President, Michael Bailey, who spends an enormous
amount of his time and energy on this project.
Roni Shachnaey, who is known as Ronaldo, came to our Chenies Mews headquarters some years ago, and,
using extra large gold-plated rings, presented one of the finest Three-Linking Ring routines that I have ever seen.
He has made the unlikely transition from a busy professional magician in Israel, to running a successful fish and
chip shop in Scarborough. Strange but true!
He was one of the founder members of I.S.PA.M. (The Israeli Society for Promoting the Art of Magic)
who, in 1986, presented the "Richiardi Award" to me, which has only been awarded four times in its 30 year history.
They insisted that I had to collect this Award myself and, last month, five years later, I finally received it,
combining my visit with a short holiday.
The story behind this Award is that Richiardi Jnr. ran into some difficulties with contracts whilst touring
Israel 30 years ago and the local magicians helped him financially, to enable him to return to South America. In
appreciation, he created this Award to be presented for outstanding contribution to magic, I was very honoured
and pleased to be a recipient.
We are getting better at welcoming new members and visitors, particularly from overseas, but we should all
make an even greater effort. I know from personal experience that magic clubs vary enormously in the way they
introduce visitors and the right way can make the evening really enjoyable.

Whilst in Israel recently, David Berglas presented Yosi'Notkovitz with his A.I.M.C.

126
 Terry Seabrooke will be at the Magic Castle, yet again, just before joining our large team of British
magicians appearing at the S.A.M. Convention in Las Vegas. During the Convention, I will be hosting a meeting
of Magic Circle members and this will be fully reported in due course. It is a tight schedule as there is only one day
between Las Vegas and the FI.S.M. Convention in Switzerland. I will be lecturing at both venues and appealing
for support and sponsorship for our proposed new headquarters.
Some years ago, Doug Henning made a name for himself through his television appearances and his stage
shows ("Man of Magic", on Broadway, etc.) when suddenly, at the peak of his career, he disappeared from the
magic scene. There were many rumours about his intentions but, in fact, he went to India to study and practise
Eastern Mysticism.
He has now teamed up with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the saffron-robed Indian guru who brought
transcendental meditation to the world (via the Beatles!), to produce a spiritual equivalent of gourmet T.V.
dinners, a high-tech, fakery-filled playground, ostensibly to help put man in harmony with nature. This theme park
in Orlando, Florida, will be called "Vedaland" and is scheduled to open in 1993. The 38 attractions will include a
building that appears to levitate above a pond, a chariot ride inside the "molecular structure" of a rose and a
journey over a fabricated rainbow. I cannot wait!
Many of you constantly ask me to involve you in some of the big charity events which I help to organise.
This is your opportunity to not only help well-known and deserving causes but, at the same time, to promote The
Magic Circle. Let me know if you are able to provide some kind of "walkabout" entertainment, such as magic,
juggling, clowning, balloon modelling, Punch & Judy, etc. Both events are in the open air. They are the "Starwalk"
at Copthall Stadium, north London on Sunday, 8th September and the "Amazing Great Children's Party" (for
6,000 children with leukaemia) in Battersea Park on Thursday, 12th September.
"The Stage" newspaper has a magic supplement every year and, although it is good to see so many
magicians advertising and writing features, I am always sorry to see magical personalities airing their
controversial views in public. This also applies to our fraternity's only magical weekly. I sincerely hope that this
trend will soon stop and that our magazines are only filled with news, views and magical information. We have a
great reputation amongst other branches of show business that we are a close-knit brother(sister)hood. Let's keep
it that way.
DAVID BERGLAS

THE NEW MAGIC CIRCLE SHOW CASE

JEWELS for wear at functions, etc . .......................................... ............................................... 7.50
BUTTONBADGES for appropriate degree ................................ ............................................... 4.00 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE CUFF LINKS, new design .............................. ............................................... 9.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE TIES, maroon or navy blue ............................ ............................................... 6.00
MAGICCIRCLE CAR BADGES ............................................. ............................................... 6.00
MAGICCIRCLE STICK PINS, new design ............................... ............................................... 7.50 (New)
LEATHERBOOK MARKS, new design .................................... ............................................... 1.50 (New)
MAGICCIRCLE BANNERS in red silk .................................... ............................................... 5.00
COASTERS, box of six in red, blue, black ................................. ............................................... 5.00 (New)
CHINA MUG, Magic Circle motif in red ................................... ............................................... 4.00 (New)
POTTERY MUG, Magic Circle motif in red ............................... ............................................... 2.00 (New)
SILVER-PLATED TEASPOON, motif in red .............................. ............................................... 2.50 (New)
BOOKMATCHES, 10 boxes ................................................... ............................................... 3.50 (New)
BALL-POINT PENS .............................................................. ............................................... 0.50 (New)
SPORTSCAPS, blue with Magic Circle motif ............................. ............................................... 8.50 (New)
PLAYING CARDS, (Magic Circle), red or black/red) ................... ............................................... 2.00
KEYRINGS ........................................................................ ............................................... 1.50
12" BALLOONS with The Circle badge on, 10 of mixed colours ..... ............................................... 1.50
Obtainable in the Club Room from Jack Mayes Postal enquiries to:-
JACK MAYES, 153 DERBY WAY, STEVENAGE, HERTS SG1 5TN
Tel.: 0438 352433
Cheques to be made payable to The Magic Circle
Please add £1.00 for badges and jewels, cuff links and other small items. Mugs, please add £1.50.
Some of the above items are ideal for presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc.,
i.e., book marks, mugs, coasters, pens, matches, key rings and silver-plated spoons

127
 SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN

A PERSONAL PLEASURE CHILDREN'S TALENT TO THE FORE

It was a great personal pleasure to meet Dale
Salwak in the Clubroom recently on his way back
home from a successful convention in Holland.
Although we have been in regular contact since I took
over editorship of The Circular this was the first time
I had met him in person. A charming gentleman and a
superb performer with whom I had a very pleasant
chat. Dale will be back in this country in December
for Ron MacMillan's International Day. He will be
both lecturing and performing and I am certain I am
not the only who is looking forward to this magical
treat.
Every year member Ron Burrell, who is a police
schools liaison officer in Essex, organises a children's
talent show for charity. This year was no exception and
auditions were held in 24 Chelmsford schools to find
the 18 performers who took part in the four-hour show
in May As usual the show, produced and compered by
Ron, was a great success with the funds raised
presented to the Chelmsford Hospice. Well done,
Ron.

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOUR

Congratulations to Will Alma who was awarded the
Medal of the Order of Australia in this year's Queen's
Birthday Honours List.
For over 60 years Will performed as a professional
magician throughout Australia and overseas. At vari-
ous times during his long career he has also been an
inventor, writer, publisher, photographer and film-
maker. In 1933 he founded the Alma Magical Com-
pany, the first magical manufacturing company in
Australia.
Following a heart attack in 1965 Will retired from
performing and devoted more time to his other love -
collecting. From the early 1950s he had been col-
lecting material and apparatus associated with magi-
cians who worked in, or toured, Australia and New
Zealand. Today, the W. G. Alma Conjuring Collec-
tion, housed in the State Library of Victoria, contains
over 3,000 books on magic, thousands of magazines,
plus hundreds of photographs, posters, scrap-books,
programmes and original items of apparatus. The col-
lection continues to grow with Will acting as honorary
curator and adviser.
Will was absolutely amazed when the Queen's
Birthday Honour was announced. "It was totally
unexpected," he said. "My main aim over the years
has been to promote the wonderful art of magic and,
through the collection of magical memorabilia, to
Brian Lead with a picture of Lafayette which appears in his
document and preserve the history of magic and magi-
recently-published documentary wallet on this legendary
cians for future generations. It really is quite illusionist. This consists of a facsimile of "The Scotsman"
overwhelming to be recognized in this way" front page and a large folded sheet which details a timetable
of events leading up to and after the tragic fire at the Empire
C.B.E. FOR MARTYN LONG Theatre, Edinburgh in 1911. It makes fascinating reading
and a full review by Eddie Dawes will appear in the next issue
Congratulations also to Martyn Long, A.I.M.C., of The Circular. All profits from this project will go to The
who was awarded the C.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Magic Circle Appeal. It is published as a limited edition of
Honours List. This was in recognition of his work with just 500 copies and costs £5 (inc. p. & p.) U.K., £7 (Inter-
the Mid-Sussex Health Authority — clearly well national Money Order) overseas, direct from Brian Lead, 55
deserved. Sanders Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 6NP.

128
AN INDIAN EXPERIENCE
On a recent visit to New Delhi, Brian Barnes had
the opportunity of meeting the Rajdhani Ring (No.
273) of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Although the get-together had been the subject of
correspondence for a few months, Brian tells me that
nothing could have prepared him for the over-
whelming hospitality that was extended to himself and
his wife, Pat.
The New Delhi magicians had taken a lavishly-
decorated suite in one of the city's best hotels. Brian
was asked to join the officers of the society in an entry
procession. He was then welcomed with garlands and
an Indian blessing. Brian conveyed the greetings from
the President of The Magic Circle, David Berglas, and
these were reciprocated. David was subsequently
invited to become an honorary member of their Ring.
Brian was questioned about his visit by press repre-
sentatives and several visitors. After this interview
session, the press and lay visitors left the room.
Brian gave his current lecture on close-up and men-
tal magic to the 30 magicians present. The section that
generated the most response was the Blindfold Card
Act, based on Al Koran's description in Ganson's
Routined Manipulations. Their interest and, later,
their probing questions, suggested that the sorts of
magic demonstrated were not commonplace in India. cops
Brian had just enough lecture notes and sample mat-
erials to go round. His suitcase would have been
lighter but for the fact that the magical gifts he
received from the magicians present came to rather
more, in weight, than he had given away.
A first-class buffet of local dishes was put on for
everyone's culinary enjoyment. Brian was given
detailed explanations of each dish by one of the mem-
AT HOMES
bers with an expert knowledge of Rajasthani food.
Over the meal, Brian met everyone present and their
friendliness was incredible. 17th/18th September
There were still so many questions being asked that 29th/30th October
Brian took advantage of the extension offered by his 27th/28th November
tour operator. This gave one extra night in New Delhi 17th/18th December
at the end of the tour of Rajasthan. All the magicians 1992
returned, this time to the lounge of the hotel in which 14th/15th January
Brian was staying. This was for another three hours of
questions, discussions and even more magic. 18th/19th February

Tickets: £15 each

MAGIC BY COMPUTER Parties of 10 or more £12.50 each
American magician Richard Robinson has just Parties of 50 or more £10 each
released what is claimed to be the first magic press kit
on computer disc. It provides full information on
illusionist Richard Robinson and his stage show, Dick James
quotes from him on the nature of illusion and other 6 Compton Terrace, The Green,
magical subjects, reviews of his shows, a short history
of magic and details of how his show can be booked. Winchmore Hill, London N21 3NR
It sounds like a good idea — unfortunately the discs Telephone: 081-882 5522
provided (5.25 and 3.5 inch) do not fit in my Amstrad!

129
CECIL LYLE AWARD
As a result of the change of editors on The Circular
last year there was a slight hiccup on the Cecil Lyle
Award and the recipient of the 1989 award was not
announced. Just for the record the winner was
Marvillo (Arnold Liebertz) of Germany. Current hol-
der of the award is Ian Adair. Who will win it this year
for the best trick to appear in The Circular? Well, we
shall not know that until this year's banquet as the
actual judging is done only a few weeks before it is
announced.
All tricks published in The Circular are eligible for
the award and I am always pleased to receive tricks for
publication.
THE IMP STRIKES AGAIN
The Lincolnshire Imp (who, you
will remember, is responsible for
any mistakes in The Circular) has
struck again. While cutting the gal-
leys for the layout of the May "Scene
and Heard" the imp jogged my arm
and several names were inadver-
tently cut from my piece thanking
all who help in producing The Cir-
cular. My apologies to Peter
Blanchard (This Is Your Life), John Wheeler (Magic
Societies), Clifford Townsend (Circle Poser) and
Geoffrey Lamb (Quick Quiz), whose names were
included originally, for cutting them out. I know their
contributions are appreciated by the membership and
I certainly appreciate their involvement in providing
interest and variety to The Circular.
GREETING FROM BONNIE SCOTLAND
Mac Wilson has asked me to pass on his best wishes
to the President and all members and his thanks to all
who kindly sent their "good luck" wishes when he and
his wife moved to Edinburgh. For a time things were a
bit fraught and all your letters and cards cheered them
up enormously. They have now settled in and Mac is
gradually getting around to acknowledging everyone
personally but in the meantime he passes on his grate-
ful thanks via The Circular. He has also pointed out
that his telephone number given last month is
incorrect. It should be 031315 2792.
AMERICANEVILLE
Our Monday Night Host, Neville Cooper, recently
returned from an extensive but rapid tour of the
United States, with cabaret, close-up and private per-
formances as far apart as Minneapolis, North
Carolina and Florida in just two weeks!
Visiting a dealer in Florida, he demonstrated a
number of British close-up items and came away with
an order for 144 of them! The dealer said that they do
not have such good items over there which, comments
Neville, "is nice to hear".
130
SPOONING
In the same post a few days ago I received a note
from James Freedman titled "A Spoonful of Magic"
and a letter from Harry Carson headed "Spooning".
Quite a coincidence! Strangely enough, the note
from Harry Carson was also about coincidence.
Whilst staying with friends in France, Harry had to
leave his colleagues to go to his car on the other side of
the road. As he stepped off the pavement something
shiny caught his eye. It was the broken off bowl of a
spoon. Almost instinctively, he popped it into his
pocket.
Later, at the table, he began fiddling openly with
one of the spoons, making it appear to be bending. At
this point he got the broken bowl in his left hand and
then brought the whole spoon down into the same
hand. He continued with the standard optical illusion
of bending the spoon and then with a quick parting of
the hand threw the broken bowl on to the table.
This caused considerable shock from the onlookers
but then Harry "restored" the spoon by bringing both
hands together, sleeving the broken portion en route.
To the onlookers this was sheer magic but to Harry
it was a good example of what one can do on the spur
of the moment by making the most of every
opportunity.
A SPOONFUL OF MAGIC
James Freedman and Samantha recently flew to
Penang Island, Malaysia to present their full evening
show of illusions and hypnotism at the Penang
Mutiara Beach Club and Resort.
After the show, James was invited to perform for a
party of V.I.P's following a private dinner in the hotel's
Royal Suite.
During his impromptu performance, several
spoons bent, some broke and a number of watches
stopped and ran backwards. Later James was told that
the cutlery was solid silver and was recently commis-
sioned for Margaret Thatcher's visit to the country
earlier this year!
The damaged silverware was presented to the
guests as a souvenir of the evening. However, James
reports that for the rest of his tour the hotel staff were
happier to provide him with chopsticks!
ENGLISH PLAYING CARD SOCIETY
Alcar (member Peter Stammers) recently per-
formed close-up magic for the English Playing Card
Society as part of their convention at Bath. He went
down so well he has been invited to entertain them
again next year.
Peter suggests that some members may be
interested in this society. Their address is: English
Playing Card Society, Major Donald Walsh, 11
Pierrepont Street, Bath, Avon BA1 1LA.
 Vii\ D lS APPARATUS REQUIRED
Four balls — the ones I use are table-tennis balls,
three being left plain white, whilst the fourth is
painted black. A small dab of wax should be attached
to the black ball.
The bag is ... wait for it ... your Egg Bag, so
most magicians will already have this piece of magical
apparatus on the shelf at home. The bag, known to all,
has a half open pocket section sewn to one side for the
usual egg to drop down from or into during a regular
routine.
WORKING AND PRESENTATION

BLACK-BALLED
BY IAN ADAIR
OFFER readers a rather puzzling type of mystery
this month. It could well be classed as a mental
I effect, yet it could also be classed as a general
magical concept.
EFFECT
A cloth bag and four balls are used ... that's all.
Three of the balls are white, whilst the fourth one is
black. They are placed inside the cloth bag which is
well shaken so all are mixed. The performer states that
he will always be left with the black ball, no matter
where or when he performs the experiment.
Three spectators assist by reaching inside and
removing a ball. All three remove white balls. The
remaining ball is black, of course, and another spec-
tator, on your behalf, can remove this for you. The bag
is shown otherwise empty, and believe me, it is!
Once the balls have been placed inside the bag,
you, the performer, should place your hand inside to
mix them up. In doing so, locate the black ball by
feeling for the wax. Once found flick the ball up into
the pocket which means that the left hand, holding
the bag, holds the ball through the material at this
stage of the procedure.
Now ask three spectators to assist, requesting them
to quickly (and it is important they are to dip in and
out in a swift fashion) dip in the bag to bring out the
first ball they touch. Of course, all three bring out
white balls. Don't be afraid that the last spectator will
realise there is only one ball left inside when he is
selecting one. The state of "Quick — grab the first ball
you touch and bring it out" does the trick.
After all three white balls have been removed, the
remaining black ball within the open pocket is allowed
to drop into the bag proper. A further spectator is
asked to reach inside the bag to remove the final ball
which is seen to be black. The bag is turned inside out
to show it is empty, emphasising this fact by banging it
flat on the table.

HE'S MADE A NOTE IN HIS DIARY ..

HAVE YOU?
The Magic Circle
Dealers' Showcase
9th November, 1991
ROYAL NATIONAL HOTEL, WOBURN PLACE, LONDON WC1
Hon. Organiser: Harry Reeve 0634 32591

131
 Mission specialist, astronaut, and I.B.M. member
Dr. James Bagian from Philadelphia flew aboard the
recent launch of Space Transport System (STS)-40,

AgERIcA '4^
more popularly known as the Columbia space shuttle.
While in orbit he was given three minutes to do
anything he wanted.
With the benefit of Harry Blackstone's coaching,
he took with him four tricks, including the Invisible
Deck, and broadcast a magic show from space to

Y ^ earth. Another magician, pilot Sidney Gutierrez from

Albequeque, helped arrange the performance.
The shuttle also carried a special magic wand made
by John Gaughan, and eventually this will end up in
By DALE SALWAK m.i.m.c. the much hoped for I.B.M. Museum.
Soon to play many of the American cities,
E fell in love with magic as a young man after "Magicians from Moscow" features among its twenty-
seeing a performance by "Willard the four artists the genius of magician Yevgeniy Voronin
H Wizard". Over the next seventy years he and juggler Gennadiy Kil Jongleur, two of the most
became a major figure in magic. He was past Inter- unusual and entertaining acts I have ever seen.
national President of the I.B.M. (1947-8), a member Voronin lives in the Ukraine where he is artistic
of the Inner Magic Circle, an Honorary Member of director of the Caliostro Magic Theatre. He has enter-
the British Ring, a charter Life Member of the Society tained audiences throughout Europe, and was nomi-
of American Magicians, a member of the Fort Worth nated for the First Prize in Austria for comic magic
Magic Club, and a founding member of the Texas and the Grand Prix in Germany among world class
Association of Magicians (1948). During his term as magicians. I understand they will also appear next
I.B.M. International President he performed his October at Tannen's "Jubilee".
colourful oriental act at the British Ring No. 25 con-
vention at Bournemouth. He bequeathed $100,000 to
the I.B.M. His name is Alton Renerick Clark, better
known as Ren Clark, who died on 3rd May at the age
of 86.
Soon the lower level of the Magic Castle's show-
room annex will house the William Larsen, Sr.
Academy of Magical Arts Library — promising a
special area for parties and receptions, a small
"theatre" for video screenings and lectures, and a
secure home for the libraries of the Academy of
Magical Arts and the Society for the Preservation of
Variety Arts. Noted author and historian T. A. Waters
has been hired to serve as full time librarian. A later
phase of construction also calls for a new Houdini
Seance Room in the area that was once Milt Larsen's
grand office in the tower of the Castle. This will also
allow management to make changes in the dining
areas.
General Norman Schwarzkopf, Allied Commander
in the now terminated Persian Gulf war and based at
McDill Field, Tampa, was among 700 in attendance
for opening night ceremonies at the Florida State Yevgeniy \oronin.
Convention in St. Petersburg. He received a tremend-
ous ovation when he was introduced from the Beginning with the September issue, Stan Allen's
audience. As part of the evening's entertainment, Al newsletter Inside Magic will became Magic: A
Cohen, one of the general's sponsors for I.B.M. Journal of Modern Conjuring — a 48 to 64 page, 8 th" x
membership many years ago, performed his "Parnell 11", glossy publication intended to do for magic what
Zorch" act in which everything goes wrong. After the Time does for the world. International in scope, it will
show the general visited Al backstage and said, "You feature tricks, reviews, and all of the highlights Stan
know you sold me every one of those tricks you did, has promoted over the past seven years, including
and I performed them the same way as you did timeliness, honest reviews, and editorials on delicate
tonight!" subjects. Richard Kaufman will also edit a trick

132
 section and supply the illustrations. Michael Weber
will expand his role as book reviewer. Inside the
journal, Stan will devote several pages to up-to-the-
minute news in a format similar to the newsletter.
Current subscribers to Inside Magic will be rolled
over automatically to the journal. But Stan is offering
free to new subscribers a special limited edition magic
book, edited and compiled by Phil Goldstein, with
tricks and essays written by Eugene Burger, Mike
Caveney, Richard Kaufman, Jeff McBride, Jim
Steinmeyer, Michael Weber, Tommy Wonder, and
others. Write: Magic, 4067 Hardwick Street, Suite
322, Lakewood, California 90712 (fax 213/408-2588).
After an exceptionally successful (and busy) year as
International I.B.M. President, on 2nd July Mike
Ellis passed the gavel to Michael Gorman. Michael
brings to the magic fraternity his own special talents
and skills as a computer expert. Because of him, for
example, the I.B.M. has entered the twentieth cen-
tury with its bookkeeping, accounting and record
keeping. No longer does the staff have to contend with
card files and file drawers. All records are now on
computer, and this represents a major accomplish-
ment. He hails from Endwell, New York, and he will
represent the I.B.M. at this year's ELS.M. All of us
wish Michael well, and we thank Mike Ellis, as well as
his wife Betty Lou, for their dedicated service. They
Stan Allen. have made a significant difference.

9
A 4*
DOUBLE VISION OF HAPPINESS
N eavesdropper would have been amused at the sight. Two grown men, a pretty woman and a 10-year-old
boy were taking it in turns to stare at what looked like a sheet of embossed aluminium from a distance of a
A few inches. Every now and then, one of them would shout excitedly and have to be firmly replaced by
another watcher. This was Paul Daniels and Debbie, a young lad called Simon and me enjoying trying to make out
a Perceived Depth Image poster. Call it a three-dimensional poster, or even a form of hologram if you will, it
nonetheless looks like a dull mirror with wiggles on it until you allow your eyes to lose their focus, rather as with the
Floating Sausage effect, when the whole surface becomes a spectacular series of mountains and valleys in
breathtaking relief. I understand these posters are available from the U.S. of A. but they don't work for everybody
and certainly not at once. When the effect does become apparent, though, you will scream and shout and wave
your arms about just as we all did.
I'd taken young Simon over to see Paul as he is a bit of a miracle himself. Just after Christmas, he was in the
Royal Marsden Hospital with very serious cancer. Asked by one of the staff what he would most like to do if he
could have a wish, he replied that he wanted to meet Paul Daniels. I got to hear of this, told Paul, and we sent
Simon "get well" cards, while being prepared by the hospital for the worst. Then a couple of weeks ago I got a call
from Simon's mother to say that Simon was out of hospital and recovered enough to be back at school, hence the
call to Paul and Debbie and the drive to Daniels' Towers.
Simon's hair is growing again after the chemotherapy and he asked many intelligent questions before
leaving with his hands full of souvenirs. But however happy Simon was I am sure that I speak for Debbie and Paul
when I say that it was the expression on the young lad's face that made the sun shine for us that morning.
JOHN WADE

133
 N Dr. Whaley's outstanding and celebrated work Who's
I Who In Magic there is mention of a most exclusive
magical group, Le Cenacle Magique 5. Limited to just five
magicians, it was founded by Jean de Merry in 1980.
Jean was born Jean Graf in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland,
the second of two boys. His father was an actor and compere
in a small theatre company. Nothing unusual in the way he
became interested in magic, it was a box of tricks at the age
of 10 that fired his enthusiasm then books from the library.
Little money was left in his pocket after visiting Professor
Rex's "Academic de Magic" in Geneva where he bought all
his tricks.
Using the stage name of his father, Jean Demairy, he
launched himself, at the age of 16 as Jean de Merry, into per-
forming magic for charity. His mother made him a very good
Egg Bag on an ancient Singer machine, his eggs were made
of wood painted white and his mother often used them when
darning his socks! In the same year, he made an important
step forward — his first paid show entertaining in a class
venue — at the Hotel du Rhone for the Lyons Club
Organisation in Geneva.
The oldest magical club in Switzerland, founded by
Professeur Magicus (Adolphe Blind) in 1929, was "Club des
Magiciens de Geneve". Jean was admitted to this excellent
club as the youngest member, young Jean be fr iended
Adolphe's daughter Magiquette and visited his famous cot-
tage "Villa Magica" with its fascinating library and
workshops.
Jean became secretary — then president — and in 1952 fol-
lowed this by creating and editing a six issue per annum
magazine called "Magicus" which is a collector's item today.
A performance by Thot, the international ventriloquist,
at a theatre in Geneva, proved a turning point in Jean's life.
He determined to learn all there was to learn about the art of
ventriloquism. Thot put him on the right road and with some
very hard work he joined the ranks of the top performers.
After graduating with a "Federal Diploma" in watch-
making, he joined Patek & Phillipe, the famous watch-
making company, and it was here that he met a very nice
young lady and married her one year later.
In 1952, he entered the competition at the International
ELS.M. Congress in Geneva, competing against eight vents
fr om foreign countries and won the first international prize
with gold medal then in 1955 after a string of important
bookings, he was nominated as "Maitre Magicien" (Master
of Magic) by the French Society Association Francaise des
Artistes Illusionnistes (AFAR) in Paris.
Jean de Merry was by now a young but fully-fledged inter-
national entertainer making his mark on the magic scene -
touring music halls and clubs in Europe in company on stage
with the late Fred Kaps, Pavel, Richard Ross, Ali Bongo,
Chu Chin Fu and the like. The icing on the cake came in the
form of an excellent North African tour and entertaining
THIS IS YOUR LIFE some crowned heads of Europe — the Grande Duchesse of
Luxembourg, the Prince and family of Monaco, the Prince
of Savoy, the Princess of Balkani. When Charlie Chaplin
(residing in Switzerland) presided over a party for the
R.A.F., Jean de Merry was one of the performers in the
show. Jean says that the great man was one of the kindest of
men he had ever met.
In 1958, this Swiss entertainer created an Oriental act,

btj^A221 134
Chang-Li — The Magician of the Celestial Empire. For this
he built his own tables and giant fans with dragons and
toured for some years with this spectacular mini
extravaganza.
 Above: The emblem of Le Cenacle
Magique 5.

Left: Jean with one of his vent.

figures in 1983.

Right: The spectacular Chinese

extravaganza of Chang Li — The
Magician of the Celestial Empire.

Below: Spots before the eyes in 1966.

Eventually came the time when Jean had to sit down and
decide whether to go on globe trotting as a full-blown pro-
fessional or retreat into the world of semi-professionalism.
After a tour on the Orient Express, he decided to go for the
latter and start seeing less of the world and something of his
family. He turned to performing in clubs on a semi-
professional basis, at birthday parties and private shows
which allowed him to be home with his family every night.
He was also able to fulfil an old ambition — to write a book
on magic and ventriloquism and in 1971 he did just this
under the title of Je Suis Ventriloque (I am a Ventriloquist).
This was the first book in French for 25 years and 25,000
copies were sold.
Jean de Merry has written too many articles to mention all
of them here. He writes a regular column in Hokus Pokus,
the official organ of the Magic Circle of Switzerland and is
co-editor in French as the magazine is written in French and
German, and a Jean de Merry article has appeared in the
much sought after Max Difs Histoire de la Prestidigitation,
now a collector's item.
In all, Jean has written 10 books which are all in the Swiss
National Library and has been nominated by the French
government as "Officier de Merite Artistique et Social", a
distinction in the field of Art And Culture. All his books
were edited by his good friend, Jean-Pierre Hornecker, the
founder and owner of the Edition du Spectacle.
Jean de Merry is one of the Directors of the Public
Economy Department of the canton of Geneva (Switzer-
land) and all his spare hours are devoted to magic. He has a
library of 2,400 books on magic, ventriloquism and men-
talism and is a member of numerous magical societies and
considers it to be an honour to be an Associate Member of
The Inner Magic Circle (Silver Star).
PETER D. BLANCHARD. M.INSTPI.. A.I.M.C.

135
 133aicIj Cabinet of Bagicat Qurio itit
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
175. CHARLES OSWALD WILLIAMS AND
HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO MAGIC

HARLES O. WILLIAMS, in his guise as Charles

C Oswald, was the third subject in a series of "Interviews
with Famous Amateur Magicians" which began in Volume 8
of Goldston's Magician Monthly. Each was embellished with
one of H. K. Elcock's splendid portraits and that of Wil-
liams, from the February 1912 issue, is reproduced here.
The anonymous interviewer (presumably Go'-ion) said
"We have realised for years that you are a particularly able
magician, and we are not alone in that view. Several profes-
sional friends of ours have told us that you have from time to
time given them valuable tips." Mr. Oswald smiled, and
commented:
"It is very good of them to say so. But as a matter of fact I
think the best services I have rendered to magic have been in
that way I devote a great deal of time to experimenting in the
art, and sometimes I get what I think is a good idea for a new
trick or for the development of an old trick. I of course use it
for my own purposes, but I also pass it on to other
magicians."
"There are not many who are so generous," we observed.
"Perhaps not, but it seems to me quite natural that if a man
has hit on anything good he should desire to obtain for it all
publicity possible. My business interests compel me to
remain in Wales practically all the year round. It is a satis-
faction to me to know that, through the medium of other
magicians, whether professional or amateur, I am finding
expression elsewhere in the world."
"In what departments of magic," we now asked, "do you
specialise, Mr. Oswald?"
"In small tricks, with and without apparatus," he replied.
"I was a good deal interested in what Mr. Louis Gautier
said in the last number of the Magician as to his preference
for illusions on a large scale. But personally, quite apart from
the question of expense. I prefer small tricks. They seem to
me to afford better opportunities for the display of indi-
vidual skill and ingenuity. The illusion on the large scale is
often merely a matter of the correct, almost automatic,
working of complicated apparatus."
"But not always so."
At the end of 1913, Williams contributed a couple of
"Granted. Still I stick to my point that it is often so. Now
interesting and valuable articles to The Magic Circular
with small tricks one can always use one's brain. With a little
directed at the beginner in drawing-room performances,
thought, some neater or quicker method may be hit on. The
whether for adult or children's audiences. The first, in
trick will remain the same trick. But it will be more effec-
November, addressed the problem of Arranging a Pro-
tive, and when the performer presents it he will feel that he
gramme in relation to audience and duration, and also pro-
is something more than a mere showman."
vided an example of his documentation of shows with
Oswald went on to confirm that he'had been a magician records of programme, requirements on table and on
since boyhood and had given "hundreds if not thousands" of person, client, fee and duration of show.
performances, practically all of them in Wales. He had taken
The second article appeared in December on Drawing-
the Magician Monthly from its first issue and he engaged in
room Conjuring Tricks. He offered advice on the means of
regular correspondence with magicians throughout the
carrying props to such shows, the necessity for carrying
country. He had made a point of attending the Cardiff and
one's own table "but don't, please don't, introduce a table
Swansea music halls whenever professional magicians
with sequins and gilt tinsel trimming, or one made up from a
appeared there, and patriotically observed that "A Cardiff
music stand with gaudy gilt braid cover," and the choice of
or a Swansea audience is as discriminating in magical
apparatus. Feeble imitations of Chung Ling Soo's Cauldron
matters as even a London one".

136

Charles 0. "1
t107 Sta^ eya R ead, Roa t h, CARDIFF.
Left: The original of the H. K.
Elcock portrayal of Charles
Oswald which appea red in the
Magician Monthly in February
1912. (Dawes Collection).
Right: Postcard from Williams in
March 1922 advising that he was
out of stock of Floating Balls but
+1. A. Gt
had sent to France for more
(possibly to DeVere in Paris).
A L
1ti'M. V
should be avoided — no performer with good taste would use
one in a drawing-room, and rope-tying and handcuff tricks
should be reserved for stage and circus. While some tricks
with apparatus add greatly to a show, the performer should
blend them with some feats in sleight-of-hand; by doing so
the effect will be greater than by performing apparatus
tricks alone or only offering sleight-of-hand. The reader was
urged to buy the best apparatus he could get, and left with
the final admonishment never to use a pistol and tricks with
water in the drawing-room.
Over the years, Williams contributed a variety of effects
in the magical literature but the trick that was destined to
excite the interest of the mathematicians was, in fact, com-
municated to readers of the Magician Monthly by his friend
Professor Hoffmann. In the April 1912 issue the Professor
started a new series titled "Scraps From My Notebook" and
the first item was "Card Reading Extraordinary" — "the
invention of my friend Mr. C. O. Williams, of Cardiff, magi-
cally known as Charles Oswald". In brief, an ordered pack
with an aligned one-way back design is divided and turned
end for end so that after a single riffle shuffle the resulting
rising sequences can be readily identified, and a card
reading is then performed. This item predated the more
sophisticated Long Distance Mindreading offering of
Charles T. Jordan advertised in the Sphinx for May 1916 at
$2.50. The trick was subsequently included in Jordan's
Thirty Card Mysteries (1919), Chapter 1 of which is headed
"Trailing the Dovetail Shuffle to its Lair", a title appositely
adopted by Bayer and Diaconis (1989) for their
mathematical analysis of the shuffle.
Throughout the First World War, Williams was extremely
active in entertaining the troops in camps and also the sick
and wounded in hospital. He was a member of a concert
party named "The Unique Entertainers" presenting Magic,
Mirth and Melody. There were six performers, including fel-
low magician Percy Pellew, a baritone, a whistling and
character artist, a leader of chorus songs and a pianist. In
November 1915, Williams gave some details of their com-
pany and shows, and noted that he was giving up the whole
of his professional shows to the cause during the coming
winter. They performed usually twice weekly and refused all
fees or expenses, as their contribution to the war effort.
137
Ticei fiyNE, 1581.
itlia ms,
DATE AS PER POST MARK
..eA tC °r 't
ea g^'Y "t
L. , .
x'^t Ufa.°tom
^'w
In the Magic Wand for March 1916, Williams told how he
took Chung Ling Soo along to one of his 45-minute shows
given at St. Edward's Hospital in Cardiff. At its conclusion,
Soo stepped on to the stage and gave a 20-minute turn with
nothing but a pack of cards and a few coins. "The audience
was delighted, and this genial magician proved that as a
patter and comedy worker he was as good as anybody else."
Charles O. Williams became a respected magical dealer
but, so far, it has not proved possible to date the inaugura-
tion of his business with precision. Thus the first advertise-
ment to appear in The Magical World was on 29th October,
1913 inviting readers to send a ld. stamp for A Catalogue of
the Latest English, American and Continental Conjuring
Apparatus, describing a large number of Practical Magical
Tricks not sold elsewhere. The rider that those who already
had the catalogue should write for List B suggests that it had
been published at least a short time prior to the placing of
the advertisement. Unfortunately none of Williams's
catalogues was dated and only the later ones can be approxi-
mately dated because they included books as well as
apparatus.
In April 1916, the Magic Wand recorded the appearance
of a new catalogue, advising its readers they would do well to
procure it as there were many exclusive novelties listed and
the workmanship of Mr. Williams's apparatus is always
good.
Williams became the sole British agent for Thayer's Magi-
cal Wood Craft and subsequently he also handled Petrie-
Lewis apparatus. Items in the catalogues that bore
Williams's name included the C. O. Williams's Set of Three
Watch Boxes (an improvement on the De Vere Boxes
described by Hoffmann in Later Magic); Professor
Hoffmann's Spirit Slate Trick — the original slate was
presented to him by Williams with permission to sell; Flower
Producing Fake; Purse and Cigar Trick, the production of a
four-inch cigar from a small purse; New Card Tray, for the
addition of cards invisibly to the pack; Eureka Card Rising
Trick; Roterberg Handkerchief Vanisher with Williams's
improvements; and the Byrd-Page Magnetized Cigar
invented by Williams.
 Charles Williams was obviously interested in the activities
of spirit mediums and, shortly after its publication, had lent
Professor Hoffmann his copy of Abbott's Behind the Scenes
with the Mediums. In 1919, he tangled with the Thomas
Brothers, Welsh miners turned mediums who had resur-
rected the Davenport Brothers's style of rope-tie
phenomena. He responded to the invitation to tie up the
medium but immediately it was perceived that the tie would
prevent the dodge of the sliding knot being used, objection
was raised on the ground that such a tie "might kill the
medium". As The Magic Circular reported, "In one sense
no doubt it would, but Mr. Williams was not allowed to pro-
ceed, and the tying up was done by one of the complaisant
devotees".
During the early 1920s, Williams's health began to fail and
a late note in the January Magic Circular of 1924 reported
that Mr. C. O. Williams of Cardiff was dangerously ill. In the
following issue, his daughter, Miss E. M. Williams, thanked
members for the expresion of sympathy extended to her
father, observing that his illness had gradually worsened and
had now affected his sight to the extent that it was impossible
for him to read, write or attend to business at all. The Editor
stated, however, that Miss Williams, who had been in the
magical business with her father for some years and had
been carrying on since failing health had prevented him
from taking an active part in it, would be continuing to do
so.
In the event, Charles Oswald Williams died on 30th
January, 1924 at the age of 59, "an old and faithful member
of The Magic Circle". His obituarist observed "To see
Williams work the Egg Bag was a real lesson in artistic con-
juring, while many older members of The Circle will
remember the sensation in the old hall in Mortimer Street
when he first introduced the Rising Cards a la Pellew. He
originated or improved many now familiar devices, and
made for himself a reputation as a straight dealer, whose
apparatus could be relied on, and he was jealous of his good
name in this respect." There could surely be no finer tribute
to such a stalwart member of The Magic Circle.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am grateful to Dr. Persi Diaconis for the stimulus which
initiated these articles.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Bayer, D. and Diaconis, P. (1989). Trailing the dovetail
shuffle to its lair. Technical Report 329, Department of
Statistics, Stanford University.
Bowen, O. H. (1950). The Magic Circular 44, 238-244.
Jordan C. T. (1919). Thirty Card Mysteries. Chapter 1.
Penngrove, California: author publication.
The Magic Circular 1, 5 (1906); 2, 204 (1908); 3,135-137, 214
(1908); 8,1-4, 26-28 (1913); 18, 64, 79,81-82(1924).
Magic Wand 6, 122,139(1916); 13, 4 (1924).
Magical World (New Series) No. 22, 29th October, 1913.
Magician Monthly 8, 36-37; 67 (1912).
Sphinx 3, 95 (1904); 15, 57 (1916).
The Magic Circle Reference• Library acknow-
ledge with thanks the donation from Kardani of
"The Indian Annual 1989" containing details of
the Indian magicians of South Africa, and
"Magical Ex Libris, A Checklist" from the
author James B. Alfredson.
PETER LANE, Executive Librarian
138
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 THE MAGIC CASTLE
N Monday, 4th February, our very popular
Hon. Vice-President, Mac Wilson, man-
O aged to select from his vast collection of
colour slides a number which gave us a glimpse of the
Magic Castle in California. His talk dwelled on this
"mecca" for magicians the world over. Those who
have visited this amazing establishment know the
thrill of walking through the portals, uttering the
words "Open Sesame" to the carved owl sitting on the
bookshelf, having it all slide away and entering the
many fascinating rooms within. Mac was able to cap-
ture some of this atmosphere with descriptions and At the conclusion of his talk, he announced that he
pictures (he has a special kind of magic because was returning to his native Scotland to reside and sad
photos are not permitted inside the walls). to leave the companionship of The Magic Circle Club-
The Castle is run by the Academy of Magic Arts room. President David Berglas and chairman Derrick
which was formed by Bill Larson, however it was his Speight, on our behalf, toasted his retirement in
son Milt that acquired the run-down building that champagne. Visit us as often as you can — Mac Wilson.
stands on Franklin Avenue, just above Mann's Yours truly raffled a pack of Magic Castle cards which
Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and with loving raised £29 for the funds.
care and great personal effort restored it over 10 HARRY REEVE
years. Run-down no more it has a charm and charac-
ter quite unique. Mac took us on a grand tour. The
Grand Salon with ornate bar and staircase. Turning
left into Blackstone's Room with memorabilia and left
again to the Close-up Gallery — just a mere 22 seats. AN EVENING WITH
Retracing your steps you enter Irma's Room behind
the bar. It contains a piano which, without anyone at
the keyboard, will play any tune called for. Then up
ALI BONGO
the staircase to the restaurant area through which you S usual for the Ali Bongo "Extravaganza",
can gain access to the Houdini, Dante and Cherub the Club Room was packed with an expec-
Rooms. Also on this level, through a labyrinth of cor- A tant audience. And they were not disap-
ridors, are the Palace Bar and two entertainment pointed. If I were to describe all the effects, theory,
areas. The Parlour of Prestidigitation and the Palace bits of business and general advice given in this lecture
of Mystery which seats around 130. it would probably fill the whole of this Circular. So I
Each night the three performing rooms are alive won't!
with magic, all timed to give you a slice of each if you Ali gave us "Some new things, some old things,
are wise enough to arrive early, have a booked meal some you've seen before and some I've never done
and do the circuit. There are other odd corners, mys- before!". He began with the divination of a clock dial
tery items, posters everywhere — including the toilets, that had been lost in one of several containers, both
intriguing puzzles like the telephone kiosk for your revealing which box it was in as well as the time it had
delight. Even below ground level is the Museum and been freely set. This was a cheaper version of one
Hat and Hare Pub with more corridors and devised for a Paul Daniels show and an excellent
memorabilia. Other things to discover are best left to demonstration of simplicity of props and method
the individual as Mac so rightly pointed out. allowing Paul to concentrate on the presentation. This

139
was followed by a topological solution to releasing a
Chinese coin from a ribbon despite being trapped by
a tube too large to pass through the centre hole.
Ali then demonstrated a sucker version of the coin
in matchbox stunt where you are apparently able to
show it in any box by a rattle. Ali's solution does actu-
ally show a coin in each box, despite being "empty"
earlier. The following effect combined three forces
and a revelation on a previously empty slate. Even if
the actual theme of the effect was not of interest, at
least one of the three brilliant forces could be used in
almost any act. They ranged from names on card
wrapped in a handkerchief to circular tags to ping-
pong balls with numbers on. Some simple, some not
so simple, all brilliant. Whilst the revelation of the
forces on the slate was simple but effective, the
essence for me was the advice about using treble thick-
ness newspaper, glued together to avoid any back-
lighting problems (and thus expose a hidden move).
This was followed by a method that has been used
on T.V. in various ways, this time with a voodoo
theme; a 25-year-old Blendo routine with a cheeky
climax and a simple to perform colour changing
flower. Again, my admiration is for the simple way the
effect is "solved" and then the ingenious gimmick
devised for the necessary loading and setting up.
Ali next gave us a version of an effect from Ali
Bongo's Book of Magic with an apple and block of
gold. This was the improved version to baffle the kids
who had read the book. Finally, Bongo's Jumbo
Chango Cardo, an ingenious visible, inid-air jumbo
card change. This utilises a gimmick found in novelty
shops but the complete item will be on the market by
the time you read this. Don't buy one; I now have two
and want to keep them all to myslelf!
You can't end a report like this except to say, once
again, "Ali you've done it again and again and again
and again ...".
JOHN GORDON, A.I.M.C.
EXAMINATIONS NIGHT
INE performers presented themselves for
examination on 18th March. First a child-
N ren's act presented by Julian Lidcow from
South Africa. Being a professional entertainer, he had
the audience acting in unison like five- and six-year-
olds straight away. Julian arrived wearing red gloves,
one was chosen by a (large) boy from the audience.
When the gloves were removed the chosen one had
shrunk considerably when compared with the
unchosen one which was still normal size. Then he
demonstrated his skills at allied arts, juggling and bal-
loon modelling. Finally an empty black and white
house became coloured and contained a rabbit.
140
Robert Ormesher from Coventry also presented a
part of his children's show. This started with a top hat
routine with spiders! Then a colour changing ice-
cream which eventually depicted a clown. A ribbon
then a needle were threaded through a bobbin. When
removed the ribbon was seen to have threaded itself
on to the needle. From a hat (empty) a small golden
egg appeared, then two normal size ones, finally a
giant egg from which a chicken (not real) appeared.
In contrast to the first two acts, Toby Shewin from
Essex entered with a suit case to loud music. Unfortu-
nately (as Toby commented during the performance),
whilst the audience were prepared to encourage the
first two performers, by taking the part of children at
a party, they were not prepared to act as an adult audi-
ence that one might expect at an "Alternate" cabaret.
Most of his jokes (a large part of his act) were not to
our Monday Night audience's liking. Toby performed
a silk routine well. A Coke bottle was tossed between
his hands several times before it suddenly vanished.
He then performed impressions, assisted by Rocky
Racoon. Finally, Toby presented a meat skewer
through the tongue penetration.
London's Pat Moore made a knot jump off a rope,
then had a member of the audience cut the rope. The
rope became restored, the pieces being tied together.
However when the rope was stretched the knots
jumped off, the rope was now fully restored. Two
ropes penetrated through a spectator and his jacket.
Yet another assistant was called for who was asked to
mix nine cards, which had different numbers written
upon them. An apparently random number was
arrived at which proved to have been previously pre-
dicted! Unfortunately, Pat didn't project very well
during the whole of his act and the audience were
puzzled after the final effect.
I feel that Ray Jones (the next performer) might
have been better advised to have used patter through-
out his act. He showed three different-sized lengths of
rope which he said should all be the same length. He
placed the ends together and, yes, you've guessed,
they all became the same length. However, this was no
Professor's Nightmare, they genuinely were now all
the same length. Next a superb performance with
three brass (Newman) rings which linked and
unlinked. To finish, Ray presented a sympathetic silks
routine, which needs a little more practice.
Yet another contrast as the whole stage was set with
large colourful props and illusions. Gary Jones pre-
sented an energetic and well-rehearsed act. Not only
did his effects look good but so did he and the assis-
tant he brought with him. Even before he did any-
thing, Gary must have picked up points from the
examiners. But would the performance match what
we had seen so far? The whole act was performed per-
fectly to music. Firstly a manacle was placed around
the assistant's neck and a sharp sword then penetrated
her neck. Then a box was placed on the girl's head and
lots of swords were passed through it. During the first
two effects, Gary used a wilting flower prop to great
comedy effect. The act finished to a tremendous
round of applause with an excellent substitution trunk
routine.
According to the running order, the next act was to
be yet another children's act. However, Ali do Lali
presented a comedy adult act. The jokes were not new
but Ali's timing and presentation was spot on for this
audience. He presented a Chinese Sticks routine.
Then presented a hilarious Just Chance routine in
which two volunteers (victims) each ended up with an
envelope containing a piece of paper. His, of course,
contained £10.
George Prior from Woodfood placed red, white
and blue balls into boxes that matched their colour, yet
when emptied the boxes contained the wrong colour
balls. The boxes were shown empty then large balls
were taken from them. Finally, a cascade of ribbons
poured from the boxes. An empty glass when uncov-
ered had become filled with water. This was poured
into a metal container which was turned over with just
a slip of paper preventing the water from escaping.
However, when George removed the paper the water
remained suspended. Eventually the water was
poured into a plastic cup which then had several sticks
pushed through it. Once again the water did not cas-
cade onto the stage, having by now vanished. A bottle
of Martini had several drinks poured from it which
were passed out to the audience apart from one. This
George made disappear by his favourite method, he
drank it, then suddenly his glass vanished. The
Martini bottle was placed in a cone and changed into
a long feather boa. Finally, George passed a length of
rope behind him. The rope physically penetrated his
body and the middle of the rope was now red! He
decided that he would perform the illusion once more,
this time not only was the middle of the rope red but
also a pair of red panties had attached themselves!
The last act was presented by David Jay, who pre-
sented a torn and restored newspaper to music. Taking
the mike, he then presented a rope trick with funny
patter (I liked it). Then five blank pieces of paper
changed to treasury notes. A volunteer was then used
for a bunco booth type routine. Five large cards were
shown. The volunteer was asked to name the top card
to win £5. Of course, he lost. Given the chance to win
the £5 by naming the remaining four cards, the victim
was once again wrong as they were now all aces. David
then asked the volunteer to cut a length of rope into
three pieces. The pieces were all different lengths in
the hands of the volunteer but all the same size in
David's hands. David then tied the three pieces
together, made one knot disappear then slid the other
off and believe it or not the rope was completely
restored.
The evening was as usual presented by Les Nottle,
who was able assisted back stage by Ted Kirby, Fred
Munson and Archie Ologist.
ALAN ASTRA
141
AN EVENING WITH
MARK LEVERIDGE
N 15th April, that well-known dealer, inven-
tor, lecturer and performer gave the "Mon-
O day Nighters" an excellent dealer dem. of
magic from his current catalogue.
Mark started off with "Brainstormer", a first class
trick with a blank pack of cards, two of which change
into cards named by a spectator and the performer.
Next was an excellent ring and string routine with
the ring finally disappearing and ending up in a box
which had been on view throughout the performance.
Mark then came to a children's trick called "The
Present" which has plenty of audience participation
and I am sure would go down very well with children.
Back to an adult effect with "Count down", a
prediction card trick.
Walnut shells and peas have been transformed by
Mark into matchboxes and dice for his Wild Dice
routine which culminates with a big finish when six
extra dice appear.
A Jumbo stretching card was next on the agenda
followed by "Stay at Home" coins using a Boston Box.
Some excellent brass boxes and routining gave us an
impossible transposition of a borrowed ring and coin.
Mark then went back to cards with his "Caught
Card" where a court card is clearly linked between
two other cards on a ribbon and yet still manages to
escape. A very clever effect.
Linking two elastic bands (and they really were
linked!) came next and this was followed by a really
excellent book test which can be performed with any
book, any pad and any pen.
Back to cards yet again, this time with "Excalibur"
where a chosen card is discovered with a replica
knight's sword stabbed into the deck.
Last but not least, Mark showed us his new Utopia
Card Frame which is cleverly gimmicked to allow it to
be loaded instantly in the pocket. A really excellently
made piece of apparatus which seemed to impress
many of those present.
So ended a first class evening of magic which was
not only inventive but also extremely well presented
by a well groomed dealer.
By the number of members around his stand after
his show, it was obvious that lots of magicians would
be up late that evening learning new routines!
KEITH SPELLER
 RESTAURANT MAGIC The evening was Jerry O'Coninell's idea and excel-
lent in every way. He had put a lot of time, effort and.
more importantly, thought into it. Jerry was ably
COMPETITION assisted by Terry Guyett as Returning Officer, Al
Woodrow and Les Nottle behind the scenes, and all
HE conditions in the Club Room on 22nd the stewards who did an excellent job.
April simulated, as far as possible, those of a After the success of this evening there will be no
T restaurant. There were nine tables each with shortage of guests or competitors if next year's com-
ten guests, a mixture of magicians and real people. petition (and this must surely become an annual
Waiters/stewards were in attendance and each table event) is held in a couple of heats for it did run too late
was treated to a performance from every contestant, for many of us.
with guests marking the magician after each
performance. An altogether splendid evening's entertainment and
I've already asked for tickets for the next one because
But nine tables were. I thought. three too many. I predict that guest's tickets will be rationed in future.
Firstly in noise level. Nine magi all trying to project
themselv es in these circumstances weighed against FRED MUNSON
the gentler. quieter personalities amongst the com-
petitors and even the more flamboyant found it hard
going.
Secondl y, even the least magically sophisticated
guest became a little blase towards the end of a session
in which five magicians did sponge ball routines and
no less than six "did things" with finger rings.
Notwithstanding the nit picking above, we were
treated to some really super magic and if. as
rumoured. it was decided not to designate the com-
petition "The Magic Circle Restaurant Magic Com-
petition" in case the standard was not sufficiently high
then the Council were needlessly worried. Every one
of the competitors was a credit to The Circle and
would have graced any restaurant.
The competition was won by Peter Mehtab. Alan
Burtin was in second place and third was Anthony
McDaniel.
The cabaret which followed would have been
superfluous if it hadn't been so good: it consisted of
Michael Vincent and Don Robertson with Peter
Scarlett as M.C.
A
Peter Mehtab, winner of the
Restaurant Magic Competition.
Peter began his career at the
stylish London restaurant Pep-
permint Park. He now works
regularly at its sister restaurant
Coconut Grove and has resi-
dencies in four other London
restaurants.

4
Members and guests packed the
Club Room on 22nd April to enjoy
an excellent evening of first class
close-up magic in restaurant-style
surroundings.

1 42

THE ANNUAL DEBATE
HIS is by no means a formal debate but rather
an open forum for members to have the
T opportunity to express their feelings and
thoughts upon any matters that are of current interest.
We were sitting "in the round", with Ali Bongo in the
centre and he indicated that whoever had the micro-
phone should be accepted as the speaker of the
moment and allowed to say his piece. It all worked
very well and the members of Council must have gone
off with at least a few questions to (re-)consider.
The first question was "What shall we talk about?"
but Ali was prepared for this and pointed us back to
the previous meeting, "Restaurant Magic". This had
been a competition for table entertainers. Nine tables
with about ten people at each and a steward to super-
vise each one. There were 18 entrants and the tables
voted marks for each performer in turn. The winner
was finally announced as Peter Mehtab. It had been a
long evening, indeed a prize was suggested for that
member of the audience who had lasted to the end!
But what was there about Peter's act that won him the
prize? Mention was made of his quiet, dignified man-
ner, as well as his style of magic. In the crowded
situation, those who depended on patter had been at
a disadvantage, for the hubbub had made them
inaudible to all but those sitting close to them. One
performer was criticised for being too vulgar. Despite
the problems of the evening, it was voted a successful
one and we hoped that Jerry O'Connell would be
allowed to run another in a year's time.
Then came a discussion on The Naming of Degrees.
A.I.M.C. is superior to M.M.C. but some felt that the
word "Associate" rather demeaned the holder in the
eyes of the uninitiated and as it is the uninitiated who
often book the performers, this degree is to our disad-
vantage! Somehow, "Assistant Mistresses" also got in
in the discussion but then someone else wanted to
know why the M.I.M.C. should be awarded by Coun-
cil and not by further examination. Harry Reeve and
Jack Delvin had both been concerned about these
matters as members of Council and each was ready to
propose a reordering of degrees when the Council
could accommodate the subject on its agenda.
Then came the much discussed theme of the admis-
sion of women. Not so much the principle but the fact
that only about half the membership had bothered to
vote and this was galling to each side who felt that if
more members had voted, the result might have been
different or, at least, more truly reflective of the views
of the membership.
The annual supper had given rise to some
headaches. Arranging and allocating seating for some
200 people had meant that some, even those who
booked early, had suffered from being poorly
situated. It had been a new venue, we were told, and
143
there had been many last-minute problems to sur-
mount. The organisers had done a good job but hoped
next year to do even better and the comments were
indeed carefully noted. Meanwhile, why did so few
members attend this event? Some have wives who
cannot stand magic, it's true, but there must be many
more not so encumbered!
Finally and inevitably came the subject of our
accommodation. It was raised in an unfortunate man-
ner, with a reference to our present place of meeting
and the question "What do you think of it ... (so
far?)". Thus invited the inevitable reply "Rubbish"
and it seemed indeed that someone even thought this.
We were reminded however that in our present cir-
cumstances, we are very lucky to have, in general, a
clubroom, a bar, a meeting room and library facilities.
To this we may add the great advantage of the restaur-
ant and buttery, and all in a very accessible site. One
member commented that he had offered to supply a
number of addresses for the Council to investigate but
this had apparently evoked no response. Derrick
Speight in reply to this said that he was not aware of
this offer but that members of the Council had person-
ally visited over 100 potential properties, had spent
many hours looking into the raising of capital, dis-
cussed the legal aspects of our needs and negotiated
with local councils on several occasions. Any prospec-
tive property that seemed to meet our basic require-
ments would be examined and likewise speedily
investigated. Meanwhile, the capital fund urgently
needed realistic donations. So far only 15% of our
members had contributed. This lack of positive sup-
port was discouraging and could prove disastrous if
and when a real opportunity arises. Money-raising
events were being organised by some of our more
enthusiastic members and we hope that all such events
would be of a standard worthy of the name of The
Magic Circle.
The meeting had run for over an hour and so Ali
Bongo called a halt to the formal proceedings. No
doubt the various subjects formed the matter for con-
tinuing conversations in the bar and elsewhere and
the Council and members will continue to work for the
good of our Society with further insights arising from
this evening's contributions.
STEPHEN BLOOD
CONTRIBUTIONS
To all members
Please note that all correspondence and con-
tributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG319TS
 THE T.A.T. CO. LONDON LECTURE
Guest Lecturers: Simon Lovell and Mike Austin
T was in the 1950's that the magical dealer and entrepreneur Harry Stanley organised a series of lectures that
are still spoken about because of their overall excellence. Vernon, Slydini, Hen Fetsch, Dr. Jaks, all appeared
I under the "Unique" banner. It is a measure of the popularity in the 1990's of the magic lecture that another
name besides the popular publisher and lecture arranger J.J. (Johnny Johnson) has appeared on the horizon. It is
that of Vic Pinto, director of the Trik-A-Tape Company. For his first London lecture evening, for the sum of £10
which included wine, fruit juice and refreshments, he presented a double bill evening, with lectures presented by
Mike Austin and Simon Lovell.
Both the lecturers, popular performers with the lay public (real people, you remember them?) presented
socko effects, with the maximum of entertainment value, and lot's of humour, which came from the effects them-
selves, rather than added "jokes". After a neat "warm up" session by Patrick Page, in which he presented "Any
Card Called For", the chosen card appearing at nominated places in the pack. This was repeated several times to
the increasing applause of the audience. After this interesting session, Patrick announced the first lecturer, Mike
Austin, who concentrated on coin magic.
Five items were presented, all smoothly performed each with a strong climax. For Item 1 a coin was pro-
duced from purse frame, when after changing to a button and back again, the effect ended with a production of a
shower of coins. An alternative handling was shown in which the small coin grew to giant size. Item 2, a very posi-
tive presentation of Coins through Table, using some different methods, which were carefully explained. Item 3,
coins from hand to hand, very clean, the effect made even cleaner by the use of a shell coin but in a subtle manner.
Item 4, Reverse Matrix, discussed at length and all the difficulties ironed out by Mike's neat handling. Item 5, four
coins were vanished singly, which looked smooth and proved to be an ideal finish to the lecture.
After a short interval, Patrick turned the second half of the evening over to Simon Lovell. I first met Simon
and saw him do his stand-up magic when he was appearing in a summer season at Blackpool, some years ago. His
humour certainly seemed very different from that presented by some of the other magicians I watched that season.
I had never seen him give a lecture before and must admit I expected it to be rather lightweight, with much
concentration on trivia and very little magic. However, I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG.
He presented an excellent lecture, very carefully thought out, with the maximum entertainment value built
into each routine. A fine description of the Fan Force (the Classic Force), every stage of the force covered with
great care and all details very clearly described, was a winner. Besides explaining the technique, Simon also
covered (in detail) the psychology of the Fan Force. A neat version of Everywhere and Nowhere, using a signed
card and incorporating the Ambitious Card, was much to the delight of the audience. Seven items all different in
effect and each thought out to allow the performer to obtain the maximum applause from the audience. Simon
received loud and prolonged applause at several points during the lecture. He proved to the audience that a
commercial magician can also entertain and instruct an audience of magicians. -
A delightful evening of enjoyable and practical magic, presented by two popular performers.
BOBBY BERNARD

GOODLIFFE'S
k : A i ► Iw

Edited by Donald Bevan

The Lively Weekly Magic Magazine Published Every Saturday Since 1946
Professionally produced, 20+ pages every week of tricks, routines, advice, news, reports, dealer
reviews, adverts, and comment on the International Magic Scene.
Goodliffe Publications
150 New Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 2LG, England

irri
 FINGERTIP VISION
TRIED AGAIN
S Houdini seances proliferate, it is intriguing
to note the eagerness with which some indi-
A viduals dash forward to display their self
assured psychic talents.
One year after the death of Harry Houdini, his wife
began a series of annual "seances" spearheading an
opportunity for occult manifestations. Ten annual
attempts later, she concluded her unsuccessful efforts.
However, others have sustained the tradition. A 64th
official seance representation, held on 31st October,
1990, selected Salem for its latest presence.
Houdini.
Sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, it
was hosted by Sidney Radner of Holyoke, Mas-
sachusetts, Thomas J. Boldt of Appleton, Wisconsin
(Houdini's home town), and Henry Muller, Curator of
the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls,
Canada. The seance, held at Salem's Hawthorne
Hotel, was attended by 300 observers and was tele-
vised nationwide as a segment of "Inside Edition".
Among those seated at the inner circle to engage in
the memorial ceremony and confer authenticity for
any unique phenomena were Morris N. Young, M. D.,
ophthalmologist and Co-Chairman of the Occult
Investigation Committee of the New York City Parent
Assembly of the Society of American Magicians, and
Bernard Dolenz, M. D., Dallas, Texas neuropsychiat-
rist, attorney and psychic researcher. New England's
magic stalwart Ray Goulet added lustre to the inner
circle. Mrs Marie Hinson Blood, niece of Houdini,
provided family proximity.
145
No professional medium could be found to publicly
conduct the technical proceedings. Accordingly,
Robert Steiner of El Cerrito, California, past presi-
dent of the Society of American Magicians, enacted
the role. Test objects had been placed on the round
table which would require a supernatural agency pre-
sumably to effect identification. Of these, one was a
sealed envelope containing two items known only to
Mr. Radner, protege of Houdini's magician brother,
Hardeen. Mr. Radner had recently received an
intraocular lens implant and was enjoying his newly
acquired "second sight".
In the time allotted, the table objects remained
unidentified, unchanged and immobile. The seance
was formally ended.
Then, Mr. Radner challenged anyone present to
reveal what his envelope contained without opening
it, offering a $5,000 reward. Surprisingly, three indi-
viduals purporting psychic powers rushed up to
exhibit their endowments. Each demonstrated the
same procedure of feeling the envelope and gently
touching and passing finger tips over it as though vis-
ualizing the contents before voicing their perceptions.
Not one was correct.
As though tearing open the envelope irreverently,
Mr. Radner extracted the first object which proved to
be a prescription for his new glasses. The second was
Mr. Radner's membership card in a National Bunko
Investors organization.
A 65th seance ceremony is planned for Hallowe'en,
1991 to be held at the Hollywood, California site of the
first one.
MORRIS N. YOUNG
ENTRY TO
THE CLUBROOM
Members are reminded that for security and
administrative purposes entry to the clubroom
should be made through the Carisbrooke entrance
to the Victory Services Club (entrance nearest
Edgware Road).
After the meeting members are asked to exit via
the main entrance (through the Buttery).
Membership cards must be available for inspection
at all times.

THE MAGIC CIRCLE
SUPPER
N Wednesday, 10th April, along with over 200
members and visitors, we arrived at the New
O Imperial Hotel to enjoy a fun evening at The
Magic Circle Supper. Despite the fact that organisers
Ali Bongo and Alan Shaxon had to entirely rearrange
the room two hours before the event, they had every-
thing under control when the guests arrived and few
people were aware of the real miracles they had
performed to ensure the success of the evening.
Waddington's had generously donated a pack of
cards to every gentleman present and all were invited
to stand and perform a "community card trick",
conducted by Ali Bongo, to their neighbour.
The meal that followed was interspersed with close-
up magic performed by a team assembled by Anthony
Brahams — as I was part of that team I was unable to
see any of the other performers but, judging from
comments heard later, all were thoroughly enjoyed.
Neville Cooper, our Monday Night Host, was chair-
man for the evening and, as well as proposing the
Loyal Toast, was original and sincere in his votes of
thanks.
Brian Miller, he of the coloured doves, showed that
he is a very capable speaker in proposing the toast to
the Ladies and Guests with humour and sincerity. The
response came from a gentleman, and I use that term
in the loosest possible way, named Terry Seabrooke,
who happened to be on one of his rare visits to these
shores and ever rarer visits to The Magic Circle!
The stage set, lighting, sound system and operator
had all been generously provided by Paul Stone and
certainly gave artists and audience excellent condi-
tions for the following show, compered by Paul who,
having taken advice from the audience, decided to do
no tricks himself but rather get on with the show.
The opening act was Brian Lord and Bridget with
an efficient miscellany of silks, plumes, manipula-
tions and productions — a pleasant act but there were
too many props on stage and not enough variation in
pace. Second on was Patrick Page, who had absolutely
nothing on stage but he entertained with gags, timing,
personality and even a few card tricks — and left the
audience wanting more — that's the way to do it!
A "Cavalcade of Conjurors" then followed and
included Neville Cooper, Alan Shaxon, Christopher
Pratt and Jack Delvin, all of whom successfully per-
formed one trick whilst Ali Bongo tried several times
to perform his Pom Poms but managed to fail each
time due to various acts of sabotage.
Final act of the evening was The Zodiac Brothers,
who looked "daggers" at each other while multiplying
candles, producing ribbons, vanishing a radio-
cassette and a terrific Substitution Trunk to close the
show and the evening in fine professional style.
PETER SCARLETT

A TRIBUTE TO HARRY

T is with immense sadness in my heart that I write these few words in tribute to one of the real stars of
I magic. A man of great talent, be it as performer, author, inventor or teacher and a man whose unbounded
love and enthusiasm for magic infected both young and old and encouraged an untold number of professional
and amateur performers alike. Unstinting in his generosity in sharing his magical knowledge, Harry main-
tained a boyish and impish spirit well into his 70s. As a dealer, at Gamages and at his own Kaymar Magic, and
as a performer, Harry brought untold pleasure to an incredible number of people and he was justifiably
proud that his many friendships circled the world.
I consider myself exceptionally fortunate in having got to know Harry extremely well over recent years
and I will treasure the great memories of our friendship for the rest of my life. In all the time I have known
him, it is a measure of the true gentleman he was that I never heard Harry say a bad word about anyone. An
example to us all, his passing leaves an unfillable hole in the magic scene, especially in the Essex area, and we
shall sadly never see his like again.
Our thoughts and good wishes now go to his widow, Mary and son Wayne, and we thank them both for
having shared Harry with us all for so many years.
Rest in peace, dear friend, for, as Alan Shaxon so aptly put it, "He was one of the good guys".
MORLEY BUDDEN

146
 THE
STORY
This feature was originally written
several months ago to be part of our
This Is Your Life series. Unfortu-
nately, Harry died before we were able
to get it into The Circular. It is printed
here as a small tribute to a great man.
One of the true gentlemen in magic,
about whom no one could say an
unkind word, and one who will be
sorely missed by us all.
ARRY BARON was born Harry Albert
Boughen in London on 28th August, 1919.
H At the age of six, he saw his uncle
demonstrating the Magic Snapper (imaginary elastic
in the tube), he baffled people with his own presenta-
tion of it and later as a dealer himself sold large
quantities throughout the years.
He was for many years in the retail toy and hobby
business, art and crafts, picture framing, and he ran
his own picture gallery, but he yearned to specialise in
magic. The opportunity came when Gamages beck-
oned him to join them. He stayed with them for 35
years, then the war intervened and Gamages' magical
department closed down for the duration. Harry
joined the artillery but after hostilities he returned
and reopened Gamages' magic department where
many famous magicians came in to purchase the
latest.
It was his great thrill to meet Will Goldston, Robert
Harbin, Cardini and Horace Goldin of Buzz Saw
fame. He also enjoyed meeting the vast range of
characters who make up the world of magic. Several
he employed to demonstrate in Gamages and as a
result many of them became big names in magic.
147
The next step just had to be to open his own busi-
ness — and so in 1950, in partnership with Joe
Stuthard, Kaymar Magic was born. "Kaymar" sounds
rather mystical but it is actually formed from the
Christian names of the two wives, Kay Stuthard and
Mary Baron. One of the main purposes for Kaymar
Magic was to wholesale magical effects to Gamages
and Hamleys, and there was plenty of competition
from such dealers as Max Andrews, George
Davenport, Harry Stanley, Oscar Oswald and a string
of others. By keeping up to date with the latest props
and applying his business acumen, Harry forged
ahead.
Selling magic resulted in very small orders and very
large orders if you were lucky, and lucky Harry Baron
most certainly was. There was the time when Louis
Marks, the president of the world's largest toy com-
pany and friend of General Eisenhower, asked Harry
to send out a parcel of effects to Eisenhower's grand-
son who was a young magic fanatic. Harry asked him
what he thought he should send (thinking in terms of
perhaps half a dozen tricks). Came the reply, "Oh
what the hell, put one of everything in" — a crate con-
taining one of everything, including every book in
stock, was sent out to the U.S.A.!
 Harry Baron, the man of man y talents, wrote more
than 2.000 instructions for tricks, and was also com-
missioned to do so for other companies, and T.V.
advertisements. He published his first book in 1954,
Magic For Beginners (Heinneman. Funk & Wagner)
and this is still being sold by Martin Breese. There
have been 23 editions in many languages. He had the
same success with Close Up Magic For Beginners and
Card Tricks For Beginners. All this magical activity
brought him close friends in the form of Gus
Davenport. Reg Salmon. Ernest Sewell (of box of
tricks fame). Al Koran and The Great Levante and
his circle of famous friends increased over the years.
It was Harry Baron who introduced the Maharaja
of Jodhpur to The Magic Circle. Said Harry, "He gave
me a very nice set of Colour Changing Knives, but
sadly I never saw him again after that. It was the time
when India obtained her Independence, and the fate
of India's regional rulers was in doubt — the Maharaja
of Jodhpur died in a mysterious air crash."
Conventions to Harry Baron were what milk is to a
cat, he lapped them up, and attended as many as pos-
sible. During Eric Ward's outside stunt at Hastings for
the British Ring, an escape from a burning pyre,
something went wrong — the next day Harry Baron
was described in a national press headline as the
"Heroic Rescuer". Eric suffered severe burns but it
could have been even worse if Harry had not reacted
quickly the way he did.
If you ever suggested to Harry Baron — "Haven't
you had enough. don't you want to put your feet up?" He lived life to the full, loved life to the full. The
he would shoot you down in flames very rapidly: with lives of those who knew him were enhanced by his
the exciting life he had and the wonderful contacts being and the world of magic is a poorer place on his
world wide, he had no intention of doing such a foolish passing.
thing. PETER D. BLANCHARD

HELP US TO WRITE
THE HARRY BARON STORY
SHORT while ago, Harry Baron and Simon Lovell agreed to co-operate on a book project:
about Harry and his life in magic. But time passes and now, sadly, we have lost Harry and the
A book has not progressed beyond a working title. But we feel that Harry would have wanted
the book to be written, Simon is keen to write it and it would be a fitting memorial to a unique man of
magic. All proceeds will go to Harry's family or to a cause of their choice but we do need your help to
get this project moving again. Many, many people knew Harry or had some dealings with him. We
would like you all to send us your stories about Harry, any experiences you may have had with him, any
information at all however trivial it may seem. We are keen to receive literally anything that will enable
us to accurately chronicle his lifetime and his achievements — and any photos you may have will be
particularly welcome. Please search your memories and send whatever you can to: Morley Budden, 107
Grenfell Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex RMI2 4DS. Full credit will of course be given and please enclose
s.a.e. if you want any items returned. Your urgent action would be very much appreciated.
MORLEY BUDDEN

148
 HONORARY SECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT
LMOST immediately after writing my last Annual Report, I packed my bags and, in company with Peter
. and Ilona Scarlett, journeyed to Los Angeles. A first visit to the Magic Castle was greatly enjoyed thanks
A to the warm welcome and generous hospitality of Bill and Irene Larsen. Thence, we drove east, via Las
Vegas, taking in the superb Siegfried and Roy show at the Mirage and onwards to the I.B.M. Convention in St.
Louis to support Tony Shelley at the end of his International Presidential year. `Meet me in St. Louis' was the
instruction to my wife and I and so we did, an achievement in itself! The four of us then continued our car journey
east via Niagara Falls to the S.A.M. Convention in Stamford, Connecticut, the opening show of which was a
British Cabaret featuring yours truly as compere, Peter Scarlett, Billy McComb, Terry Seabrooke and Jay
Marshall (well he's almost British!). At both conventions, it was a pleasure to host Magic Circle meetings for our
American members, to let them know what was happening back home, to field questions on a variety of topics and
to make certain presentations. Then back home to reality.
1990/91 has been a steady but successful year; the search for new premises by Derrick Speight and Henry
Lewis continuing unabated. Two properties have proved most attractive, one in the Waterloo area and the other,
more recently, in Brondesbury. Interest in the property at Waterloo continued in spite of a refusal by the local
Council to allow a change of use. An appeal against that decision is still pending. The property in Brondesbury
would also suit the Society admirably and it has been agreed that a conditional offer be made. Notwithstanding,
other properties continue to be viewed and we owe tremendous thanks to Derrick Speight and Henry Lewis for
the very considerable amount of time spent in attempting to achieve the Society's one principal aim, namely, its
own permanent headquarters.
Michael Bailey, together with John Holland, continue to oversee the appeal for funds for headquarters with
donations being received from a variety of sources. Of particular note, was the outstanding event held at the
Mansion House last February in aid of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council and The Magic Circle, with superb
entertainment provided by members of the Society in both close-up and cabaret — The Magic Circle at its best.
Thanks, too, to Jack Mayes for organising what I believe was the last Spring Day of Magic with all proceeds going
to the Appeal — a tremendous effort. All donations and sums raised, whether large or small, are very welcome and
greatly appreciated.
Richard Stupple as Welfare Officer has, throughout the year, continued to provide comfort and assistance
to the relatives of deceased members and to provide words of cheer to those of our members less fortunate than
ourselves whether through sickness, age or other circumstances. Richard's services in this regard are greatly
appreciated, not only by those involved, but by the entire membership.
Peter Eldin took over as Editor of The Magic Circular some twelve months ago. With each issue, one came
to notice and appreciate the various changes in both style and format which have proved much to the liking of the
membership. As I mentioned last year, the production of a monthly magazine is no mean task and Peter is to be
congratulated on assuming this heavy mantle of responsibility with such apparent calmness and ease. One must
not forget, however, those upon whom he depends, the regular contributors — delighted that Dale Salwak agreed
to take over John Henry Grossman's column — the reporters led by Stephen Blood and John Shoesmith for
providing the numerous photographs. The provision of back issues of the Circular might pass by without comment
but it is a service which recent correspondence has shown to be much appreciated and Michael Candy deserves the
credit for that.
The need to provide for upwards of forty-five scheduled Monday Night events during the year is no easy
task but Neville Cooper continues to produce a varied fare attracting audiences of one hundred and twenty plus on
average. A new event, the Annual General Debate, generated much interest and is certain to become a regular
fixture. Much favourable comment is made of the Summer School of Magic arranged by John Gordon which is
clearly seen as of great benefit, both to new and established members.
The Magic Circle Series of Lectures has continued to receive good support, the emphasis being placed on
providing lecturers to suit all interests. David Ginn gave an excellent lecture on children's magic earlier this year,
followed by another excellent lecture by Dan Garrett on stand-up and close-up magic. Other lectures by John
Carney and Richard Bloch are scheduled for July. I would like to express my thanks to Darryl Rose for so
efficiently organising these events.
Dealers' Day, in the capable hands of Harry Reeve and Ken Lee, proved as popular as ever attracting a
large number of dealers and would-be purchasers. I was pleased to be able to attend Collectors' Day at a new
venue, the Covent Garden Theatre Museum which proved an admirable setting. Unfortunately, the numbers were
down a little this year owing to a clash with other magical happenings that weekend, but all of those present
enjoyed a fascinating day organised by Eddie Dawes and Peter Lane. I would also like to take the opportunity of

149
thanking Eddie Dawes, as the Society's official historian, for dealing with various enquiries about past events
received from time to time which I am unable to answer but which I am confident he will. I am very grateful to him
for the time he gives these matters.
The auction held on Sunday, 21st April last attracted a good crowd, proceedings being conducted by Henry
Lewis as efficiently as ever but informally and in good humour much to the liking of those gathered. Henry is a
tireless worker on the Society's behalf and, together with all his assistants, is to be thanked for his efforts in
organising this event and also for supervising the library at Headquarters.
The cold spell of weather at the beginning of February led to the cancellation of the Young Magician of the
Year heats. Considerable reorganisation by Michael Colley, who handles this event so well, resulted in the heats
taking place at the Polka Theatre during the morning and afternoon of Sunday, 7th April prior to the final that
same evening. The standard of magic throughout the day was truly commendable, the heats yielding up five
finalists of incredibly high standard. Philip Hitchcock proved a most worthy Young Magician of the Year winner
with a most professional act and we look forward to seeing more of him in the near future. It should be noted that
The Magic Circle has decided to sponsor the 1989 winner of this competition, Richard Griffin, to enter the stage
competition at EI.S.M. in Lausanne and I know everyone will wish him tremendous success.
The At Homes have been held monthly during the year producing a substantial sum of money for the
Appeal. Peter Scarlett, together with John Gordon, Dick James and all those involved in whatever capacity, are to
be congratulated on their efforts.
The Annual Banquet once again proved a most popular event with the principal speaker, Barry Cryer,
giving a superb speech, part of which An Ode to The Magic Circle' was reproduced in the Magic Circular. The
award of The Maskelyne to Gil Leaney was received with acclamation by the assembled company. The Annual
Supper, at a new venue, was a delightfully informal occasion with the now accustomed party atmosphere. The
organisation of our social events continues to come up trumps in the expert hands of Ali Bongo and Alan Shaxon.
Congratulations are also due to Alan Shaxon on a busy but successful year as President of the British Ring of the
I.B.M.
Sam Gupta took over the reins as Hon. Treasurer from Geoffrey Robinson in 1987, carrying out the onerous
duties of that office with great care at a time of considerable change within the Society. Professional commitments
have, however, compelled him to review his present position and he has made the decision to retire as Hon.
Treasurer this year and not seek re-election in the Council. I am certain that all members would wish to join me in
thanking Sam for his many years of service on the Council, participating in many areas of the Society's activities,
particularly the organisation of the auctions, later as Deputy Treasurer and finally as Treasurer. I wish him every
success for the future and hope that we shall still see him around on a regular basis. The Council was delighted
when Brian Miller agreed to accept the office of Deputy Treasurer and to learn that he has now accepted the
Council's nomination as Hon. Treasurer at the next Annual General Meeting. The Council has every confidence in
him and we wish him well in that new role.
The issue of lady members remained to the fore during the year with the Council deciding that the matter
should once again be put to a ballot of the membership. The result was 69.9% in favour, failing by just over 5% to
reach the 75% required. Perhaps a point of both note and disappointment was that almost 50% of the membership
chose not to vote at all. There the matter rests — for the time being.
During the year a fairly hard look has been given to the manner in which the Council is able to manage the
Society's affairs on a day-to-day basis and to ensure that individual Council members of the Society are protected
in respect of any bona fide actions taken by them. The Council has relied heavily on Rupert Connell's legal
expertise in this regard and I am most grateful to him for the time and attention he has given to restructuring
certain aspects of the Society's administrative machinery.
A change of occupation on my part late last year with the loss of administrative back-up previously available
to me, brought about the need to rethink matters. A small part of my home was suddenly transformed into an
office, a computer system installed and all records computerised. Membership statistics are a part of my Annual
Report which I always used to dread since it required a manual count over two or three evenings. Now, at the press
of a key, I have the information which is as follows:—
ASSOCIATES M.M.C. A.I.M.C. M.I.M.C. TOTAL
Town 125 207 98 70 500
Country 111 249 121 75 556
Overseas 57 104 93 43 297
--- --- --- --- ----
TOTAL 293 560 312 188 1353

150
 Is is interesting to note that over the last forty years, the total membership has remained around the 1400
mark give or take a hundred. In 1951, the figure was 1244, in 1971 it was 1335 and in 1991 it is 1353. I wonder what
2011 will show! I mentioned last year the possibility of a membership list which, unfortunately, has not
materialised. I am prepared to live dangerously and guarantee such a publication before the year is out which I
know will prove invaluable.
As ever, I thank my fellow Officers and all my colleagues on the Council for their continued suport and to
all those other members who claim no recognition but who work so hard on the Society's behalf. My secretary,
having left her former employment on becoming a proud mum of a baby daughter, now works part-time on the
Circle's behalf. She has played a large part in computerising the Society's records so to Pam, my grateful thanks.
Thanks are also due to my wife, Jill, for putting up with the general re-organisation and hassle and for her very
considerable help during the year.
I can but summarise the activities of the Magic Circle during this last year but it clearly indicates a healthy
state of affairs owing to the continued commitment and enthusiasm of the membership which I have not the
slightest doubt will continue onwards.
CHRIS PRATT
9th June, 1991

Monthly Routine Matters

Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on 1iiesday, 23rd April, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), David Berglas,
Sam Gupta, Brian Miller, Harry Devano, Ali Bongo,
Michael Candy, Rupert Connell, John Gordon, John
Holland, Ken Lee, Henry Lewis, Jack Mayes, Les Nottle,
Harry Reeve, Darryl Rose, Peter Scarlett, Alan Shaxon,
Richard Stupple, Al Woodrow and Jack Delvin.
Apologies: Michael Bailey, Chris Pratt, Alan Snowden,
Anthony Brahams, Leslie Cole, Jim Jones, Nic Picot, Don
Robertson.
The Chairman extended a warm welcome to Brian Miller,
attending his first Council Meeting since his appointment as
Deputy Treasurer.
Deaths
The Council noted with regret the deaths of Michael
Seacome of Barnwood, Gloucester and Victor John of Pin-
ner, Middx. Michael Seacome had been a distinguished
member of some 45 years' standing and Victor John, a regu-
lar Monday Nighter and At Homes performer. Members
stood in silence as a mark of respect.
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings held on 18th February, 1991
and 13th March, 1991 were confirmed and signed.
Matters Arising
There was further discussion on the use of video cameras
at official Magic Circle functions and it was decided that, in
accordance with Rule 10, the following Rule should apply:
"No Member, Associate, Guest or any other person may
use a video camera or sound recorder at official Magic Circle
functions without the prior written permission of the Coun-
cil and that, in any event, any such video or tape produced
must not be offered commercially."
Secretarial Report
It was agreed that the new Members on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
It was agreed that the re-instatements on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
Reference was made to a letter from George Kovari
seeking permission of the Council to the presentation by him
of a show entitled "Stars of The Magic Circle". The criteria
for the show's organisation having been explained,
permission was given.
A letter from Nic Picot concerning a recent magical
publication was received and noted.
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotions on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer reported receipts and payments for March
1991 of £9,791.10 and £11,748.30 respectively.
With reference to the sponsorship of Richard Griffin at
El. S.M., it was agreed that an advance payment should be
made and that the balance outstanding be resolved after the
event.
Welfare Officer
Richard Stupple referred to the untimely demise of
Michael Seacome, the I.B.M. Welfare Officer, and the
recent hospitalisation of Joe Elman but was pleased to
report that Harold Taylor was now much improved.
Magic Circle Property Ltd.
Rupert Connell referred to his previous proposal that the
name of Magic Circle Property Ltd. be changed to Magic
Circle Trustee Ltd and its objects be changed to act as Trus-
tee of The Magic Circle. The five existing individual Trus-
tees should be asked to resign and the company would then
act as a single Trustee in their place. This would facilitate the
administration of The Circle's ownership of its property and
its ability to enter into contracts. The limited liability which
the company has would avoid the risk of the Trustees incur-
ring personal liability. The directors of the company would
be the President, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of The
Circle from time to time. A rule change would be necessary
to empower the directors to act as a committee of the Coun-
cil for certain decisions. A vote of thanks was expressed to
Rupert for his work in this regard.

151
Official Events
A discussion ensued concerning the arrangements and
responsibility for organising "official events" with particular
reference to the evening on restaurant magic, in respect of
which it was agreed that there had been a problem in com-
munication. On a proposal by Ali Bongo, seconded by Alan
Shaxon, it was resolved that the Entertainments Committee
should be augmented to include Brian Miller, Don
Robertson, Jack Delvin, Peter Scarlett and the Monday
Night Host to review the whole of the year's entertainment
programme.
Special Reports
Auction
Henry Lewis reported upon the recent auction which had
resulted in a net profit of £1,364.99 which would go to the
Appeal. Grateful thanks were extended to Henry and all
those who had assisted.
MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER NO.9
BY CLIFFTOWNSEND M.I.M.C.
Y Magic Circle's Poser word has loosely
been slanted at Magic and the Allied Arts,
M and the centre circle letter has to be dis-
covered to complete the word. From this word, words
of four letters or more are made, always using the
centre letter. No abbreviations, foreign words, plurals
or names are acceptable but final answers may include
other nine-letter words. Each circled letter can only
be used once.

Supper
Ali Bongo stated that the supper at the new venue had
proved most enjoyable and successful, raising approximately
£1,000 for the Appeal. Thanks were extended to Ali and
Alan Shaxon for their efforts and to Paul Stone for
generously providing the lighting, sound and backdrop.

Spring Magic
A vote of thanks was extended to Jack Mayes for once
again organising the Spring Day of Magic which had raised
approximately £1,500 for the Appeal.

Young Magician of the Year

The President reported on another successful Y.M.O.T.Y.
competition with Philip Hitchcock being declared the
worthy winner. He proposed a vote of thanks to Michael
Colley and the organising committee.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 30th May, 1991
in the Committee Room.
Elected Associates — 23rd April, 1991 The number of words made are totalled and ver-
Philip John Smith, 100 Coleridge Way, West Drayton, dicts of GOOD, VERY GOOD and EXCELLENT
Middx. U$7 9HS. are arrived at.
Graham Raymond Kendall, 15 Perth Rise, Coventry CV5
7LX. The whole idea is for amusement only - no prizes.
Jeremy Jonathan Holt, 5 Oakwood Grove, Alderbury, All rights reserved.
Salisbury, Wilts. (Solution next month.)
Graham Everitt, 3 Connaught Road, St. Albans, Herts.
AL3 5RX.
Stavros Valianti, 193 Tsiakilero, Larnaca, Cyprus
Answers to Quick Quiz No. 26
Elected M. M. C. — 23rd April, 1991
Dan Rodney, 13498 West Purdue Drive, Morrison, Colorado 1. H. G. Wells.
80465, U.S.A. 2. Lost Empires (2/87).
3. W. S. Gilbert.
Re-instatement to Associate - 23rd April, 1991
Orieatede G. A. Yeke, 162 Grove Hall Court, Hall Road, 4. The Cherry Orchard (12/79).
London NW8 9NU. 5. Aleister Crowley.
6. John Fisher.
Promotions 7. John Wellington Wells.
To M. M. C.
Ayaz Ali, Holmers Green; Lee Fried, New Orleans, 8. Charles Dickens.
U.S.A.; John Gannon, Basingstoke; Gary Jagcobs, Bar- 9. G. K. Chesterton.
kingside; Robert Ormesher, Coventry; George Prior, 10. John Dickson Carr (Carter Dickson) (5/88).
London; Ray Russell-Jones, Letchworth. (To help those who would like fuller informa-
To A. I. M. C. tion, some references to issues of The Magic
Morley Budden, Hornchurch; Yosi Notkovitz, Israel; Alan Circular are given where appropriate.)
Watson, Auckland, N. Zealand.

152

THE MAGIC-CIRCLE
FOUNDATION MUSEUM
The Magic Circle Foundation Museum acknowledges
the kind donations of the following items:
Richard Stupple M.I.M.C. — personal publicity.
Handouts, newspaper publicity, programmes, Magic
Circular cover feature, I. B. M. Children's Playtime
Entertainment (circa. 1984), Appt. Welfare Officer of
The Magic Circle, 1990.
Donated by Richard Stupple, M.I.M.C.
Poster — Russian — 3rd All Union Magic Festival -
Moscow 15th-17th May, 1990 — Palace of Culture
advertising an illusion show.
Donated by Brian Miller, M.I.M.C.
Two photo illustrated programmes, handbill, small
poster — An Evening of Magic, Civic Hall, Guildford
21st/27th September, 1990.
Donated by Chris Pratt, M.I.M.C.
The Merlin Magical Society — Monthly Bulletin
1938/9 numbers four and five, January and February.
Donated by Cyril Golding, A.I.M.C.
Magic Circle Membership Card issued to H. L.
Hambling, A.I.M.C. for year ending 31st May, 1965.
Donated by H. L. Hambling
Christmas card with colour reproduction of a
Victorian painting of a boy giving a magical
performance for his brothers and sisters.
Donated by Joe Marchant, M.M.C.
The Magic Ball and Ring — apparatus to produce a
borrowed ring on a rod as described in Hoffman's
Modern Magic.
Donated by Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
I. B. M. — Regional Dinner menu and programme,
table place marker in the form of a rabbit in hat, invi-
tation card, 3rd March, 1991.
Donated by Henry Lewis, M.I.M.C.
Harlan Tarbell, autographed photograph.
Donated by Donald Crombie, M.I.M.C.
Coin/medallion, SAM convention 1986, Louisville,
Kentucky, silvered finish, 32mm diameter.
Donated by Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
English halfcrown, 1946, faced on obverse with
1935 English copper penny.
Donated by Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
Double-sided English penny. Britannia faced 1906/
1931.
Donated by Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
Clicker coin, English penny, 1927.
Donated by Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
Coin/madallion, Owen Magic Supreme, 1975.
Donated by Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
Shell copper threepence coin, 1937, insert sixpence
face on obverse.
On loan from Mac Wilson, M.I.M.C.
Five items: `Sticker' emblem Steyr's Magic Club
(Austria). Wittus Witt postcard, 1991, with colour
illustration. `Physique' Antique magic set. Handbill
36 Kongress de Osterreichischen Maghier, 30th May-
2nd June, 1991. Two copies Magic Meahon, numbers
two and three, 1991.
Donated by Yosi Notkovitz, M.M.C.
Handbill — Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 10th
October, 1955. The Great Levante.
Donated by John Fisher, M.I.M.C.
Programme — The Academy of Magical Arts, First
Annual Awards Banquet, 8th November, 1968.
Donated by John Fisher, M.I.M.C.
Souvenir Programme — Coronation Conjuring,
Scala Theatre, London, 31st May, 1953.
Donated by John Fisher, M.I.M.C.
John Platt, Personal publicity matter — Letter head-
ing and four publicity information sheets.
Donated by John Fisher, M.I.M.C.
Pass for an entertainment arranged by David
Devant at the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Putney,
25th February, 1939.
Donated by Dr. Ian Fletcher, M.M.C.
Pass for an entertainment arranged by David
Devant at the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Putney,
24th February, 1940.
Donated by Dr. Ian Fletcher, M.M.C.
HENRY LEwIs, M.I.M.C.
Hon. Curator
 THE 2ND BRITISH CLOSE UP MAGIC SYMPOSIUM
C!0,
t th
BOOK
Great magic and comment from the 11 Symposium
performers!
'2
1991 Y TOMMY WONDER, DAN GARRETT, GEOFF RAY, MICHAEL VINCENT,
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MARK LEVERIDGE, MIKE AUSTIN and TONY RIX present magic
with cards, coins, flash cubes, pin badges and even fish! Couple this with
essays on Women In Magic, Making Magic Easy and Approaching The Restaurant
Table and you have a varied and interesting read. 62 x A4 comb bound pages,
illustrated throughout and with great character drawings of all the artistes by
JAT, this is a really good value book. Do you have YOUR copy yet? PRICE:-
£6.00 $12.00 e,;«mC/ e
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Also still available..... The 1st British Close Up Magic Symposium Book. The Q
eleven performers from 1989 provide another excellent combination of k w

trick and comment for your enjoyment. Companion volume to the one above 1989
- why not get both? PRICE- £6.00 $12.00 °g/czympor'

Mark Le veridge .Magic, 29 Wrel'ords Close, Exeter, Devon EX4 5A ! England

Tel:- 0392 52000 Fa y - 0392 435725

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-
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JFIIL LL AUGUST 1991

! JI CIiC1lL!

0
 .. HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AND
ENORMOUSLY ENJOYABLE"
So wrote Elizabeth Dawson, Organising Chairman for the Kensington Branch of the
Arthritis and Rheumatism Council of Great Britain when she enclosed a cheque for £2,000
for The Magic Circle Appeal.
She was referring to the Magic Banquet held at the Mansion House earlier this year when
the proceeds were split between the A.R.C. and The Magic Circle Appeal.
We would like to contact other charities who might like to enjoy an evening of magic to help
swell their funds — and add to our own Appeal. If any Member or Associate has contacts with a
charity who they believe might be interested, please contact any of the Officers.
In the recent past we have had further substantial donations from Jack Mayes (from his
Spring Day of Magic) and member John Gannon from Basingstoke who ran his own show and
sent in the profits. Our grateful thanks to all who contributed to these days, both the organisers
and all the artistes who gave their services.
Henry Lewis held a very successful auction in April which raised nearly £2,000 for the
Appeal. The amount of work which goes into organising an auction— and running it efficiently
on the day — is enormous, and I send grateful thanks to Henry as well as to Brian Miller and all
the numerous other helpers for all their efforts.
The total Appeal figure is still going up with contributions coming in from many different
sources. Thanks to all of you who added a little extra when sending in your subscription. The
total is now almost £80,000 and we are getting closer to our ` first phase' target of £100,000.
Now is the time we need the money because, as you will have read from the President's
Message, we are getting close to finding our new Headquarters, and when that moment comes,
we will have to write a big cheque.
Why don't you write one for us now — big or small it will be very much appreciated. Just
make it payable to ` The Magic Circle Appeal' and pop it in an envelope addressed to our
administrator, John Holland, at 3 Cronks Hill Close, Meadvale, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6BR.
Thanks.
MICHAEL BAILEY
VICE-PRESIDENT

.agic Circle C jriotma g Carbg

Very high quality Christmas card with The Magic Circle motif in gold with the message
"Have A Magical Christmas".
Price 60p each or 10 for £5.00. All orders must be in by the end of November.
Jack Mayes,153 Derby Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 5TN Tel.: 0438 352433
 ^c i c c •

(^^%PHI\\\^`

Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 918

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT 'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 154
GREAT NEWS FROM THE CHAIRMAN ....................................................... 155
MAGICIANS IN RETROSPECT ................................................................... 156
SCENE AND HEARD ................................................................................. 17
JONATHAN JAY'S PSYCHIC WONDER SHOW ............................................... 159
SIXTEENTH COLLECTORS' DAY ............................................................... 160
ADAIR'S IDEAS ....................................................................................... 162
SEEN IT .................................................................................................. . 163
AMERICAN SPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 164
THIS IS YOUR LIFE ................................................................................... 166
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 168
CARTERTHE GREAT ............................................................................... 171
SHOW AND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 172
BOOK REVIEWS ....................................................................................... 175
LETTERSTO THE EDITOR ........................................................................ 177
MONTHLY ROUTINE MATTERS ................................................................ 178
OBITUARY ............................................................................................... 180

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY: Globe trotting ex-sailor and past contributor to The Magic Circular, Hugo Adler, A.I.M.C.
(Silver Star), whose life is featured on page 166.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Please note that all future correspondence and contributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to The Editor, PETER ELDIN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lincs.
NG319TS

153
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
HIS month there has been even more pressure to get this
message to Peter Eldin in time for The Circular. Ruth
T and I have just returned from a very hectic and full
schedule, including one week in Los Angeles with, of course,
visits to the Magic Castle. It happened to be "British Week" and
I was pleased to see how well Terry Seabrooke, Mystina and
Terry Herbert performed to an American audience. J. J. and
Chris Power performed well in close-up.
I had a very interesting session with Milt Larsen, who
showed me the new library, soon to be opened, and very
extensive plans of new facilities which will enhance this world
renowed magic showplace even further. Besides the magical
memorabilia, there is an enormous collection of film archives,
both in reel form and actual props and costumes used by
hundreds of stars. Milt is very keen to have a closer link with The
Magic Circle as he considers our two organisations the most
prestigious in the magical world.
An unforgettable part of our trip was to experience two
earthquakes in one day. At 7.30 in the morning a real one (6.0 on
the Richter scale) and, later that day, "surviving" the most
dramatic man-made earthquake at Universal Studios in
Hollywood. The special effects used are outstanding and the
illusions created are the best type of magic imaginable.
The following week we were at the S.A.M. Convention in Las Vegas, where the temperature reached a
humid 117 degrees. I hosted a pleasant party for all members of The Magic Circle, and had great support from
many of our U.K. and American members. At the banquet we presented Magic Circle clocks to Bradley Jacobs,
the Chairman of the Convention Committee, and to Hank Moorhouse, the organiser of all the shows - which were
sensational. Our congratulations to all concerned. Siegfried and Roy received the Milbourne Christopher Award
and I presented them with a Magic Circle Wedgewood plaque, which made a suitable impression on the large
audience.
It was pointed out to me that this had been the first time that a President of The Magic Circle had attended
the Society of American Magicians' Convention, and they showed their appreciation by presenting me with a
beautiful plaque in honour my visit.
We attended the opening night of the Lance Burton Show. Although he has appeared in Las Vegas for many
years this is the first time he has been featured as a star in his own show. It is hard for anyone to compete with
Siegfried and Roy but Lance's friendly and professional presentation had everyone captivated. He has six
beautiful girl dancers assisting him throughout the show. Certainly one of the highlights was a sensational and
erotic scene. After levitating one of his topless assistants he lay down together with the girl and to pulsating music
both floated up higher and higher until they were completely out of sight. The method puzzled even the knowing
magicians but we were all agreed that this was the only way to levitate!
The temperature in Lausanne at the EI.S.M. Convention was equally hot, with the added disadvantage of
no air conditioning in the hotels or theatres and, with 2,200 delegates, it became very uncomfortable. In most cases
the standard of magic was very high and we saw many new ideas.
The Magic Circle had sponsored Richard Griffin (The Young Magician of the Year winner and holder of
the British Ring Shield) to take part in the competition. He did very well coming 14th out of 42 in his category. All
in all there were over 150 competitors!
The warm regard and the respect that the world's top magical entertainers have for The Magic Circle was
very much in evidence, and I have been promised full support from Harr y Blackstone. David Copperfield. Mark
Wilson, Sylvan, Magic Christian. the Larsen family, John Booth. Charles Reynolds and many others.
I had great pleasure in proposing the toast to the London Society of Magicians on the occasion of their
Golden Jubilee on 19th July. This had particular significance for me as I performed my very first show for the
L.S.M. in 1948. It was supposed to be a comedy magical act (!) which went disastrously wrong.
We are still arranging excellent lectures and. on 22nd Jul y. we were enthralled by John Carney and, on 29th
July, Rich Bloch, who has kindly agreed to donate all proceeds from his lecture to The Magic Circle Appeal as well
as 10% of any sales that evening. Many thanks Rich.
I am sure that all members will want to join me in wishing Ka y Kristal every success in her move to the
U.S.A., where I am convinced she will have an even greater amount of success.
DAVID BERGLAS

154
 GREAT NEWS
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
inervalsduring the past five years, I have reported any significant develop-
entsin the search for a permanent home for The Magic Circle. There have
:been many disappointments and several near misses, when either money or
local objections prevented our attempts.

I am delighted to be able to tell you that on Monday, 29th July, the officers saw a
building which had failed to reach its reserve at auction. They unanimously agreed that
it would be a very desirable acquisition and a verbal offer was made to the liquidator
responsible for its disposal. Written confirmation of our offer was dispatched the next
day, Tuesday, 30th July, and accepted!

Members of the council visited the site on Wednesday 7th and unanimously
agreed to the proposed purchase, with latitude to the chairman for bargaining purposes.
The next few days were a blur with visits to the bank to release funds, a structural survey,
endless telephone calls and a mad dash across London to negotiate an exchange of con-
tracts. There was another bidder with more money on offer hard on our heels but The
Magic Circle won on a "photo finish".

A brief word about the property we have bought. Until the liquidator took over,
the complex of buildings was owned by the Half Moon Theatre Company. It comprises
an early Victorian chapel with attached kitchen and modern office facilities. Across a
small garden a theatre with modern equipment seating up to 400. There is also a young
people's theatre, a small detached building with ancillary store, office and shower
facilities. The theatres and the offices were built about six years ago and require very
little attention but the older building will cost a great deal to repair and redecorate.

The buildings are at 213/223 Mile End Road, Stepney, London El, two miles in
an easterly direction from the Bank of England, about a hundred yards from Stepney
Green underground station and just north of the developments at Canary Wharf.

As soon as we have the keys, the site will be tidied and members will have the
opportunity of looking over the new headquarters. However, more money will be
required for the essential works and in addition members who can will be playing their
part in a variety of practical ways. We anticipate that full occupation will take a further
12 months. Meantime, we reach another important turning point in the history of The
Magic Circle.
DERRICK SPEIGHT, M.I.M.C.
Chairman of Council

155

MAGICIANS IN
RETROSPECT
Y cabinet of magicians may not hold as
many as Edwin A. Dawes', nor may they all
M be as famous but, at least I have seen them
all perform. And as last year was my 25th year as a
Magic Circle member I have decided to share some of
my memories with you.
I must start with the first Circle member I ever met
— Archie Byford. He was working as a civil servant in
an army Pay Office in Finsbury Circus where I was
stationed from 1941. He donned Chinese costume for
an Army Revue at the Cripplegate Theatre. In fact
when he learned of my interest in magic he co-opted
me to perform the "Knight's tour of the chess board"
when he became a thought reader for the next show.
Alas, after I had finally memorised 64 numbers in the
right order the doodlebugs arrived and the show was
cancelled. Archie did, however, appear in a show I
produced at the Shoreditch Town Hall entitled "Magic
on Parade" in aid of the British P.O.W. parcels fund
on 24th September, 1943. Among the other artistes
appearing were Horace Brend, ventriloquist, Sid
Dibble, Will Bolden, Janette a Dutch magicienne,
"De Zot" and myself.
Before I was posted overseas I had the good fortune
to see Murray at the Hackney Empire and Jasper
Maskelyne at the Finsbury Park Astoria. Murray
asked for two volunteers from the audience to help
him saw his assistant (I believe it was his wife) in half.
As I was in uniform I received a spontaneous burst of
applause from the East London audience as I walked
on to the stage and another when, given a choice of
ends, I chose the legs! Jasper Maskelyne performed
"Find the Lady" with Mammoth Cards and a real lady
— I still haven't fathomed out how he did it.
After two years in India I came back in time to
catch Howard de Courcy at the Whitehall Theatre and
whilst I can't remember what Phyllis Dixey was
wearing in the same show (!) I do recall a remarkably
polished performance of the "thumb tie" and, of
course, his unique and quite sensational "bird in cage
vanish".
Just after being demobbed I saw the Great Dante in
"Sim Sala Bim" and if ever a man looked like a magi-
cian it was he: A superb showman who made "magic
washing" with one wand, four silks, top hat, ropes and
two beautiful girl assistants seem like a big illusion.
And, in my humble opinion, the rest of his magical
show has never been bettered since.
I was lucky to see Tommy Cooper at our Euston
Square clubroom demonstrate real magical dexterity.
Later I went to see the "other" Tommy recording one
of his T.V. shows at Thames Studios. I can't remember
what he did but I know I could't stop laughing. And
then another time at Thames I saw David Nixon both
156
in rehearsal (when I assisted him with his stage version
of the comedy 3 1 dice trick) and then later live.
In the seventies I arranged a series of Variety Con-
certs for the London Borough of Hillingdon and on
the same bill as Vera Lynn I had Ken Brooke. I was
surprised to find how nervous he was before per-
forming but on stage the "dancing cane" really danced
and his "tissues over the head" was quite superb.
Alas only a few of these artistes are still with us but
I consider myself priviliged to have seen some of what
I call the 20th century greats of magic at first hand.
But perhaps the magician whom I admired most was
the late Fred Kaps whose performance at the Circle's
Jubilee show was brilliance personified. I only have to
look at a salt cellar today and I can still see his hand
coming through the curtains at the end of his act from
which the salt continued to pour.
Today, unfortunately, the theatre does not offer
many memorable magic shows but I can still watch
Paul Daniels and the "Best of Magic" on T.V. and
dream about the days of yore when variety theatres
had their share of great speciality acts. Those days
when producing lighted cigarettes was not an ecologi-
cal disaster; when the production of birds and animals
did not have the animal rights brigade breathing down
our necks. In fact the only critics we were really con-
cerned with then, as now, were ourselves.
ALF (DUDINI) DEWDNEY, M. M. C.
THE MAGIC MAGAZINE
MAGICIANS MUST HAVE.
THE
MAGIGRAM
Star columnists,
Including
George Johnstone,
Max Maven,
Alan Kennaugh,
Roy Baker, etc.
2 picket! pages
Two GO( fiitE1Ye , . ......: ; .
Free,TRIXIGRAM publicat)on
Free Brochure
PLUS! Subscribers become a member of
THE SUPREME MAGICIANS CLUB.
Send cheque, cash, or by Visa, Access,
Mastercard, American Express.
Price (12 issues post paid) £15,
Overseas £18, U.S.A. $35.
SUPREME MAGIC CO. LTD., SUPREME HOUSE,
BIDEFORD, DEVON EX39 2AN, ENGLAND.
TEL NO. (0237) 479266.
 SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN
KAYMAR MAGIC
Member Morley Budden has acquired Kaymar
Magic, the dealership of the late Harry Baron. The
new address for the business is 189a St. Mary's Lane,
Upminster, Essex RM14 3BU. Callers are welcome
provided you telephone first and are prepared to put
up with some chaos during the setting up period. The
telephone number is Havering (0708) 640557.
It is certainly good news that Kaymar Magic is to
continue and I am sure that all magicians will join me
in wishing Morley every success in his new venture.
NEW SERIES FOR SIMON .. .
Simon Drake (above) is about to begin filming a
new series of Secret Cabaret for Channel Four. Jim
Steinmeyer and Pat Page are advisors for the show
and, together with Simon, they are working on some
really spectacular ideas. If the series is as good as the
last one we are in for a magical treat.
... AND FOR PAUL
Also in production at present is a new series of The
Paul Daniels Show. It is planned that, as in previous
years, there will be a Christmas special to start with
followed by nine shows early in the New Year.
157
A MADD MOVE
Jan Madd's floating magic show, Metamorphosis,
reported in the April Circular has moved. The boat is
now moored opposite 35 Quay de la Tourneille, 75005
Paris. The telephone number for information and
reservations remains unchanged at 42.61.33.70.
My thanks to Ali Bongo for this information. Ali
also confirms Andrew Bryant's report that the show is
not to be missed. It runs until about October when it
will close for renovations and the preparation of a new
spectacular show for next year.
NO MOVE
Among the address changes reported in the June
Circular was one for Bob Bernard. Bobby Bernard
wishes it to be pointed out that this is not him. Bob
and Bobby are two completely different people. If you
are interested in antique props or require lessons from
one of this country's most knowledgeable magicians
then it is Bobby you want — and he is still at 19 Exeter
Road, London NW2 4SJ. Tel: 081-450 2201.
PARLIAMENTARY PRESTIDIGITATION
One amazing trick I witnessed recently was the fil-
ling of Dining Room D at the House of Commons
(which holds about a dozen people comfortably) with
some 40 or so magicians, parliamentarians and press
men. The trick was made even more remarkable by
the fact that it occurred on an amazingly hot day.
The purpose of this Commons crush on 4th July
was the first A.G.M. of the Parliamentary Magic Soc-
iety. John MacGregor was elected President for the
year and Greville Janner became Secretary, thus
reversing their roles held during the first year. Hope-
fully, they will in due course persuade other MPs to
join (there were some interested politicians at the
meeting) or this swapping of roles may become an
annual event!
Derrick Speight. Ali Bongo, Jack Delvin and sev-
eral other members were there to represent The
Magic Circle. Many members performed for the press
and the T.V. cameras. I did not see them all but I did
spot Simon Drake causing a flower to change colour,
Jon Allen changing £10 notes into fivers, Richard
Griffin (previous Young Magician of the Year) and
Philip Hitchcock (current Y.M.O.T.Y.) doing card
tricks and Peter Mehtab was in constant demand to
produce goldfish from £10 notes. Early in the pro-
ceedings the room was awash with balloon models
made for a few children who were present. All of the
membership of the Parliamentary Magic Society per-
formed as well — John MacGregor with a telekinetic
transfer of a coin from one place to another and HARD ACTS TO SWALLOW
Greville Janner with Rocky Racoon. The international journal of oesophageal disease,
"Gullet", recently carried a fascinating article by
Eddie Dawes on regurgitation as a form of entertain-
ment through the ages. The feature described the
work of the seventeenth-century water spouter Blaise
Manfre and his pupil Floram Marchand and followed
this with an intriguing account of other performers
including the remarkable act of Hadji Ali whose
speciality was to swallow 30 glasses of water and a pint
of kerosene. He regurgitated the kerosene towards a
model building with a naked flame inside it. When the
building burst into flames, he regurgitated the water
to put them out!

SWISS KLOX
Our member, Jon Klox is currently performing in
Switzerland for a two month season. Klox being
exported to Switzerland? Sounds rather like sending
coals to Newcastle!

CLOWNING AROUND
George Norrington achieved useful local publicity recently
when he performed at Nower Lodge school fete in Dorking.
George is pictured here with 3½- year-old Thomas Shrives,
one of the many visitors to the fete which raised over £2,000
for the school.
DEATH OF HUGHIE DANIELS
Members will be sorry to hear of the death of Paul
Daniels' father, Hughie, of a heart attack on 25th July.
Hughie made many of the props used by Paul and our
thoughts and condolences go out to Paul and his
family on their sad loss.

THE MAGIC 0110LB APPBAL AUCTION

SUNDAY, 6TH OCTOBER, 1991
Comprising the properties and collections of
the late Lt.-Col. C. J. Gittings, O.B.E., M.I.M.C., Eric J. Littaur, M.M.C.,
J. Rubens, A.I.M.C. and other vendors
Some 300 lots as new or in very good condition
i.e. stage and cabaret tricks, children's effects, close-up items, illusions and books by
reputable dealers and publishers

Auction at 12.30 p.m. On view from 11.30 a.m.

at The Victory (Services) Club

Seymour Street, Marble Arch, London W1
Auctioneer: Henry Lewis, M.I.M.C. FS.VA. (Retd.)
081-958 2525

All bona fide magicians welcome

158
Edwin (centre), founder of The Supreme Magic Company, congratulates Barry and Joanna Laymond who have acquired the com-
pany and will be joining the existing Supreme'Ibam, which includes Ian Adair and Peter Lyons. Barry is an experienced and suc-
cessful businessman and professional adviser and is also well known for the Magicians and Variety Artists Insurance Scheme
introduced onto the marketplace many years ago. Barry has been interested in magic from his early days and has been performing
professionally with Joanna for many years. His unique cameo presentation of the Afghan Bands is a delight as those fortunate
enough to have seen it will remember. Barry was for a number of years Chief Steward of the British Ring of the I.B.M. and still
organises the Parade of Overseas Visitors, a magnificent spectacle, and he is also an Associate Member of the Inner Magic Circle.
The day-to-day business and activities of Supreme Magic will continue from its H.Q. in Bideford, under the leadership of Peter
Lyons, General Manager. Paul Dupee will assist the company in an advisory position for a short period of time whilst Brian Head
leaves the Board of Directors.
Barry has a keen interest in further developing the world-wide reputation of Supreme Magic and will play a key role, together
with the existing Supreme Team in the forward development of the magical aspects of the business.

4,*.
JONATHAN JAY'S PSYCHIC WONDER SHOW
FTER an initial two nights in Enfield, Middlesex, this one man show is now on the road" in the southern
half of the country — with numerous bookings already lined up for Kent, Essex and the Greater London
A area. It's hard to believe Jonathan is only 19 years old (it makes you sick, really!), for he shows such confi-
dence and ability and he handles his audience with an uncanny skill that belies these tender years. Claiming no
psychic powers ("A six-year old could do what I do — with about 20 years' practice!"), Jonathan then proceeds to
"blow his audience away" for some two hours with some astounding feats of E.S.P., mindreading and general men-
talism. I'm not giving any details of the specific effects (except to say that it is a long time since I've seen the Giant
Memory performed so effectively), but would just recommend that you make the effort to see the show if it comes
near you. A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening. And do remember the name — Jonathan Jay — I predict
that this is another Circle member we will be hearing a lot more about in the future.
MORLEY BUDDEN

159

SIXTEENTH
COLLECTORS' DAY
18th May, 1991
Reported by Amy Dawes
" Deputy Keeper of the British Library, who, in spite of
EFLECTIONS of the Past" could well be the
subtitle of this report, for the venue of
D the 16th Collectors' Day was the elegant
mirrored and pillared Meeting Room of the Theatre
Museum, Covent Garden. Here, overlooked by por-
traits of great actors of the past, the 50 or so Circle
members and friends seemed to stretch away into
infinity as mirrors reflected the assembled company.
It was a pity that more were not present "in the flesh",
for it was an interesting day, in memorable sur-
roundings. Entrance to the Museum itself, included in
the ticket price, was an additional bonus for those
who attended, and many were the Londoners who
could be heard saying "I'd no idea it was like this",
"I've never been before". The Theatre Museum is
well worth many repeat visits.
Coffee for the early birds gave an opportunity to
study a display of Magic Sets from Peter Lane's
collection. Two items of note were a large mixed box
from Chad Valley called "Conjuring Up To Date',
whose lid depicted a striking performer in the dapper
Court Dress costume favoured in the early part of this
century, and a neat-sized example from John Jacques
& Son of London which consisted solely of box-wood
pieces of fine workmanship.
President David Berglas introduced Catherine
Haill of the Theatre Museum, who mentioned the
current problems of finance, possible future develop-
ments and, perhaps, more magic co-operation.
160
Chairman Eddie Dawes then gave greetings from
John Henry Grossman, Life President of the Magic
Collectors' Association, and told of the changes in
that group's next meeting venue — the Houdini
Muse^3m, Appleton. Wisconsin instead of Chicago.
He welcomed us all including American Jim Hagy and
European speakers Volker Huber and Hans Wittus
Witt together with his wife.
The first contributor was Dr. Nicolas Barker,
his title "Magical Treasures from the British Library"
made his "opener" on a transatlantic note. "I've been
to Appleton!" He spoke of his personal pleasure in
watching magic, and his attendance in 1989 at Ricky
Jay's Conference on Magic History held in Los
Angeles, and of the Mulholland Library now, alas,
"moth-balled" because of the current tax problems of
its owner. Every person with rare or special expertise
is a magician in his own way, and Nicolas Barker
proved that when he described how Ricky had conned
him into an impromptu test of the provenance of
unusual volumes which, needless to say, our speaker
passed with flying colours.
In a brief history of the British Library Dr. Barker
told how it was founded in 1752 with an initial gift to
the nation from Sir Hans Sloane and is now the largest
collection of books in the world. The Library of Con-
gress in Washington may have more miles of shelving
but has fewer volumes. The space on its shelves was,
perhaps, helped by the fact that the British burned it
in 1812 thereby depleting the stocks of old books,
whilst our British Library still has many fifteenth-
century treasures. The collection of Captain Dampier
with its "Vegetable Lamb" hoax, the Harley manu-
scripts with the Cotton manuscripts that provided
spells for the Middle Ages were all touched on. The
gift to the nation of the Old Royal Library by George
II in 1758, provided a National Library back to the
days of Edward IV and included Cranmer's Collection
Left: The sole transatlantic par-
ticipant of the 1991 Collectors'
Day, James Hagy of Chicago, with
Hans Wittus Witt and Patrick
Page.
Far right: Volker Huber pres-
enting his talk on "An Attempt to
Visualize the Invisible Lady".
which had been left to Henry, Prince of Wales in 1606. long distance away is the basis of, amongst other
The British Library therefore includes the best collec- applications, the megaphone. Baptista Porta
tion of early magic books in the world because it also described this in 1589 and in 1658 experiments were
encompasses a fine collection of eighteenth-century made in London using lead pipes 300 paces long, with
European scientific books, many of which contain the sounds carried through "as from the speaker's
natural magic. Kings continued to support it, and in mouth", and even attempts were made to trap the
1824 George IV donated his personal library which sound by sealing it therein! Speaking phenomena
was rich in foreign books. As well as books there are were demonstrated in Germany in 1788 and generally
playbills (some 608,000 of them) mainly straight believed to be an ingenious mechanism, and the stor-
drama, but with automata, popular entertainment age of sound was still considered to be a possibility.
and some conjuring items too.
Undoubtedly the central treasure for magicians is
the Evanion Collection assembled by Henry Evans
(born c. 1832) who was a professional conjurer from
an early age. Between 1850 and 1870 he tramped the
roads and then settled in London's Crystal Palace and
performed at private functions for Society notables.
He amassed a huge collection of all kinds of theatrical
and general ephemera, which together give the best
overall view of nineteenth-century performing arts
and which was sold in 1895 to the British Museum.
At one time Keeper Dr. Richard Garnett was
reputed to know where every book in the British Lib-
rary was to be found but now the task is immense,
especially with collections like Evanion's which is so
difficult to house that it is not kept on display. But it is,
of course, stored and available for inspection
whenever due notice is given by anyone possessing a
reader's ticket.
Dr. Barker finished his interesting and amusing
account with the "commercials", exhorting us to be
Friends of the British Library and the Victoria and
Albert Museum and to write to our M.Ps about their
The psychological interest in phenomena developed
value to the nation. British libraries and museums are
in the eighteenth century, when there were hundreds
in desperate funding straits but fortunately not so dire
of performers in Germany demonstrating false
as that of the Mulholland Collection, for which
automata, magic lanterns, static electricity, etc. Even
Nicolas Barker also appealed. That whole collection
educated persons lacked an analytical approach and
has been impounded by U.S. tax men as an asset of
were deceived by false versus real automata. The idea
the banker who owns it. It may yet be offered to a Fed-
of talking automata was encouraged by von
eral Agency and end up as part of the Library of
Kempelen's book, there was a competition in St.
Congress, helping to fill up those empty shelves!
Petersburg for a Voice that was won by a German pro-
Volker Huber, the renowned German collector and fessor in Copenhagen, and Balducci's Bacchus figure
publisher, then took the stage with "An Attempt to was explained. Clever showmen did not overdo their
Visualize the Invisible Lady". Next to eyes, the ears "real" voices so that the public was made to believe
are the most important sense organs. Therefore a they were hearing automata which could sing
search for a glimpse of an invisible girl, whose voice requested pieces and answer questions.
was so clearly heard, was to intrigue spectators for
Sound conveyed by air in pipes to and from a hid-
some 80 years during the latter decades of the
den operator enabled mind-reading effects to
eighteenth century and well into the nineteenth. Ordi-
develop. Direct information acquired from the words
nary persons as well as the scientific community pro-
whispered into a trumpet brought not only a suitable
pounded explanations of false automata similar to
answer to the ear of the "punter" but even the breath
that of von Kempelen's chess player but the principle
of the Invisible Girl that would extinguish a candle!
of the invisible girl is much older and lies with the
Mirrors showed who the questioner was and helpers
temple priests and jugglers of antiquity, through the
transmitted cues, so that the scope of Second Sight
Talking Head to the showmen-scientists of the
acts was greatly widened. As early as 1797 Fraud Dis-
nineteenth century.
covered was written and the following year saw the
The scientific principles are elementary and strong. first book on Talking Automata. Spectators would
The physical fact that sound can be guided in one always be deceived by showmanship. The unsolved
direction and its strength remain virtually the same a mystery was, of itself, not of such great interest unless

161
clothed in the wit and patter of an entertainer. Thus
there was the difference between scientific discussion
by professors and the showmen who encouraged
audience participation by selected spectators and
provided humour in their answers.
Volker Huber then showed a selection of slides of
his magnificent collection that traced the develop-
ment of the Invisible Girl, starting with the statue of
Memnon in Egypt which, when warmed by the mor-
ning sun, would produce sounds. When the old
decaying statue was renovated in the first century it
was, not surprisingly, found to be voiceless. The
soothsayers with the speaking trumpets in the plea-
sure gardens of eighteenth-century Paris and London
gave answers to personal queries; on more grandiose
scale large concave polished wood surfaces or mirrors
reflected and focused sound and so needed no soun-
ding tubes to make statues similarly answer questions.
There was an intriguing drawing of such an arrange-
ment and the photo of the library of an Austrian
monastery where concave surfaces, 25 metres apart,
would transmit sounds in this fashion. The earliest
playbill of a Talking Head appeared in 1748, woodcuts
of the Albert us Magnus head led on to a complicated
Talking Automaton that looked like the Chess Player
because of its false mechanism but was, of course, a
simple pipe-to-room device. Satirical prints were a
testimony to the interest engendered.
The speaker continued to illustrate the next stage
which was the transference of voices through the air,
with no connection. There was an arrangement in
which the feathered head-dress of a suspended model
of a child (a cherub?) hid the opening of a speaking
tube. Lying concealed above the ceiling was the
operator who listened to, and answered, the queries
that had been whispered into the figure's own, sep-
arate, long trumpet. A clear glass chest was thus the
next logical step, which Robertson, of Phantas-
magoria fame, developed as the first piece with
neither figure nor mechanism. A series of illustrations
showed how this scientific showman developed a sys-
tem of four trumpets into a central metal ball, which
was explained by Brewster and others, and Robertson
himself, while touring in Portugal, published a book
illustrating four different methods for this mystery.
From the numerous playbills that followed, it was
clear that many different showmen had been eager to
embrace such a good money-maker.
Volker ended his fascinating display of highly rele-
vant and often unknown examples of items from his
collection by reciting a charming poem by the Irish
poet, Thomas Moore, "To the Invisible Girl". The
Magic Circle audience had been enabled to visualize
her very clearly, even if the poet could not.
(To be continued)
162
DAIR's
IDEAS
HOW'S ZAT!
EFFECT
A pack of cards is divided into four individual sec-
tions, all piles being placed face downwards. Each
pile is riffled through whilst a spectator is requested to
shout out "stop" any time they wish. The "stopped-at"
card is placed away from the piles, still face down.
This is repeated another three times, until all four
piles have been riffled, and another three cards are
removed. When all four cards are reversed, they are
seen to be the four Aces.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
The pack is really a four-way Svengali Pack. It
doesn't exist, but this means that those who do make
it up, will have something fairly exclusive, since it is
not on sale or available from a magic dealer.
The pack is divided into four sections and behind
regular cards are the four Aces, Spades behind a sec-
tion of 13 cards, Clubs behind another 13, and so on.
The Aces are tapered at one end so that, like the clas-
sic "Svengali Pack", when flicked through, the cards
can either display regular-looking faces or Aces,
depending on which side is operated upon.
In between each section, so the performer can cut
the cards off at the correct positions, is placed an
extra unprepared card. This means that when the
cards are riffled through, if wished, the four sections
can be found because of the additional card making
possible a definite jump.
WORKING AND PRESENTATION
I've already explained the working of the pack, now
let's discuss the working of the effect. It's easy! Dis-
play the pack, face on, to the audience, riffling
through the cards, allowing them to drop from your
right hand into your left, showing that all faces appear
different. With cards face down, cut the pack into four
sections, the additional cards between these making it
possible for the performer to calculate the correct
numbers in these. The individual sections are taken
up and riffled through, a spectator being requested to
shout "Stop" at any time, the card stopped at is then
removed and placed face down to one side.
This procedure is repeated three times until all four
cards are face down on display. When the four cards
are reversed, they are seen to be the four Aces.
 EEN it! If you entertain children with
magic, these words are the most devasta-
S ting you will ever hear and more than
likely you deserve it because you're doing the
show the man before you did and the man fol-
lowing you will be doing the same show too. The
reason isn't too far to seek; it's just too easy to
buy the latest and the newest tricks together
with their set routines and patter, and foist them
on all and sundry in the guise of a show. Unfor-
tunately this happens all too frequently now-
adays and if it continues magicians will die the
death. "Oh yes they will," because it's hap-
pened before in the 30's and the 50's and for the
very same reasons.
If you can cast the mind back so far you will
recall that great effects like Evaporated Milk,
Soft Soap, Twentieth Century Silks, The
Floating Cane, Zombie, etc., were launched in
an avalanche of magic press publicity and were
sold in thousands. Everybody's doing it was the
order of the day. Unfortunately it still is. Con-
ventions have a lot to answer for. "A complete
sell out at the convention" means a lot of magi-
cians will be working the same trick next season
or maybe even tomorrow.
Certain T.V. programmes aren't much help to
magicians in general. These are the ones which
expose tricks ad lib. Don't believe it? Listen.
Very recently a so-called children's tele magic
programme exposed both the ghost tube and
rattle-bar principles. Mind you, the presenter
did abjure his few million viewers not to pass on
the secrets. So there's a couple more gone by the
board pro tem.
If you take a look at the real working magi-
cians of today, Alan Shaxon, Larry Parker,
Blackstone, Jnr. and the like, who make their
living at the game and whose shows have equal
appeal for both adults and children, you will
find their work is unique, different, owes little if
anything to the fads and fancies of the magic
club or the depot-bought trick (you will note
that I did not say prop). One of the all-time
great children's magicians, Alan Benbow,
MEMBERSHIP LIST
A membership list is currently in the course of production and is hoped to be available by the end of the year. The
list will; us might be expected, contain names, addresses and telephone numbers.
If there are any particulars that you do not wish to be disclosed, I need to know as soon as possible. If I hear
nothing, full details will appear.
Similarly, whilst most members have provided full particulars when paying their subscriptions, others, particu-
larly those who pay by standing order, have not. To avoid any unnecessary omissions of detail, please contact me as
soon as possible.
devised, built and used his own effects and he
never stopped working over a long lifetime, no
not even in the days when you couldn't get an
agent to book a magic act for love or money.
Alan Benbow played the top dates always and
people clamoured for his services. So nickety
S
knackety noo and why don't more of us do the
same?
Of course such an approach means work and
a lot of it. But the hours spent "off" in any
branch of show work are always more important
than those spent "on". Indeed the audience
E
reaction, the applause and the bit are the true
rewards for all the time spent in perfecting any
E
act.
I recently watched a young magician working
for a school party, an audience of very excited
and lively kids. For almost an hour that young
man kept those kids enthralled, and I do mean
enthralled, with his magic. Not one sucker trick,
N
not one depot-bought prop, no micky taking or
snide remarks but lots of fun and lots of real
magic, which showed how much study, thought
and perspiration had gone into the show. A
lesson in how to present magic to children.
Theo Anneman produced superb ideas in
magic and left them as a legacy to his peers and
successors; not, of course, magic for children
but the point is that Anneman's brilliant effects
were based largely on Hoffman, as a bit of close
reading shows. So there is a way to be different,
to have something to offer the public which the
next man and the last man haven't got and the
getting of this difference can only add lustre to
T individual performance and to magic in general.
David Berglas once sat in my house and
explained how it was possible to take a sixpenny
trick and build it into a magical masterpiece.
Could you wish for a better authority?
If you've heard those dread cries (and who
by
hasn't?) and you'd sooner not hear them again,
HARRY The Circle's library will provide you with an
CARSON inexhaustible mine of "new" effects, yours for
the expenditure of some study, some
imagination and a deal of sweat.
CHRIS PRATT, Hon. Secretary
163
 i%ERIOAi
POTLIGT7
4 Kirby VanBurch at the Aladdin Hotel is another
Las Vegas performer receiving lots of attention. He
describes the high-tech show as a "cosmic journey" to
several futuristic locations populated by aliens, exotic
animals, strange machines, rollerblade and speed
bike artists, laser beams and, of course, dancers. And
Melinda, "The First Lady of Magic," has moved to the
Sahara Hotel where she appears twice night. She
closed the Thursday afternoon convention show with
several illusions and the surprise production of
By DALE SALWAK m.i.M.c. American impressionist, Rich Little.
Most magicians are familiar with the history of the
Magic Castle but not everyone may be acquainted
HE S.A.M. Convention held at the Riviera with the impressive list of charter members who had
Hotel, Las Vegas on 3rd-6th July was an enough faith in Milt and Bill Larsen to join prior to its
T exceptionally entertaining and well-organised official opening. Norman Carroll was one of the first
affair but then I've come to expect nothing less from board members but he passed away before he could
Hank Morehouse and his committee. Patti and I came
away with many good memories.
Lance Burton continues to enjoy great success with
his wonderful magic. He opened on 3rd July at the
Hacienda- Hotel, Las Vegas for a year long run in his
new show, "Lance Burton — A Magical Journey" The
90-minute production features- whaI Lance has
developed during the nine years he starred in the
Tropicana's "Folies Bergere". Along with his classic
dove act, he entertains with comedy, audience partici-
pation and illusions — including a levitation that had
everybody talking! Stan Allen reports that this is the
first time a Las Vegas magic show has been written,
produced, staged and directed by the magician. A
comedy guest star and six female dancers round out
the show. Lance continues to bring dignity to the art of
magic. We all wish him great success in his new
adventure.

LANCE
BURTON

164
see the organization become a reality. George Boston
was the first active board member, along with Fred
Shields, Alvin Jansen (son of Dante) and, of course,
Bill Larsen, the only surviving member of the original
directors. Meetings were first held at the Larsens'
"Brookledge" home then later at the Castle. Early
members included Bill Chaudet (No. 8), Bev
Bergeron (No. 10), John Daniel (No. 33), Marvyn
Roy (No. 50), Mark Wilson (No. 73), Gerald Kosky
(No. 75), Joe Berg (No. 107) and Ed Keener (No.
150).
Now they are seeking at least 200 new Associate
members. This would help to provide the funds neces-
sary to go ahead with plans for the library and Houdini
Seance Room on the third floor. As Bill says, the
Magic Castle can only go forward. "We do not plan to
tread water." For an Associate application write to:
7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, California 90028.
My long time friend, Paul Green, continues to pur-
sue a successful career as a corporate magician. His
clients extend from Sony to Xerox to Coca-Cola. Paul
draws even the most jaded viewers into the act, main-
taining crowd interest while helping to sell. When the
"commercial" begins, it's a pleasant experience, one
that sets the stage for the convention personnel to
close the sale. He has an excellent lecture on the sub-
ject of trade shows. Paul may be reached at 11559
Viking Avenue, Northridge, California 91326.
The 1991 Western Regional Clown Association's
annual convention will be held at the Riverside Resort
Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, 14th-17th
October. The schedule will include seminars, com-
petition, a parade of clowns and a costume ball. For
further information, write to Bob Black, President,
P.O. Box 43363, Phoenix, Arizona 85080 (Telephone
602/492-0766).
AT HOMES
1991
17th/18th September
29th/30th October
27th/28th November
17th/18th December
Tickets: £15 each
Parties of 10 or more £12.50 each Parties of 50 or more £10 each
Dick James
6 Compton Terrace, The Green, Winchmore Hill, London N21 3NR
Telephone: 081-882 5522
165
Ever since a child, I've had a special interest in
clowns. I collected paintings of them (including an
original by Red Skelton), spent every waking moment
on the grounds of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers'
three-ring circus when it came to town and went to the
trouble to learn the art of clown make-up — not
because I wanted to work as a clown but because the
work fascinated me so much.
That interest was heightened when I became good
friends with the late Bob Hurt, former I.B.M. Inter-
national President and a very fine performer as a
clown. He and his wife, Velma, owned a pet shop in
Lafayette, Indiana and every Saturday I would spend
the day there to talk with Bob during the minutes he
was free from waiting on customers. Velma is still
living and I am sure she would love to hear from
friends. Her address: Georgetown Manor,
Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906.
Bev Bergeron's recent performances and lecture at
the Magic Castle reminded me of his work as Rebo the
Clown on Mark Wilson's weekly television show,
"Alakazam". One of the most poignant moments in
clown work occurred at an Abbott's Get-together sev-
eral years after the show went off the air and it
involved Bev. One evening the curtains parted to
reveal the stage set to resemble a dressing-room. Bev
walked on stage, sat down with his back to the audi-
ence and while looking in a huge mirror began to
apply his make-up to the accompaniment of organ
music. Slowly (and very magically) he transformed
from Bev into Rebo the Clown then stood up and per-
formed for the audience. Bev is one of magic's most
knowledgeable men. It's always a pleasure to see him
work.
May we continue to encourage, respect and support
each other in this great art that we call magic.
1992
14th/15th January
18th/19th February

THIS IS YOUR LIFE
a instructor for the Gloucester Sea Cadet corps.
UGO ADLER was born in Budapest in 1915. When he
H was 20 as one of the leaders of a liberal political party
youth group. he was arrested (for his own safety) after a fight
with a youth gang of the budding Arrow Cross Party (Nazi
Party). Two days later, his family arranged for him to leave
Hungary. With 10 Italian lira in his pocket, he landed in
Milan. He knew no one and could not speak Italian but got
by through doing odd jobs, house cleaning and porter work.
In the spring of 1936, a "fellow floater" joined him and they
took up a life of tramping. Arriving in Genoa in late June,
the pair of them took up beach-combing, doing odd jobs for
seamen on ships in the harbour in return for food. Being
allowed to sleep on the decks at night was a luxury for them.
In mid-July, the 1,500 gross tonnage Hungarian steamer
Turul docked in Genoa. Being compatriots, they were wel-
comed aboard. As the ship was due to sail it was discovered
that the ship's galley boy had skipped ship, so young Hugo
filled the vacancy and became a sailor by accident. The
thought of working in the kitchen - regular food and a bunk
to himself - made him feel happy indeed. He signed on until
a replacement could be sent from Hungary but he stayed put
until 1942, becoming second officer of the Turul.
166
Hugo the sailor did not know what was coming to him
next. When the ship docked in Bari in January 1942, all
officers were taken off the ship as enemy aliens (Hungary
entered the war in December 1941). Hugo Adler became a
guest of His Majesty on the Isle of Man but after three
months was accepted as an agricultural worker in Glouces-
tershire and at the same time became a civilian navigation
Working for the Ministry of Transport, he returned to the
sea in 1943 on a Dutch coastal vessel and by the end of 1944,
he was naturalised and volunteered for the invasion fleet -
later becoming a fully-qualified Master in British Mercantile
Marine.
In 1957, Hugo joined the Israeli Merchant Navy then
"swallowing the anchor" was appointed Port Captain to the
London office of the multinational company he served. He
moved on to become senior executive at New York Head
Office, before retiring in 1986 as consultant to the same
company Two years later, Hugo's wife, who he'd met and
married in 1942, passed away and Hugo moved to Israel.
Since being retired, he lives alone but has no time to spare.
Currently still a consultant, director on the board of a phar-
maceutical company, marine inspector for the Directorate of
Consular and Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Panama
and local representative of the Panama Register Corpora-
tion, he has also been invited to apply for membership of the
Israeli Society for the Promotion of the Art of Magic, so
even in retirement it's a busy life for Hugo Adler.
Magic has always played an important part in the life of
Captain Hugo. He often entertained on board the ships he
served on, became a Member of The Magic Circle in 1947
and was promoted to the A.I.M.C. degree with silver star in
1954. When Chief Officer on a ship trading between British
Guiana and Liverpool (20-25 passengers) one evening on
 During Hugo's tramp ship days, Len Wallace, the then
editor of The Circular, invited him to send in letters about
magicians he saw and met on his voyages to foreign lands. As
a result "Hugo Adler's Annual Letter" appeared in The Cir-
cular. At the time of Bobby Voltaire's editorship, he pro-
duced articles for the Budget under the title of "Magic And
Magicians Around The World". He also wrote for Cigam,
the only magical magazine in India (edited by H. M. Vakil)
under the title of "Impressions of India".
Hugo Adler was a great travellet: his job presented him
with the opportunity to meet people all over the world and
be paid for it. He enjoyed meeting Chang and Fu Manchu in
Argentina: The Great Levante. Virgil, Les Worthington,
Will Alma and Charles Worthington in Australia: Fred
Rowland, Monsieur Verdon, Thornton Poole, Fred Akester
(the Blind Magician), Harry Louine "The King of Koins" in
Canada: Bob Driebeck, Fred Kaps in Holland: Dr. Bose (S.
Madhab), B. B. Chakravarti and H. M. Vakil in India:
Harry Venson, Bert Levine and Charles Pott in South
Africa.

each voyage was devoted to The Hugo Adler Magic Show.

Once, when the ship docked in Liverpool, a police officer
came up the gangway. It was Fred Lowe and after that the
Adlers became friendly with Fred and his wife. Helen.
In t951, Hugo's vessel docked in London for repairs.
Huge became a regular Monday Nighter finding such good
friends as Mitch Devano, Frank Boynett, Len Wallace, Mac
Wilson and Will Dexter who gave him an honourable
mention in "Everybody's Book Of Magic".

Hugo Adler has shone his magical light on audiences on

board ships, at private functions and night-clubs around the
world, in places like Basra, Umm Said, Minah al Ahmadi in
the Gulf and in a tribal chief's hut in Lautoka, Fiji Islands.
His performances were always on an amateur basis — where
fees were paid, he asked for them to be sent to local
charities.
Today at 76, Hugo is still capable of performing but the
aging process of shaking hands stops him from accepting
any engagements. Hugo says, "They would not ascribe it to
age but think of me as nervous and unsure, arousing their
pity — and that I could not allow".
PETER D. BLANCHARD, M.INSTP.I., A.I.M.C.

167
 Of Atc j Cabinet of 1aicaI (turio^ttie^
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
176. CHARLES OSWALD WILLIAMS
BUSINESS AND FAMILY
HE present article provides some additional informa-
T tion concerning Charles Oswald Williams, the Cardiff
Conjurer, who was featured in the two previous Rich
Cabinet contributions (Dawes, 1991 a, b).
When Williams was accorded The Magician of the Month
status in The Sphinx for October 1904, reference was made
to him being the head of an extensive but unspecified busi-
ness in South Wales which made heavy demands upon his
time. He was, in fact, a goldsmith and jeweller and in these
present times when magic motif jewellery is a commonplace
offering of dealers at magic conventions, it is interesting to
note that Williams inserted the following advertisement in
The Wizard of September 1906:
The Wizard's Emblem. A beautiful model of a
magic wand, made in gold and mounted as a
scarf pin. 4/6 post free. To the purchasers
during the month of December I will forward a
new and excellent card trick.
The price, nominally 22' pence, would be currently
(allowing for inflation) around £10 today.
We noted previously that the precise date when Williams
became a professional magic dealer was uncertain. How-
ever, the earliest advertisement that I have located suggests
that he might have started by selling his own surplus equip-
ment. Thus in The Wizard for November and December
1905 there appeared in the Miscellaneous Advertisements
column:
Some good secondhand apparatus for sale;
would suit drawing-room conjurer; no
exchange; send stamped envelope for list.
Chas. O. Williams, Afton House, Stacey
Road, Cardiff.
(For the record, Lewis Davenport, of 30 Riles Road,
Plaistow, was also advertising secondhand magical
apparatus for sale and exchange in this same issue.
Doubtless editor E T. Selbit was delighted to print the fol-
lowing encomium from Williams in the December 1905
issue:
to whether the idea of the Woven Web had been derived
from Servais Le Roy's "Legend of the Silk Worm". Not so,
replied Williams who wrote that the idea of obtaining a load
from the hollow reehearoe from reading Hoffmann's King
Koko in which the Princess of the story has a magic
handkerchief.
Williams's second contribution to the series was "A New
Handkerchief Colour Change", the invention of James Carl
(i.e. James Wakefield) of Derby and published with his per-
mission. This employed the now familiar tube with a tape
loop inside and which Carl included in the first effect
described in his own book, Practical Conjuring,
subsequently published in 1911.
The Bewitched Florin, the penetration of a florin through
a drinking glass and employing a shell penny, came next and
Williams said he did not know who the originator was. How-
ever, a certain Curtis Leo laid claim to its invention and
editor Selbit referred to Leo as being "exceptionally prolific
in the creation of drawing-room deceptions".
Other contributions included The Tale of an Egg Trick,
Instantaneous Production of a Bowl of Flowers (from a
Hoffmann suggestion and using a fake designed by Pellew to
hold the spring flowers) and a New Blindfold Card-Stabbing
Trick, employing a handkerchief of Goodnight Banner
construction and containing the duplicate card.
Pocket tricks for Amateurs,
By CHAS. 0. WILLIAMS.
abe 713e^vitebet ff lorin.
An ordinary drinking glass, one of the kind
with a foot to it, is handed for examination ;
two coins are then borrowed—a penny and•a
florin. The two coins are placed in the glass
held sideways as in the first sketch, the coins
being at A. A spectator is now requested to
place his hand over the mouth of the glass, first
r aking sure that both coins are inside. The
performer then tilts up the glass while the spec-
tator's hand is kept firmly over the mouth.

"I am pleased to say that my advertisement in The Wizard

has been successful in getting purchasers for a lot of my old
apparatus. I made a list of 29 old tricks and managed up to
now to sell nine of them. I consider this very good, as I have
had some experience of this sort of thing before. Please
insert the advertisement again in next month's Wizard."
But Selbit had other cause to be grateful to the Cardiff
Conjurer for in the early years of The Wizard Williams con-
tributed several articles under the heading of "Pocket Tricks
for Amateurs". The first, in the second number of the new
periodical, was "The Wizard's Web" wherein three reels of
coloured thread are displayed, one colour is chosen and a
length of that thread, when rubbed in the hand, is trans-
formed into a silk handkerchief of the same colour. Inner
shells containing handkerchiefs of matching colour provided
the key to the mystery, which elicited a query from G.G.P. of
Streatham Park, who had himself devised a similar effect, as From The Wizard, December 1905.

168

by(.0.WiiitAm S
Artist Nathan Dean's impression of Charles Williams
at The Magic Circle Grand Seance, St. George's Hall,
on 10th April, 1906.
We have already recorded how Charles O. Williams's
daughter operated his magic business during his final illness.
After his death in January 1924 the business continued to
function for a period and some of their lines were included
in an evening of Demonstrations of Depot Magic held at The
Magic Circle on 18th February, 1926. Bruce Hurling was in
the chair and it was he who performed some seven items
from the Williams stock. Despite the caveat that he had not
been able to rehearse, Hurling mystified most, if not all, of
his audience, according to reporter Jimmy Esler. We quote:
"The first item, the Tubes of Tokio, was a production tube
worked in conjunction with a box of rice; a Ballot Box,
which, held behind the pet former's back, enables him to tell
at once the colour of a ball placed therein; the Mystic Mum-
mies, another divining effect; a beautifully-made Changing
Card Tray and a bewildering little stand for card location.
The Pillars of String, in a new form, ended this display of
apparatus."
ALL
ADVERTISING
MATTER
To: PETER ELDIN
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham, Lincs. NG31 9TS
0476 60657
Rates for Full, Half and Quarter page
advertisements, etc. on application.
All advertisement copy should be received
not later than the 1st of the month for
publication in the following month's issue.
169
Besides his daughter, Charles O. Williams also had two
sons who were magicians and both became members of The
Magic Circle. Clifford Williams was elected to membership
on 1st December, 1925; his address at that time was the
familiar family home at 107 Stacey Road, Cardiff. By 1937,
he had moved to 6 Aberpergwyn Road and after the Second
World War relocated at 6 St. Denis Road, Heath, in the
Welsh capital. He presumably died in the 1950s for his name
is absent from the 1959 Magic Circle membership list.
Clifford's brother, Leonard, joined The Circle on 6th
October, 1931 and his address remained that of the family
home until the Second World War. Leonard became a mas-
ter mariner who, post war, lived successively at Llan-
vetherine, near Abergavenny, Rhiwbina (Cardiff) and
Barry.
In 1957 at the British Ring Convention at Scarborough,
Stanley Thomas chaired a Collectors' Session and the pro-
gramme was closed by Leonard Williams who, according to
Claude Perry's report in The Budget for October 1957,
"showed a number of fine old pieces of apparatus, all of
which had belonged to Professor Hoffmann. A tiny ivory
feke for the egg-on-straw effect, a set of ivory billiard balls
and cups, and a lovely old watch box fitted with a movement
to simulate the ticking of the borrowed watch."
Leonard Williams, M.I.M.C., died in 1966. His demise,
reported to the Council Meeting on 1st December in that
year, rang down the curtain on a truly magical Welsh family.
REFERENCES
Carl, J. (1911). Practical Conjuring. Derby: E. J. Furniss.
Dawes, E. A. (1991a). The Magic Circular85,109- ti .
Dawes, E. A. (1991b). The Magic Circular 85,136-38.
Esler, J. A. (1926). The Magic Circular 20, 97-99.
Hoffmann, Professor (1904). King Koko. London: Chatto
& Windus.
Perry, C. (1957). The Budget, October, pp. 344-45.
Williams, Chas. O. (1905). The Wizard 1, 21-22; 37; 46; 53;
58; 60-61; (1906) 126; 2, 208-09; 254; 272.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be
reproduced, stored in any
retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or
otherwise without permission of
the Editor of
The Magic Circular.
 •

a
1 1

r I

7 G

^ M

Fj

170
 The last great touring illusion show from the
golden age of magic has just been rescued. Most
magicians know Charles Carter only for the vast
array of beautiful lithographs he left behind that are
so eagerly sought after by today's collectors. But
behind those posters loomed a magic show of epic
proportions; a show that circumnavigated the globe
no less than eight times between 1907 and 1936. The
Carter show appeared repeatedly in Australia, New
Zealand, the Philippines, India, Egypt, China, Japan,
Russia, the whole of Europe and England as well as
the major cities of America.
During an incredibly suc-
cessful career, Carter pre-
sented some of the greatest
illusions in magic and trav-
eled with a large entourage
of assistants, tons and tons CARTER
of equipment, curtains and
costumes and a menagerie
of animals including an el-
ephant and a lion. THE
A typical performance
by Carter the Great might
include the Nicola Spike
Cabinet, Selbit's Stretch-
GREAT
ing a Woman (which Carter
presented in Chinese cos-
tume as The Elongated
Maiden), The Spirit Cabi-
net, Selbit's Million Dollar
Mystery, Cheating the Gallows (which he allegedly
invented), Sawing A Woman in Half (using a method
unlike any other), Sword Cabinet, his own version of
Will, the Witch and the Watchman, the Inexhaustible
Barrel, Amac's Find the Lady, The Flyto Cages,
GONE! (where a girl vanished from a chair sus-
pended in mid air), Vanishing Elephant and the
legendary Kellar Levitation.
Twenty years ago, parts of this show were
housed in The Magic Cellar at Earthquake McGoons
in San Francisco. When the Cellar closed in the 70s,
the show (along with dozens of scrapbooks and boxes
of programs, photos, letters, newspaper clippings and
films) were locked in a warehouse. Year after year,
owner Peter Clute, paid the storage bills and recently
decided to dispose of the entire collection.
171
Mike Caveney and Bill Smith have purchased
the show and moved it lock, stock and Inexhaustible
Barrel to Los Angeles. Included with the Carter
collection were a number of pieces from Willard the
Wizard's Show including Willard's tailcoat, scrap-
book, Duck Tub, Sawing A Lady in Half, Vanishing
Radio (Lloyd made), Substitution Trunk, Dove
Cage and some smaller magic. Bill Smith's staff at
Magic Ventures will refurbish and restore all of the
illusions. A few will be offered for sale and the rest
will be kept together. Mike and Bill plan to create a
historical exhibit/show and
make it available for magic
conventions, similar to the
Dante/Thurston Show they
presented at the San Diego
IBM convention in 1989.
With the wealth of pri-
mary source material at his
disposal and the historical
magic books that Mike
Caveney's Magical Publica-
tions has already produced,
it figures that Mike will write
a book on the life of Charles
Carter. Twenty-five cartons
of paper memorabilia con-
tinue to furnish a goldmine
of paper treasures. Posters,
contracts, films, checks, a
scrapbook for each season,
programs printed on pure silk, playbills in a variety
of languages, original unpublished manuscripts,
hundreds of photographs, and stacks of correspon-
dence between Carter and Maskelyne, Thurston,
Kellar, Goldin, Devant, Leon, Selbit, Thayer, P&L,
Brema, Bartl, Conradi, Willmann, Nicola, Amac,
Yettma, Hardeen, Powell, Laurant, Mulholland,
Otis Litho, Strobridge Litho, etc., etc. Rather than
facing the usual problem of trying to dig up suffi-
cient material, Mike will instead have the enormous
task of turning thousands of pieces of paper into just
one volume.
After many years of neglect, pilferage and
being kicked around the Bay area, the Carter Show
has finally found a home where it will be preserved,
restored and shared with all who are interested.

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS
O it yourself tips or Tips and Ideas by Harry
Reeve, was the subject for our evening's
D entertainment on Monday, 20th May
Harry, very smartly dressed sporting a large bow
tie, started us off with how to keep "'er indoors"
happy by protecting the kitchen table with suitable ply
and hardboard, using restraints in the shape of giant
elastic bands made out of old inner tubes.
Every conceivable piece of bric-a-brac was pressed
into service in support of magical contrivance. Plastic
tubes and drainpiping from your local D.I.Y.,
greenhouse capillary felt from the garden centre, very
thin ply and plasticard from a model shop and even
metal shirt-sleeve armbands, were pressed into dual
service both as a temporary card stand and a pretty
but effective drum-head-tube retainer.
172
Strong plastic or table tennis balls were turned into
load chambers and Harry showed how you could even
use your sock.
A gem of an idea was a nylon net bag with a zip at
the top, used by the ladies "bless 'em" for washing
their tights. It keeps your rope from getting tangled
when you put in in the washing machine. Great! You
don't use clean rope? Shame on you.
There were lessons in plywood, box and table con-
struction, mathematical angles, even how to cut a
bottle in half with an electric element.
Another gem, that came in the split hinges and
retaining wingnut section, was how to stabilise the
end of a countersunk screw by making a goal-post
type staple large enough to fit the screw slot and
hammmering it into the wood.
There were too many tips to mention them all here
and do them justice but Harry thought of that by pro-
ducing a 32-page booklet with working drawings, the
proceeds of which go to the Society's funds. Thanks
Harry, not only for a most instructive and entertaining
evening but also for your generosity.
After a short break, Chris Powers introduced Gary
Kurt from Canada, who was recently performing at
the Dutch National Convention. Gary gave us some
incredible sleight of hand with coins and a superb card
trick demonstrated with easy-going, amusing patter.
FRANK PULESTON
THE PRESIDENT'S
NIGHT
PACKED house gathered to hear our Presi
dent on 10th June and not surprisingly the
A evening began with a question and answer
session dealing mainly with the future of The Circle,
new premises and that kind of thing. There was
nothing new to report but we learned that lack of a
result was not due to lack of effort. Some 150 premises
had been looked at. There were many complications
and the President did his best to reassure us that no
effort would be spared to get us properly housed.
There wasn't much time for pure magic but we
heard how in 1957 someone in the States had written
in to the local T.V. station asking if there were con-
jurers who performed under water. Undaunted,
David undertook a two-minute spot not realizing that
it would take two days of total immersion to shoot it.
We had lots of technical questions about striking
matches under water, how to light and smoke cigar-
ettes under water, producing fish from a top hat under
water, etc. I imagine that many of those present will
now be developing their pool-side appeal!
The rest of the evening consisted of an autobio-
graphical romp through a life of such colour and
romance that it would need serializing to do it justice.
Some of us may have been surprised to learn that
David changed career some 35 years ago, moving
from magic to management consultancy. Those of us
who know both fields may feel that it wasn't all that big
a move. Both are branches of the science of persua-
sion and during his talk we were able to see how effec-
tively it can be used. Incidentally, for those interested,
we had a good example of the sort of thing manage-
ment consultants teach. The acoustics in our hall are
more suited to ballroom dancing than speaking and
for this reason David repeated every question clearly
before answering it. Try it next time you have a
question and answer session.
There is another practice common to magic and
management. Briefly, it is based on the way different
parts of the brain function. Most of us are familiar
with the situation where we can't remember a name or
place or some detail. The harder we try, the less our
minds will work. If we can change the subject or
"defocus" the mind the answer will often appear with-
out effort. Our President outlined the different areas
of the mind and how they work and how they can be
harnessed for different purposes. Later he was to
demonstrate memory magic.
173
Still on the subject of the mind, he then told of an
extraordinary adventure set on an ocean liner bound
for South Africa in 1949. The ship's cinema had bro-
ken down and David was asked to entertain. He natu-
rally assumed that people took him for a magician but
due to some misunderstanding they thought he was a
hypnotist. Undaunted, he performed as a hypnotist
and soon found himself in demand as a hypno-
therapist charging three guineas a time for clearing up
skin complaints and other minor ailments. Then one
day he encountered the case of a badly-crippled old
woman who crawled about the ship in great pain and
set about curing her. After regular therapy sessions,
the grand finale came during a splendid ball. All eyes
turned to see the woman enter walking normally and
apparently much younger, to be taken into David's
arms and waltzed triumphantly round the ballroom.
It transpired that she was really only 44 years old but
had suffered a severe breakdown. This remarkable
story was wired ahead to Cape Town where a warm
reception awaited our hero. Later, David came to
regard hypnosis as a potential menace with unpredict-
able side-effects. He lost no opportunity to make his
position known and it was clear that he found the
antics of stage hypnotists particularly obnoxious.
The evening ended with a bit of fun. Our President
talked about the various ways of applying long- and
short-term memory and ended with a demonstration
of chain-association in which numbers and objects
were memorized. It was an enthralling end to a very
full and wide-ranging evening.
LEONARD CHASE
ENTRY TO
THE CLUBROOM
Members are reminded that for security and
administrative purposes entry to the clubroom
should be made through the Carisbrooke entrance
to the Victory Services Club (entrance nearest
Edgware Road).
After the meeting members are asked to exit via
the main entrance (through the Buttery).
Membership cards must be available for inspection
at all times.
CONTRIBUTIONS
To all members
Please note that all correspondence and con-
tributions for THE MAGIC CIRCULAR should
be sent to PETER ELDtN at
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham
Lints.
NG31 9TS
 Genii
The International
Conjurors' Magazine
is now in its 54th year of continuous
publication by the Larsen family.
WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE
THE RETURN OF MAGICANA TO
THE PAGES OF GENII
Now edited by James Patton it is truly a
magazine within a magazine. This plus Dal
Vernon - Book, Magazine and Trick
reviews. Feature issues and so much more.
64 to 80 slick pages every month.
RATES
Surface 1 year $45 -2 years $85
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has at least 84 pages, many with colour
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In addition each issue contains details
of several effects from the range of Repro
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sational competition with prizes totalling
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Annual membership is just £9.95.
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For vintage apparatus, conjuring sets, books, ephemera, early Davenport ventriloquial heads. One
item or an entire collection. Also early Circus and Wild West (Buffalo Bill) posters. For example:

POSTERS (in very fine condition) HOUDINI (for our personal collection)
- Chung Ling Soo will pay £300 and up - Signed photos we pay £300 and up
- Leroy, Talma and Bosco will pay £175 and up - Posters £1,000 and up

BOOKS/CONJURING SETS
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For large and significant accumulations, we will travel and arrange shipping and
packing, pay cash or certified funds on the spot. We are the oldest and the
largest in this field, established since 1968.

MARIO CARRANDI, JR, MMC

Antiquarian Magic and Collectibles©
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Phone: 908-874-0630 Fax: 908-874-4892
(Send US$10 for a copy of our latest photo illustrated catalogue with over 50 pages. the largest
and most comprehensive in the field. An encyclopaedia of collectibles by itself)

174

THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF CHILDREN'S MAGIC
By Ian Adair with illustrations by Mavis and Steve Newby
and photographs by Tim Cox. 416pp, 10" x 8". £35 (p. and p.
free) from the publishers, The Supreme Magic Co.,
Supreme House, Bideford, Devon EX39 2AN.
I think it was Billy McComb who said that you need to be
a businessman first, an entertainer second and a magician
third. This is the format that Ian Adair follows in his read-
able book on children's magic. The first 120 pages or so are
devoted to the business side of being a professional or semi-
professional entertainer. The moment you start accepting
fees, and probably even before that, you must start being
businesslike. What records should you keep? Ian deals with
this and if you find your present system a bind or indeed if
you don't have a system and never get down to the paperwork
then try Ian's method, which is simplicity itself. In this sec-
tion, he also discusses fees, telephone enquiries, telephone
answering machines, transport and even your magic den. He
has lots of ideas for publicity and advertising.
In the next section, he outlines bits of business you can do
with a live rabbit! This is "entertainment second". It is not
until you come to page 136 that you find the first trick which,
believe it or not, is apparently done by a live rabbit and is a
super routine. It may be "magician third" but the accent is
still on entertainment.
We are now on page 140 and only one trick so far. If you
think this means there is not much room for tricks, you
would be wrong. The tome consists of 416 pages each 10
inches by 8 inches and bound in hardback, so there is plenty
of room left for about half a gross of tricks and routines,
including bits of business, gags, patter, comedy props, par-
ticipation tricks, give-aways. All of them have been used by
Ian himself over the years and have the stamp of practicality.
There is so much in the book that there is almost bound to
be something there for you. For example, there is a section
of gags and tricks with wands, which at first I felt luke warm
about, until, bingo, I came across one that would suit me and
which I hope to use in due course. I reckon that if a book
only yields one usable routine, it has been worth its price.
After all, if you do a trick from a book, rather than buying it
from a dealer, you probably have something that is exclusive
to you in your area, something that your audience has not
seen before. In this book there are likely to be a number of
routines that appeal to you, suit your style and which you can
perform. One such routine would make Ian's book a good
buy. I think you will find several.
CHARLES RUTTER
175
PAGES FROM PAT'S NOTEBOOK
By Patrick Page. Published by Martin Breese Inter-
national, 164 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ER. £8.
The latest Page emanation (can one call it a Pagination?)
keeps to the format of his previous book published by
Martin Breese. Soft backed but sturdy nonetheless, 9.25" x
6"; 94 pages, copiously and very clearly illustrated by Earle
Oakes.
The book presupposes some knowledge of the subject
and is not for beginners. As the title implies, this is a book on
random matters and not a study of a particular topic such as
the earlier books on Pulls and Thumbtips.
There are 27 items comprising complete tricks or moves.
And as readers of Pat's earlier works will know, you get more
than just tricks, you get a chat on the development to the
trick or move, variations thereof and, in many cases, con-
cluding comments on the methods used. In other words, Pat
is passing on performing advice and a lot more than the trick
itself.
The opener, called Birocan for reasons explained in the
text but not here, comprises the sudden appearance of beer
in a previously empty beer can. This trick, a development of
the Jardine Ellis production, has a four-page write up. Not-
a-Knot Rope, which I remember buying from Pat yonks ago,
is arguably the best vanishing knot to be found; it is there
until the last milli-second before it dissolves. Four Ace Move
is a deceptive vanish of the Ace in the standard jumbo card
double-faced four ace trick (if you know what I mean). The
move can also be done with normal size cards. It seems
improbable when one first reads it but try it out — it works.
No particular skill, just optical. The move has further appli-
cation in concealing a face card while showing two cards
apparently blank on both sides, a sort of slate move with
cards.
There are several easy to make apparatus tricks. A jumbo
ever-changing card "Under some circumstances you could
use it close-up, like in the dark, but it is not recommended",
is easy to make, instantaneous in action and is supported by
an attractive trick "You've got the Wrong Card".
Copy-cat Cards is a sort of Do As I Do where the per-
former out-jogs one card from the deck and has the spectator
do the same at a location of his choice. The cards match in
colour and value. Can be repeated but, not, we trust, ad
nauseam.
Pat admits that Magic Square tricks bore him. But he gives
a version of his own which, justifiably, he thinks is a little dif-
ferent. Four numbers between 1 and 12 are divided by the
spectator, these are added to complete a 4 x 4 square and
the latter shown to have the usual summation properties,
row, columns, diagonal, 2 x 2 sub squares, what have you.
Moreover the "magic number" is shown to have been
thought of in advance by the performer. Neat and nothing
much to remember. Impossible for the audience to work out
or trace back.
Transparent Chop Cup consisting of a glass tumbler with
a cloth cover (the latter concealing the you know what) lends
itself to some clever additional moves, not possible in the
case of the normal cup. It also looks more innocent.
Anyway, these are just a few of my favourite things, not
really doing justice to a something-for-everyone collection
of Patrick's brain children and his thoughts on magic.
Needless to say, unreservedly recommended.
JOHN HOLLAND
LAFAYETTE: THE FINAL ACT BOB READ'S "KNIFE THROUGH COAT"
By Brian Lead (1991). A documentary wallet, 12 x 8 1/2 in. Published by the author, 32 Regal Way, Kenton,
Available from the author at 55 Saunders Road, Blackburn, Middlesex. £10 post paid U.K. and $20 post paid U.S.A.
Lancashire BB2 6NP. Price (including packing and postage) The manuscript comprises three pages of text and sepa-
U.K. £5.00, overseas £7.00 (sterling, by international money rately four pages comprising 21 action photographs. The
order; airmail). instructions are in light blue on white in order to prevent evil
Eighty years ago the city of Edinburgh was the scene of a persons photocopying — some time, somehow, they will have
devastating theatre fire which cost 10 lives, denied the Scot- to invent the same sort of thing for videotapes; this will prob-
tish capital the privilege of hosting the first-ever Royal Com- ably knock off gilite`a bit from the dealers' prices.
mand Variety Performance and entered the annals of magic On the introductory page, Bob says "This is a classic
history as the final act of The Great Lafayette, eccentric and routine that I have performed for some 20 years. During this
illusionist extraordinary. To commemorate the 80th anniver- time, I have added many `bits of business' — although even if
sary of the tragic occasion and simultaneously benefit The you only use the basic routine you will have a startling and
Magic Circle Appeal for new headquarters, Brian Lead has amusing effect,"
produced a novel, handsome, pictorial wallet containing
documents which admirably chronicle the curious and At a rough estimate, your reviewer would guess at least
bizarre events that occurred during the week commencing half of you will have seen Bob performing this effect. It has
8th May, 1911 when Lafayette and nine members of his to be the most convincing knife through coat routine to be
company and theatre staff lost their lives. seen. Pieces of the paper that originally acted as a star-trap
are pulled through the hole, as is the interior lining. Finally,
First, there is a folded, illustrated sheet which opens out to a finger is poked through. Added to this the numerous Bob
20 x 14 1/2 in. and provides an introduction for the period Read-type of visual gag and general ornamentation and one
from October 1910 to Lafayette's appearance in Edinburgh has an entertaining routine that runs for some seven
at the Empire Palace Theatre followed by an hour-by-hour minutes, all with the minimum of preparation and of props.
synopsis of the events which led up to and succeeded the fire Highly recommended.
on 9th May. It is printed in sepia on buff-coated paper with
JOHN HOLLAND
four photographs of Lafayette. Second, reproduced in facsi-
mile from the original, first-hand reports of the tragedy in
The Scotsman newspaper, there is a news-sheet printed
under the masthead of that distinguished paper. Here is the HE'S MADE A NOTE IN HIS DIARY...
detail and immediacy only to be captured by contempora-
neous reporting and also included are the amusement adver-
tisements for that week. This sheet is likewise printed in
sepia but on parchment-style paper. Accompanying these
documents is a signed and numbered introduction by the
author. The wallet, in matching sepia, is of glossy card and
carries a photograph of Lafayette and Beauty on the front.
Overall, this is a quality production, modestly priced and a
splendid souvenir of one of the remarkable tragedies of
magic's colourful past.
It is a limited edition of 500 copies and the wise will need
no urging to act now before it is too late. Further, Brian is
very generously donating all the profits to The Magic Circle
Appeal. On every count, this unusual publication is
unreservedly recommended.
EDDIE DAWES
HAVE YOU?
The Magic Circle
I.B.M. CONVENTION
MAGIC CIRCLE DEALERS' DAY Dealers' Showcase
We hope to see you at both these events.
As usual, we will have thousands of book titles to
choose from
9th November, 1991
PLUS over 100 video tape titles, including the
GREATER MAGIC SERIES ROYAL NATIONAL HOTEL,
Magic Books By Post, 29 Hill Avenue
Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4SN
WOBURN PLACE, LONDON WC1
Mail order only - no visitors S.A.E. all enquiries Hon. Organiser: Harry Reeve 0634 32591

176

LETTERS
It was interesting to read Ali Bongo's breakdown of
the voting in the recent ballot for admitting lady mem-
bers. If, indeed, only 15 per cent of those that voted
can stop the advancement of The Circle then there is
something seriously wrong.
The idea of The Magic Circle is to promote and
advance the art of magic. How many of the 15 per cent
are interested in these goals? How many of the 15 per
cent regularly perform and are often asked by the pub-
lic why women are not allowed in The Magic Circle?
What would the 15 per cent tell the public? If it were
the reasons given to magicians, they would probably
be subjected to some serious verbal abuse.
The Magic Circle is meant to be the world's
premiere magic society. At the moment it is a men
only club. I do not think the small minority are
interested in promoting magic to its full potential for
as long as women are excluded from The Magic Circle,
it will never fulfill its goals.
Yours sincerely,
JON ALLEN, M.M.C.
MINI ADS
10p per word prepaid. Cheques, postal or money
orders payable to THE MAGIC CIRCLE. Copy, by 1st of
month for the following month's issue, to PETER
ELDIN, 29 FOURTH AVENUE, GRANTHAM, LINCS.
NG319TS.
ANTIQUE PROPS bought and sold. Bobby Bernard, 19
Exeter Road, London NW2 4SJ. Tel: 081-450 2201.
COMING SOON. Issue 13 George Norrington's Who's Who
In Magic.
BOOKS AND EPHEMERA ON CONJURING AND ALL
PERFORMING ARTS. Catalogues issued regularly. Send
three first class stamps for current issue. I am always
interested in purchasing good material. Anne FitzSimons,
62 Scotby Road, Scotby, Carlisle CA4 8BD.
THE MAGAZINE WITH NO NAME. Australia's monthly
magic magazine. Latest news, hot gossip, convention
reports, reviews and unique articles. $A75 — TWO years;
$A40 — ONE year; airmail postage paid. Money payable to:
Andini, P.O. Box 646, Burleigh Heads, Queensland 4220,
Australia.
BALLOONS 260E £6.50 gross. SILKS 36" — Dragon, The
End, Rainbow £30. RACOONS £20. Lists s.a.e. Picot, 79
Anglesmede Crescent, Pinner HAS 5ST. Tel.: 081-863 2522.
177
I think I speak for the majority of members, those
both for and against, when I say we are becoming
weary of the saga of lady members. I was therefore
surprised and irritated to read a letter in The Circular
by a "prime mover" attempting to rattle old bones.
I now take off the gloves and pull no punches. I
consider this whingeing letter contemptible.
He has lost the vote and now wants to shift the goal-
posts. Had he been on the winning side, I suggest the
goal-posts would not have been disturbed.
He also states "Only 211 members voted against the
proposal, or to put it another way — one member in
seven". Let me put it another way. Over 30% of the
vote were against. He goes on to state that a small anti-
vote could seriously "hold the Society back on more
i mportant issues". The only pertinent words there are
"more important issues". How dare this man have the
temerity to treat with disrespect over 200 members.
Incidentally, I must correct him again when he states
that "governments are voted to power on a majority
vote".
It is well known that this government is "in" on a
minority vote as previous governments were and
doubtless as subsequent governments will be. Now I
feel it appropriate to remind readers of a statement
made by this man when the voting was at the height of
its campaign. "We are breaking the law."
Some time ago, we fought and won in a court of law
(at some expense) to keep The Circle, as the magis-
trate put it, "a gentlemen's club". This man was on the
Council at the time and if he didn't know what was
going on he was naive indeed.
On the other hand, if he did know what was going
on, I can only suggest the statement was a deliberate
attempt to mislead the membership. I leave it to the
members to make the comparison.
Now let me conclude by saying the pros have had
more than a fair share of the crack of the whip. Let us
put this behind us and join in friendship to consider, as
his letter suggests, more important matters.
ARNOLD A. ISAACS
SOLUTION TO MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER No. 9
(published in July issue)
Acceptable Words
APTLY, AYELP, EALE, EATH, EATHE, ELATE, EPHA, ETAPE,
ETAT, ETHAL, HAET, HALE, HAYLE, HALT, HAPLY, HATE,
HAYLE, HEAL, HEAP, HEAPY, HEAT, HYETAL, HYPATE, LATE,
LATH, LATHE, LATHEE, LEAP, LEAPT, LSAT, PALE, PALM
PALET, PALETTE, PATLY, PATE, PATH, PATTY, PAYEE, PEAL,
PEAT, PELA, PELTA, PETAL, PHYLA, PLAT, PLATE, PLATY,
PLAY, PLEA, PLEAT, PYAT, TAEL, TALE, TAPE, TAPET, TATE,
TATH, TEAL, TEAT, TELA, TELAE, THAE, THAT, THETA,
TELEPATHY, YALE, YATE, YEAH, YEAR.
The complete word was TELEPATHY and the missing letter was A.
Note: 30 words is GOOD; 45 words is VERY GOOD; 54 words is
EXCELLENT; 60 words is THE POSER.
 Monthly Routine Matters
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on Monday, 30th May, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), Michael Bailey,
Chris Pratt, Brian Miller, Harry Devano, Alan Snowden,
Ali Bongo, Anthony Brahams, Michael Candy, Leslie Cole,
John Gordon, Ken Lee, Henry Lewis, Jack Mayes, Nic
Picot, Harry Reeve, Don Robertson, Peter Scarlett, Alan
Shaxon, Richard Stupple and Jack Delvin.
Apologies were received from: David Berglas, Sam
Gupta, Rupert Connell, John Holland, Alan Maskell, Les
Nottle, Darryl Rose and Al Woodrow.
Deaths
The Council noted with much regret the deaths of Dion
Matthews of Hong Kong, Ren Clark of Fort Worth, Texas
and Harry Baron of Billericay, having enjoyed between
them 110 years of membership of the Society.
Tribute was paid to Ren Clark, a distinguished member
and performer in the United States and to Harry Baron, a
performer, author and inventor, a genial character and focal
point for magic in Essex who would be greatly missed.
Members stood in silence as a mark of respect.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 23rd April, 1991, after
an amendment to item 8, were confirmed and signed.
Matters Arising
Following upon the recent discussion on the use of videos,
the Council noted with pleasure the presentation by Vic
Pinto of a number of videos for the Society's use.
Secretarial Report
(i) It was agreed that the new members on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
(ii) The resignation on the attached Schedule was accepted
with regret.
(iii) The Secretary referred to a letter from Rex Cooper
concerning a recent Monday Night event. The contents
having been noted and considered, the Secretary was
asked to respond appropriately.
A further letter received from a member concerning
the use of the words Magic Circle in relation to the
promotion by him of shows was noted but any decision
deferred for the time being.
A letter received from Morley Budden containing
suggestions and proposals relating to various areas of
the Society's activities was considered at length. The
Council, in welcoming ideas of this type from mem-
bers, agreed that those Council members with respon-
sibility for each of the areas referred to, take note and
discuss same with Morley Budden as soon as possible.
The Secretary announced with pleasure a special lec-
ture by John Carney to be held at Headquarters on
Monday, 22nd July, 1991 at 8.00 p.m.
The following nominations were made for the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting:
President: David Berglas
Proposed Ali Bongo, seconded Alan Snowden
Vice-President: Michael Bailey
Proposed Harry Devano, seconded Derrick Speight
178
Secretary: Chris Pratt
Proposed Michael Candy, seconded Peter Scarlett
Treasurer: Brian Miller
Proposed Chris Pratt, seconded Henry Lewis
Welfare Officer
Richard Stupple reported upon his current workload. It
was agreed that the Welfare Officer should make any
announcements on Monday Nights about deceased or
indisposed members unless arranged otherwise.
Headquarters
Michael Bailey gave a detailed report on the property in
Brondesbury which appears very suitable for the Society's
purposes. The property comprises a large Victorian house
together with an additional area of land (in which the Soc-
iety would not be interested) which the vendor is unwilling to
split, offered for sale at £600,000. After a lengthy discussion
concerning the finances currently available to The Magic
Circle, the means by which further funds might be raised
and the need to retain sufficient funds to run the Society, it
was agreed that, in principle, a conditional offer should be
made for the property for no more than £600,000 provided
that a property developer purchase simultaneously the addi-
tional area of land for not less than £200,000 and subject to a
business plan being prepared for The Magic Circle.
Fund Raising
Michael Bailey reported upon the current state of the
Appeal and the donations recently received.
Special Reports
Collectors' Day was reported as being very successful
with the new venue proving ideal. A sincere vote of thanks
was expressed to Eddie Dawes and Peter Lane for their
efforts in this regard.
Henry Lewis announced that the next Auction will be
held on Sunday, 6th October, 1991.
Any Other Business
Brian Miller undertook to discuss with the Treasurer the
fund to which profits made from the At Homes were
transferred.
Elected associates — 30th May, 1991
John Leonel Mason, 12 Esmond Court, Thackeray Street,
London W8 5HB.
James John Butler, 14 Chesterton Avenue, Harpenden,
Herts. AL5 5ST.
Michael Sands, Ash House, Bridle Path, Ewell, Surrey
KT17 3EZ.
Philip John Chapman, Apt. 2, Holbeck House, 24 Holbeck
Hill, Scarborough, N. Yorks. 4DU 2XD.
James Huntley, 38 Bedhampton Hill, Havant, Portsmouth,
Hants. P09 3JW.
Gary Smith, 77 Bart's Lane, Duston, Northampton NN5
6AJ.
Richard Cohn, 40 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, N.Y.
11215, U.S.A.
Elected M. M. C. — 30th May, 1991
Julian Jason Lincow, P.O. Box 18717, Wynberg, Cape Town
7800, S. Africa.
Olaf Blakeley, 18 Parade Square, Cannon Street, St. Helier,
Jersey, C.I.
Kirk Charles 3726 28th Avenue SW, Seattle, Washington
98126, U.S.A.
Reg Webb 9 Denham Walk, Chalfont St. Peter, Gerrards
Cross, Bucks. SL9 OEN.
Resignation — 30th May, 1991
Roger Adlard — Harpenden.
Promotions - 30th May, 1991
To M. M. C.
Fred Henry - Inverness.
Gee Mahabir - London.
ToA.I. M. C.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Tony Grieve - London.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Giovanni Abrate, 12828 Meadow Breeze Drive, Wellington,
Florida 33414, U.S.A. 16TH SEPTEMBER, 1991
Arthur W. Barry, 585 Daws Heath Road, Hadleigh,
Benfleet, Essex SS7 2NH. 0702 559816. On the evening of the A.G.M. there will be no
E. M. Black, 2511 Windsor Lane, Northbrook, Illinois entry to the upstairs hall from the Buttery. The
60062-7040, U.S.A. other hall doors will be opened at 6 p.m., one hour
Adam Burr, 25 Henstridge Place, London NW.8 6QD. 071- before the meeting is due to begin.
586 0156.
David Earl, All Saints Vicarage, 17 Cross Church Street, Admission will be strictly limited to paid-up mem-
Paddock, Huddersfield HD1 4SN. 0484 530814. bers and associates and granted only on produc-
P. R. Fahrenholz, Carrera 12 No. 79-07, Apt. 301, Bogota, tion of a valid, up-to-date membership card. As
Colombia, S. America. Bogota 2114785. stewards will have to check all entrants against a
Stephen Fernandes, The Parish of Christ the King, The long list of proxy voters, there may be delays at the
Commons, P.O. Box 1800, Mashpee, Massachusetts
02649, U.S.A. 508 477 7700. door for which we apologise in advance.
Rene Frotscher, Grand Rue, F-34520, La Vacquerie et St. Voting in connection with item 10 on the agenda
Martin de Castries, France. 067-446403/067-446202. will be by paper ballot. A ballot slip will be issued
Brian Gore, 68 Priory Lane, Penwortham, Preston, Lancs. on the door to each member or associate whose
PR1 OAS. 0772 748568. name does not appear on the proxy list. No more
Peter Gray, 54 York Street, West Cowes, Isle of Wight P031
7BS. 0983 299622. ballot slips will be issued after the Chairman has
John H. Grossman, 661B North Trail, Stratford, declared the meeting open.
Connecticut 06497, U.S.A. Any proxy votes from members or associates
Keith Hartwell, 2 Hazel Croft, Killinghall, Harrogate, N.
Yorks. HG3 2AY. 0423 506577. whose current subscriptions remain unpaid 48
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179
 Obituary _
JACK NIGHTINGALE(1907-1991)
`

ACK NIGHTINGALE passed away peacefully

J at 5.25 p.m. on Saturday, 15th June. He
was 83.
I'd known Jack for many years and
members will have read about him in my story "A
Nightingale" published in The Magic Circular, April 1975. He was a member of The Magic Circle and North Wales
Magic Circle.
At his peak, he was known at Val Ventrix (Vent and Tricks) — it was a miracle how he handled his affairs
considering his sight affliction and the fact that he was registered at St. Dunstan's. He could not have managed with-
out the constant help of his wife, Laura. They were married for 57 years and Laura continues to reside at "Merlin",
12 Dinas Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, Clwyd.
He was an expert in the art of entertaining children and a great ambassador for The Magic Circle. I often
tried to get him to write a book or get a ghost writer to do it but it was never done and now, alas, all that knowledge
has gone with him.
There must be hundreds of thousands of adults in the U.K. today who will recall happy days at Pontins' Holi-
day Camps being entertained by Uncle Jack & Auntie Laura and that if they were aware that he had passed away
would surely say "We will remember him".
Goodbye, Jack — you did a great job. You did it your way — a job well done!
PETER D. BLANCHARD, A.I.M.C.

ACK NIGHTINGALE — "Uncle Jack" to tens of thousands of children in Lancashire and North Wales holiday
J camps — passed away in his 84th year on 15th June after a long illness.
Jack was always accompanied by his devoted wife, Laura, who was not only his assistant but his "eyes" fol-
lowing a war-time accident during a Civil Defence exercise leaving him with very limited eyesight.
At the commencement of his entertaining career, he performed illusions, escapology and fire eating but his
real loves were children's entertainment, ventriloquism and Punch and Judy. During his very early days, he was
known as Val Ventrix (vent and tricks) mainly in Lancashire but in 1947 Uncle Jack and Auntie Laura moved to
North Wales and worked for Thomas Cook and Pontins' circuits for many years up to his 75th birthday, when he
decided to go "part time" as he put it.
Throughout his life, he was actively associated with the Boys' Brigade movement, being appointed Honorary
Vice-President for Wales in 1982.
He was a member of The Magic Circle, I.B.M. British Ring and a Past President and Life Vice-President of
the North Wales Magic Circle. In April 1975, he was featured on the front cover of The Magic Circular with an
article inside by Peter Blanchard and in 1980, Jack and Laura were the first to receive the "Magician of the Month"
award by Cliff Townsend during his year as I.B.M. British Ring President.
Always willing to help, Jack will be greatly missed, not least by Laura, to whom we extend our deepest
sympathy and love.
The funeral took place on Thursday, 20th June at Kinmel Bay Evangelical Church followed by cremation at
Colwyn Bay. The Magic Circle, I.B.M. and North Wales Magic Circle were represented by Arthur and Ellen Booker,
Peter Blanchard, Derick Greenwood, Brian Kay, Trevor Lewis, Jack Lloyd, Ron and Jolly Mutch, Rovi, Eddie
Thomas, Bill lbmlinson, John Wincup and David Williams.
EDDIE THOMAS

180
*** **'*"*******'**'**'*****'***

mACic
* ,CIRCLE -

THE MAGIC CIRCLE I

AWARDSBANQUET
Bloomsbury Crest Hotel, London WC1
The President and Council of The Magic Circle
* invite you to their Annual Gala Night
* on
Saturday 16th November 1991
6 for 6.45 p. m.
tit ,k BANQUET * * * DANCING * * * STAR CABARET * * *
* Presentation of:
* "THE MASKELYNE AWARD" "THE CECIL LYLE AWARD"
* "THE JOHN NEVIL MASKELYNE PRIZE"
* `THE YOUNG MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR" "THE CARLTON COMEDY AWARD"
* 1r A GLITTERING NIGHT FULL OF SURPRISES WITH THE STARS *

Tickets £35.00
Round tables for 12 Book a table for your friends
* Don Robertson, 1 Tara Court, Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5DT
Cheques payable to The Magic Circle. Please enclose s.a.e. and PRINT the names of your guests
**************************************
 Joe Riding's Magic
Here is a new approach to the art of cold reading. With this new method, I guarantee
that your character analysis of anyone you read will be at least 85 per cent correct.
Not only that but if you should read them again months or even years later, you will still
be correct. This method is easily learnt and is very practical. When Ken de Courcy
purchased this from me, he kindly wrote back and said that he thought it was really
excellent.
THE NEW COLD READING only £5 post paid
TOUCHE. A great self-working mental routine with cards. No cards supplied. Use any
deck. Will give you a great reputation with such a great, easy method.
Manuscript only £5 post paid.
For anyone who likes to inject some humour in their magic, my gag sequences booklet
with over 120 gags in different sequences is a must. Billy Pearce, up and coming
comedian, used my fortune-telling sequence, exactly as I routined it, on a big TV show
last year and he brought the house down.
Gag sequences for all occasions only £5 post paid.
Or buy all three routines for £12 inclusive.
That's all for now.

Joe Riding, M.I.M.C., 19 Dawson Road, St. Annes On Sea, Lancs. FY8 3AJ
Phone 0253 721408

THE WRINKLES COLLECTION

OVER So EXTRA IDEAS AND ROUTINES FOR MARK LEVER/DUE MAGIC
PRODUCTS
Regular customers will appreciate this fine
compilation of variations, most of which have been
submitted by customers themselves. Everything from
small but effective changes in presentation through
to complete new routines for many of the items from L7P//ZKLFS
the Mark Leveridge catalogue are carefully explained
for you to learn and use.
V COLLECT/O/Z

Supplied in a large ring binder (so that future aT

Update Packs can be slotted in place), this book is
divided into five sections - CHILDREN'S AIACIC,
MENTAL/SM, CARD MAC/C, GENERAL CLOSE UP and
an INDEX. Buy THE WRINKLES COLLE C TION and make more out of the magic
you have bought from Mark Leveridge - or magic you may buy in the future!
PRICE:- £15.00 $35.00

Mark Le veridge Magic, 29 Wrefords Close. Devon EX4 5A Y England

Tel: - 0392 52000 Fax 0392 435725
TP I
L
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1991

r ;ic CI11C11L!aR
L.J
 CLOSE-UP COMPETITION
PAST WINNERS
1967 Bob Read, London 1979 Jim Adams, Northampton
1968 Alan Holmes, Leicester 1980 Roger Crosthwaite, Derby
1969 Trevor Lewis, Holyhead 1981 Rex Cooper, Luton
1970 Rex Cooper, Luton 1982 Johnny Johnston, Oxford
1971 Mike O'Brien, London 1983 Michael Louis, London
1972 Walt Lees, London 1984 Chris Power, London
1973 Bob Read, London 1985 Tony Brooks, Leicester
1974 Christopher Pratt, London 1986 Peter Mehtab, London
1975 Michael Florence, London 1987 Trevor Liley, London
1976 Ken Hawes, Milton Keynes 1988 Kevin Reay, London
1977 Rex Cooper, Luton 1989 Alan Bertin, London
1978 Brian Barnes, London 1990 Terry Guyett, London
1991

7 p.m. Monday, 18th November, 1991

with large screen television

Arranged by: Harry Devano, M.I.M.C. Venue: The Magic Circle Headquarters

This popular event produces some excellent magic. Test yourself against the best. Write your name in
the annals of The Magic Circle.
1. The magic shall be such as would be performed for a group of friends at a party in a drawing
room or bar. It may be performed standing or sitting; it may include card tricks but should
exclude large apparatus or tricks which are essentially for the platform. Performers will appear
singly for one performance before a panel of judges and onlookers. The act should take
between four and eight minutes and acts outside these limits may suffer loss of marks. At nine
minutes the act must end.
2. A cash prize of £50 and a certificate will be awarded to the winner and additional prizes of £25
and £15 will be awarded, subject to the advice of the judges.
3. All Members and Associates in good standing are eligible by submitting their names to me at
any time up to and including the evening of the competition when valid membership cards
must be produced. However, in order to keep the event manageable, there will be a limit of
14 entrants. Early application will secure a place. Postal applicants should assume acceptance
unless advised otherwise.
4. Judges will mark according to overall entertainment value, technical skill and originality in
effect, method or presentation. They will then confer to select the winners.
Harry Devano, 17 Cedarhurst Drive, London SE9 5LP
081-850 8264

N.B. Members and Associates may care to offer their performances in the competition as their examination for
degrees. In this case they should make an additional application to the Examinations Secretary, Les Nottle, 74
Cherrydown Avenue, Chingford, London E4 8DU. 081-529 5591.
 III
( !
^ /S' PRI\ ^^^
MAGIC CIRCULAR
Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 919

CONTENTS
PAGE

PRESIDENT 'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 182

SCENE AND HEARD ................................................................................. 183
THESEARCH FOR PREMISES .................................................................... 185
THEIMPOSSIBLE DREAM ........................................................................ 186
THERACE TO BUY ................................................................................... 188
LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE ................................................................... 190
INTERESTFROM THE PRESS .................................................................... 191
OURNEW PREMISES ................................................................................ 192
AMERICAN SPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 194
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ................... ...................... 196
SIXTEENTH COLLECTORS' DAY — CONTINUED ......................................... 200
LETTERS ................................................................................................. 202
MAGIC AT THE GUILDHALL .................................................................... 203
MEMORIES OF JOHNNY PAUL ................................................................... 203
MONTHLYROUTINE MATTERS ................................................................ 204

COVER PICTURE: Part of the frontage of our new home in Mile End Road. Photograph by Brian Mille r.

Contributions must reach Peter Eldin by the First of each month if

it is essential they should appear in the following month's issue
and should be typewritten whenever possible.
Peter Eldin, 29 Fourth Avenue, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9TS.

181
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
HE three magicians who founded The Magic Circle in 1905 would be delighted that, 86 years later, the
Society still thrives, is known and respected throughout the world, has about 1,400 members and — after a
T long search — has purchased superb premises in London for the new and permanent home of The Magic
Circle, the most prestigious magic society in the world.
Let us all drink a toast to these three men for having the foresight to lay the strong foundations, so many
years ago, which has enabled our Society to survive so successfully.
It really is a momentous occasion in our history and everyone concerned should be congratulated. It is
i mpossible to thank and appreciate everyone but the names that come immediately to mind are Brian Miller, James
Freedman and Darryl Rose who first brought these premises to our notice. Brian Miller has agreed to supervise
the immediate steps of checking the inventory and the security of the premises. We were informed that the reserve
price had not been reached at the auction for the Half Moon Theatre, which enabled us to make our bid.. The legal
side has been in the very capable hands of our council member Rupert Connell, the negotiations, as always, were
led by the chairman of our council, Derrick Speight, as well as our vice-president Michael Bailey. Many others
have been and will be involved and I would particularly like to thank those members who have been very actively
involved in the long search, particularly Henry Lewis, who looked at numerous premises and, before that, Mitch
Devano.
Acquiring these premises, which have unlimited potential, is one thing. Rebuilding, decorating and
furnishing our new home is another. We also have to be aware of the running costs per annum. So, once again, it is
time for all our members and our many friends to see how they can get involved either financially or through their
contacts, to make sure that we can raise the funds necessary to achieve the high quality we are all aiming for.
DAVID BERGLAS

David Berglas presents a Magic Circle banner to Bob Hope on his recent visit to Britain. The 'B' on Bob's sash? No — it isn't B for Bob,
it's B for Baby as the veteran comedian had just been inuagurated into the Grand Order of Water Rats as "Baby Rat".

1 82
 SCENE & HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN
TIME, GENTLEMEN, PLEASE
May I remind all contributors that if they have news
items or topical material that must appear in a particu-
lar issue of The Circular, I need it well in advance to be
able to use it. As a general rule, I send the copy to the
typesetters about seven weeks prior to the magazine's
appearance. So, if you have something that must go in
a particular month, please get it to me by the first of
the preceding month (at the latest).
It also helps if submitted material is typewritten. I
do not normally acknowledge receipt of contributions
and will not return photographs or other material
unless their return is specifically requested.
THE MAGIC REVIEW
The Magic Review is a new magazine being pub-
lished by members Gary Olding and David
Kirkpatrick. It is different from other magic
magazines in that it will concentrate on reviews of
tricks, books and videos. Gary and David plan to
have at least 25 reviews in every issue so it should
prove very useful to people who buy their magic by
mail order. The Magic Review will be A4 size with at
least 32 pages, published bi-monthly Subscription
rates (including post and packing) are £15 U.K., £18
Europe and £20 elsewhere from T.M.R. Publications,
71 Swanbridge Road, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 5BS.
SPIDER NETWORK
American magician Richard Robinson has set up a
new on-line computer service, Spider Network, for
performers. If you have a computer, modem and com-
munications software that supports the I.B.M.
extended character set, you can access a variety of
database libraries, news and features pertaining to
magic and illusion. There is also a newsletter and a
constantly updated news bulletin service. Spider Net-
work is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and
costs $8.95 a year which entitles the use of 20 minutes
per day on-line. Further details can be obtained from
Richard Robinson, Box 472, Lennox Hill Station,
New York, New York 10021 (Tel.: 212 8618708).
183
LOKI PREDICTION
At the opening night of "The Good Old Days" at
the Lido, Cliftonville, associate member Loki (Gary
Keates) successfully predicted the lead headlines of
his local newspaper. The prediction, which had been
made a month previously, had been sealed in a safety
deposit box and kept in the vault of a local bank.
When the prediction was opened on stage it proved to
be correct and resulted in some useful publicity for
Loki. Well done.
SIXTEENTH JUNIOR DAY
One of the best bargains in magic, at just £6 for the
day, must be the Home Counties Magical Society
Junior Day, now in its 16th year. This year it is on Sun-
day, 20th October at the usual venue, St. Laurence's
Hall, Abbey Square, Reading. There will be two lec-
turettes by John Palfreyman and Tony Shelley, the
usual dealer display and demonstration by Supreme,
the very popular competition open to 12- to 17-year-
olds and the day ends with a mini gala with John Pal-
freyman, Philip Blackmore, Tony Shelley and Philip
Hitchcock. As usual Keith Churcher is looking after
registrations (cheques payable to H.C.M.S.) and his
address is 46 Rotherfield Way, Caversham, Reading
RG4 8PL. Please include a first class stamp with all
enquiries and registrations.
JEWEL'S MAGIC HELPS CYCLONE VICTIMS
Performances in England by Jewel Aich (below
left) have succeeded in raising over £100,000 for the
cyclone victims of Bangladesh. At these charity
events at many places in Britain, Jewel performed solo
magic shows and played classical music on his flute.
He also appeared with several celebrities including
actress Glenda Jackson, musician Clem Alford and is
seen here with actor Ben Kingsley (right) at a farewell
and thank you party in Jewel's honour. Our congratu-
lations go to Jewel for the success of his fund-raising
appearances.
HAROLD HAS WRITTEN A BOOK
Magic As Entertainment by Harold Taylor is due to
be published on 18th October. It is crammed full of
practical advice from a man who really knows his sub-
ject and is intended for anyone and everyone
interested in magic, both amateur and professional.
ILr0LI lyL
Contained in its six sections is a wealth of priceless
information gained from a lifetime's experience.
Everything you can think of is covered — promotion,
selecting routines, stage presence, dress, building an
act, television technique, party organisation, cruising
and the business of business. And, yes, there are
tricks as well — Harold's presentation of several com-
mercial effects are included in the text. The book is
available at £37.50 including postage (surface mail)
from Harold Taylor, Mysteria, 6 Wanderdown Way,
Ovingdean, Brighton, Sussex BN2 7BX. Cheques
and postal orders (U.K. only) payable to Harold
Taylor, overseas payments by International Money
Orders in sterling.
HURRY FOR THE BANQUET
Tickets for the Awards Banquet on 16th November
are selling fast. There are no tables for twelve left but
a few tables for ten are still available. Tickets at £35
can be obtained from Don Robertson, 1 Tara Court,
Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 SDT.
Stop Press: Julian Russell, magician hero of the
Oceanos shipwreck in August, will be performing in
the cabaret.
IT WAS OUR PLEASURE
My thanks to Henry Lewis for sending details of an
entertainment for members of The Not Forgotten
Association at their dinner at The Victory (Services)
Club, London W1 on Tuesday evening, 30th July, 1991
prior to their attending the garden party provided by
Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace the
following day. It was decided that "restaurant"-style
entertainment would be ideal. The members of The
Magic Circle who volunteered to participate were
Steve Ashby, Fergus Anckorn, Terry Guyett, Alan
Shaxon and Henry Lewis. The evening had been
booked some while before and at a later date the
Pavarotti concert in Hyde Park was announced, so
you can well imagine the parking problems our mem-
bers had on arriving at 8 p.m. However, they did man-
age and all went well and it was an enjoyable evening
for both the entertained and the entertainers. As Alan
Shaxon said at the time, "At least tonight I am getting
the same fee as the great virtuoso Pavarotti!".
BUSY
SUMMER SEASON
fl Mel Harvey (above right) and his children's attrac-
tions are having their busiest summer season since
productions started back in 1969. Altogether Mel has
four productions out on the road this year. Every
Thursday, Mel and his Care Bears present their panto-
style show featuring all the favourite Care Bears at
Fleetwood and Mondays find the company on the Isle
of Wight with the Care Bears, The Wombles and the
Clown Circus. If this wasn't far enough apart, these
productions have also been the main attractions at
Grays in Essex.
The very latest production is the Mad Hatter's Tea
Party with no prizes for guessing who plays the Mad
Hatter! Mel has based the show on The Adventures of
Alice in Wonderland and it has been written by Mel's
partner, Peggy, who has previously written a number
of T.V. situation comedies.
There is plenty of magic in the show, audience par-
ticipation and even a chance for Mel to include his
Punch and Judy Show. Even Presto manages to get a
part as the White Rabbit!
With bookings up 25% and new shows being writ-
ten for next year, there is still no chance of Mel or
Peggy having time to get a proper job!
184
 THE SEARCH FOR PREMISES
BY DERRICK SPEIGHT

LTHOUGH the excitement which sur- Henry and I have spent many wet and chilly hours
rounded the purchase of our new head- tramping round some pretty grim property in parts of
A quarters in the Mile End Road still has not London we had never seen. In the property boom,
quite dispersed, I have been asked to put on record at third-rate property was offered to us at first-rate
least the flavour, if not the detail, of the search. prices and our funds were not growing at anything like
the same pace. This was a most disheartening period
In any case, some of the events of the last five years
and the possibility of a permanent home became daily
have become blurred, although some of the "near
more remote.
misses" are in good focus.
For example, we saw a Christian mission in Hoxton,
The story started almost six years ago, when it
which would have cost us more than a million and a
became apparent that our lease at Chenies Mews
half to occupy, even if the local authority had
would not be renewed and that the landlords wished to
approved the "change of use". I also remember visi-
redevelop the site for their own purposes. For the pre-
ting a dental laboratory, which, to say the least, was in
vious two or three years, we were given the impression
a serious state of decay, a building built before the
that we were secure and that even a sizeable extension
turn of the century and thoroughly impregnated with
of footage might be made available. There was even a
the smell of antiseptic potions from experiments long
suggestion that the property would be sold to us on
past!
favourable terms. It was, therefore, with some reluc-
tance that the search for a new home was started. We had a long, and again unrewarding, gavotte with
After all, despite the fact that we were overcrowded in the English Folk Dance Society, with whom we dis-
Chenies Mews and that the leaking roof and per- cussed a shared venture. Unfortunately, there was
petual dampness was affecting the building and the political strife within the Society and eventually the
items in our libraries and museum, we were cosy people with whom we were negotiating were replaced
there. by those who did not want to share their building with
a tenant.
The day came when sadly everything was packed up
and had to go into store and we moved into temporary There was another promising prospect, which has
accommodation at the Victory Services Club, Marble been on the table for almost two years. It is part of the
Arch, where everything has been done to make us Spitalfields development. The site is ideal, the
comfortable and the regular Monday attendance has developer would like us there but we were unable to
grown month by month. secure the long lease we required.
During the last five years, Henry Lewis and I have
been charged with the responsibility of finding a per-
manent home for The Magic Circle in the London
area. We have no record of all the particulars we have
received from estate agents nor is there a record of all
"tip-offs" we've received in person and by letter. One
or other of us, and more often both of us, have visited
any property however unlikely.
For some months, we were considering the Unity
Theatre site in Camden. After all, it had operated as a
theatre and although bombed twice in the Blitz and
finally put out of action by a fire, it was a valuable
piece of land in the right place. It was owned by a
charitable group and The Magic Circle Foundation
therefore made the offer, which was accepted. When
the Charity Commissioners insisted on advertising
the sale widely, we were quickly outbid by a
considerable amount, despite our charitable status.
There was also The Lord Somers public house in
Camden. which we could afford although the essential WHERE IS IT?
alterations would have been costly. This was the first No prizes for guessing but have you any idea where the above
of many properties where a "change of use" was photograph was taken? It is a place that played an important
required from the local authority, which for a variety role in the history of the Magic Circle. It is in London — no, no
of reasons was turned down. more clues. You'll find the answer on page 204.

185
 We had a long-running series of meetings and dis-
cussions centring on the Diorama in Regent's Park;
this is a Crown Property and the restoration would be
costly. The Crown Agents could hold out no hope of a
freehold, even if the grants were available for the
restoration. Several wasted months, again, when
hopes were raised and fell week by week.
Many members will know about Wilton's Music
Hall near the Tower of London, the oldest music hall
in the country, slowly being restored to its former glory
at enormous cost. Although we were prepared to
share some of the cost, we were unable to come to
acceptable terms nor could we accept the lack of
urgency with which every detail was being so lovingly
restored.
There were so many others with smelly drains, foul
sanitary arrangements, in seedy neighbourhoods
which we patiently and politely viewed. We both
regretted losing an empty synagogue at Shepherd's
Bush, where our offer was traded round other
wouldbe purchasers as a lever to secure a better price.
Before the offer for the Half Moon Theatre was
made, we had been left with two ongoing possibilities;
the first was a house in Brondesbury in a good posi-
tion with much to commend it, in which we needed to
construct a theatre, secure a "change of use" and
which depended on a successful negotiation with a
next-door neighbour. At the same time, we were
having conversations with the agents for a property
close to the Old Vic in Southwark; a warehouse, it was
not cheap, and the conversion costs were likely to be
high. Nevertheless, we went ahead and after some
months things looked favourable. Then, at a meeting
of the planning committee, despite the pleas of the
president and myself, we were turned down. We
immediately made an appeal to the Department of the
Environment and we await the decision from the
Ministry.
Then, but you know the rest, the Half Moon
Theatre, empty for 18 months and in the hands of the
liquidator, was going to auction. It was expected, we
were told, to produce something around the half mil-
lion mark but it didn't, not even reaching the quarter
million reserve. Too good to miss. Here we had prop-
erty which, because it was designated for entertain-
ment use, was therefore not attractive to developers,
even at this relatively low reserve. It had to be our
opportunity. Speed, determination and cash in hand
were required if the bank and the liquidator were to be
persuaded in our direction. Rupert Connell, our legal
advisor, will tell you about the events between our first
viewing and the exchange of contracts just nine
working days later.
^QQ y^
186
THE
IMPOSSIBLE
DREAM
By MICHAEL BAILEY
'A NUMBER of sites in London are being
evaluated and ... the plan is to have a new
and exciting magical headquarters. This
will include a comfortable theatre, clubroom, library,
reference library, museum, catering facilities and
some very special built-in magical effects to intrigue
our visitors.
"It will be as conveniently located as possible with
transport connections nearby. Here at last will be a
focal point for British magic and a splendid prestige
headquarters for our worldwide membership."
Those were the words that were used as part of The
Magic Circle Appeal in The Magic Circular exactly
two years ago. And now we have partly achieved the
"impossible dream" — we have purchased a building
which is capable of matching the criteria set out 24
months ago.
It can house everything we need and — this is the
real bonus — it has a modern theatre seating-about 400.
It is near the City of London with excellent public
transport (the nearest Underground station is just
yards away) and you can even park there during the
day without getting a ticket!
What's more, it has "character" both inside and
out. You could certainly say that the dream has come
true. But not quite yet ..
My other words two years ago read: "It's an exciting
prospect — but it will cost a lot of money. To buy an
existing building in the London area and then
refurbish it will cost a minimum of £750,000."
Well, I stand by that estimate which is not going to
be far from fact. We have been lucky in securing our
freehold building at an advantageous price solely
because of the depressed property market, the gener-
ally bad economic position and some fast work on the
legal front (see Rupert Connell's account in this
issue). But we won't get the refurbishment done at the
same bargain price!
Two years ago, when we launched the Appeal, I'm
sure some of you wondered why we were starting it
before we had a building in our sights. I hope now the
answer is clear.
 With your initial generosity, we were able to
accumulate some £80,000 which we would not other-
wise have had in our funds. That Appeal money,
together with some of our reserves, like the Colin
Donister legacy, has meant we have been able to buy
the property without recourse to borrowing.
So thanks to all of you who have contributed in so
many different ways. Straight donations apart, we
have had money from non-members, from the pro-
ceeds of shows and events, from the hard work done
by the "At Homes" team, from the sales of auction
goods, from days of magic, from overseas lecturers,
from the sale of lecture notes and in many other ways.
It's been a tremendous effort, particularly when
money has been tight and we have been going through
one of the worst economic downturns for many years.
But the result of hard work in searching for a buil-
ding at the same time as a lot of generous giving has
meant we now have, for the first time in 86 years, our
own — our very own — headquarters. And it has the
potential to become an outstanding magic centre for
all members and for other magicians.
We now face the task of refurbishing the building -
and a lot of money will need to be spent. "How
much?" you will ask and the answer is there is really
no limit! But to be realistic, we are launching an
immediate Appeal for
£500,000
Five hundred thousand pounds to make that
"impossible dream" become a reality. The money will
be spent on structural work on the older part of the
building with additions and extensions, refurbishing
the magnificent dome that exists but is in bad state of
repair, in adding facilities to the theatre and in spru-
cing up the inside of the "clubroom" area, fitting out
the museum and libraries and upgrading the catering
facilities. We have to pay architect's, surveyor's and
other professional fees. We have to publicise this
Appeal — and it all adds up to a lot of money.
We hope to raise some of this money from sources
outside the Society and now we actually have bricks
and mortar that should be easier.
We hope that members will contribute specific
items for the refurbishment. Here are some examples
you might like to consider:
£25 will buy some cutlery or crockery
£50 will buy some light fittings
£75 will buy a chair
£100 will buy a table
£250 will buy a hand washbasin and taps
£500 will buy a pair of drapes
£1,000 will buy a carpet
and larger contributions will be spent on dedicated
areas of the building and could be acknowledged to
the donor in an appropriate way. If you would like to
187
specify anything not on the above list — and there are
plenty of other opportunities — please let us know.
We shall be saying a big "thank you" to all donors,
of course, and those giving
£100 (to £249) will receive a signed certificate
£250 (up to £499) will receive the special Circle
Zodiac Clock to display in their home
£500 (up to £999) will receive one of the valuable
numbered Wedgwood Plaques "The Carnival of
Conjurors"
£1,000+ will bring with it life membership, a Gold
Card and framed certificate.
There has to be a strict limit on the number of life
memberships that we can offer for obvious commer-
cial reasons. So speed is essential before the list is
closed.
Speed is essential in any case if we are to get the
building open for everyone to enjoy within our target
date of 12 months.
Please send your donation (cheques made payable
to "The Magic Circle Appeal") to our administrator,
John Holland, at
The Magic Circle Appeal
3 Cronks Hill Close
Meadvale
Redhill
Surrey
England
RH1 6BR
Thanks again for all the past contributions. Some
20% of the membership have donated. How about the
remaining 80%? If you each sent just £100 the fund
would immediately swell by over £100,000. Don't
forget, whether you live near or far from the new
premises, it will be YOUR new and permanent head-
quarters to enjoy as often as you can and for other visi-
ting magicians to make use of when they are in
London.
Phase One is over — we have the building. Now let's
work to make it superb inside and out — a head-
quarters worthy of the greatest magical society in the
world. It can be done but only with your help.
Please send your NEW donation TODAY and see
your headquarters refurbished, ready and opened in
1992.
 THE RACE TO BUY
BY RU PERT CONNELL

The offer
On 31st July, I received a telephone call from chairman Derrick Speight to say that the officers of The
Magic Circle had visited the Half Moon Theatre and had unanimously agreed to make an offer to purchase the
property, subject to contract. The offer was accepted by the liquidator of the theatre in writing the next day and my
firm was to act for The Magic Circle in the purchase.
If our past luck was anything to go by, I knew we would have to move with great speed if we were to succeed
in this case. We ran into difficulties almost immediately. The vendor's solicitors were a two-man firm in north Lon-
don and the principal dealing with the matter was in the first week of a two-week holiday abroad. His colleague did
not specialise in conveyancing and this matter was clearly not high on his priority list. Days passed and no matter
how hard we tried, we could get no response to our requests that the draft contract and title documents be sent to
us without delay. Valuable time was being lost; we were getting nowhere and it seemed there was nothing we could
do about it.
Another bidder
To make matters worse, we learned on Tuesday, 6th August that another party had just put in an offer for
the premises, which had been accepted, "in the same region as The Magic Circle's". This meant that we were now
in a contract race. We were told that the winner would be "the first past the post". Through the grapevine we had
heard that the other offer was £50,000 higher than ours and we became very concerned that the winner would, in
fact, be the party with the highest offer and, as another day passed, still with no papers from the vendor's solicitors,
anxiety succeeded earlier optimism.

Finding the starting line

We had to keep up the pressure and at the same time avoid getting sucked into an auction. I felt reasonably
confident that we could win a contract race, without in any way being reckless but by determination and by dis-
pensing with some of the finer points of convention. However, if there was to be any possibility of our winning the
race, we had to know where the starting line was and where we were in relation to the other purchaser. The only
outcome which was totally predictable was that one of the two bidders was going to be disappointed!
By the time we finally received the papers at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 7th August, the other bidder had
been able to have a survey carried out and had caught up with us. To make matters worse, the draft contract was
being sent to his solicitors at the same time as us. We had to regain the advantage.

Matters of concern
Having left the contract with a property lawyer partner of mine, I went to the Victory Services Club for a
council meeting which was truncated to allow a site visit. Chris Pratt had arranged a coach to take us there. The
excitement of us all was quite obvious; it seemed too good to be true. I had to alert the council to the problems that
lay ahead. First of all, we were competing with a higher bid for someone whom we were told was an individual
whose name would be known to us all and for whom money was no object. It meant that if we were to stand any
chance at all we did not have the luxury of going through the usual channels. We had had a survey carried out, we
had obtained the usual searches and our preliminary discussions with the local authority had proved helpful and
encouraging. While nothing was cast in stone, for once we appeared to be dealing with a local authority who
wanted us to be part of their community. However, the other big worry was that our surveyor's preliminary costings
indicated that we would need to spend substantial sums on refurbishment. This was without catering for our
special needs. If we waited to see if and how we could raise these sums, we would lose the property; it was as simple
as that. The council was unanimous in its decision to approve the purchase. We could not afford to delay.
Not surprisingly in the current property recession, the emergence of another bidder after the property had
been on the market for over a year was treated with some scepticism by some council colleagues and the irony of
the situation was not lost on anyone. Was the other offer genuine or was it invented to keep us interested and the
price up? Was the other bidder a serious contender? These questions were certainly at the back of my mind as well
but I was aware of having developed quite a good relationship with the liquidator during our daily telephone con-
versations and I believed him to be a man of his word. The problem was that, as a liquidator, he obviously had
duties to the theatre's creditors; and this would not have been the first property on which we were stalled while a
higher offer was given precedence. However, although ours was the lower offer, The Magic Circle seemed to be the
favoured party.

188
 At 11.00 p.m. that Wednesday night, Derrick Speight and I spoke by telephone to plan the next day's
strategy. I was convinced that the race would be over within 24 hours one way or another. We resolved at all odds
not to underestimate our opponent. We had to assume that they would be working all night (a fact which sub-
sequently turned out to be confirmed) and would be ready to exchange on Thursday. We agreed to meet at my
office at 9.00 a.m. on Thursday.
By the time Derrick arrived just before 9.00 a.m. and after a near sleepless night all round, my partner,
Julian Bishop, had completed his review of the draft contract and title documents. Typically, it was an extremely
complicated title involving five separate parcels of land — a mixture of freeholds and long leaseholds — one going
back to the "37th year in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I"! It was clear we could spend all day reviewing this, so we
decided to concentrate on "deal killing" issues only.

The final dash

By about 10.00 a.m., I learned that the other buyer was completing enquiries, confirming my worst fears
that they could be about to try and exchange contracts. It was now time to implement the most drastic part of our
plan. (Overall, this was not to win at all costs but to be in a position where if we did not exchange contracts it was
because that was what we decided — not because we lost a contract race.)
We therefore jumped into a taxi and headed to the offices of the vendor's solicitors armed with a client
account cheque for the deposit. I got my secretary to give us 15 minutes and then phone the solicitors to say we were
on our way, thereby giving us a head start in case the other bidder heard of our progress. On arrival and after a
suggestion that we might consider increasing our offer, we made it clear that we were not interested in participating
in an auction for the premises. Here we were, though, with a cheque for the deposit and ready to exchange.

A taste of success
By about midday, after continued negotiations and the other bidder trying to get through by phone, the
liquidator told me that after a "photo finish", The Magic Circle had won the race and, accordingly, contracts would
be exchanged with us on the terms previously agreed, notwithstanding that ours was the lower offer by some
£50,000. We agreed that honour had been served on both sides! Derrick was poised on the edge of his seat with his
pen at the ready!
We still had a couple of important technical points to clear up from our side with one still outstanding at
lunch time. The liquidator agreed that contracts could be exchanged conditionally on this. Before the liquidator
could agree that point he had to obtain the bank's agreement and the relevant person had gone to lunch. The
liquidator's solicitor, a Greek Cypriot, suggested that we went to lunch. Although it was unlikely that anything
would go wrong now, we resolved to stay and see it through. The solicitor, a man who obviously enjoyed good food,
then said that he would take us to his favourite Greek restaurant, a 10-minute drive away — it had been a long
morning and we were all hungry.
After being greeted at the restaurant by the usual Mediterranean demonstrative courtesies, our host, who
was totally unphased by the morning's events, proceeded to take charge of the order. Derrick and I looked at each
other in disbelief as we were treated to a constant flow of Greek delicacies. One after the other they kept coming.
Although one was not quite able to relax, the food was truly delicious and the ambience superb.
On our return from lunch, we were greeted with two pieces of news: first, the condition we had requested
before lunch had been accepted; and secondly, the other bidder had sent a fax saying they were "ready, willing and
able" to exchange contracts immediately! It was too late! We had beaten them to it! All in all it was a day I will not
forget in a hurry!

MEMBERSHIP LIST
A membership list is currently in the course of production and is hoped to be available by the end of the year. The
list will, as might be expected, contain names, addresses and telephone numbers.
If there are any particulars that you do not wish to be disclosed, I need to know as soon as possible. If I hear
nothing, full details will appear.
Similarly, whilst most members have provided full particulars when paying their subscriptions, others, particu-
larly those who pay by standing order, have not. To avoid any unnecessary omissions of detail, please contact me as
soon as possible.
CHRIS PRATT Hon. Secretary

189
 LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTU RE
BY DAVID BERGLAS

OW that we have completed the legal and technical aspects of purchasing a superb site here in London, let us
indulge our minds to the dreams and fantasies towards the headquarters that we have always wanted.
N Remember, this is to be a fitting home for the world's most respected magical society. Let's play a game
which allows us to visualise the ideal facilities for our club.
The imposing Victorian exterior of the building can be decorated to a high standard. We do not envisage
THE MAGIC CIRCLE in large letters on the outside but we will discreetly incorporate our logo within the two
round windows facing the front. At the moment these have coloured stained glass, depicting two clowns. At a later
stage we will probably match up the windows and brickwork on the right of the building to blend in with the main
facade.
On entering through the main doors there will be a glass enclosed reception area for our commissionaire
(to check membership cards, etc.) and contain a letter rack for our members' mail. A good cloakroom area is
essential, not only for coats and umbrellas but so that our members are able to deposit briefcases, props and bor-
rowed books from the library — to save these becoming a burden throughout the evening. Obviously we are
planning to have luxurious toilet facilities both for ladies and gentlemen.
At the moment the large clubroom has a very long bar along one side, which can easily be reduced to about
two-thirds of its length, allowing the remaining one-third to become a snack bar for teas, coffees as well as hot and
cold snacks. It is not immediately obvious that the clubroom is a shell which has been placed inside a larger area,
as this used to be a Methodist chapel. Behind each wall is another five or six feet of space and we can therefore
enlarge this room dramatically. I envisage the opposite side to the bar to be filled with glass cabinets for some of
our more interesting museum items, remembering of course that the public will be allowed in this room on occa-
sions and therefore no magical secrets will be exposed. By having these display cabinets on castors they could be
reversed for those occasions when we rent the rooms out to other organisations. The back of the display cabinets
could either be decorated to suit the room or alternatively some of our more colourful posters could be displayed
on them.
At the far end of this room we could build a small curtained stage, suitable for announcements, presenta-
tions and some of the lectures. This would be similar to the small platform we had at Chenies Mews for the prelimi-
nary presentations at the "At Homes". Interesting items, such as the Lafayette Sword and the Maskelyne Trunk,
which were a great point of interest to our visitors, would be displayed here.
Near the snack bar would be a number of small tables and chairs restricted for refreshments but the rest of
the room could be set up theatre fashion, facing the stage. Another part of the room would have small card tables
for close-up sessions. As we will know the positions of these tables in advance, we will be able to plan our lighting
for each area carefully — so important for good presentations.
At the side of the small stage are some rooms which can easily be converted into changing areas complete
with their own washing and toilet facilities. There are some excellent cellar rooms for storage and it is already fully
equipped for beer barrels and the necessary pumping equipment up to the bar. A side door leads from the club-
room into a large open air space which can be landscaped without too much effort. This will make a very pleasant
outdoor entertainments area, especially suitable for our planned Saturday morning children's entertainments.
These will include Punch & Judy, puppets, juggling workshops, clowns and, of course, magic. There is ample room
for chairs and tables for our theatre audiences to take their refreshments during the interval.
On the photograph (centre pages), this area is directly behind the large hoardings on the right of the club-
room and, in the future, it would be possible to either build a walkway leading to the theatre or, possibly, even
enclosing the whole area to give us further rooms.
The theatre, part of which can be seen looming in the background, is actually much larger than on the
photo and is very much like a television studio. This means that we are able to adapt it for our varying requirements.
At the moment there are about 300 tiered tip-up seats and it would not be too difficult to add to these. The
"theatre" does not have a stage at this moment, which is to our advantage. We can build a purpose-made stage
including trap doors and other technical requirements and still allow us enough room behind the stage for storage
of props and quick-change facilities. We have managed to purchase many of the spotlights and other technical
equipment that belonged to the theatre and, no doubt when we get expert advice, we will be able to light every area
to a high standard.

190
 This theatre would, of course, be ideal for our Monday night events and even close-up workers will be able
to perform standing on the floor area with everyone in the tiered seats being able to see perfectly. This is a luxury
we have never enjoyed before and will enhance many performers. Perhaps the only negative side to the theatre is
that, at this moment, there are no dressing room or toilet facilities available within the building, although the
former theatre company used some Portakabins at the side of the theatre. We intend to make these much more
comfortable and permanent.
Nearly every magician has a storage problem and we may be able to build lock-up cubicles to be rented out
at a nominal rate to our members for the storage of their larger props.
Near the theatre is another building which was used for a theatre workshop and is ideally suitable to turn
into another small lecture theatre, video presentation area and private rooms for coaching and teach-ins. This
building would also be suitable for our newly-planned Junior Magic Circle, although in the first stages I see them
meeting in our clubroom.
I have not as yet mentioned four floors of excellent office facilities, which are the white windows that can be
seen facing the front. These will be ideal for our lending and reference libraries, committee rooms and
administration offices.
Once the shell of the main clubroom has been removed, the false ceiling reveals a large, glass circular dome
which, once it has been repaired and decorated, could be effectively lit from the outside with discreet lighting. This
will make an ideal feature for our clubroom and give our headquarters the mystique and uniqueness that we are
looking for. There may be enough room between the clubroom and this dome to build a second floor, possibly like
a gallery, which could display some of our museum items and especially our many posters. These are all
suggestions which will be put to our architects who, no doubt, will make use of the facilities in the best possible way.
The future of our clubrooms is unlimited. We plan to allow outside companies to use our unique premises
for their product launches, sales presentations, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and meetings. We feel sure that
there will be a great demand for the theatre to be used for television presentations (there is already a direct cable
link for this purpose), drama groups, jazz festivals, lectures and other presentations.
We plan to fully integrate with the local community and envisage putting on children's entertainments on
Saturday mornings and adult shows in the evenings.
Together with Michael Bailey, Derrick Speight and Rupert Connell, we had a very pleasant meeting with
the local councillors, who are looking forward to us being in their area and will help us in many ways. At this
meeting, Michael Bailey gave a superb presentation that really impressed everyone and put The Magic Circle in a
very good light.
I find it an exciting project to think that in the near future our "At Homes", the Young Magician of the Year
Competition and all our other functions will be taking place in our very own premises. Perhaps even The Magic
Circle Supper.
I have let my mind wander at random but no doubt many others will have numerous additional ideas and I
would be very happy to hear from you.

INTEREST FROM THE PRESS

BY JACK DELVIN

" A T last The Magic Circle has a place to call
home," so announced The Stage news-
paper on 15th August. In a long feature,
Helen Gould mentioned the winding up of the Half
Moon Theatre, The Circle's search for premises, the
purchase of the new H.Q. and some of our plans for
the future.
The Stage article was just one of the many mentions
our new headquarters received in the press. It gained
coverage in the Evening Standard and The Daily Tele-
graph and probably other newspapers as well. It was,
of course, well featured in the magic press with
mentions in Abracadabra, Magic Info and others.
Press releases were sent to 50 newspapers, radio
and television outlets so we gained some useful
publicity from the story.
Radio followed up the news with our president,
David Berglas, being interviewed on L.B.C. and
chairman, Derrick Speight, on G.L.R.
But the story does not end there for a major tele-
vision company has expressed a wish to visit the new
premises to take some "before" shots which will be
followed up by "after" shots in due course.

191
 OUR#EWa

Our new premises at 213/223 Mile End Road, Stepney, London El. The arrow indicates the extent of the property

192
,PREMISES

•
ty we have acquired in the most important and most exciting venture since the formation of the Magic Circle itself.

193

By DALE SALWAK M.i.M.c.
NE of America's most attractive venues for
the contemporary professional magician is
O Houston's Magic Island. First-time visitors
are often impressed by the club's 18,000 square feet of
dining rooms and banquet facilities, disco, bar, lounge
and showrooms, all decorated to suggest the inner
sanctum of an Egyptian pyramid. But along with the
excellent performance conditions and supportive
staff, what most working magicians enjoy about
Magic Island is that audiences come expecting a top
professional club — and find it. From the moment of
arrival, into dinner, and through the shows, it is a
magical evening in every respect.
194
Among the individuals responsible for the club's
success are its owners, David Amad and Dr. Atari,
and its entertainment and public relations director,
Scott Hollingsworth. In 1984, the founding fathers -
Dr. Albo, Michael Callie and Dr. Abrams — had
opened it as an exclusive, private club for corporate
clients, featuring the close-up and strolling magic of
Bill Arnold, Kent Bingham and Scott. In 1985, how-
ever, a weakening Houston economy and changing
I.R.S. tax laws contributed to a membership drop
from 4,800 to less than 1,000 — not enough to support
the place. Later that year, Amad and Atari assumed
operations, separated the establishment from its "sis-
ter club" in Newport Beach, California and reopened
on New Year's Eve. After the membership contracts
ran out on 1st June, 1986 they chose wisely to open to
the public.
Now the place is packed, six nights a week, 52
weeks a year, and at the centre of operations you will
find Scott Hollingsworth. With his years of experi-
ence as a trade show, hospitality suite and restaurant
magician, Scott came well-prepared to assume his
new responsibilities. Like the owners themselves, he
understands what is needed to operate efficiently and
he knows how to please his guests. (His book Cashing
in on Close-Up is essential reading for anybody
interested in this subject.) For the stage and close-up
shows, Scott wants the mature, solid performer, the
fresh act which "kills" every time he (or she) steps in
front of an audience. His ceaseless attention to every
detail helps to maintain the dignity of our art. If you
are in Houston, be sure to stop in and say "hello".
You'll have a wonderful evening. Call 713/52-
MAGIC.
 A letter from Canadian-born James Dimmere
informs me that he is due back in America this
November after a very successful two-year run in
Madrid. Immaculately dressed in top hat and tails,
James works closely with his assistant. Lisa, using
doves, canes, candles and champagne corks, and
ending with a very strong number — a cage full of
doves shrinks to the size of a vanishing bird cage, then
vanishes! What sets Dimmere apart is a sense of style
and physical presence (reminiscent of Fred Astaire)
that makes his every move interesting, all
choreographed to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue".
Currently the Congress is investigating the poten-
tial dangers of loud noise to the human ear; the out-
come will affect all of us in the business. As a
producer, I have discovered that many shows now
must have written into their contracts a maximum
decibel level for musicals, dance productions, comedy
— and magic — with the stipulation that the engineer
will monitor it with audiometers during the show. And
for good reason.
"We have built a good venue from scratch, and we
need to develop our audience base, not erode it."
"Numerous oral and written complaints from all age
groups." "Customers demanding refunds during
shows." "Constant complaints from our volunteer
ushers." These are excerpts from some of the letters a
fellow producer had received after a season of popu-
lar musicals. "There's a difference between loud and
excessively loud," he explained. "Oftentimes visiting
performers, and in some cases the sound crews them-
selves, are unaccustomed to extremely live' rooms
and therefore create a sound level inappropriately
high for the house speakers, monitors and stage
amplifiers. With some exceptions," he added, "the
music should support the performance, not over-
whelm it." It all goes back to knowing our audience.
May we continue to encourage, respect and support
each other in this great art that we call magic.

[agtc QCtrcie Qfjristma5 Car bg' v^^

Very high quality Christmas card with

The Magic Circle motif in gold
with the message
"Have A Magical Christmas".
Price 60p each or 10 for £5.00.
All orders must be in
by the end of November.

Jack Maye
153 Derby Way, Stevenage
Herts. SGI 5TN
Tit Tel.: 0438 352433
James Dimmere

195
 177. JOHN NEVIL MASKELYNE AND THE LONDON
An 3&icb cabs yet GENERAL OMNIBUS COMPANY LIMITED:
THE TRIBULATIONS OF AN INVENTOR

HE role of John Nevil • Maskelyne (1839-1917) as an

of T inventor was chronicled by grandson Jasper Maskelyne
in his book White Magic (1936), which tells "The Story of the
Maskelynes". Today, perhaps the best known of these crea-
Baikal QEurto^itie,5 tions are the unsuccessful typewriter and the coin-operated
lock for lavatory doors and chocolate machines. However, as
1991 marks the centenary of a public airing of the differences
between Maskelyne and the London General Omnibus
Company, deriving from a checking system that the magi-
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C. cian had devised, it is appropriate to recall the events which
led to a lengthy leading article in The Times on this subject.
First, let us review what Jasper Maskelyne had to say
about Maskelyne's Checking Apparatus Company, after
observing that it almost deserved a book to itself. He opined
that when J.N. invented his automatic bus-ticket checker it
was unique. "The first checker consisted of an apparatus
fitted over the entrance of buses and it kept a complete and
detailed record of all the business done by the vehicle in
question. It showed how many people had been carried;
how long the bus took over each stage of its journey; where
passengers got on and alighted; how much each passenger
paid in fare; it protected the public from overcharge and
even registered if anyone got on the wrong bus and left with-
out paying a fare." According to Jasper, the device would
have cost about £15 per bus but the buses would have had to
be changed s li ghtly in build and "there was nothing doing!".
Jasper went on to suggest that J.N. took the advice of the
bus companies to try a cheaper device, produced "a wonder-
ful little machine and over-persuaded by certain
businessmen, sold the patent for £500 down and a royalty.
The purchasers formed a public company with a capital of
£50,000 and sold their shares like hot cakes on the strength
of J.N's name. He had refused to join the company himself.
But on finding that the public had invested so heavily in it
and fearing that it would fail, he came in eventually to try to
make it pay by giving it the best work of his marvellous brain.
"He invented another bus checker, took out all the patents
at his own cost and worked tirelessly to make it a commercial
success. It was a device 2 in. by 6 in., was worn over the
conductor's shoulder on a strap and was worked by one
hand.
"The fare taken registered in a glazed aperture facing the
passenger. Bells chimed the amount of each fare registered,
striking one for each penny paid. A plain ticket was used for
all values, the amount being perforated on it by the checker.
The amount of the fare was registered on an index at the
back of the checker and the number of passengers carried
and the fares issued was registered on another index at the
side. All these operations were produced automatically by
setting a pointer on the machine to the figure that
represented the number of pence paid."
Such then was Jasper's description of these inventions; its
accuracy, as we shall subsequently show, is open to question.
Attention now turns to the half-yearly general meeting of
the proprietors of the London General Omnibus Co. Ltd.,
held at their headquarters in Finsbury Square on 18th
August, 1891. The chairman, Mr. John Pound, observed
that in the history of their company the experiences of the
past half year had been unique. When he first joined the
John Nevil Maskelyne, as portrayed by H. K. Elcock. board, in 1874. he was staggered at the corruption permea-

196
ting the service and some of them might remember that
£20,000 was offered to anyone, under certain conditions,
who could invent a perfect check. The office for a time was
practically besieged by inventors and, after rejecting plan
after plan, it was decided to try one suggested by Mr. J. N.
Maskelyne, of the Egyptian Hall. A road was placed entirely
in that gentleman's hands, to be worked as he considered
best, with the astonishing results that the receipts, instead of
increasing, tended dangerously near the vanishing point.
With this experience before them, the directors, while
abhorring the corruption in their service, felt that they
could not take the responsibility of revolutionising the busi-
ness, with the certainty of an immediate loss, without the
expressed support of the shareholders. This support the
proprietors gave them at the last general meeting and the
directors took immediate steps to reorganize their business
on a firm moral, as well as commercial, basis. After close
and anxious consideration of the work, position and remun-
eration of all their employees, the board inaugurated early in
June the system of checking the receipts by the issue of
tickets, at the same time increasing the wages by over
£46,000 per annum — being rather more than the entire net
Horse-drawn omnibuses in Piccadilly, with the Egyptian Hall visible in the middle distance.
A Frith postcard depicting London in the 1890s.
197
profit of the previous year. The result was but too well
known. A strike, nominally against the long hours, was
immediately organized and declared before any demand had
been made to the company. Their business was stopped,
their horses were threatened with starvation and those of the
men who had the courage to continue at their posts were
maltreated. The directors at once considered the question of
shorter hours and published the rate of wages they were pre-
pared to pay; and five days afterwards the strike collapsed.
Owing partly, no doubt, to the exceptionally bad weather,
the receipts for the half year had not been good but that con-
sidering from the time it became generally known that the
check was to be applied the receipts per omnibus showed an
alarming falling off, might he not suggest that this was
caused by the remembrance of the proverb "Make hay while
the sun shines"? For the first week of the new system the
receipts increased £1,864 but, although this had not been
maintained, the directors were hopeful that, with the help of
the public and the eradication of the men who proved them-
selves dishonest or incapable, the honest service would be as
remunerative as that which had preceded it. This, however,
was a question of time.
 This report was duly printed in The Times on Wednesday,
19th August and, of course, came to the attention of J. N.
Maskelyne himself. Predictably, J.N. responded to the com-
ments made about his efforts to assist the Omnibus Com-
pany and his letter to the editor of The Times appeared in the
issue of Friday, 28th August under the heading of "THE
LONDON GENERAL OMNIBUS COMPANY".
"Sir,
"In your notice of the half-yearly meeting of the above
company the chairman is reported to have stated that some
years ago the directors tried a system of checking invented
by me, with the result that the receipts were diminished
instead of being increased. The chairman might also have
added that at that period several systems of checking were
tested, including a cheap and imperfect ticket system which
has lately been adopted but with all the same result — viz.,
the receipts diminished.
"From the manner in which my check was treated by the
officials I came to the conclusion that the directors did not
require a check and, consequently, would not enforce it. In
order to test my opinion I offered to guarantee an increase of
10 per cent upon the receipts provided the company would
prosecute or discharge the conductors when detected of rob-
bery by means of my invention but my offer was refused and
my invention pronounced a failure. The reason for this appa-
rently strange conduct on the part of the directors was not
far to seek; their policy had always been monopoly at any
cost; but to carry out this policy required the co-operation of
the drivers and conductors, and this they purchased by
winking at peculation, instead of the honest method of
giving the men a bonus upon their takings, which I
suggested.
"The shareholders clamoured for a check and the direc-
tors pretended to be anxious to adopt one, at the same time
taking care that none should succeed. The enormous effort
made to ruin the Road Car Company is fresh in the memory
but, thanks to the timely aid of the public, these pioneers of
cheap fares have achieved a signal success, one of the most
shameful monopolies that ever existed has been broken
down, an arrogant board of directors of an old company has
been compelled to copy a young company in a more honour-
able method of conducting business and the simple ticket-
issuing which was pronounced a complete failure 12 years
ago has been enforced in the face of a strike and declared to
have effected a saving of nearly £2,000 in one week.
"The sum offered for a check by the General Omnibus
Company was £1,000 and not £20,000 as stated by the chair-
man but even that offer was withdrawn before my check was
introduced. When the omnibus companies are prepared to
pay a reasonable price for a perfect system of checking I will
undertake to supply one that will not only check conductors
but the whole gamut of officials.
"Yours, &c.,
"J. N. MASKELYNE
Egyptian Hall, W"
It is apparent that the account given by J.N. about his first
checking system does not entirely match that provided by
Jasper Maskelyne in White Magic.
(To be continued)
198
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PROPS AND ACCESSORIES. Hand Chopper, Alpha's
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(Close-up, children's, family entertainers,
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Tel.: 081-863 2522
 HEARD THE NEWS?
* KAYMAR HAS MOVED...
* TOANEWSTUDIO...
* AND WE'RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
For details on our products, mail order service or exciting future plans, just
send your name and address (plus a first class stamp) to:
Morley Budden, A.I.M.C.
at

The Kay ar Magic Co.

189a St. Mary's Lane, Upminster, Essex RM14 3BJ
Telephone: Havering (0708) 640557

CROYDON EMPIRE
I am currently carrying out research on the Croydon Empire for the years
1938-53 and would be interested to hear from any act that worked the
theatre during that period.

In particular, I am keen to obtain information regarding content of act at

that time, address of theatrical "digs", any relevant anecdotes and,
hopefully, a photograph or publicity picture then used.

Any assistance on this from Magic Circle members would be very much
appreciated.

HOWARD PETERS
24 WINIFRED ROAD, COULSDON, SURREY CR5 3JA

199

SIXTEENTH
COLLECTORS' DAY
Continued
18th May, 1991
Reported by Amy Dawes
NE thing that is completely beyond the ability
of this reporter is to retell a joke and make it
Q still sound funny! So if the account that fol-
lows, of Dr. Bernard Juby's talk "Cartoons Revisited
— Magical Themes", seems insipid, I can only assure
readers that the items depicted were often extremely
humorous and raised much laughter from the audi-
ence. So, sorry, Bernard, but you will get a straight
record which in no way will convey the pleasure and
amusement that the examples from your fine
collection engendered!
Beginning with the political cartoons of Hogarth
and Humphrey in the eighteenth century, Bernard
moved on by way of those in Punch in the mid-1850s
to such contemporary subjects as Michael Heseltine
and the Poll Tax. Politicians have always been a gift
generously bestowed on satirists and the speaker gave
brief background information to elucidate the situa-
tions depicted. Bernard himself featured in ones with
Geoffrey Howe as Chancellor, when he appeared at
the Court of Human Rights.
Magic symbols such as the Magician/Wizard figure
and the Indian Rope Trick, have been particularly
apposite in many situations and the Crystal Ball
theme has predicted elections, Health Service
changes, Mad Kinnock Disease (I liked that one!) and
even enhanced "The Great Ruperto" Murdoch. The
Allied Arts of Puppetry and Punch and Judy were
represented regularly during the Miners' Strike when
Arthur Scargill was frequently portrayed and police
activity was in high profile.
Productions from the indispensable conjurers' Top
Hat gave many a laugh at the expense of Chancellors
of the Exchequer, Budgets and even the B.P Shares
sale, whilst The Great Haroldo (Wilson) and The
Great Footini — Reshuffler Extraordinary, prove how
such noms-de-theatre imply conjuring and chicanery.
Sawing Through seems highly suitable for all the
medical jokes about the B.M.A. and N.H.S. but the
ancient scam of the Cups and Balls together with the
Three Shell Game has possibly been the steadiest
motif throughout all the centuries.
The collection is strong not merely in the news-
paper clippings but also in the artists' original
drawings, which Dr. Juby tries to obtain. The dozens
of examples that we saw constitute a mere fraction of
his collection which is continuously expanding. Sev-
eral friends even brought items to the Collectors' Day
for him. So it was on the happy note of Laughter in
Magic that we echoed the final Snoopy cartoon cap-
tion "Friends like you are hard to find" and all
repaired to the Buffet for lunch.

Above: Bernard Juby pre-

sents his "Cartoons Revi-
sited — Magical Themes". V
I
Right: Peter Eldin, Barry
Murray, Peter Lane and
Chairman Eddie Dawes
during the lunch break.
Far Right: Hans Wittus
Witt with his Zauber Show
magic set and book
Zauberkdsten.

200
 The buffet lunch which the Theatre Museum
served was very imaginative and ample, and of course
the wine enhanced the general feeling of well being.
Perhaps the fact that it was a finger buffet and not a
knees-under-the-table arrangement was less comfort-
able but it meant that people moved and mixed more.
The afternoon session opened with another Library
personality, this time Mr. Alan Wesencraft, former
Reference Librarian of the University of .ondon and
who for many years has had responsibility for the
Harry Price Library. Although now retired, he still
spends every Wednesday at the Library. It is probably
true that the Harry Price Library is better known by,
and more frequented by, magicians than is its big sis-
ter, the British Library; it was bequeathed to the Uni-
versity of London thereby perpetuating the name of
the benefactor.
Mr. Wesencraft began his talk "The Harry Price
Library", by first telling of his own introduction to
conjuring when his childhood choice of a treat would
invariably be a visit to Maskelyne's. He said "The man
and the library are unique"; Harry Price was born in
1881 and from an early age was fascinated by anything
bizarre — especially Spiritualism. Coupled with a very
"highly developed sense of publicity" (to quote R. S.
Lambert, Editor of The Listener) and immense
energy, Price erupted upon the London scene. The
National Laboratory for Psychical Research was
founded and provided scope for his "Excusable love of
the Limelight". It appeared to be a national institu-
tion but in fact was only a small personal enterprise.
Biographies of Price have not presented true pictures.
The "official" biography by Paul Tabori skids over
many difficulties, whilst that of Trevor H. Hall was,
what the speaker termed, the "Dishing up the Dirt"
method of biography. Indeed Alan believed strongly
that Hall himself was guilty of some of the misdeeds of
which he accused Harry Price and cited specific, well
authenticated, examples.
Harry Price founded the National Laboratory for
Psychical Research in the hope that mediums and the
public would show him spiritualistic effects which he
would assess for certificating as genuine. Stella
Cranshaw and Rudi Schneider were two who were
unhesitatingly endorsed but in the numerous investi-
gations he carried out many others proved to be
fraudulent. We were told of the Helen Duncan
materialisation case in which the medium was actu-
ally a skilful regurgitator, of the Joanna Southcott box
case, and how Harry Price once thought he had wit-
nessed the full-scale materialisation of a child. On
investigation he discovered that an age deception was
perpetrated by the 12-year-old girl who, at first, was
made up to look an adult (of 17 or so) and in the dark
of the seance room stripped off to appear as a young
girl. Details of the notorious Borley Rectory haun-
tings, which provided Price with so much publicity
and which Mr. Wesencraft called "The story that
won't lie down", were discussed and assessed.
The speaker then turned from the man to his lib-
rary, which is regularly and extensively consulted by
writers and investigators of things supernatural and
magical. Harry Price was an avid collector with wide
ranging tastes so it naturally falls into several sections.
Beginning with the Juvenilia we find puzzles, shadow-
graphy, chapeaugraphy, spectroscopia features and
even string figures. There is a strong practical conju-
ring element; rare pamphlets and early books such as
Scot's Discoverie of Witchcraft are to be found along
with some of "the latest", because the Library, even
today, has an active buying policy. Witchcraft in all its
forms and periods is represented, with Aleister
Crowley remaining a popular figure of enquiry!
Volumes on Psychical Research and Spiritualism
naturally feature very prominently, particularly those
books by and about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle but con-
fidence tricksters, freaks such as the Elephant Man
and even secret remedies were all of interest to Harry
Price. The claims of Beecham's Pills as a cure-all
remedy brought audience laughter as Mr. Wesencraft,
with Harry Price's hope (quoted in Toole Stott's con-
juring bibliography) "That posterity shall derive at
least as much enjoyment from the library as I have",
ended a talk that had given us much enjoyment too.
So to the final contributor. From Germany came
Hans Wittus Witt to delight our eyes, as he described
and showed slides of his fine collection, in a splendid
talk titled "Unusual Magic Sets". To background
music, Hans first propounded the thesis that all magic
sets are unusual in that it is natural to buy only one
trick at a time and master that. Magic sets developed
from tricks just loosely placed in a box; compartments
of wood, cardboard and even ribbon evolved. There
were lift-out trays and eventually elaborate drawers
from firms such as Gamages or simpler pull-outs to be
found in the Ernest Sewell Boxes. Slides showed other
strange ideas, including one from the 1950s by Punx,
the first German magician to appear on T.V. This was
a small suitcase, developed from the box designed for
champagne bottles, and containing the first magical
instruction sheet ever to be illustrated with photographs.
 An intriguing Premium set from Ciba took the form
of an Advent Calendar with dated compartments. By
pulling the knob on Number 24 a drawer containing
tricks could be opened. A "fall-apart" box to hold the
items was produced by Hamleys some time in the
1920-30s and the tiny 20 Tricks in a Matchbox by
Edward Victor must always appeal to those who like
miniatures. A series of photos illustrated the contents
of Sneaky Pete's Magic Show, which contained objects
never seen in other sets — a mirror box, a Sword thro'
the Fakir's body and a huge plinth for vanishing a
small coin. Several members of the audience were
owners of Remco's Magic Hat which produces not
only tricks but a squirt of water! However, the Magic
Stage with items of play for enacting miniaturised illu-
sions in front of the three different pieces of scenery
was unfamiliar.
A neat trunk from Stelco gave a tip-over box when
the pin was released whilst in the 1980s the toy firm of
Fisher-Price sold a suitcase with doors that caused
items to appear and disappear at will. Micky Mouse
Magician is a very appealing figure although perhaps
it is not a true set but rather a play item, for by pressing
numbered keys (like a cash register) plates with
emblems appear and can be changed. Similarly Baby
Magic by Mattel is a doll which holds a wand; by pres-
sing on its stomach the wand produces flowers and
further air pressure causes a paper rabbit to appear in
a top hat.
Naturally over the years many professionals have
given their names to sets and Hans has had his own
marketed recently. As could, perhaps, be expected
from someone who has had graphics training, it is not
just an assortment of manufactured pieces but is a
push-out cardboard construction set, to be made up
first and included in it is an unusual Rice Bell.
The quality of the slides ensured that we could
appreciate the finer points of the examples Hans had
selected from his superb collection and for his finale
he had chosen the first unusual set he ever purchased.
It was an early twentieth-century double-decker
cabinet with mirrors at the back which he found in one
of those Aladdin's Caves so beloved of collectors — a
Flea Market.
All functions require planning and Collectors' Day
is no different from any other. This year, after Mac
Wilson had helped with some of the earlier arrange-
ments he removed to live in Edinburgh so was not with
us. Peter Lane and Eddie Dawes were responsible for
the general organisation, Michael Candy presided
over the projection facilities, Bob Hamilton shot the
video (hopefully for later sale) and the continuing
generosity of Ian Adair and Supreme Magic provided
programmes and tickets. It was a pity if you didn't
make it to the Theatre Museum this year; the new
venue was exciting, all the speakers were interesting
and many made a visit to the museum exhibits the
fitting finale to another enjoyable Collectors' Day.
202
The world of magic is truly amazing. I do not mean
just the tricks or illusions. Within hours of the death
of my father, known to so many people as Hughie, the
telephone started ringing with offers of help.
At the time, in the numbness of shock, I was unable
to say very much or express my thanks.
So may I, through your pages, say thank you to all
the individuals and societies who wrote, telephoned
or called in to express their condolences.
Sadly pressure of work prevents me writing to all
those who got in touch and held out a helping hand.
It has been a hard time for all the family but we read
the cards and letters together and the sentiments
expressed helped us enormously. Again, thank you.
Yours sincerely,
PAUL DANIELS
How kind of Arnold Isaacs to write a letter using
such immoderate language. Perhaps he thought that
the discourtesy of not using my name, deliberately
misquoting my words, impugning my integrity, and
making false statements would strengthen his feeble
case. I think not. If this personal attack is an example
of the `friendship' that he mentions, it is something
that our society can well do without.
My statement that the government runs the country
on a simple majority basis is obviously correct. Even
Mr. Isaacs must know that it is impossible to pass a bill
in the House of Commons with a 30% minority vote.
Like the government, our A.G.M. ordinary business
also requires only a simple majority — but the 'goal-
posts' are moved to 75% for special business in accor-
dance with the comparatively recent change in our
rules.
It is completely untrue to say that `this man' was a
member of the Council at the time of the court case.
Please check your facts Mr. Isaacs.
I would also be grateful to Mr. Isaacs if he could tell
me the precise occasion on which I stated "We are
breaking the law". I cannot find it in any letter or any
script of any speech that I ever made. Please check
your ears, Mr Isaacs.
Fortunately, Mr. Isaacs, your letter seems to have
had the opposite effect to that desired by you as we are
now, at long last, a society that admits all magicians.
Thank you Mr. Isaacs.
ALI BONGO
 MAGIC AT THE GUILDHALL
N Friday, 12th July a quite unique event took place at the famous City of London Guildhall, scene of so
many State and City occasions through the ages. The event was the first ever banquet with a full magical
O theme to be held within these historic walls.
It was some 18 months prior to the event that the Master Elect of the Worshipful Company of Chartered
Surveyors contacted me to enquire whether I could organise a magically-themed banquet for his livery company
during his year in office in 1991.
Whilst initially I had slight misgivings due to the fact that the date clashed with the EI.S.M. International
Magical Congress in Lausanne and hence I might not be able to book the magicians I wanted due to them being at
the Congress, in fact this doubt proved to be ill founded and I managed to obtain top-rate performers for the
evening.
The first magic took place at the reception with Mike O'Brien, Peter Scarlett, Al Woodrow and John
Southgate performing their excellent close-up magic for the guests who included the Lord Mayor together with his
sheriffs and their ladies, the sword bearer and many City dignitaries including, very appropriately, the Master of
the Worshipful Company of Playing Card Makers.
Following the banquet and speeches by the Master and the Lord Mayor, John Wade gave the highlight
speech of the evening with his own particular brand of humour and magic which was very well received by the
assembled gathering.
The final magical event of the evening was the cabaret by Alan Shaxon, ably assisted by Anne, who fresh
from appearing in Las Vegas performed many of his well-tried effects including Aerial Fishing, Gas Mantle,
Thumb Tie, Zig Zag, Hydrostatic Glass and visible sawing through a suspension using as a "volunteer" the Clerk
to the Worshipful Company. Alan's act was extremely well received and brought to an end a quite unique occasion
in the annals of a quite unique building which proved once again that magic, well performed, can amaze, amuse and,
more importantly, entertain a wide spectrum of the public as much if not more than any other form of entertainment.
KEITH SPELLER

MEMORIES OF JOHNNY PAUL

guess by now most magicians know that Johnny Paul passed away on 30th August. There is no way that
words can fully describe the man that I was lucky enough to call my friend. You can but try to convey to
I those unfortunate souls who never spent time in Johnny's presence the amazing and confusing combina-
tion of magic that made him so memorable.
Memorable? You can say that again.
Just a few short weeks ago Debbie and I were with a friend in Las Vegas. We received the usual Johnny
and Winnie hospitality, love and friendship. Shows were organised, Johnny drove us around, we laughed a lot.
One night I invited John to a restaurant and I went in first to have a word with the manager to make
sure there was a vacancy. A friend had recommended the place and I asked for Marcello.
He came and after basic introductions he said to bring in the gang. I mentioned I had a Las Vegan with
me, Johnny Paul. Marcello was so excited. He had seen John 23 years before doing some magic in a bar and
had never forgotten the magic or the name. That's MEMORABLE. Oh, I know that to some of the cleverer
convention amateur magicians they could not understand the fuss the pros made of Johnny. That's because
the "secret-aholics" were not seeing NEW moves all the time from him. What they missed was the sense of
wonder, amazement and the gasps and shrieks from the lay people that that we are all supposed to entertain,
but so few manage the necessary skill.
That night in the restaurant Johnny Paul did what he had been doing most of his life. He ENTER
just happened by. They-TAINEDthewairs, themangrs,bfdthepulicwo
laughed at all the wonderful silliness and were totally baffled by those floating, flopping hands that could not
possibly have concealed anything as they knocked the tables and held the punters own hands and arms. How I
shall miss those raised innocent eyebrows when someone thought they had "caught" him and then that beam-
ing smile of enjoyment on his face when he fooled them so badly they were stunned.
For the rest of my life I shall perform the two routines that he taught me, and I will never forget the man
who was the best close-up entertainer that I have ever seen.
PAUL DANIELS

203
 Monthly Routine Matters
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on Friday, 28th June, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman). Chris Pratt, Sam
Gupta, Brian Miller, Alan Snowden, Ali Bongo, Michael
Candy. Leslie Cole, Rupert Connell, John Gordon, John
Holland. Alan Maskell, Les Nottle, Harry Reeve, Don
Robertson, Darryl Rose, Al Woodrow and Jack Delvin.
Apologies were received from: David Berglas, Michael
Bailey, John Young, Anthon y Brahams, Henry Lewis, Ken
Lee, Jack Mayes, Nic Picot, Peter Scarlett, Alan Shaxon and
Richard Stupple.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 30th May. 1991, were
confirmed and signed.
Secretarial Report
(i) It was agreed that the new members on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
(ii) It was agreed that the reinstatement on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
(iii) The Secretary made reference to the proposed resolu-
tion for the Annual General Meeting concerning a
change of rules so as to allow lady members and a
lengthy discussion ensued as to the formalities to be
adopted.
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotion on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
Treasurer's Matters
The Treasurer reported receipts and payments for the
(i)
combined months of April and May 1991 of £12,809.95
and £22,935.33 respectively, drawing to the attention of
members certain items of heavy expenditure occurring
during this period.
(ii) The Secretary stated that the bulk of membership sub-
scriptions was now in and that the commissionaire was
now in a position to check payments on Monday Nights.
Welfare Report
In the absence of the Welfare Officer, the Secretary read
a report provided by Richard Stupple concerning his recent
work.
New Premises
The Chairman provided a brief report on the state of
negotiations concerning the two properties immediately
under review and made reference to a further property, to be
viewed in due course.
Examinations
John Gordon raised the issue of those members who had
taken examinations but who had been unsuccessful and
queried whether the written guidelines offered sufficient
assistance and whether the reasons given for failure were
adequate enough. After some debate, it was agreed that
John Gordon should liaise with Les Nottle and report back
at a future meeting.
Special Reports
Lectures
Darryl Rose confirmed that arrangements were well in
hand with good ticket sales for the John Carney and Richard
Bloch lectures.
204
Banquet
Ali Bongo stated that tickets for the Awards Banquet at
the Bloomsbury Crest Hotel on 16th November, 1991 would
be available shortly.
Junior Magic Circle
Harry Reeve announced that he was now able to provide
a comprehensive set of rules and castings for a Junior Magic
Circle which it was agreed should be discussed in depth at
the next meeting.
R.A.C. Club
Jack Delvin referred to the event to be held at the R.A.C.
Club on 13th July next and to those members who had
offered assistance. All proceeds will go to the Appeal.
Any Other Business
John Gordon apologised for the delay in providing details
of the Summer School for The Magic Circular which he
stated would be provided as soon as possible.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, 7th August, 1991 — Committee Room.
Elected associates — 28th June, 1991
Paul Thomas, 529 Tsiakkilero, Larnaca, Cyprus. (Larnica
631852).
Phillip John Plato, 28 Connaught Gardens, Chiltern Park,
Berkhamstead, Herts. (0442 876368).
Patrick Anthony Creed, 31 Almeric Road, London SW11
1 HL. (071-228 3758).
Frederick Adams Casto, 12 Oyster Shoals. Alameda,
California 94501, U.S.A. (415 5214721).
Reinstate to M.M. C. —28th June, 1991
Simon Watkins, Ic Edbrook Road, London W9. (071-289
5370).
Promotions — 28th June, 1991
To M.M.C.
Derek McCordall — Milton Keynes.
Geoffre y Scrivener — Brighouse.
Richard Pinner — North Harrow.
WHERE IS IT? Answer
Yes, it's our old headquarters at Chenies Mews.
This photograph was taken at more or less the same
spot as the picture on page 185. The staircase, witch's
hat and emblem have sadly gone and the only
remaining recognisable features are the door that led
into the lending library and the doors on the left of the
picture through which we used to go into our theatre.
It is rather emotive to see our old headquarters has
changed so much.
 MARK LEVERIDGE MAGIC
IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS FIRST VIDEO RELEASE
THE 2ND BRITISH CLOSE UP MAGIC SYMPOSIUM
features highlights from all the shows and lectures
presented at the Symposium held in Bath, Avon earlier
this year.
You will enjoy extracts from the highly
entertaining Close Up Gala Show performances of TONY
RIX, MICHAEL VINCENT, SHAUN McCREE, JANET CLARE,
MIKE AUSTIN and BOB SWADLING, the key moments from
the lectures by GEOFF RAY and TOMMY WONDER, a
selection of the questions and answers served up In the
close up discussion featuring TOMMY WONDER, DAN
GARRETT and MARK LEVERIDGE and the highlights from
the comedy Star Gala Show performed by DAN GARRETT.
Shot with two cameras and expertly edited into a
quality TWO HOUR tape, this is entertainment and
instruction of the highest standard. In fact. It's the next
best thing to actually being there! PRICE:- £29.50 $60.00
.................................................................................. . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Afar :29 r r
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e los , :
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Tell- ; 0392 52000 Fax - 0392 :435725

**************************
* *
HE'S MADE A NOTE IN HIS DIARY... THE MAGIC CIRCLE
AWARDS BANQUET
* *
Bloomsbury Crest Hotel
London WC1
Saturday 16th November 1991
6 for 6.45 p.m.
*** BANQUET *** DANCING ***
*irk STAR CABARET ***
The Magic Circle
* A GLITTERING NIGHT FULL OF
Dealers' Showcase * SURPRISES WITH THE STARS * *

Tickets £35.00
9th November, 1991 * Round tables for 10 *
Book a table for your friends
ROYAL NATIONAL HOTEL, Don Robertson, 1 Thra Court, Princes Road
WOBURN PLACE, LONDON WC1 * Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5DT *
* Cheques payable to The Magic Circle.
Hon. Organiser: Harry Reeve 0634 32591 Please enclose s.a.e. and PRINT the names of your guests *

**************************
 GOODLIFFE' S MM IGRAM

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THU 1 /11
NOVEMBER 1991

1
IV& AYI T/ flY 1 1111 AIlil
Li 1tjL!flL!/11i

2 prl

,, i
 JUST A REMINDER!
To all of you who haven't yet sent in your contribution to the
NEW APPEAL — we do need funds urgently to start work on
refurbishing the new premises.

We enclosed a form with the last Magic Circular which gave

some options.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Please think about what you would like to buy in the new Club
Room and send your cheque. It will be used to purchase what you
specify.

Thanks again to all who-have already contributed as a result of

last month's appeal.

We are very grateful.

THE TARGET IS £500,000

 Q•^ ^ 1

Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 920

CONTENTS
PAGE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE .......................................................................... 206

SCENE AND HEARD ................................................................................ 207
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 210
MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER NO. 10 ................................................................ 212
ADAIR'S IDEAS ....................................................................................... 213
"POPPO'S" FLEURS .............................................................. ................ 214
THIS IS YOUR LIFE .................................................................................. 215
ADDITIONS TO THE MAGIC CIRCLE FOUNDATION MUSEUM ..................... 216
BRITISHMAGICAL SOCIETIES NO.47 ....................................................... 217
AMERICANSPOTLIGHT .......................................................................... 218
SHOW AND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 2 20
SUMMER SCHOOL .................................................................................. 225
BOOK REVIEWS ...................................................................................... 226
LETTERS................................................................................................ 229
DAVIDDEVANT'S TOMB ........................................................................... 230
CHANGES OF ADDRESS .......................................................................... 230
OBITUARY............................................................................................... 231

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY: And rew Eborn, M.M.C., a young m an destined to make a name for himself in the world of
magic. Read more about him on page 215.

Contributions must reach Peter Eldin by the First of each month if

it is essential they should appear in the following month's issue
and should be typewritten whenever possible.
Peter Eldin, 29 Fourth Avenue, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9TS.

205
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
ELCOME LADIES and Gentlemen! At the Annual General Meeting the much debated decision to
welcome lady magicians into The Magic Circle was finally resolved. Twelve ladies were accepted at the
W October Council meeting, two associates, nine members and one honorary member. At the same time
we accepted 21 others, many of whom had promised to join as soon as ladies were admitted.
The addition of 32 new members is, of course, a healthy sign for our society.
Long before the rule was ever changed regarding lady members, I decided that there would be no "first lady
member" as I felt this would be an unfair publicity advantage.
The only exception to this decision is that we do have our first female honorary member — Paula Baird.
Some of our younger members may not have heard of her, but she was certainly prominent in the 1950's and 60's.
Paula often appeared for The Magic Circle at that time and was very much part of our scene. A much belated but
well-deserved honour.
All of our lady applicants are known to the magical fraternity. This should put some of the minds at rest,
who thought that it would open a floodgate to wives and girlfriends who would want to join just for social reasons.
Please remember that we are, and always have been, a Magical Society to bring together anyone interested
in the Art of Magic and to promote and further our. beloved hobby/profession to greater standards. It is unlikely
that anyone without the interest would want to pay the entrance fee and the subscription just to attend lectures and
demonstrations, which are in the most, highly technical and full of strange jargon. In fact it would be meaningless
for anyone not interested in magic.
I would like to thank everyone for their confidence in re-electing me as President. Although this is a much
more demanding job than I had ever envisaged, I enjoy most of the activities and try to attend as many of our
functions as possible.
Some weeks seem to be nothing but Magic Circle evenings, as the two consecutive "At Homes" invariably
fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday, following our Monday night meetings. Quite often Thursday and Friday are
taken up with Council and other meetings. With all my other activities, I sometimes wonder how I manage to fit it
all in — but I do.
The last two years have been very exciting for The Magic Circle. We have a greater attendance than ever at
our club nights, have admitted ladies and have purchased a large and important freehold complex in London for a
price that we could (just!) afford without going into debt. A remarkable achievement for any club.
This, of course, is the most critical time for us to raise the additional money needed in order to refurbish
our new headquarters. It is estimated that this will be in the region of £500,000. Much effort from everyone will be
required in order to find this huge amount, and I urge you all to look in all directions. I am positive that we will
achieve this goal.
We intend to hold a number of fund raising events during the next 12 months and, as usual, we will need
YOUR help. One of these will be at the Barbican Centre and is a two-day event over the May bank holiday.
Another will involve some hot-air balloon flights and we hope to organise a prestigious dinner, similar to the one I
arranged at the House of Commons last year but at a different venue.
On Saturday, 9th November, we launched THE MAGIC CIRCLE DELUXE BOX OF TRICKS and THE
MAGIC CIRCLE COMPENDIUM OF CARD TRICKS. They were on sale at our Dealers' Day and that same
morning I promoted them on the popular children's television show "Motormouth". The sets are produced by
Marvin's Magic and are the first ever to be officially recommended by the Magic Circle.
This Christmas they will be on sale in over 100 leading Department Stores, throughout the country, with
young magicians demonstrating the sets in more than 50 major outlets. The royalties generated by each and every
set sold will be a welcome addition to our Appeal Fund.
This is a busy time for all working magicians and I would like to wish you all a very ful season.
DAVID BERGLAS

206
 SCENE&HEARD
Compiled by PETER ELDIN
IN THE PRESS
The change of rules at the A.G.M. resulted in a
great deal of press coverage for a number of lady
magicians. Many members also used the occasion to
good effect. Harold Taylor, an expert at gaining useful
and regular publicity, was interviewed on B.B.C.
Radio Sussex and was the subject of a feature in the
Evening Argus. Another Circle member, Jon Day,
was also quoted in the feature. Nigel Yeo of New York
advised me that the story, and an interview with David
Berglas, was also featured on American radio and
Jean de Merry sent me a newspaper cutting on the
subject which appeared in the Geneva Tribune (La
Tribune de Geneve).
HAVE A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
Possibly the most striking Christmas card I
received last year was from Alan Astra. He produces
these cards for the magical fraternity himself. They
show a pair of gloved hands in metallic red on a black
background. The hands are surrounded by glittering
stars and a wand is levitated between them. The front
of the cards bear the words "Have a Magical Christ-
mas" and this message continues on the inside with
.. and an Amazing New Year". The cards (with
envelopes) cost £7.50 for a pack of ten (post free), with
discounts for larger orders. Write to Alan Astra,
Astra House, Hydean Way, Stevenage, Herts SG2
9XJ. Telephone: 0438 722001.

THE BAD NEWS...

Stephen Blood has advised me that he is no longer
able to continue as convenor of Monday Night
reporters for The Circular as an increasing workload
in his parish is leading to a clash of interests. I am very
sorry to lose Stephen for he has done sterling work
over the years and it is reassuring from an editor's
point of view to be able to leave one of the many
chores to someone else knowing that it is in good
hands. I am certainly most grateful to Stephen for all
his work since I took over editorship of The Circular
and these thanks are also echoed by our previous
editor, Alan Snowden.

.•. AND THE GOOD NEWS

I am pleased to announce that Morley Budden has
agreed to take on the task of organising reporters for
Monday Night reports. Morley already has his hands
full since taking over the running of Kaymar Magic
and I am most grateful to him for offering to take on
this onerous task for it relieves me of a great deal of
hassle. I hope that existing reporters will find the
same close relationship with Morley as they had with
Stephen and that other members will also be happy to
offer their services for this essential job.

BACK ISSUES WANTED

Henry Lewis has advised me that Byron Walker.
A.I.M.C., has asked if any members have the fol-
lowing back numbers of The Magic Circular which
they do not require: 25, 26, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38,
39, 40, 42, 45, 46, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 69, 77, 87, 88, 93,
95, 96, 98, 99, 100 to 108, 111, 112, 113, 115 to 125, 127
to 129, 131 to 148 also indexes for vol.: 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10,
GOLDEN GREETINGS
37, 39, 40, 41. He is either prepared to purchase the
On the occasion of their recent Golden Wedding
above or to make a contribution to The Magic Circle
Mac and Madge Wilson, pictured here with a truly
Appeal to help towards our new premises in the name
magical cake, received a great number of cards and
of the vendor.
congratulatory messages from members and have
If you can help with all or part of the above request asked that their grateful thanks to all of you be
please write to him direct:- Byron Walker, A.I.M.C., recorded in The Magic Circular. We wish them
Box 3186, San Leandro, CA 94578, U.S.A. continued good health and happiness.

207
MAGIC IN NEW ZEALAND
Member John MacGregor, M.P., Leader of the
House of Commons, recently made an official visit to
New Zealand. During the visit he spent a day in
Dunedin, mainly discussing education issues, in the
course of which he met the Mayor of Dunedin,
Richard Wallis — a fellow member of The Magic
Circle! Later he met the editor of the Otago Times -
another magician! As a result the newspaper carried
a front page story of John's visit and his meeting with
the Mayor—not because of the political importance of
the visit but mainly for the magical interest.
John MacGregor (left) and Richard Wallis
One surprising occurence during the meeting was
omitted from the newspaper story, however. The
photographer suggested that the Mayor should be
pictured pulling a card from the pack. The pack was
face down and he pulled out. but did not look at, one
card for the purpose. John picked up the rest of the
pack and before looking through it suggested that as
Dunedin is a very Scottish New Zealand town, model-
led on Edinburgh, the Nine of Diamonds would be
appropriate, that being the Curse of Scotland. The
freely selected card was turned over and it was the
Nine of Diamonds!
IT'S GOSPEL
Congratulations to member Graham Desmond
who was featured on B.B.C. television recently.
Graham sang gospel music on the show and was then
interviewed by Graham Knight which gave him ample
opportunity to give the world of magic a good plug.
The appearance came about as a result of private
shows that Graham was doing in Essex and the
London area on the same day.
208
MAGIC CIRCLE MAGIC SETS
Two beautiful Magic Circle Magic Sets were
launched at The Magic Circle Dealer's Day on 9th
November.
Produced by Marvin's Magic, the contents of the
t wo sets have been carefully selected and designed to
give an invaluable introduction to any would-be magi-
cian. The quality props include some of the standard
items as well as several never used before.
The Magic Circle Deluxe Box of Tricks will retail
for around £20.00. It includes props and instructions
from the Marvin's Magic range, enabling the user to
perform 125 Mystifying Tricks using Magic principles
which include vanishes and productions, penetra-
tions, baffling mind reading effects and even feats of
escapology.
The second set is The Magic Circle Compendium of
Card Tricks — 250 card effects — which will retail for
around £ 15.00. This set should be of interest to magi-
cians as well as the public. It contains three quality
packs of cards, all with matching back designs. A
unique "Svengali" pack, a "Regular/One-way" deck
plus an entire pack of "Special Trick" cards such as
the Fourteen of Diamonds and Three and a Half of
Clubs. There are also three instruction books accom-
panying this set plus a novel Jumbo Comedy
Prediction Card and Miracle Card Case.
The sophisticated packaging and presentation are
their extra special feature, ensuring a high profile
image for The Magic Circle.
The sets have been launched in time for the Christ-
mas campaign and Marvin's Magic have worked
especially hard to ensure that these sets will be in over
100 department stores throughout Britain with magic
demonstrations for the six week build up to Christmas
in 55 locations!
The royalties generated will be yet another
contribution towards The Magic Circle Appeal.
MAGNETIC CARDS
My thanks to Cyril Golding for passing on the infor-
mation that the mail order catalogue "Innovations",
which is a regular insert in newspapers and
magazines, are currently selling packs of magnetic
playing cards. "Innovations" charge £29.99 for two
packs. If you drop him a line Cyril will be happy to tell
you where to get them. Cyril's address is Merlin
Cottage, 7 Bellamy Close, Shirley, Solihull,
Warwickshire B90 3DJ.
KING OF MAGIC
Member Bob King, President of the British Magical
Society, had a long write up in the Stourbridge and
North Worcester Select recentl y: The feature covered
Bob's work as managing director of Triplex, a world
renowned motor and aerospace windscreen manu-
facturer. his magical career and the history of the
British Magical Society.
EDWIN'S MAGIC ARTS
I do not know how Edwin
does it. He announces to the
world that he has retired and
then bounces back working at a
rate faster than many so-called
►-t "workers". Since his "retire-
ment" he has produced three
books and a video, all of which
are excellent. Now, in spite of
the fact that on his retirement
he said "I never want to see
another trick in my life" he has
come up with a catalogue of
effects and other items he sells.
It seems impossible to keep this
man down!
The catalogue, which details some 80 items in all,
costs £5.00 (refundable) from Edwin's Magic Arts,
Widgery, Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39
3LP.
Edwin says that he has no aspirations or intention to
become a big dealer selling thousands of different ALWAYS IN THE NEWS
lines again. I'll believe that when I don't see it! Jack Stephens is one of our members who achieves
a great deal of publicity in his local press. Since
GENTLE PERSUASION moving to Wiltshire eight months ago he has had write
On Thursday, 19th September, Alan Shaxon made ups with photographs in The Devizes Times, The
his last official visit as President of the British Ring of Wiltshire Times, The Swindon Evening Advertiser,
the I.B.M. when he attended a meeting of Club The Melksham Times, The Warminster Gazette and
Magika. This society, founded by the late Harry The Devizes Gazette & Herald. The above photo-
Baron, meets each Thursday evening at the Kaymar graph of Jack with Olympic swimmer Duncan
Magic Studio in Upminster, Essex. During his visit Goodhew was taken at the launch day of a big Schools
Alan joined with Morley Budden, new Kaymar Magic and Police Liason Activities Programme for the sum-
proprietor, in trying to persuade Simon Lovell not to mer holidays. Not content with that Jack's three year
apply for membership of The Magic Circle. Were they old daughter Susannah has decided to get in on the
successful? We shall have to wait and see .. . publicity act. She was featured on the front page of the
Devizes Gazette & Herald in colour (something that
dad has yet to achieve). The story related that whilst
most of her friends are content to play, Susannah
prefers to make coins disappear and then
reappear ... before pulling off her thumb!

DONATIONS TO THE MAGIC

CIRCLE REFERENCE LIBRARY
"Meister der Magic" donated by Yosi Notkovitz.
"Fogelism" donated by Donald Crombie.
The following books have been donated by the
authors:
"The Great Wizard of the North" by Constance
Pole Bayer.
"Plaited Mobius Bands" by Geoffrey
Morley Budden (left) and Alan Shaxon (right) use a little Budworth.
gentle persuasion to persuade Simon Lovell not to join The
Magic Circle. Said Simon (gasping in the centre of the "Darling Jennie" by Jim Reilly.
threesome) "You must be choking!"

209
 (3 icfj Cabinet of 4ingicat curio itie5
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
178. JOHN NEVIL MASKELYNE VERSUS THE check, which was ineffectual and unprofitable when tried,
LONDON GENERAL OMNIBUS COMPANY LIMITED long ago, has now proved so profitable that the receipts of
THE TIMES ENTERS THE FRAY the Company rose in a single week by very nearly £2,000. To
judge from their previous experience, the directors must
have anticipated that the ticket system would result not in a
N. MASKELYNE's letter clearl y made a considerable profit, but in 'an immediate considerable loss'. That was the
impression on The Times editorial staff for on the very reason alleged by MR. POUND himself for not adopting it
next day. 29th August, 1891. the dispute between Maskelyne when it was first experimentally introduced. But they deter-
and the General Omnibus Compan y evoked a lengthy fourth
leader which quoted extensively from both the half-yearly mined to introduce it quand meme. apparently as a protest
against the corruption which they could no longer endure. It
report and J.N.'s letter. must, indeed, have been a protest rather than as a check,
"A plain man who compares the statements made by MR. because as a check, according to MR. POUND's own
MASKELYNE in the letter we printed yesterday with those showing, it had already failed. It is true that the system of
made b y the Chairman of the London General Omnibus check alleged by MR. POUND to have failed was MR.
Company at the late meeting of the Company is likely to find MASKELYNE's while that now adopted is the ticket sys-
himself puzzled on more points than one. MR. POUND's tem. But, according to MR. MASKELYNE, this system,
story is that man y years ago the directors of the Company which he considers inferior to his own, was tried at the same
were so staggered by the corruption prevailing among their time with results not more satisfactory. and certainly if this
servants that they offered a reward of£20,000 to anyone who were not the case, MR. POUND's reference to MR.
could invent a perfect check. MR. MASKELYNE was MASKELYNE's system appears to he altogether irrelevant
allowed to try his hand, and a road worked b y the Company and misleading. The introduction of the new system was
was placed under his temporary control. full libert y being further accompanied by an increase in wages. exceeding in
accorded to him to adopt such methods as he considered annual amount the entire net profit of the previous year, so
best. The result was that receipts. instead of increasing. that, apparently. the Company stood to lose not merely all its
'tended dangerously near the vanishing point'. The astoni- ordinary profits, but an additional sum represented by the
shing thing is that, after this discouraging experience, the decrease of receipts due to the introduction of the system.
directors should this year have resolved to adopt the method
of check known as the ticket system, and that, for the first
complete week during which the system was in force, the
receipts of the Company were increased by £1,864. This is
perplexing enough but the puzzle grows when MR.
POUND's story is compared with MR. MASKELYNE's.
MR. MASKELYNE tells us that the reward offered was not
£20,000 but £1,000, and that even this offer was withdrawn
before his check was introduced. He states. further. that the
ticket s y stem. which he considers inferior to his own check.
was introduced on other roads simultaneously with the lat-
ter, and that the result was the same in all cases — namely a
diminution of the receipts.
"Assuming the facts to be as stated by MR.
MASKELYNE, we have more difficulty than ever in under-
standing why a system, apparently proved years ago to be
ineffectual, and even ruinous, should now have been
adopted with the object of improving the Company's
revenues, and should, as a matter of fact. have immediately
had that result.
"MR. POUND has his own explanation of the puzzle. He
had no sooner joined the Board, 17 y ears ago. than his moral
sense was revolted by the corruption manifestl y prevailing
among its servants. Hence the noble offer of £20,000 for a
practical method of checking this corruption, and the disin-
terested experiments with various methods of check. which.
one and all, resulted in failure and loss. The corruption. in
fact, proved so colossal and so incorrigible, that the direc-
tors recoiled from further attempts to cope with it without
previously obtaining the sanction of the shareholders. For 16
y
ears they nobly suppressed their moral indignation at the
corruption the y knew to exist and then at last the y sought
power from their shareholders 'to reorganize their business
on a firm moral, as well as a commercial, basis'. What fol-
lowed is a matter of recent histor y, and the only point which Maskelyne's ticket punch (Patent No. 315), probably about
concerns us here is the remarkable fact that the system of 1882. (John Salisse collection)

210
Never was virtue so disinterested, and never was reward so
immediate. The receipts rose to such an extent in the first
week that, had the rise been maintained for a year, it would
have amounted to more than twice the sum devoted to an
increase in wages. The rise, it appears, has not since been
maintained at the same level, but the directors are hopeful,
says MR. POUND, `that with the help of the public and the
eradication of the men who proved themselves dishonest or
incapable, the honest service would prove as remunerative
as that which preceded it'.
"MR. MASKELYNE's letter puts the matter in a wholly
different light. We give his explanation for what it is worth,
merely saying that it fills up, plausibly enough, some of the
obvious lacunae in the statements of the Chairman of the
Company. `I came to the conclusion,' says MR.
MASKELYNE, `that the directors did not require a check
and, therefore, would not enforce it. In order to test my
1'^ THE MASKELYNE TYPE-WRITER.
Advertisement for the Maskelyne ty pewriter in a Maskelyne & Cooke Egyptian Hall programme for 1894
opinion, I offered to guarantee an increase of 10 per cent.
upon the receipts, provided the Company would prosecute
or discharge the conductors when detected of robbery by
means of my invention, but my offer was refused and my
invention pronounced a failure. The reason for this appar-
ently strange conduct on the part of the directors was not far
to seek; their policy has always been monopoly at any cost;
but to carry out this policy required the co-operation of the
drivers and conductors, and this they purchased by winking
at speculation, instead of the honest method of giving the
men a bonus upon their takings, which I suggested.' MR.
MASKELYNE here states certain facts and offers his own
explanation of them. We do not vouch for the facts and we do
not adopt the explanation, but we must say that it seems on
the face of it more plausible and consistent, and more in
accordance with what we, know of ordinary commercial
humanity, than the explanation of the Chairman of the Com-
pany. MR. POUND's statement leaves unexplained the
toleration by the Company for 16 years of an acknowledged
system of peculation and dishonesty, and it requires us to
211
believe that a method of check which was tried and failed
years ago, was nevertheless adopted by the Company, in
spite of its anticipated failure. Of two things, one. (sic)
Either the system which formerly failed must have been
expected to fail again, or the cause of its previous failure
must have been detected and corrected in the meantime.
MR. MASKELYNE tells us what, in his judgement, was the
original cause of failure; MR. POUND is silent on the point.
If he remains silent, the Company must not be surprised if
the public adopts MR. MASKELYNE's explanation, in
default of a better; and, in that case, perhaps the less we hear
in the future of the Company's disinterested endeavours to
improve the morality of its servants the better. On the whole,
it seems likely that both the Company and its servants acted
throughout very much as ordinary human nature might be
expected to act. There was no exalted virtue on the one side
and no abnormal indignation on the other. Demoralized by
a vicious system, the men yielded to its temptations, and, so
Will shortly
be placed upon
the Market.
The most perfect
WRITING MACHINE
yet produced.
Entirely New in
Principle,
no Ink Ribbon
required.
Differential Spacing.
96 characters, each visi-
ble to the Operator the
moment it is printed.
Almost noiseless in
operation.
r
long as it suited their purpose, the directors winked at the
prevailing corruption. The stress of competition has led to
the adoption of a system which promotes honesty in the
men, without necessarily impairing the profits of the Com-
pany. As the travelling public is none the worse for the
change it may be pronounced to be an improvement in every
respect. But there need be no heroics about the matter. It is
satisfactory that the directors have discovered at last that
honesty is the best policy. But, as they took 16 years to make
the discovery, and as they do not seem to have made it until
self-interest impelled them, we do not know that they have
much more reason than their servants to pride themselves on
Their virtue."
So far as can be ascertained, the General Omnibus Com-
pany did remain silent on the point raised in the article and it
may be inferred, therefore, that the public at large accepted
Maskelyne's version of events.
 At least one of the ticket punches that Maskelyne invented
Throat & Cough: Epps's Glycerine Jujubes. and patented for the purpose of preventing fraud by the
S old o n ly i n lab e l le d box es, 71d., and tins, is. iid. omnibus conductors has survived, and it now reposes in
Q
-
^-
John Salisse's magnificent collection of Maskelyniana.
-^^v/ John's investigation of Maskelyne patents has disclosed that
apparatus for issuing and checking tickets was registered in
$g pftan aff, 1879, 1880 and 1881. His own specimen, bearing Patent No.
LONDON, SI D 315, is very similar to but not identical with the 1881 specifi-
t cation and probably dates from the following year. It is con-
r^,^ ENGIi7J\ll'S HOJAE OF fdY$1 }ilZY. *
structed of mahogany, mounted in polished steel and is 14
cm. in width, and does not closely resemble Jasper
Maskelyne's description in White Magic (1936).
MASKELYNE It will be appreciated that, according to J. N. Maskelyne's
letter to The Times, the ill-fated checking trial had occurred

f"" A P
COOKE'S
12 years previously, i.e. 1879, whereas Mr. John Pound of the
London General Omnibus Company implied that it took
place soon after he joined the company in 1874, probably in
1875,16 years previously. Maskelyne's date fits precisely with
(Sole Proprietor, Mr. J. N. Moskelyvc.) the patent registration of his first ticket punch and, to date,
no earlier patent has been located in Maskelyne's name. In
Twenty-first Consecutive Year in London,
the present absence of factual evidence, one is left won-
dering, therefore, whether the remarkable apparatus
described by Jasper in White Magic which "fitted over the
entrance of buses" ever existed, or whether it was some
PRO GRAMME. figment of Jasper's imagination.

PRICE ONE PENNY. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to Mr. John Salisse for kindly providing
information concerning the Maskelyne ticket punch and
patents in his collection.

Epps's Glycerine Jujubes: Throat & Cough REFERENCES

Sold only in labelled boxes, 71d., and tins, is. ild. Maskelyne, Jasper (1936). White Magic. London: Stanley
Paul.
Egyptian Hall programme for 1894 The Times (1891). 19th, 28th, 29th August.

MAGIC CIRCLE'S POSER NO. 10

BY CLIFF TOWNSEND M.I.M.C.

Y Magic Circle's Poser word has loosely

been slanted at Magic and the Allied Arts,
M and the centre circle letter has to be dis-
covered to complete the word. From this word, words
of four letters or more are made, always using the
centre letter. No abbreviations, foreign words, plurals
or names are acceptable but final answers may include
other nine-letter words. Each circled letter can only
be used once.
The number of words made are totalled and ver-
dicts of GOOD, VERY GOOD and EXCELLENT
are arrived at.
The whole idea is for amusement only — no prizes.
All rights reserved.

(Solution next month.)

212

TRANSPO WANDS
BY IAN ADAIR
EFFECT
Two cloth bags are shown, inside each being a magic
wand, one long, one short. The short wand is removed
and the bag is proved empty by crumpling it up within
the hand. The short wand is replaced and the bag con-
taining it is placed flat to one side of the table, so it is
visible to the audience. The long magic wand is
removed and displayed, its bag also being proved to be
empty. This wand is replaced inside and the bag is
placed away from the other. A few magical passes
over both bags and PRESTO ... when the wands are
removed, it is seen that the short wand is now where
the long one used to be and vice versa. A startling
transposition!
HEARD THE NEWS?
* KAYMAR HAS MOVED .. .
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* AND WE'RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Kay ar Magic Co.
189a St. Mary's Lane, Upminster, Essex RM14 3BJ
Telephone: Havering (0708) 640557
213
APPARATUS REQUIRED
Two long narrow cloth bags.
Two "Penetrating Wands".
The "Penetrating Wand" is a classic item, with the
sliding hollow white tip. Its usual effect is that of it
penetrating someone's back, the performer pushing
down on the sliding tip, the remainder of the wand
secretly going up his sleeve and out of sight. We use
this principle here for making both wands transpose.
SET-UP
Have both wands inside their respective bags. The
white tip on one, should be over the genuine white tip,
and the wand here is shown as a full length one. In
placing it into the bag make sure the sliding tip is
uppermost. The white sliding tip of the other wand is
preset in central position, so that when you reach
inside the fingers curl around this section, the
remainder of the wand being allowed to enter the
sleeve.
WORKING AND PRESENTATION
Now that I have showed you how the principle
works, there's very little extra to write about the wor-
king. It now becomes obvious that both wands can
either be shown as long or short ones. When removing
the long wand, this can be handled quite freely. When
replaced inside the bag, the fingers push down the
sliding white tip to central position. When removing
the short wand, do so as described above, under Set-
Up. In replacing it into the bag, allow the tip to slide
up to the top, covering the genuine tip. After the
magical passes, remove both wands respectively,
showing that they have changed places.
 "POPPO'S" FLEURS
BY CHARLIE MORGAN
EFFECT
Everybody has a favourite flower and tonight we
will conduct a ballot to elect the favourite of favour-
ites.
The audience call out the names of flowers, each
one is written on a slip of paper, shown to the audience
or to a volunteer assistant, folded and placed in a bag.
When sufficient have been nominated the bag is
shaken up and the assistant draws one slip and reads
out the named flower on it. The remaining slips are
emptied from the bag.
Flowers come in many colours so we must now find
the favourite colour. The various choices are called
out, written on the slips and placed in the bag. The
assistant duly draws one after they have been well
shaken up, reads it out and shows the slip to the audi-
ence. Let us assume that the "random" selection has
been red roses. The performer turns to his table
saying, "I knew what you would choose from my great
sense of intuition" and he pulls away a large cloth or
handkerchief from something which has been stan-
ding there in full view and discloses a beautiful
bouquet of roses!
APPARATUS REQUIRED
A special change bag. A flat square bag with three
sections or pockets each with its entrance on a dif-
ferent side of the bag and held closed by means of a
strip of Velcro but leaving sufficient lip to enable each
section to be speedily opened as required. In the
centre of one pocket lip fix a bead, towards the end of
the next pocket fix one bead, and towards the end of
the next pocket fix two beads near to each other.
I preferred a stiffish material for the bag as this
made for easier opening and closing and concealment
of the loads.
If you so wished, the bouquet production could be
made from a shown empty tube but I prefer the simple
flourishing removal of the cloth or silk handkerchief
to disclose the flowers and so satisfying the curiosity
as to what was behind it.
Prepare plenty of paper slips about 3x10 cms so that
the writing, felt tip is best, can be large enough to be
read by at least the front row of the audience. Also do
not forget to take a pen!
SETTING UP
Write ROSE on each of about 15 slips and place in
the one bead section of the bag. Write RED on about
15 slips and place in the two bead section of the bag.
Amend this to whatever flower and colour you are
using.
214
PRESENTATION
On stage is the selected bouquet, concealed by a
cloth or handkerchief in full view on a stand or table.
The performer patters about everbody having favour-
ites from the child's daisy to the sophisticate's orchids
and so tonight we will select by ballot which shall be
the over-all favourite.
Pick up the bag, remove the slips and pen from the
bead in the centre section. Request for names of
favourite flowers to be called out, write each one on a
slip, showing to audience and volunteer assistant, fold
and put in centre bead section of bag. Use abbrevia-
tions for long names, ask for spellings if you are given
an obscure name, much fun can be had with com-
ments on many, accept cauliflowers, etc. It is impor-
tant that if no one calls your chosen flower, then
pretend that you heard someone call it, repeat it and
write it on a slip then place into the bag. When you
have enough say so, close up the velcro, give the bag a
good shake and whilst doing so locate the one bead
section, open it, ask the assistant to draw a slip, read
it and show it to audience. Undercover of this close
that section and locate and open the first bead in the
centre section, empty the remaining selection of slips
somewhere near the front of the stage where they may
easily be got by the audience, and now state that
flowers come in all colours so call for choices. Write,
show, fold and place in the just emptied section of the
bag. When sufficient, and repeating the subterfuge to
secure required colour if not called, close bag, shake,
locate the two bead section.
Have slip drawn and whilst being read and shown
close that section and relocate the centre bead section
and open it, shake out remaining slips near front of
stage and address audience, "Well by free and secret
choice you have selected the favourite of favourites to
be (e.g.) RED ROSES. Now such is my sense of intui-
tion that I knew that this would be your choice as I can
prove", and you then whip off the cover from the
bouquet to display the lovely red roses. "How did I
know?" I will tell you, a little bird told me, and then
you can produce from the flowers an artificial or if
you are a bird worker then a real bird from that cover.
Another finale could be to conceal in the centre of the
selection bouquet an assorted spring opening one
which could be sprung open with the comment that it
did not really matter which they chose as they were all
there.
COMMENT
Although this may seem a "cannot go wrong" effect
believe you me, it can, so practise it well so that you
can locate the bag sections unfailingly, empty the cor-
rect sections, polish your comments and have all
flowing smoothly. You will then have a lovely effect,
with good magical content, audience participation,
angle free, a controlable-spread running time, almost
nil set-up time and wide age group appeal.
 During the summer vacations Andrew travelled south,
THIS IS YOUR LIFE where he worked as a deejay on a local hospital radio station.
His evenings were spent providing both his compere and

ANDREW
cabaret at a number of clubs and holiday centres.
After graduating from Durham University, Andrew won a
scholarship in London. Thus he studied to become a barri-
ster although the legal scene provided him with the chance to

EBORN
NDREW EBORN is one of Britain's finest young
A comedy magicians; a rising status achieved entirely
without wires.
He was born on 7th July, 1963. As far back as he can
remember. Andrew was determined to have a life in the
limelight. Parental pressure, however, groomed him to
become "something respectable"; a lawyer, maybe, or a
doctor. In the end he chose the former; yet Eborn has man-
aged to combine his daytime legal activities with the more
heady delights of magic.
Indeed, in July this year he
was voted Best Magician in the
Alternative Arts International
Street Festival, an award that
provided Andrew with the
opportunity to perform, in
front of a capacity audience, at
the London Palladium.
As a child he took his inspira-
tion largely from Tommy
Cooper, who remains his main
idol in the magic field. At the
tender age of nine-years-old his
act featured an unusual "passe-
passe" bottle routine involving
two buckets, a large makeshift
table, two holes and four hands.
This was followed by a mind-
reading routine in which the
young Eborn, being blind-
folded, was seated at a table and
— to appropriate gasps of
amazement — then correctly
named various items held up by Andrew Eborn
members of the audience.
For the final trick the makeshift table was laid with cut-
lery, plates, glasses, etc. and then, with great panache,
Andrew removed the table cloth without disturbing the
items. It also revealed, underneath the table, a person who
had been obviously assisting in the preceding tricks. Such
was Andrew's first taste of magic, albeit with home-made
props which most magic dealers would not have the courage
to sell.
In addition to his magic routines, Andrew also became a
member of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. His
academic activities, however, were never neglected and, at
the age of 18, he went up to Durham University to read law.
At the same time he also enrolled with a number of enter-
tainment agencies, enabling him to hone his magic and com-
edy routines in the notorious northern club circuit. This
provided the young student with an excellent grounding in
audience participation.
work his magic in front of many different audiences.
During this period, for instance, he worked at both the
Japanese and American embassies, as well as for a number
of judges, cabinet ministers and other professional people.
It quickly became evident that Andrew could combine his
two careers.
He eventually became a solicitor, specialising in entertain-
ment law, in 1987. By this time Eborn, the entertainer, had
also created a burgeoning reputation and he worked at most
of London's leading clubs and hotels. He also came to the
attention of the media; one of his first television appear-
ances, for instance, was on London Weekend's current
affairs programme Friday Now, when Andrew was sent to
Luton Airpot to entertain the
waiting passengers during the
French Air Traffic Controllers'
strike. After that appearance,
the bookings flooded in.
In addition to the cabaret cir-
cuit Andrew also performed in
hotels, theatres, the alternative
comedy/cabaret clubs and such
unlikely venues as London's
Carnaby Street and Covent
Garden. He was also invited by
G.L.R. Radio in the summer of
1989, to perform what most
would consider impossible:
magic on the radio.
Since that time Andrew has
taken his unique fusion of
magic and comedy throughout
the world, including Hong
Kong, the Netherlands, Fin-
land and Sweden. He is also
regularly employed to "warm
up" audiences for a number of
well-known television shows
and, in 1990, was also one of the
main links for B.B.C.-T.V.'s annual Children In Need
Appeal, performing magic with a number of celebrities
(indeed, he has been also invited to appear on this year's
Appeal, later this month).
Now comes The Art of Magic, Andrew Eborn's first
video, which was released by Island World Communications
on Monday, 4th November. The Art of Magic, primarily
aimed at children, is the very first teach-yourself magic
course to be commercially available on video.
In spite of his young years Andrew has already gained a
wealth of experience in magic. Whether he decides to pursue
a full time career as a magical entertainer, a solicitor or con-
tinues to combine the two he is assured of success.
Already a bright talent in the world of magic and destined
for greater things to come, we will all be hearing a great deal
more of this rising star in the future.
PETER BLANDARD. M. Inst. EI., A.I.M.C.

215
 ADDITIONS TO THE MAGIC CIRCLE
FOUNDATION MUSEUM
"Louis Tannen Catalogue of Magic No. 2"
Donated by Michael Candy, M.M.C.
Programme and menu — The Magic Circle Annual
Supper, 10th April, 1991.
Donated by Henry Lewis, M.I.M.C.
Auction catalogue, The Magic Circle Appeal, 21st
April, 1991
Donated by Henry Lewis, M.I.M.C.
Handbill and photo-illustrated programme "An
Evening of Mystery and Imagination With the Legen-
dary David Berglas", The Lyric Theatre, London,
21st April, 1991
Donated by David Berglas, M.I.M.C.
Admission ticket and handbill, "That's The Way To
Do It" exhibition of items from Richard Stupple's
Punch & Judy Collection, Bedford Museum, 8th May,
1991.
Donated by Richard Stupple, M.I.M.0
Book matches — bearing the logo of The Hollywood
Academy of Magic Arts and The Magic Castle,
Hollywood.
Donated by Michael Candy, M.M.C.
Books matches — New York Lounge "Magic — It's
Fun To Be Fooled"
Donated by Michael Candy, M.M.C.
Folding postcard of tricks and puzzles. A souvenir
from the General Cugar Hall of Magic issued for the
New York World's Fair, 1964-65.
Donated by Michael Candy, M.M.C.
Austrian Magical Congress 1991 — Gala Pro-
gramme Viennamagic catalogue, I.B.M. convention,
Baden-Baden, May 1991, registration form for 1992
Congress and 1993 Congress, illustrated brochure,
GOODLIFFE'S
ABRACADABRA
Edited by Donald Bevan
The Lively Weekly Magic Magazine Published Every Saturday Since 1946
Professionally produced, 20+ pages every week of tricks, routines, advice, news, reports, dealer
reviews, adverts, and comment on the International Magic Scene.
Goodliffe Publications
150 New Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 2LG, England
216
postcards of Siegfried & Roy, Kara & Dore, Swoboda.
Donated by Yosi Notkovitz, A.I.M.C.
Three issues, "Knights of Magic Monthly Bulletin",
October 1945, January 1946, May 1946.
Donated by Milt Krist
Brochure — Marco The Magi's production of Le
Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic
Company, Cabot Theatre, Beverley, Mass., U.S.A.
Donated by Le Grand David and Company
Sixteen-page illustrated "News Sheet", Vol. XV
No. 26, 29th July, 1991.
Donated by Marco The Magi
and Le Grand David Magic Company
Greetings card — Marco The Magi's Spectacular
Stage Magic Extravaganza.
Donated by Marco The Magi
and Le Grand David Magic Company
Bibliohistory "The First Ten Years" 1976-1986.
Marco The Magi's production of Le Grand David and
Spectacular Magic Company.
Donated by Le Grand David Magic Company
Coin — sterling silver (limited edition) — Marco The
Magi's Magical Extravaganza and Le Grand David
Magic Company.
Donated by Brett Kirkpatrick & Irene
for Le Grand David
Pack of playing cards (sealed). Backs — Marco The
Magic, Le Grand David & Seth.
Donated by Marco The Magi
and Le Grand David Magic Company
HENRY LEWIs, M.I.M.C.
Hon. Curator
 3v ^ Baqftat JoCtWielS No. 47

President Secretary
GEORGE RISSEN, M.I.M.C. BOB HANNAM, M.M.C.

WEST NORFOLK MAGIC CIRCLE

FOUNDED 1982
Headquarters: "The Dun Cow", Dersingham, King's Lynn, Norolk

N October 1981, Gus Wilson had a magic shop in
King's Lynn and using some of his customers, the
I Society was formed, in June 1982. Gus Wilson
was the first president and George Rissen has been
the president for the last five years.
The Society was formed in June 1982, there were
seven founder members. Membership is open to both
sexes.
Meetings were held in members' homes until
November 1988 when arrangements were made to
meet every first Tuesday of the month at "The Dun
Cow", Dersingham, King's Lynn, Norfolk.
A junior section was formed in 1983, they are now
part of the full membership and attend the monthly
meetings.
Since 1986, a shield is presented each year to a
member for his or her services to magic during the
year, in memory of founder member Tony Wilson.
An annual dinner is held in May and an annual day
of magic in October.
One of the objects of the Society is that all experi-
enced performers will help all members in order to
maintain a high standard of magical entertainment.

(FU-LING-YU)

1D1?ESS CUTTINGS
This collection is chiefly concerned with items that deal with the Circle and its members, but we would be interested
in any material that refers to Magic in general —Allied Arts, variety specialities or Circus also.
We collect new items, features and "fillers", reproduced photographs, advertising and publicity for shows, previews,
reviews, other write-ups, or advertisements on magical themes and cartoons. These may come from newspapers, televi-
sion guides, journals and magazines (trade or general), or even holiday brochures and resort guides.
Any donations, whether recently printed or not, will be welcome. Ideally, date and journal of origin should be given,
more than one copy sent if the article covers two sides of the same page, and an English translation provided if the item
should be in another language. Should you see a likely feature in the press, please don't assume that someone else will
be sending it to us anyway!
All help that you can give is much appreciated in the expansion of a rare archive. Send contributions to BRYN HUGHES,
41 Elm Grove, Acton Park, Wrexham, Clwyd LL12 7NR.

217
 By DALE SALWAK M.i.M.c.

VERY year since its opening in 1915, over five

million visitors have enjoyed the live shows
E and behind-the-scenes magic of Universal
Studios Hollywood, the world's biggest and busiest
movie studio. Now as part of Universal City Walk — a
new 200,000 square feet business/dining/entertain-
ment centre — the owners of Magic Island, Newport
will open in late 1992 a close-up magic bar and a 180-
seat dinner theatre (called Wizardz). Under the
direction of Bonnie Wiebe (President and C.E.O.),
Robert Hanover (Executive Vice President and Chief
Operations Officer), and Fred Wood (Entertainment
Director), this promises to be yet another excellent
opportunity for professional magicians. They will
appear seven to eight times a day from 11.00 a.m. to
11.00 p.m. with the finest showroom conditions avail-
able. Interested magicians may contact Robert
Hanover, c/o Magic Island, 3505 Via Oporto,
Newport Beach, California 92663 (fax 714/673-4235).

WIZARDZ VIC AND MA

218
 One of the most talented and versatile magical
couples it has been my pleasure to know is Vic and
Mary Kirk of Antioch, California. In all four areas of
magic they have a topnotch professional act — comedy,
illusion, manipulation, and mentalism. Talking with
Vic is like talking to a walking encyclopedia of magic;
he seems to know everything about its history, and
what is more, he applies this knowledge onstage.
According to Vic, a performer has stagnated when he
says, "I've reached the pinnacle of my success". Vic
will never say that. Along with Mary, he is constantly
developing new material and improving on what he
knows.
Vic first fell in love with magic after seeing
Charming Pollock perform in 1948 at an orphanage in
Sacramento, where Vic was living at the time. By age
15 he knew he only wanted to do magic. He learned
from books, especially Henry Hays' The Amateur
Magicians Handbook, Learn, Magic and 'Cyclopedia
of Magic and developed routines for close-up, parlour
and stage. Not until years later when he began to meet
other magicians did he realise that most performers
specialise. By then, however, he had diversified into
so many areas that he was travelling with three, some-
times four different sets. Entertaining and well-read,
Vic and Mary continue to lead very successful lives as
magicians at trade shows, along the convention cir-
cuit, and aboard cruise liners. Theirs is a lesson to us
all of what hard work, dedication and above all, integ-
rity can bring to performers in the business. There are
no short cuts to success.
West coast pickpocket/magician David Avadon
served as the magical advisor for the film "Cast A
Deadly Spell" which aired on H.B.O. this autumn.
The story is set in a mythical Los Angeles where
nearly everyone practises black magic. A talisman
levitates, a cocktail shaker rests in mid-air, a match is
struck on a villain's cheek. These are just a few of the
special effects David created for the project. He him-
self appears twice in the show, in different costumes,
to do the more difficult sleight-of-hand.
Le Cirque Invisible, created by Victoria Chaplin
(the show's acrobatic and quick-change artist) and
Jean Bapiste Thierree (the show's jester and magi-
cian), premiered recently at the American Reportory
Theatre, Cambridge, Massachusetts, then went on to
Houston. Many will recognise this as a new version of
the Chaplin-Thierree Le Cirque Imaginaire which
played Europe and America for more than a decade.
It's a wonderfully entertaining show of magic, acro-
batics, music and comedy that invites the audience to
use its imagination in all sorts of ingenious ways. In
one scene a man enters with a small marionette
coffeepot, then runs offstage only to reappear as a
huge percolator walking a tiny man-shaped marrion-
ette. In an article entitled "Aerobics for the Imagi-
nation", Time magazine called this one-ring wonder
"the sweetest little circus this side of Barnum".
May we continue to respect, encourage and support
MARY KIRK one another in this great art of magic.
219
 "Nick's Trix" presented by Nicholas Einhorn took
the colour red for his theme. Silk to Cane, gloves to
silk and Fantasio candles interlude were followed by
cascading ribbon from Dove Pan then Claret to Red
Silk (via the popular "Slush" powder). The foregoing
done to music, he closed with a beautifully-devised
version of the Hole (Whole) card with Jumbo cards.
Alfred and Cecilia Gabriel gave us their jointly
worked act. A selected silk (from among four) disap-
pears at Alfred's fingertip and is discovered at the
heart of a cored apple held by Cecilia.
Cecilia's personal trick with a quart of milk into a
borrowed hat was remarkable considering the help
she got from Alfred.
Alfred's closer with three coloured balls, a translu-
cent chimney and cover illustrated how good and evil
are perpetually at loggerheads, until magic comes to
the rescue.

ALFRED GABRIEL Scott Penrose, in his father's tradition, works a

silent act. Similarly, his music is discernible but
doesn't take over. Scott uses numerous items put
A , together into a fast-moving spectacular act.
Against muted Spanish music, he gave us bare hand
FRIENDS dove production, cane and silk transposition, Fan-
tasio candle vanish, Twentieth Century Silks, Ganson
HE first performer on 13th May was Wilson Multiplying Lighter, Lyle Square Circle to Cane,
John with a selection of items dependent upon Smoke in draped goblet, Dove to silk.
T chance, coincidence or good luck. The His closing was the showy Diminishing Silk produc-
opening number, a four-card match up with Jumbo tion which when tied and whirled transformed into
cards, was both visual and direct. Then cards were the International Blendo.
progressively eliminated until the last was reached
and shown to be an odd backer. A matching odd Fred Buttress spoke for all in hoping that Alfred
backer was found reversed (Brainwave style) in a and his friends might continue to be hardy annuals
nearby pack. A lady was then allowed a seemingly again and again.
free choice of a miniature liquor bottle from among PATRICK LEVEY
several. A nearby slate was shown to bear the correct
description of the chosen beverage.
John Penrose in a musically-backed silent presenta-
tion offered an unusual and striking act that included
the Paper Butterfly and Fan, floral spray productions
from silks (a change from the eternal doves), a Pavel-
type silken "Sun and Moon" effect and Milk (via
"Slush" powder) to Rope with various Knot features.
He closed with the rarely seen Elmsley T. and R.
newspaper (successive unfoldings all reveal expected
serrated edges). An act that solicited much applause.
Michael Symes again gave of his novel notions with
standard effects. His banknotes and Himber Wallet
explained why he was a mugging victim. Next he pre-
sented Recurring Card with Jumbo cards. A novel
spoon and fork transposition from outer and inner
pockets took us completely by surprise. The Savoy
catering manager would also have been surprised, no
doubt.
His colourful closer involved a mismade Union flag
that grew to a large Union Jack. An ideas man who
puts his ideas into practice.

220
 TEST MATCH
N 3rd June, our host, Neville Cooper, first
welcomed from Holland, Rene Sinden, and
O from California, Past International I.B.M.
President Ed. Morris, and then introduced the oppo-
sing captains of the competing teams, Keith Churcher
of the Homes Counties Magical Society and Alfred
Gabriel with The Magic Circle team.
The title of the evening was "Test Match" but it
could have been sub-titled "Ropes and Rings"!
First came the Home Counties' team. Terry Barry
with a humorous routine with cards and a predicted
card rising and then a good linking ring presentation.

John Penrose
Next came John Penrose with a card prediction.
Edward Victor's Ten Card trick and also red and white
ropes.
Chris Pratt followed with - yes - his rope routine,
his egg bag and gypsy thread, all beautifully presented
as usual.
Next came Scott Penrose with more ropes, conclu-
ding with the egg bag from which after the egg, no egg,
egg, came - surprise - a dove.
Alan Shaxon concluded with no rings, no ropes but
a nice presentation of the Nudist Deck, finally handed
out as a straight deck for examination, a card stab and
finally a borrowed £10 note (via the two of Clubs) to
be found inside a salt cellar.
Keith Churcher Although the evening was devoted mainly to cards,
ropes and rings, the great variety of presentation
Next came Keith Churcher with a portrait of a cho- made it a very good evening.
sen favourite magician (as a babe!), a card prediction
and, yes, a ring and rope routine. CYRIL CORDEN
Ernie Jones followed with a glove "fish" finding a
chosen card. "I am my brother's kipper" - "Only cod
magic" - "Thereby hangs the tail", etc.
Now came Robbie Madeley who with his powerful
presentation proved that some magicians don't need a
microphone, presenting his chicken discovering three
chosen cards and also, yes, a rope routine, concluding
with a holiday prediction of place, hotel and chosen
room number.
Peter Westlake performed his amusing multiplying
bottles and also, yes, a rope routine.
Peter Scarlett led The Circle team with his van-
ishing card case and then the cards, diminishing
cards, black 14 of diamonds and his comedy
presentation of the linking rings. Peter Scarlett

221

OLD STAGERS
COMBINED total of over 200 years' perfor-
ming experience produced some excellent
A magic on 17th June when eight of the most
practised members of The Circle did their stuff.
The event was organized by Cyril Corden, a
diminutive wizard in a gorgeously foppish bow tie.
Cyril gave us an exhaustive routine with ropes in
which he had spliced together practically all the pos-
sible effects in a seemingly endless chandler's night-
mare. The high spot for me was a dangerous-looking
decapitation in which Cyril knotted a long, green cord
around his neck. His head seemed in imminent peril
but he pulled it off with bravura.
Cyril Corden
Our compere for the evening was a sprightly Roy
Longmuir, now in his 75th year. Roy pointed out that
it was his job to get the audience going. He introduced
us to the first performer: Arnold Isaacs'. Arnold
looked like a bemused child with an act in the tradi-
tion of Sandy Powell's calamituous magic show in
which disaster followed upon the heels of ignominious
humiliation. Sporting a natty pair of cycle clips,
Arnold presented a mental routine in which he made
three predictions. These were sealed in envelopes and
after much byplay there followed an outrageously-
suspicious move provoking considerable laughter and
setting us up nicely for a surprise finish in which all
three predictions proved correct.
After a quick die penetration, Roy Longmuir made
way for the dapper Derek Dexter, who started with a
quick and effective vanish of silks, lamp-chimney
style, moving on swiftly to a rope routine. Like the
linking rings which followed, I felt that a bit of judi-
cious trimming of the material would have paid
dividends. For his finish he gave us an effect with silks
out of a bowler hat to the accompaniment of some
home-spun doggerel about politics and the multi-
coloured flag he produced at the end was beautifully
showy.
222
Terry Guyatt was on next with an elegantly per-
formed card through handkerchief and finished by
presenting the most beautiful and exciting magic of
the whole evening.
The cards to pocket is one of those effects that sepa-
rate the sheep from the goats. Terry's performance
was a thing of austere beauty, totally unadorned and
truly magical in effect. This was the art which con-
ceals art; no funny moves, nothing "clever", yet we all
knew must be palming those wretched cards. He just
did it invisibly. He dispatched the last one as cleanly as
the rest to oohs and ahs from the audience.
John Peake followed, commanding immediate
attention by knocking the spots off his handkerchief.
He proceeded with a fizzbanger of a salt routine,
making audacious use of the thumb tip under the very
nose of his volunteer. He next poured himself a pink
cocktail and a card selected by a member of the audi-
ence vanished and was revealed inside the otherwise-
empty bottle. So far he had been whizzing along but
he slowed down for his drunk act. Lighted cigarettes
appeared and disappeared in a bewildering confusion
and John finished with the production of three
meerschaum pipes.
Roy Longmuir intervened here, banjelele in hand,
to expose the full range of his tessitura. Whilst yodel-
ling songs certainly conjure up the Arcadian lure of
Alpine pastures, this one had rather a lot of verses.
Fergus Anckorn breezed on next in relaxed and
suave mode. He complained wittily that his whole act
had already been done but his rope tricks were per-
formed with such easy charm that nobody would have
noticed. However, Fergus truncated his cut and
restored routine and went on to do an eye-popping
thimble number, featuring an exquisite and
impossible-looking vanish from behind two fingers. A
spectator was next subjected to Fergie's notorious
classic force and after demonstrating that he had
memorised the entire O.E.D., Fergus revealed that
the chosen card bore the inscription "clairvoyant".
This word was found mysteriously circled in the dic-
tionary and beside it was the name of the chosen card.
He ended by exhibiting his giant memory, instantly
recalling 20 items from the pedestrian "alarm clock"
to the exotic "rhinoceros".
Frank Puleston had no sooner swept on than he had
produced from nowhere numerous playing cards,
finishing with a giant card fan. Frank then displayed
what he said was a cat-o'-nine-tails and gave us his
Mutiny on the Bounty patter, including at one point an
impression of Charles Laughton as Captain Bligh.
Frank's rope finally stood up on its own volition. He
was assisted throughout by daughter Gillian and she
lent a hand with Frank's own "Ultimate Disection" or
"Zigzag Card". This eerie effect was greeted with a
burst of appreciative applause which brought the
evening to an agreeable conclusion.
TOM CUTLER

LECTURETTES
BOUT 10 years ago, Richard Stupple realised
that there were several members who had
A some good ideas and could talk for about 15-
20 minutes but could not fill a whole hour. He also
wished to introduce new faces and with the accent on
youth. Thus was born the programme called Lectur-
ettes, which has proved very popular. Monday, 24th
June was no exception. Unfortunately, two perfor-
mers had to drop out at the last minute but the gap was
filled by that regular stalwart. Wally Boyce.
The evening opened with Richard Pinner, a young
man of 19 years with a very pleasant personality and
plenty of confidence. This was only to be expected,
being the son of the top children's entertainer Peter
Pinner. Richard has had three years' training with his
father and turned full-time professional last Sep-
tember. He emphasized the use of colour for children
and showed a clown's outfit with several pockets for
various props.
In addition to magic, he showed balloon modelling,
making a bee with a long tail and drew a face with a
marker pen. This was followed by juggling. Some
giveaway photos and certificates were shown
explaining the value of these items.
It was easy to see why this year he is taking over his
father's show at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon. A
talented young man who retired to prolonged
applause.
Wally Boyce
Next we come to Wally Boyce, a great ideas man
without whom no Lecturettes bill would be complete!
He showed a wobbly wand and told us how to make it.
The unequal ropes had a twist and some ear-splitting
patter about worms. An egg bag was given the Boyce
treatment and appeared as a nightcap. This was fol-
lowed by a revised version of Alan Warner's School
Days and a force of colours using an apple, orange and
strawberry. Several good ideas here for the children's
entertainer.
223
A surprise appearance was George Kovari with a
Run Rabbit Run with two doors and a "run" in
between, a grand item with children.
To close the evening we had a talk from our member
from New Zealand, Tony Wilson. A full-time profes-
sional, his work covers children's shows, trade shows,
shopping malls, etc. He was sponsored by Nestle with
Milky Bars, Life Savers and Fanta. He used Milky
Bars for magic cooking and for library shows he ran a
painting competition for the children. He showed us
how he used hair bands instead of the usual elastic
bands, as they showed up better for slightly larger
audiences. We were also shown giveaway cards and
puzzles. A most interesting talk to end a most
interesting evening.
Our Monday Night host, Neville Cooper, thanked
Richard Stupple and all the performers.
FRED BUTTRESS
A PROFESSIONAL
LOOKS AT CABARET
AVID MERLIN'S 45-minute cabaret act fits
comfortably into a 10-inch hollow die. Some
D 24 years ago, he strode into the local Totnes
newspaper office, produced from a scarf a bowl of
goldfish then, in Cardini fashion, produced a handful
of billiard balls. This, along with his "story", garnered
him a sizy front page spread and led him to a variety of
commitments (Rotary, Western T.V. and more)
subsequently.
A former Prudential area sales manager, he quit this
field and has since applied very successfully his
ingrained philosophy which is that to get known you
go in and confront and sell. Brochures and publicity
material need careful thought and homework, e.g.,
allow for a reader's interest span to be no more than 30
seconds per page of brochure. Also, be realistic in
choice of "mug shots". Yesteryear's photo can be a let
down when you, in the flesh, do not match it any
more. A knowledge of selling techniques pays off with
clients as much as agents and could confer that edge
over competitors.
David detailed at length most of the practicalities
that are vital to professional success. He lists for us his
basic premises:
1. You're an act that needs selling.
2. Amplification — ideally a radio microphone -
establishes image of authority and status.
3. Similarly, adequate lighting is good theatre.
4. Compere management — comperes need briefing
(less what you have done: more what you're going to
do now).
 5. Hecklers — where possible, use them to your
advantage by having them assist. You need sharp one
liners (and a smile) for the heckler that wants only to
sabotage you. For talkers at the back, try dropping
your voice and let others hush the noisy ones.
6. Promote/push your talents. This presupposes you
have decided upon your style, your ideal market, your
publicity material. Aside from word-of-mouth publi-
city, David recommends working through agents -
more than one. He recommends bearding them rather
than corresponding from a distance. Invite a prospec-
tive agent to a performance. Don't undersell yourself.
Play fair with the agent.
General good advice (acquired by being on the
road) was:
• Get audience involved/participating.
• Suss out and correctly size up responsive-looking
onlookers — you could use them later.
• Avoid the cleverer-than-thou label (a sure kiss of
death today).
• Seek feedback on your personal impact. Five
minutes behind a locked door in a busy washroom
helps enormously in seeing ourselves as others see us!
One feels that our lecturer, in his earlier days, read
very carefully those textbooks on sales techniques,
thought just as carefully about others' strategies then
devised his own and very successfully applied them.
PATRICK LEVY
224
MINI ADS
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orders payable to THE MAGIC CIRCLE. Copy, by 1st of
month for the following month's issue, to PETER
ELDIN, 29 FOURTH AVENUE, GRANTHAM, LINCS.
NG319TS.
ANTIQUE PROPS bought and sold. Bobby Bernard, 19
Exeter Road, London NW2 4SJ. Tel: 081-450 2201.
GEORGE NORRINGTON'S WHO'S WHO IN MAGIC.
Issue 13 now available. 64 pages of invaluable information.
£2.60 (inc. p&p). George Norrington, 36 Lincoln Road,
Dorking, Surrey RH4 lTD.
BOOKS AND EPHE ME RA ON CONJURING AND ALL
PERFORMING ARTS. Catalogues issued regularly. Send
three first class stamps for current issue. I am always
interested in purchasing good material. Anne FitzSimons,
62 Scotby Road, Scotby, Carlisle CA4 8BD.
THE MAGAZINE WITH NO NA ME . Australia's monthly
magic magazine. Latest news, hot gossip, convention
reports, reviews and unique articles. $A75 — TWO years;
$A40 — ONE year; airmail postage paid. Money payable to:
Andini, P.O. Box 646, Burleigh Heads, Queensland 4220,
Australia.
BALLOONS 260E £6.50 gross. SILKS 36" — Dragon, The
End, Rainbow £30. RACOONS £20. Lists s.a.e. Picot, 79
Anglesmede Crescent, Pinner HAS 5ST. Tel.: 081-863 2522.
PAUL SPENCER PROPS. Tricks gathering dust? Why not
exchange? Magic exchanged, bought and sold. S.a.e. for list.
21 Jardine Way, Dunstable, Beds. LU5 4AU (Tel.: 0582
600221).
NOW WHERE DID I SEE THAT TRICK? Indices to Abra,
Gen, Magigram. Michael Colley, The Hollies, Lechlade,
Glos. GL7 3AX. Tel: 0367 52482.
PROPS AND ACCESSORIES. Hand Chopper, Alpha's
Flash Smoke, Lubor Fielder's Show Stopper Card, Liquid To
Silk, Cresey's Mouth Coils, Throw Streamers, Devanos
Improved Rising Matchbox, Domino Reflections and many
more. S.a.e. for price list. Darius, 75 Rock Road, Cam-
bridge CB1 4UG. Tel: 0223 248651.
,magic Circle (Ijri tma barbs
Very high quality Christmas card with
The Magic Circle motif in gold
with the message
"Have A Magical Christmas".
Price 60p each or 10 for £5.00. u^
All orders must be in
by the end of November.
Jack Mayes
153 Derby Way, Stevenage
Herts. SG1 5TN
Tel.: 0438 352433

TEACH IN-8TH JULY
IRST at my table was Mike O'Brien, who
explained his difficulties with coin hand-to-
F hand transposition, having to employ some
not too natural moves until the Gallow Pitch came
along. This, briefly, is the apparent means of tabling
two coins from the right hand when, in fact, one coin
travels from the left hand to join a single coin (the
other is palm retained) from the right. After demming
how smooth it can be and meticulously showing the
moves, there were attempts by the viewing group in
various degrees of success.
Next Joe Gryska arrived to take us through the Torn
and Restored Cigarette Paper. Joe is known for this
and we marvelled at the calm, leisurely and graceful
way he performed which belied that any false moves
were present. They were, of course, and he explained
all, from the basic T. and R. to the restoration on hat
pin with the throwaway piece "kicker" and on to the
finger spread of torn pieces which appeared to melt
together. Joe has the ability of making something
small into a big feature item.
Larry Barnes, whose Houdini act graces the At
Homes entertainment, gave us an insight into light-
weight Escapology. He quoted e Murray as saying every
magician should have at least two escape items in case
challenged. He then performed the Siberian Chain
(wrist) Escape with variations and tips to highlight the
"difficulties". Then, with sash cord, the Keller Wrist
Tie and his own versions with soft rope. We were tied
up whilst practising these and soon discovered how
much showmanship was involved.
I pen these notes, at home, after tossing coins
across the floor, transfixing my thumb with a hat pin,
referring to J. Cannell's Secrets of Houdini off the
bookshelf and nursing sore rope-abraded wrists.
I suspect that the others present, who watched with
rapt interest, are trying also which proves how
successful was the Teach -In. Thank you, experts.
HARRY REEVE
225
TEACH IN - 22ND JULY
HE Clubroom was arranged into three sec-
tions, each with a table and a number of chairs
T surrounding it to enable three teachers to
transmit their expertise to the large number of Circle
members who were present.
John Gordon introduced the three lecturers who
were, in addition to himself, Terry Guyett and
Michael Vincent.
Terry Guyett taught false counting of cards in great
detail and also showed us a few tricks using the moves
he had described. In his hands the moves were inde-
tectable but I am sure that some of his pupils would
need a great deal of practice before they could do as
well.
Michael Vincent taught us how to palm cards both
single- and double-handed. Almost more important
than the moves, he explained his theory on
misdirection to cover the moves.
Lastly, John Gordon taught us a number of tricks
with elastic bands including Thumb Penetration, Torn
and Restored Band, Penetration Bands and Rising
Ring on Band.
All three teachers were extremely well received and
the general opinion was that the evening provided
much food for thought — and practice!
KEITH SPELLER
TEACH IN 5 AUGUST
OUND each of the three tables there was a
good number of members and soon the
R tutors were under way with ideas about dice
stacking, Indian Thread and the Coin in Bottle..
Bobby Bernard not only taught the basic movement
of the cup to stack the dice but discussed the best size
and shape and the best surface on which to perform.
Equally important were his suggestions about
inclusion in other routines.
Al Woodrow demonstrated the Coin in Bottle
routine which has been for so long one of his regular
effects, including the misdirecting "clink" as his
finger-ring strikes the glass.
Ali Bongo unravelled the mystery of the Hindu
Thread and the Hindu Needle, two lovely close-up
items which can yet be effective in cabaret or even on
stage.
This was typical of a number of the Summer School
evenings, with a variety of themes attractively
presented, encouraging us to polish our own
performance and to extend our repertoire.
STEPHEN BLOOD

tI ,- , 4 Ii
EDWIN'S MAGIC FINALE
By Edwin Hooper with illustrations by Vanni Pule and
photographs by David Pusey-Hooper. 320 pp, 10" x 8". £20
($40 U.S.A.), post and packing free from the publishers,
Edwin's Magic Arts, Widgery, Northdown Road, Bideford,
Devon EX39 3LP, England.
When Peter Eldin asked me to review Edwin's latest book,
I expected something good and was not disappointed.
It is packed with tricks and routines, starting with close-
up, through to cards, coins, children's magic, effects for
adults, gags and comedy, interlaced with reminiscences
about his life as a magic dealer, his boyhood and his granny. I
found the latter so interesting that I thumbed through the
book to read the reminiscences first before studying any of
the tricks.
Edwin himself has made and used all the tricks and
routines in the book, so they have two magic ingredients -
practicality and entertainment value.
In the close-up section, the Chinese Idol caught my fancy.
It would be quite difficult to make but a phone call to
Supreme confirmed that they still stock it. Indeed quite a
number of the items in the book were put out by Supreme
when Edwin was there and are still marketed by them. They
include such items as Spaceman Sam, Funny Bunny Badge
and Ribbon Rings. A couple of items, Emergency Stop and
the Doodit Tube, can be obtained direct from Edwin
himself.
Before buying something, I like to know that which,
understandably, dealers rarely want to divulge, namely
exactly how the effect works and how the props are con-
structed. Well, here the working and construction are
explained in detail by Edwin, so if there is something here
for you (and there is so much that there must be), you may be
able to buy it from Supreme and be certain of getting a
professional prop that is colourful and looks good.
There are many other items that have not been marketed,
so if you go to the trouble of making any of them, you will be
unlikely to be bothered by children shouting "Seen it"!
Sometimes Edwin gives the bare bones of an effect, with
several ideas for presentation, sometimes he gives a routine
and sometimes he gives the patter that he, himself, has used.
This cannot be copied verbatim unless you have Edwin's
ebullient style but it is a useful starting point for working out
your own presentation.
This book is described as Edwin's Finale. It is no secret
that he has not been enjoying good health recently. I am sure
you all join me in wishing him well. I recommend this book.
I hope Edwin has found writing it so therapeutic that he will
write another one.
CHARLES RUTTER
226
DARLING JENNIE: THE STORY OF JENNIE
ANDERSON, NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST
PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN
By James V. Reilly. Soft boards, 21 x 15 cm., illustrated,
28pp. Hamilton, New Zealand: Magicana. Price £5.00 plus
£1.00 airmail postage (U.S. $10.00, airmail postage $1.00)
from J. V. Reilly, 16 Lugton Street, Hamilton 2001, New
Zealand.
This delightful little monograph charts Jim Reilly's highly
commendable researches to uncover the sadly brief career of
New Zealand's first professional magician, a young woman
whose conjuring promise was tragically terminated in 1875
by drowning when her theatrical company was crossing the
Waitaki River in N.Z's South Island. While today's feminists
can rightly take pride in the fact that this N.Z. magical
pioneer was a woman, piquancy was added to both the tale
and the trail by a news cutting from an unidentified Austra-
lian newspaper which indicated that this lady, who was per-
forming under the stage name of Jennie Anderson, was a
daughter of John Henry Anderson, the Great Wizard of the
North.
The author's persistent efforts have now revealed that
Jennie was not an Anderson but was born Jane Whiteside in
Northern Ireland in 1855 and was taken to New Zealand as a
one-year-old when her father enlisted in the 65th (2nd York-
shire North Riding) Regiment and was posted there.
Jennie's professional appearances successively as tight rope
dancer, lady "trapezienne", Japanese impersonator and
magicienne, under various noms de theatre, are traced
through contemporary newspaper advertisements and
reviews. Her marriage to Frank Verten, a member of the
troupe she had joined, occurred only a few months before
she lost her life.
This fascinating slice of New Zealand magical history is
attractively produced in a limited edition of 250 signed
copies. It is nicely illustrated, there are displayed newspaper
advertisements, a copy of the death record and also a map to
show the route of Jennie's theatrical tour. Jim Reilly is to be
congratulated on his endeavours which have clarified a tan-
talising uncertainty regarding the Anderson family, have
chronicled the all-too-short career of a petite magicienne
who was barely 20 years of age when she lost her life and
have established her role as New Zealand's first professional
conjurer. Warmly recommended for everyone in magic
whose horizons extend beyond the tricks themselves.
EDDIE DAWES
YOUR OWN SUPER MAGIC SHOW
By Marvin Miller, illustrated by Rowan Barnes-Murphy.
Published by Hippo Books, Scholastic Publications Ltd.,
London. U.K. price £2.99.
With Christmas on its way, here is an excellent stocking fil-
ler for any young child who is likely to develop an interest in
magic. It consists of just eight tricks, the props for which are
contained in the book in the form of press-out cards.
The book and the props are bright and colourful and
should give a great deal of pleasure to most youngsters who
are budding magicians. With the exception of a couple of
errors in the artwork, the instructions are reasonably clear
and most kids of seven and above should be able to follow
them with a little help.
PETER ELDIN
JOHN PENROSE'S CABARET COLLECTION
Edited and illustrated by Scott Penrose. Sixty-four pages,
spiral bound, with art board cover. £12.95 + 65p p&p
( U.K.) from most dealers or direct from Scott Penrose, 17
Berkeley Drive, Billericay, Essex CM12 OYE
For many years I opened one of my silent acts with a ver-
sion of Blendo I first saw in Abra. It was like renewing an
acquaintance with an old friend when I came across it in this
excellent book. Having used this item for many years I can
personally vouch for its practicality and effectiveness. These
attributes are equally applicable to all of the 25 effects in this
book for this is not a collection of pipe dreams; it is a book
of practical visual magic.
I particularly liked Comedy Silk Vanish, a surprising and
amusing addition to an old sucker-type vanish of a silk. I
have often used the standard routine but I plan to try out this
version as soon as I can persuade my wife to adapt my
clothes for it.
In another silk vanish, Flash Silk Vanish, a silk is pushed
into a paper tube. When a burning cigarette or lighter is
applied to one end of the tube, a ball of flame shoots from
the other end. The paper tube is then unrolled and the silk
has vanished.
Silkane Transpo, the instantaneous transposition of a silk
and a cane, will fit into most silent manipulative acts and I
shall be very surprised if I do not see several performers
using this before long.
It is not my intention to mention every trick but I can
assure you that any working magician will get something of
value from this book.
One thing that impressed with the effects is that the
methods are so clean. This is no doubt due to the fact that
John Penrose has ironed out all the snags during numerous
performances.
Definitely not for table toppers, finger flingers or cardi-
cians but beautiful magic for stage or cabaret which is
especially suitable for silent acts.
All in all it is a superb collection of real magic and
deserving of a big readership.
PETER ELDIN
THE SECOND BRITISH CLOSE-UP MAGIC
SYMPOSIUM
Compiled and edited by Mark Leveridge with character
drawings by Jat, £6 or $12 post paid from Mark Leveridge
Magic, 29 Wrefords Close, Exeter, Devon EX4 5AY.
This book features contributions from all 11 performers
who appeared at the 1991 British Close-up Symposium held
at Bath University on 17th March.
Shaun McCree provides a routine in which three coins
vanish singly and then reappear one at a time. Also with
coins are a move for the Gosham Pinch and a Spellbound
climax from Geoff Ray.
A version of Ir y Weiner's "Triple Transposition" is Dan
Garrett's offering and very effective it is too.
There is also an unusual routine with signatures, yours
and a spectator's, from Mike Austin and a simple but neat
idea using badges is Mark Leveridge's own contribution.
227
Michael Vincent's version of the Carmen D'Amico One
Hand Double Snapover is way beyond my feeble finger
flinging, but if you can manage a Pinky Count you are well
on the way. Cards also feature in Give Us A Flash from Bob
Swadling, an effective, startling and unusual revelation of a
card using a flash cube that flashes automatically. It takes
some making up but the effect is well worth the trouble.
Highlight of the book is Tony Rix's full description of the
goldfish production from a borrowed note. Anyone wishing
to feature this effect would be well advised to read this for
Tony has covered everything — including the size of fish to
use, the glass, the containers, preparation and care of the
fish.
At such a low price, this book has to be excellent value for
money — and it is. Very highly recommended.
PETER ELDIN
PUNX'S FOURTH DIMENSIONAL MYSTERIES
Published by Exclusive Magical Publications, P.O. Box
12-655, Mexico D.E, 03020 Mexico. U.S.$47.50 (plus 15%
shipping).,
The name "Punx" may not mean much to some of today's
younger performers — but if you are at all interested in mental
magic then the name will need no further introduction. A
German mentalist, Punx established a unique international
reputation with some astounding effects back in the 50s/60s
(enthusiasts will recall some memorable Punx effects and
ideas in Corinda's "Thirteen Steps ...") but rarely have
many of Punx's routines appeared in English until now.
Translated into English, this book is a compilation of
seven booklets of his material that Punx previously released
only in German (although the first booklet was subsequently
released in limited quantities in English) plus, as a bonus,
"The Super Punx Test".
All the material, although some of it is now a little dated,
demonstrates an approach to "entertaining mentalism" that
was in itself quite brilliant. Punx believes strongly that "The
spoken part (patter) of a (mentalist/psychic entertainer's)
presentation must be able to stand by itself, without any
magical effects. The tricks themselves simply serve to enrich
the presentation." This view is amply demonstrated in the
book and, for every effect, Punx's full patter and presenta-
tion are given. For modern audiences, of course, some of
this patter would of necessity need to be updated or
changed.
Not all the effects will be new to the reader. To me, by far
the best are "The Punx Test" and "The Punx Prediction"
(which appeared in the Corinda book), Grant's "Million
Dollar Trick" (I first saw David Nixon perform a version of
this many, many years ago) and "Reflecta-Thot" (from the
fertile brain of Larry Becker) — full credits are given and, as
the introduction from the sixth booklet says, "The most fas-
cinating thing about Punx is his unique ability to take old
tricks, make something completely new out of them and
then offer up a routine that no one has ever dreamed of
before . . .
So, whether you are a keen mentalist, just like to include
the occasional mental item or are merely interested in magic
and magicians, this book should be in your collection. I
wholeheartedly recommend it.
MORLEY BUDDEN
 QUICK QUIZ No. 27
Sons and Daughters MAGIC CIRCLE DEGREES
1. Chung Ling Soo's son is a member of The
Magic Circle. Who is he?
PLEASE ENQUIRE NOW!
2. Which magician was the father of Ionia, For INFORMATION regarding
Goddess of Mystery? EMAMINATlOh5 and APPLICATION FORM
3. Levante's daughter took over his act when he
retired. Give her first name. Participation in The Magic Circle or other
4. Who was the father of Fu Manchu? functions at HOME or ABROAD may be
5. Whose daughter, Louise, performed with her used but should you have any problems
father as "The Second-sighted Sybil"? PLEASE write to me.
6. Who were the three grandsons of J. N. MOM-RECEIPT OF CERTIFICATES
Maskelyne? Please give date awarded and, M05T IMPORTANT,
7. Who has performed the Water Torture escape name required on certificate.
in his father's show? All enquiries must include
8. Robert-Houdin presented an act with his elder large self-addressed envelope
son. What kind of act? What was his son's name? U.K. stamped 1st class-
9. Jane often appeared in her father's overseas $2 postal coupon.
show from 1928 until his death (1936). Who was
he? All mail to:
10. Whose son wrote "Key dates in the life of J. N. LES MOTTLE
Maskelyne" in The Magic Circular in 1985? Examination Secretary, The Magic Circle,
(Solution next month) 74 Cherrydown Avenue, Chingford,
GEOFFREY LAMB A.I.M.C. London E4 8DU, England

THE NEW MAGIC CIRCLE SHOW CASE

JEWELS for wear at functions, etc . ......................................................................................... 7.50
BUTTONBADGES for appropriate degree ............................................................................... 4.00
MAGICCIRCLE CUFF LINKS, new design ............................................................................. 9.50
MAGICCIRCLE TIES, maroon or navy blue ........................................................................... 6.00
MAGICCIRCLE CAR BADGES ............................................................................................ 6.00
MAGICCIRCLE STICK PINS, new design .............................................................................. 7.50
LEATHERBOOK MARKS, new design ................................................................................... 1.50
MAGICCIRCLE BANNERS in red silk ................................................................................... 5.00
COASTERS, box of six in red, blue, black ................................................................................ 5.00
CHINA MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .................................................................................. 4.00
POTTERY MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .............................................................................. 2.00
SILVER-PLATED TEASPOON, motif in red ............................................................................. 2.50
BOOKMATCHES, 10 boxes .................................................................................................. 3.50
BALL-POINT PENS ............................................................................................................. 0.50
SPORTSCAPS, blue with Magic Circle motif ............................................................................ 8.50
PLAYINGCARDS, (Magic Circle), red or black/red) .................................................................. 2.00
KEYRINGS ....................................................................................................................... 1.50
12" BALLOONS with The Circle badge on, 10 of mixed colours .................................................... 1.50
SVENGALI PACKS, Magic Circle cards, blue back only (with instructions) ..................... (p&p 75p) 3.50 (New)
Obtainable in the Club Room from Jack Mayes Postal enquiries to:-
JACK MAYES, 153 DERBY WAY, STEVENAGE, HERTS SG1 5TN
Tel.: 0438 352433
Cheques to be made payable to The Magic Circle
Please add £1.00 for badges and jewels, cuff links and other small items. Mugs, please add £1.50.
Some of the above items are ideal for presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc.,
i.e., book marks, mugs, coasters, pens, matches, key rings and silver-plated spoons

228

LETTERS
It has come to my attention that an anonymous
letter has been sent to several prominent people in
magic, and that this contains libellous statements
which could obviously appertain to myself. There-
fore, may I please place on record several points:-
1. It is common knowledge that I have in my posses-
sion an extensive collection of magical artefacts.
2. As stated in the issue of "Genii" for February 1991,
it is my ambition that one day this should be housed
along the lines of Robert Lund's American
Museum of Magic in the U.S.A.
3. For this long-term purpose the collection has a
registered title, the British Conjuring Collection.
4. Until it is housed in this way, it remains a private
museum and archive in my own home accessible to
my friends in magic alone.
5. The collection is continually expanding, some-
times out of the generosity of friends, but more
frequently by my purchasing material at fair
market rates from accredited dealers, at auction,
and in private sales where, unlike so many, I never
offer less than what I imagine a dealer would have
charged. On those few occasions when material
has been requested from a particular performer or
collector, it has always been on the assumption that
a commercial transaction will ensue. At no point
has material been gained under false pretences.
Sadly, the letter circulating is another manifestation
of the poisonous jealousy that is surfacing so often
within the magic community. I have devoted a large
part of my life to championing the cause of magic both
on television and in print. My museum project is
another manifestation of a desire to see magic treated
with the respect that its great traditions of the past,
coupled with the reputions of its finest performers of
the present, deserve. That all this should be eroded by
the malicious sniping of either a jealous collector, or a
performer resentful because I have not booked him or
her for a T.V. show, or a twisted individual who just
resents my success generally, is a matter of great
sadness. What makes matters more painful is that I
probably know this person at first hand, and the next
time we meet he or she will play out a masquerade of
continuing comradeship. But it may not come to that.
The perpetrator can rest assured that should his or her
identity be discovered, legal proceedings will be
instigated. Meanwhile, the world of magic will draw
its own conclusions.
JOHN FISHER
229
I can only make the supposition that Harry
Carson's article (August issue — "Seen It") was desig-
nated for "bait" to react to. If so, then I've truly taken
the hook!
It really is a shame that the overall tone of his article
falls in line with the "mother knows best" attitude. He
makes the fatal flaw of speaking "down" rather than
"to" many who have the art of entertaining children
but are not necessarily household names.
Surely, "It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do
it", Mr. Carson. I would have thought it makes no dif-
ference whether you have the full armoury of the
depot houses or the finest cut and paste jobs from your
garden shed behind you. Today's child of the 90's will
evoke the "Seen it" comment (and more besides) just
as much as their 50's counterparts. Why should the
kids' entertainer feel such a statement is perjorative to
his ability? If so then the breakaway wand would long
have been consigned to the museum collection.
It seems prep stuff to say this but in my opinion (and
I stress these last three words), a children's entertainer
has to rely far more on his or her personality than the
material taken along in the suitcase. Getting the
children to like you is the linch-pin of the exercise.
When you have a crowd of extremely volatile children
sometimes talking very little English, I cannot
imagine the pages of Hoffman or Anneman coming to
your rescue. Without personality to fit the occasion,
the entertainer is doomed to burn in the everlasting
fires of juvenile torment.
Or to put it more succinctly .....It don't mean a
thing, if it ain't got that swing!".
GEOFF DONALD
ALL
ADVERTISING
MATTER
To: PETER ELDIN
29 Fourth Avenue
Grantham, Lincs. NG31 9TS
0476 60657
Rates for loll, Half and Quarter page
advertisements, etc. on application.
All advertisement copy should be received
not later than the 1st of the month for
publication in the following month's issue.
 DAVID DEVANT'S TOMB
BY S. H. SHARPE
E MAGIC CIRCULAR for January 1987
contained a contribution by me called "High-
gate Revisited", regarding a visit to Devant's
last resting place, to which the following information
may be of interest as being additional:
Old Highgate Cemetery West 8
Grave No. 16167
The tombstone bears this inscription:
MATILDA E. WIGHTON
died 18 April 1887
JAMES WIGHTON
died 21 January 1901
MARY WIGHTON
died 8 July 1918
JESSIE WIGHTON
died 3 November 1934
DAVID WIGHTON, known as David
Devant, son of the above, Mary and
James Wighton, who died October 13th,
1941, aged 73 years.
T'is vain for you to rise betimes,
Or late from rest to keep.
To feed on sorrows bread so gives
He his beloved sleep.
Psalm CXXVII
The question arises: Should it read "son of Matilda
and James", since Devant had two sisters — Mary and
Jessie?
Also he was sometimes assisted in his performances
by "his sister, Dora", who presumably was one of
CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Arrow, Ian, Flat 1, 50 Gough Street, London WC1. (071-837
5303.)
Bunce, Ross F, 58 Bulstrode Court, Oxford Road, Gerrards
Cross, Bucks. SL9 7RU. (0753 889963.)
Djanogly, Raphael, Flat 2, Cleasby Grange, 8 Wollstone-
craft Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset BH5 1JQ.
(0202 395044.)
Frotscher, Rene, Chez Cazabon, 11 Boulevard de Larramet,
31300 Toulouse, France.
Ball, Cyril, Herevale Grange, 14 Grange Road, Hartshill,
Nuneaton CV10 OSS.
Hobbs, William, 2 Hathaway Gardens, Grays, Essex RM17
5LP (0375382361.)
Hoshino, T., Tokyo Magic Co. Ltd., Tetsuyoshi Hoshimo,
2-2-10 KIBA, Kotoku, Tokyo, 135 Japan. (03 3630 5074.)
Kieve, Paul D., 6D Kensington Gardens, Ilford, Essex IG1
3EL. (081-518 2043.)
Letheren, Giles, 14 Kelvin Grange, 29 Trillo Avenue, Rhos-
on-Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 4NS.
230
these sisters, acting under the name of Dora Devant to
match his own stage name.
What was Devant's wife's maiden name (stage name
Marion Melville)? John Fisher informs me that she
died on 9th September, 1928; but where was she
buried? And when did his brother, Ernest, die and
where was he buried?
The Strand Magazine, Vol. 22, pp. 735-43 (1901)
contained an article "A Parlour Seance with David
Devant" by E. T. Sachs, author of Sleight of Hand,
which was reproduced in The Wizard Exposed, com-
piled by Edwin A. Dawes (Meyer, 1987). It includes
photos and references to a boy of about six years old,
to whom Devant was animatedly demonstrating and
referring to as Ernest:
"Whilst this was being done the con-
jurer's voice was raised in a loud call for
`Ernest'. `Ernest is no other than Devant,
junior, and he made his appearance out of
the gloom and, for all I could see to the
contrary, he might have come through the
wall."
Devant was 33 years old at this time. I think his
daughter, Vida, was born in about 1905 but this is the
only reference that I know of which mentions him ever
having a son. If Ernest was indeed his son, he must
have been born about 1896.
Devant's brother, Ernest, was advance manager for
his Provincial Touring Company in 1898; so could
young Ernest have been his son? It appears to be
another case of the importance of being Ernest!
Lloyd, Raymond, 8 Wykwood, Liphook, Hants. GU30
7AJ.
Newman, Brian, 48 Albemarle Gardens, Gants Hill, Ilford,
Essex IG2 6DL.
Palin, Michael, The Old House, Lymington Road, Milford-
on-Sea, Hants. (0272 298711.)
Reay, Kevin, 135 Hart Lane, Hartlepool, Cleveland.
Roiter, Herve, c/o Brand, P.O. Box 1905, 91017, Jerusalem,
Israel.
Samuel, Philip, "Tweed", 8-10 Silverdale Road, Eastbourne,
East Sussex BN20 7AL. (0323 22392.)
Snell, Lionel, The Bakery, Suttons Mill, Cranham,
Gloucester GL4 8HX. (0452 812450.)
Spooner, Philip, The Abbey, Abbey Street, Crewkerne,
Somerset TA18 7HY. (0460 76068.)
Snook, Fred, 6 Dovedale Cottage, Battersea Park Road,
London SWI1. (071-223 6623.)
Wiseman, Richard, Top Left Flat, 43 Lothian Street,
Edinburgh EH1 1HB. (031-225 1464.)
 (
^i I i

TAN HOCK CHUAN, M.I.M.C.

AN HOCK CHUAN died in Singapo re on 28th September, 1991 aged 83. He had been afflicted with Parkinson's
T disease for the last few years but remained alert and cheerful till the end, keeping up with the latest magical
literatu re until he could no longer hold a book. About a year ago, it became impossible for him to hold a pen an d this
put an end to the vast correspondence he kept up with magici an s all over the globe. He spent the last month of his life
in the hospice of the Mt. Alvernia Hospital and, after a service on 1st Octo ber at the Kampong Kapur Methodist
Church, he was c re mated at Mt. Vernon. By profession, he had been a teacher of mathematics.
He was a pro lific contributor to many magical magazines an d in 1937 became the first Asi an to be given the
Sphinx Award. Many of his inventions have joined the classics of magic. Porous Glass was one such. He st re amlined
Benson Dulay's Multum in Parvo an d Tan's version was put out by Max Andrews during the 50s with, I gather, the
glasses specially made by Pyrex. Tan's version is the one we know nowadays — but made in Perspex.
Are as published his Rough and Smooth Possibilities in 1949 an d later the re was an American compilation of a
lot of his tricks but Thn was disappointed by the st an dard of this publication.
He had a vast knowledge of magic and its history, was a brilli an t inventor and an excellent performer. When
Singapo re gained its independence, Tan took part in a show given for Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent.
He welcomed to his house, pret ty well every conju re r who passed through Singapo re , from illusionists like
Virgil down to lesser fry.
I was delighted when, on his way back home from the American Convention in 1969, he arrived unexpectedly
in Cheltenham and stayed with me for a few days.
He leaves a widow, Chye Neo, two sons (Robert an d Kenneth), four gr an dsons and a g re at-gr an dson.
RAE HAMMOND

TOP PRICES PAID

For vintage apparatus.' conjuring sets, books, ephemera, early Davenport ventriloquial heads. One
item or an entire collection. Also early Circus and Wild West (Buffalo Bill) posters. For example:

POSTERS (in very fine condition) HOUDINI (for our personal collection)
— Chung Ling Soo will pay £300 and up — Signed photos we pay £300 and up
— Leroy, Talma and Bosco will pay £175 and up — Posters £1,000 and up

BOOKS/CONJURING SETS
— Some pre 1820 works will pay upwards of £5,000
— Early boxwood French or German sets as high as £1,000 depending on size, completeness

For large and significant accumulations, we will travel and arrange shipping and
packing, pay cash or certified funds on the spot. We are the oldest and the
largest in this field, established since 1968.

MARIO CARRANDI, JR, MMC

Antiquarian Magic and Collectibleso
122 Monroe Avenue
Belle Mead, New Jersey 08502, USA
Phone: 908-874-0630 Fax: 908-874-4892
(Send US$10 for a copy of our latest photo illustrated catalogue with over 50 pages, the largest
and most comprehensive in the field. An encyclopaedia of collectibles by itself)

231
 THE MAGIC CIRCLE NEW PREMISES
CAN YOU HELP?
Our new headquarters buildings are getting under way with extensive plans for
refurbishment. It will take time, money and your help.
We are, of course, employing an architect, civil engineer and main building contractor but
there may well be areas where you or your friends can help us keep costs down, particularly in the
supply of equipment, furniture and furnishings, etc.
We are compiling a register of members and others who may have special knowledge, skills
or contacts in:
Building crafts/materials
Technical assistance in theatre, light, sound, display, etc.
Interior design and decor
Supply of equipment — electrical, heating, catering, etc.
Manufacture/supply of furniture and/or soft furnishings
Office furniture and equipment, etc.
Carpets/flooring
Decorating materials
Light fittings
Sanitary ware
Picture framing
Signs, signwriting, hand-written script
Printing/stationery
Door furniture, etc.
We are, of course, looking for the very highest standards in both skills and materials so
that the renovated buildings will form a new headquarters to be proud of.
Brian Miller is compiling a register for future use. We hope work will start early in 1992, so
if you can help — or know anyone who can — please contact
Brian Miller
26 South Park Crescent
Ilford
Essex
IG1 1XU
Phone (10.00 a.m. — 5.00 p.m.) 081-478 2900
Thank you.
Michael Bailey
Vice-President

232
 COPYRIGHT NOTICE MGM!
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Tel: 0237 479266 Fax: 0237 421440

THUS IS THE VIDEO ALL CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINERS

WILL WANT TO SEE!
THE MMAVIC PARTY VIDEO
is a l hour 45 minute video many of the items in action
recorded when Mark
presented the lecture for
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will enjoy Games, Magic,
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first hand just how effective
the Magic Party concept is.
The video also includes some
Warm Ups plus a whole array material not revealed in the
of vital advice, tips and Th book, so everyone interested
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commercial shows. p y can benefit.
ar ^^^^
Based on the highly If you take
successful Magic Party Book, entertaining the modern
this video allows you to see child seriously, you- really

should have this valuable video. Available in VHS PAL and VHS NTSC formats.
PRICE:- £29.50 $60.00

Mark Leveridge Magic, 29 Wrefords Close, Exeter, Devon Eli SAY, England
^,4 Fe!:-0392 52000 Fax: - 0392 135725

- J- yy 1. N sl'
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-. ; 1 Now In Its 55th Year
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In addition each issue contains details
of several effects from the range of Repro
Magic, available exclusively to sub-
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sational competition with prizes totalling
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Annual membership is just £9.95.
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(^' r GENII - P.O.BOX 36068,

LOS ANGELES, CA, 90036 U.S.A.
y_ FAX: (213) 933-4820 46 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RY
Telephone: (071) 720 6257

For Your Address Book...

PRES IDENT: David BERGLAS, M.I.M.C., 6 Great North Road, Barnet, Herts. EN51 1S.081-4406688.
VICE-PRESIDENT AND APPEAL DIRECTOR: Michael BAILEY, M.I.M.C., Gunsgreen, Firway, Grayshott, Surrey
GU26 6JQ. 0428 713472.
SECRETARY: Christopher PRATT, M.I.M.C., 13 Calder Avenue, Brookmans Park, Herts. AL9 7AH. 0707 54971 to
whom all annual subscription, general and policy matters and changes of address should be addressed.
TREASURER: Brian MILLER, M.I.M.C., 26 South Park Crescent, Ilford, Essex IG1 1XU. 081-478 1175 to whom
matters of finance, other than subscriptions, should be addressed.
CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Derrick SPEIGHT, M.I.M.C., Upstream, Trout Rise, Loudwater, Rickmansworth, Herts.
0923 720431.
WELFARE OFFICER: Richard STUPPLE, M.I.M.C., 61 Springfield Avenue, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8JB. 0234
851607.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Harry DEVANO, M.I.M.C., 17 Cedarhurst Drive, Eltham, London SE9 5LP.
081-850 8264.
EDITOR OF THE MAGIC CIRCULAR: Peter ELDIN, M.M.C., 29 Fourth Avenue, Grantham, Lincs. NG31 9TS.
0476 60657.
NON-RECEIPT OF CIRCULAR: Michael CANDY, M.M.C., "Sound of Music," Harthall Lane, Hemel Hempstead,
Herts, HP3 8SE. 0923 267057 to whom all queries on NON-RECEIPT of The Magic Circular should be sent.
LIBRARIAN AND BOOK POSTAL SERVICE: Peter LANE, M.I.M.C., 17 Milton Road, Ickenham, Middx. UB10 8NH.
0895 674124 to whom all books borrowed by post should be returned.
PUBLIC REATIONS OFFICER: Jack DELVIN, M.I.M.C., 18 Lodge Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 OQQ. 0689 826169.
EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY: Les NOTTLE, M.I.M.C., 74 Cherrydown Avenue, Chingford, London E4 8DU. 081-
529 5591 from whom details of examinations and non-receipt of certificates may be obtained.
BENEVOLENT FUND SECRETARY: C. Michael COLLEY, M.I.M.C., The Hollies, Oak Street, Lechlade,
Gloucestershire GL7 3AX. 0367 52482.
MONDAY NIGHT HOST: Neville COOPER, A.I.M.C., 5 Scarsdale Villas, London W8 6P T. 081-937 4710.
AT HOMES: Dick JAMES, A.I.M.C., 6 Compton Terrace, The Green, Winchmore Hill N21. 081 - 882 5522.
CURATOR: Henry LEWIS, ES.V.A., M.I.M.C., 24 Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, Middx. 081-958 2525.
ENTERTAINMENTS COMMITTEE: Alan SHAXON, M.I.M.C.; Ali BONGO, M.I.M.C., c/o 7 Rivermount, Walton-
on-Thames, Surrey KT122PW" 0932 228796.
When writing to any of the above please enclose s.a.e. (A4-size envelope) or International Reply Coupon

Printed be Barnard & Crannis Ltd.. Unit 3B. Lea'afire Trading Estate. angel Road. Edmonton. London S IN 3HR. and published by The \lagic Circle". The Victor, Services Club, 63 . 79 Secmour Street. London R'2 2HE
ThUIR IL
DECEMBER 1991

___ r/ _/11 flY I 1111

1

Li J1IL!/IR W1
There was an immediate response to the appeal for funds for the new premises in the
September/October issue of "The Magic Circular".

Cheques have been rolling in and thanks are due to everyone who donated
straight away. But more, much more, is needed if we are to start work on the exciting
plans we have for refurbishing our headquarters.

Don't forget, our target is

£500,000

One way of making some money is to consider a show in your area. A number
of members have tried this and it does work. Jack Delvin recently ran an evening at
the R. A. C. Club in Epsom and with the help of Circle members raised £400 for the
Appeal. Thanks to Jack and to all who provided their close-up and stage magic on
that occasion.

Your President is doing his best to find the bigger donations from a number of
sources and, as soon-as we have some published plans and drawings showing what we
want to achieve in the new Headquarters, we will be tackling other areas, especially
the possibility of getting grants.

Meanwhile, we do need YOUR help. So, if you haven't yet given, this is the
moment. Just write a cheque payable to "The Magic Circle Appeal" and send it NOW
to
3 Cronks Hill Close
Meadvale
Redhill
Surrey
England
RH1 6BR

or use the addressed envelope we enclosed with the September/October "Circular".

And, if you read this before Christmas, have a very happy one.

Michael Bailey
Vice- Pnsidatt
 DECEMBER 1991

TtM1E
1
I I I :R
Vol. 85 The Magazine of The Magic Circle No. 921

CONTENTS
PAGE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ........................................................................... 234
SCENEAND HEARD ................................................................................. 235
THEMAGIC CIRCLE AWARDS BANQUET 1991 ............................................ 238
CASTINGTHE RUNES .............................................................................. 239
NUT AND BOLT ........................................................................................ 41
ADAIR'S IDEAS ....................................................................................... 241
AMERICANSPOTLIGHT .............................. ...............................
I. ............. 242
ARICH CABINET OF MAGICAL CURIOSITIES ............................................ 244
"STARS OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE" ............................................................... 246
SHOWAND LECTURE REPORTS ............................................................... 247
VIDEOVIEW ............................................................................................ 252
THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN MAGICIANS' EUROPEAN CHARTER ...... 253
LETTERS ................................................................................................ 254
ADDITIONS TO THE MAGIC CIRCLE FOUNDATION MUSEUM ..................... 256
MONTHLYROUTINE MATTERS ................................................................ 258
OBITUARY ............................................................................................... 260
CHANGESOF ADDRESS ........................................................................... 260

FRONT PAGE PERSONALITY Popular magician and television illusionist Simon Drake, A.I.M.C., who returns to British
television screens next month with a new series of SECRET CABARET. Read more about it on page 237.

Contributions must reach Peter Eldin by the First of each month if

it is essential they should appear in the following month's issue
and should be typewritten whenever possible.
Peter Eldin, 29 Fourth Avenue, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9TS.

233
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
EEPING busy makes time pass very quickly and I was surprised to realise that this was my third Magic
Circle Banquet as President. Our Banquet used to be the highlight of the year when it was held at the
K sumptuous Cafe Royal. It was abandoned for a number of reasons and since the reinstatement of this
popular event, I am glad to be able to report that the numbers have increased and the venues have improved every
year. This year well over 300 guests enjoyed this dinner/dance and cabaret and we have rekindled the sort of
atmosphere that we enjoyed in the past.
I greatly appreciate all the efforts of John Fisher, who, although busy as Head of Variety at Thames Tele-
vision, found the time to arrange the sensational appearance of the Pendragons at the Banquet. They are con-
sidered to be the top illusion act in the world today and I was pleased to present them with our highest award -
Honorary Members of the Inner Magic Circle, Professional. This has only been given once before, to the legendary
Channing Pollock.
The cabaret was ably compered by Terry Herbert and featured Mystina, whom I had last seen a few months
before at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, where she caused a sensation. Julian Russell also featured in our
cabaret. He became internationally famous for taking charge of a sinking ship near South Africa, after the "brave"
captain had left on one of the first lifeboats!
Once again, I was able to call on my show business friends to speak at the Banquet and, this year, we had
comedian Ted Rogers to propose the toast to The Magic Circle (which he forgot!) and actress and popular tele-
vision personality Ruth Madoc to reply on behalf of the ladies and guests. The Banquet was voted the best ever
and our thanks are due to the hard working team headed by Alan Shaxon, Ali Bongo, Don Robertson, Jack Delvin
and Jack Mayes.
For once I was caught completely off guard by an extra "surprise" during the evening. I had just made the
presentation to the Pendragons, when Jonathan Pendragon created a large flash and through the thick smoke
appeared Michael Aspel with that famous red book, and I became the subject for "This Is Your Life".
After the initial shock I felt very guilty leaving all the guests as I was whisked off to Teddington Studios,
where the programme was recorded at 1 o'clock in the morning. It is scheduled to be screened at 6 p.m. on
Christmas Day. The after-show party at Thames Television continued until the early hours and it was a great
pleasure to be surrounded by so many good friends, old acquaintances and, in particular, my family.
On a sadder note, we recently lost three well known names in the world of magic — Harry Stanley, Alan
Kennaugh and George Martin.
Harry Stanley's name is well known to most magicians. It was he who brought magical dealership into the
twentieth century. Effects he sold in the 1950's are still classics to this day and his passing is a great loss to the world
of magic. He was also instrumental in introducing us to such famous names as Dai Vernon, Slydini and numerous
others.
Alan Kennaugh, writing in the TVTimes and other periodicals, did much to promote magic. He will be
sorely missed and our condolences go to Elizabeth Warlock. Alan made a great contributiion to magic and,
through his writings, will not be forgotten.
Many magicians will remember the name of George Martin as he was closely associated with David Nixon,
writing for all his television series and, later, wrote the Basil Brush shows. He started in show business as The
Casual Comedian" and became a popular personality on television.
Now that we have purchased premises we are working very hard towards creating an ideal environment for
our headquarters. I have received many valuable suggestions from members and would still like to hear from
anyone who has constructive ideas to offer. Remember, this is YOUR Club and now is the time top4an ahead.
My best wishes go to all of you and your families for a very happy Christmas and a truly mapcal new year.
E 'm BERGLAS

234
 SCENE & HEARD MOTORWAY MAGIC
If someone suggested that you perform in the
middle of a motorway, you would probably take it as
Compiled by PETER ELDlN an insult. But when Colin Hooton was asked to do the
very same thing it turned out to be a genuine booking.
As a result, he performed for an hour on the new A1-
M1 motorway in Northamptonshire recently.
POG COOKS UP A MAGICAL MEAL
Pog the Wizard put on a magical performance Luckily for Colin, it was prior to the motorway
during McDonalds' McHappy Day in Sutton Cold- being opened!
field recently. He entertained the children while local
police and firemen served up the Big Macs to the
small fries.
Local newspaper reports featured Pog, who looks
like a reincarnation of Merlin, and the event resulted
in a substantial donation to Ronald McDonald's
Children's Charities Fund.

DANTE - THE DEVIL HIMSELF

At long last, Phil Temple's book on Dante has been
published. As announced in The Magic Circular for
December, 1990, it was originally due for publication
at the end of last year but Phil was beset with a number
of obstacles that delayed production. It has taken
some time but the wait has proved worth it. The
extended delay enabled Phil to increase the number of
photographs, posters and other related material
resulting in a massive A4-size book of 251 pages plus
a reprint of a Dante booklet "Fifty Tricks For
Everyone". I am certainly enjoying reading it and I
am sure most other magicians will enjoy it equally as
much: Phil Temple's address is P.O. Box 561, Novato,
California 94948, U.S.A. Tel.: 415 897 5130.
A
Colin Hooton

A sunny day helped draw a huge audience to watch

balloon modelling and magic. One little girl helper,
neatly attired in cook's hat and apron, said in a loud
voice: This is a funny place to bake a cake". A
spontaneous comment that brought a great roar of
laughter, better than any planned patter.
The whole event attracted some 3,000 people and
raised substantial cash for the mentally handicapped.
Well done, Colin.

L. to r. Arturo Montes, Phil Temple, Moi -yo Miller Montes
and Doll y Haines at the launch party for Phil Temple's book
"Dante — The Devil Himself'.
PRESTIDIGITATION IN PORTUGAL
Dick Marvel is currently programming the third
"Festival of Street Magic" planned for August 1992.
He would like to hear from performers who specialise
in street magic and who would like to take part.
Videos and other relevant information should be sent
to Dick Marvel, Apartado 101, 4501 Espinho Codex,
Portugal.
All donations received during the day will go to the
performers. There will also be two evening shows, the
proceeds from which will be donated to an organisa-
tion for handicapped children. Three prizes will be
awarded for the best performances, the top being a
cash prize of U.S.$1,000.

235
"HARRY BLACKSTONE'S HOLIDAY MAGIC
SHOW"
"Harry Blackstone's Holiday Magic Show" appears
on stage at the Chicago Auditorium Theater, Thurs-
day, 12th December and disappears 29th December.
The "Harry Blackstone Holiday Magic Show",
starring the legendary Blackstone, will astound and
entertain the entire family. This magical musical
extravaganza will feature a company of over 50 inclu-
ding musicians, singers and dancers. This gigantic
company will perform such holiday spectacles as the
colourful "Toyland" with giant toy soldiers, "Holiday
Circus" featuring acrobats and jugglers, "A Moorish
Fantasy" with a disappearing elephant and "The
Twelve Songs of Christmas" featuring a jolly surprise
guest! Of course, this spectacular "Holiday Magic
Show" would not be complete without including
Blackstone's trademark illusions The Dancing Hand-
kerchief, The Incredible Buzz Saw and The Amazing
Floating Lightbulb.
LUVVA DUCK'S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
A new and original pantomime story is the latest
production from Cheeky Dog Promotions, written
and presented by the Luton family entertainers
partnership of Alan, Jane and David Tomkins.
This pantomime story makes its debut in five shows
at the Queensway Hall, Dunstable, Beds. from
Thursday, 26th December, 1991 to Sunday, 29th
December, 1991 inclusive.
Family audiences will be introduced to new puppet
and live characters including Luvva Duck, Red Nose
Rudolph. Frosty Snowman, Pixie Pumpkin,
Wonderland Witch and the Christmas Tree Fairy plus
old favourites including the Kiddy Klowns, Cheeky
Dog and a guest appearance of Father Christmas. All
seats cost £2.75 and can be booked through the box
office. Tel.: Dunstable 603326. Unsold tickets will be
available for sale on the day of the show. All magical
friends are most welcome.
236
ROYAL PERFORMANCES
In October. John Styles once again had the pleasure
of entertaining Prince Harry, together with H.R.H.
the Princess of Wales and the children of King Con-
stantine of Greece.
Two weeks later, John did a repeat performance,
when the group included Prince William, home for
the half-term holiday.
Having entertained Prince Harry and friends some
weeks earlier, this made it the third royal performance
for John in six weeks — which must be something of a
record.
In conversation. John told the Princess of The
Circle's new headquarters and they spoke of Lord
Mountbatten and Prince Charles's interest in magic.
When, with her assistance, John "lost" her ring, she
graciously accepted the fact that it was probably her
fault and later when John asked his audience if he
could borrow some money, she told him, "You've
picked the wrong crowd here!".
TABLE TALK
These Magicians Tables were donated to The Magic Cirle
Museum, November 1991 by Mrs. Pamela Dean of Dorset.
They had originally been made by her grandfather. Alfred
Hayes, M.LM.C., who passed away in 1925. These were dis-
covered in the attic of the house of his son E I. Haves,
M.M.C., who (lied this year. They were constructed circa
1880. Each table has four wells, each concealed by velvet cov-
ers and in addition a centre trap which can be controlled for
the vanish or appearance of a tumbler or similar item, the
controls are in the table pedestals. Both tables have not been
restored and are in remarkably good condition and doubtless
they will be an attractive showpiece in our new musuem. Our
member Stuart Murray was instrumental in bringing to the
notice of your Curator the possible availability of these tables.
EUROPEAN CONVENTION
'The third European Convention of Magicians will
be held from 6th to 10th May in Baden-Baden, Ger-
many. The annual convention of the I.B.M.-
Deutschland will be held at the same time.
A competition, which the organisers claim "is cur-
rently unique in its own way", will be held during the
convention. Closing date for registration of
competitors is 29th February, 1992.
Other events scheduled include a magical opening,
grand inauguration gala, a secondhand market for
magicians and collectors, a dinner party, an open air
event, dealers' fair and gala show.
Registration is 290 D.M. if paid before 31st
December and 330 D.M. thereafter. Further details
and registration forms can be obtained from Michael
Holderreid, Convention Organiser, Bahnhofstr. 4,
D-7155, Oppenweiler, Germany. Tel.: 07191 4239.
Fax: 07191 44925 .
HOUDINI POSTERS
The Houdini Historical Center is conducting a
research survey to identify and locate original posters
related to the career of magician and escape artist
Harry Houdini (1874-1926). Information gathered
from the survey will assist staff members in preparing
a national travelling exhibition tentatively scheduled
to begin in the autumn of 1992.
The Houdini Historical Center is a non-profit
educational institution dedicated to the interpretation
of information and artifacts pertaining to the life and
career of Harry Houdini. The survey co-ordinator is
looking for individuals or institutions having original
Houdini posters or information regarding Houdini
theatrical advertising. Contact: Diane Kromm (414)
332-6621 or Moira Thomas (414) 733-8445; or write to
The Houdini Historical Center, 330 E. College
Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911, USA.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be
reproduced, stored in any
retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or
otherwise without permission of
the Editor of
The Magic Circular.
237
SCREEN SCENE
Thames Television have asked me not reveal until
after the event what David Berglas has already
revealed in his President's Message this month! Such
are the problems of a magazine editor. I shall have my
video recorder at the ready at 7.30 p.m. every Wednes-
day evening to record a certain programme but I think
Christmas Day is the day I am most likely to use it.
The video will also be geared up during Christmas
week for the Paul Daniels Christmas Special. This will
be followed by a nine-week series, starting from
Saturday, 11th January I believe.
The first of a new six-week series of Secret Cabaret,
starring Simon Drake, will be on Channel 4 at 10.30
p.m. on 15th January.
In addition to Simon, both as himself and in his
"Mad Max" character there will be regular appear-
ances by David Berglas, Ricky Jay and Max Maven.
David Berglas investigates a variety of fakes, frauds
and phenomenon; Ricky Jay concentrates mainl y on
cards as used for weapons and for gambling; Max
Maven presents occult revelations, musical spirits and
exposes cheats. Also in the world of cheats Frank
Abagnale exposes a variety of cons and there will also
be an array of weird and wonderful acts — everything
from regurgitators to rubber women! Sounds like fun.
Wayne Dobson has also been working on a new
series recently. Lusinda Lusardi will not be featured
for Wayne has six celebrity ladies to assist him. It is
expected that this will be on our screens April/May
time. About the same time John Fisher will be cook-
ing up a new magic series. As yet it is untitled but I
understand that it will be loosely based on the "Com-
ed y Magic Hour" screened earlier this year. I believe
that the Pendragons will be featured and that we can
also look forward to seeing David Williamson, Geoff
Hobson, Terry Seabrooke and Simon Lovell, among
others.
Looks like 1992 is going to be a good year for magic
on the small screen.
 THE MAGIC CIRCLE AWARDS BANQUET 1991
The Setting
For the 324 fortunate guests attending The Magic Circle's Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, 16th November 1991, it was to be
an evening of unpredictability and surprise.
The Forte Crest Hotel in Bloomsbury proved to be a perfect venue. With the music of the Cliff Redgrave Orchestra and guidance
of toastmaster Peter D'Arcy, the atmosphere unfolded to produce a friendly and fun-filled night.
President David Berglas, with lovely wife Ruth, played host to a plethora of show-business personalities which included Paul
Daniels and Debbie McGee, Ruth Madoc, Ted Rogers, Bert Weedon and John Fisher.
Table gifts, courtesy of Lancome, Waddington and Rowntrees, were well received and Jack Mayes provided an artistic and colour-
ful layout of balloons. A presentation was made to June and Peter Pinner, who had met each other at a Circle Banquet 25 years ago, and
then followed the speeches.
The Speeches
The President presented a spoof card trick, assisted by Ruth Madoc and most of the guests, before introducing Ted Rogers who was
to toast The Magic Circle but instead performed a 10-minute stand-up comedy routine which fell short of the mark.
Ruth Madoc, responding to the President, spoke eloquently, her charm and articulation easily winning respect from the audience.
The Awards
"Young Magician of the Year", Phillip Hitchcock, received his well deserved trophy, followed by Peter Jeffries from the West
Midlands who received the Cecil Lyle Award for best trick or illusion published in The Magic Circular during the current year. The John
Nevil Maskelyne Award for Art or Literature in Magic went to popular personality Dennis Patten and Jay Marshall scooped the Carlton
Award for Comedy. In Jay's absence, Billy McComb collected his prize.
The Society's premier award for the magician who has done the most for British magic over the past 40 years went to a stunned and
dumbfounded Alan Shaxon, a popular choice expressed in the ovation he received; a seldom-given award for a very special recipient.
The Cabaret
Terry Herbert compered well and performed a good comedy necktie routine before introducing the opening act, American super
illusionists The Pendragons.
Yes, I did say they opened the show. This mystery in itself was shortly to reveal a major shock to a thunderstruck audience. But first
The Pendragons performed a beautifully choreographed dramatic sword suspension. Their choice of music for this and their other
illusions was perfect. "Interlude" is the name given to their comparatively new illusion first seen on "The Best of Magic" where
Charlotte Pendragon penetrates unbelievably through her husband's stomach whilst he is incarcerated in a cabinet. A hard illusion to
give justice to in words and even harder to believe when viewed live. Their final illusion, the Sub Trunk, featured the fastest change-over
I have ever seen with an uproar of appreciation from the audience, provoking a fitting tribute to a brilliant performance.
The Surprise
Immediately following The Pendragons, David Berglas joined them on the cabaret floor to present them with Honorary
Membership of The Magic Circle. The hand-held camera filming The Pendgragons (we were told for a later show) continued to film as
Jonathan Pendragon announced a final trick, a bang, a flash and in a cloud of smoke Michael Aspel appeared with the now legendary
Red Book under his arm. Our President, caught totally unawares, listened, rendered speechless, as the words "David Berglas, this is
your life" were recited.
The now ecstatic audience watched as David was whisked away with family and friends to Thames TV studios. A brilliantly kept
secret and a wonderful honour for a deserving beneficiary. A possible Christmas Day broadcast has been suggested.
The Cabaret
The second part of the cabaret followed shortly, the artistes, having been somewhat upstaged by the previous excitement, did
tremendously well.
Julian Russell, now renowed for his bravery aboard a sinking Greek ocean liner, performed standard magic with silks, card manips,
coins and an excellent six-linking rings routine. The audience liked him and showed it.
Closing the show was "Mystina" who stormed her way through a great range of productions and vanishes with livestock. Her
energy, charm and well-timed and choreographed movements were a joy to watch.
Altogether a night to remember and a difficult function to follow, but we will. PETER WERTH

DEALERS' DAY
The Officers and Council of The Magic Circle

THANK
Alan Astra, Terry & Norma Burgess, Camtryx, Carole's Waistcoats, Peter Crush, Tony Curtis, Dan Dearing, Eddie Gibson, Goodliffe
Publications, Tony Griffith, Kaymar Magic. Kovari Productions, M.A.C. Magic, Mark Leveridge, Magic Review, Magitrix,
M. & M. Enterprises, Magic Books By Post, Magic Box, M.J.R. Entertainments, Krazy Rabbit, George Norrington, Peerless Leather,
Trik-a-Tape, Progetto Magia, Repro 71, R.A.R. Magic, Sound Ideas, Harold Taylor, Stephen Tucker and Gordon Silk for putting on a
great show.
MY thanks to Ken Lee. Joe Lee, Phil Brissenden, Bill Walahan, Mark Gordon for tireless backstage work; President David Berglas,
Marvin's Magic and Morley Budden for donating prizes. H.Q. information display and refreshments.
Organiser Harry Reeve

238
 1"^'°1 CASTING THE RUNES
BY TERRY GUYATT
IX contrasting cards are removed from a bor-
rowed pack and a spectator is invited to think
S of any one. The six cards are gathered into a
packet which is cut several times by members of the
audience and dealt into a face-down circle on the
table. The performer taps cards with his finger,
haphazardly across and around the circle, whilst the
spectator silently spells the name of his card, one tap
for each letter. On the last letter, he calls "Stop". The
last card tapped is turned over and, amazingly, it
proves to be the one mentally selected. The effect is
immediately repeated using a second spectator with
the same result.
The trick has an astounding effect on a lay audi-
ence. Any pack may be used for there is no prepara-
tion whatsoever. Best of all, everything is entirely self
working.
The secret is very simple. Each of the six cards used
spells with a different number of letters. The first
spells with 10 and the second with 11. Each subse-
quent card has one extra letter, up to the sixth which,
naturally, has 15. The beauty of the routine lies in the
misdirection for the layout making the entire
procedure impromptu.
Borrow a pack of cards and spread it in a wide
sweep, face up on the table. Deliver a few well-chosen
words of patter, during which you spot the Two of
Clubs (10 letters) and the Ace of Hearts (11 letters).
Remove one card in each hand, display them and say:
Here are two cards. One is high and one
is low. One is black and one is red.
Lay the Two of Clubs face up on the table and the
Ace of Hearts face up and overlapping it to the right.
During the previous patter, spot the Three of
Diamonds (15 letters) and the King of Spades (12
letters). Remove one card in each hand and say:
Here are two more cards. This time the
black one is high and the red one is low.
Lay the King of Spades face up on the Ace of
Hearts and overlapping it to the right. Slide the Three
of Diamonds face up underneath the Two of Clubs
and protruding towards the left. Whilst pattering,
spot the Seven of Spades (13 letters) and the Jack of
Diamonds (14 letters). Say:
We have two high cards and two low
cards. Let's take a middle-value card next.
239
Remove the Seven of Spades and add it face up to
the right-hand end of the row overlapping the King of
Spades to the right. Say:
We need one more card. There are .. .
three black cards and only two red. Let's
have a red picture card.
Remove the Jack of Diamonds and add it to the
right-hand end of the row, overlapping the Seven of
Spades to the right. The row of cards should now read
from left to right, Three of Diamonds, Two of Clubs,
Ace of Hearts, King of Spades, Seven of Spades and
Jack of Diamonds. The selection and removal of the
cards must be well acted. Everything should appear
casual and impromptu. The names and order of the
cards must be known absolutely by heart and the
selections made with only the slightest hesitation each
time, as if looking for a suitable card rather than a
specific one.
Gather the rest of the pack and put it to one side
leaving just the row of six on the table. Ask one of the
onlookers to select a card mentally from the row.
Invite him to change his mind if he wishes and
emphasize that the card has been merely thought of.
When he is satisfied with his choice, gather the six
cards without disturbing their order, turn them face
down and hand them to a different spectator. Ask him
to give the packet one complete cut. Take it back face
down and hand it to the original spectator once more
asking him to give it another complete cut. Now take
the packet back with your hand palm downwards,
fingers on the back and thumb on the face. Say:
There is no possible way I could know
which card you are thinking of or where it
lies in the packet.
No reasonably intelligent person could possibly
disagree with this statement.
Even if I looked at the faces of the
cards .. .
As you say "face of the cards", tilt the hand holding
the packet ever so slightly, gesture towards the cards
with the other hand and glance down briefly to
glimpse — only glimpse — the face card. As soon as you
have the required information, look him straight in
the eye, turn the packet back to its previous position
and continue:
I still couldn't tell which one was
yours.
 There is no pause in the patter between "faces of
the cards" and "I still couldn't tell". Whatever you do, Answers to Quick Quiz No. 27
don't change the packet from hand to hand before the 1. Hector Robinson (5/88).
glimpse. Remember the name of the glimpsed card. 2. Charles De Vere (12/78).
Transfer the packet to the other hand and, com- 3. Esme.
mencing at the 12 o'clock position, deal the cards 4. Okito (Theodore Bamberg).
clockwise in a face down circle, the cards falling at 12, 5. Professor Anderson.
2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 o'clock. The last card dealt, the 6. Clive, Noel, and Jasper.
glimpsed card, will fall at 10 o'clock. As you deal, say: 7. Martin Daniels.
Even you, yourself, can t possibly know 8. Second-sight. Emile.
its exact position. 9. Howard Thurston.
10, S. H. Sharpe (10/85, et seq.)
You must now find the Two of Clubs and you do so
by means of a simple count from the glimpsed card. If (To help those who would like fuller informa-
the card was the Three or the Jack, count one or two tion, some references to issues of The Magic
cards clockwise from it to find the Two. If you Circular are given where appropriate.)
glimpsed the Ace or the King, counting one or two
cards from it in an anticlockwise direction will bring
you to it. If you glimpsed the Seven, then the Two lies
SOLUTION TO MAGIC CIRCLE POSER No. 10
diametrically opposite at 4 o'clock. Now forget the
glimpsed card and just remember the position of the in November issue
Two of Clubs.
Acceptable Words
Run through the counting procedure a few times in
ACANTH, ACANTHA, ACTA, ALTAR, ARCH,
private, turning the cards face up to see what relation-
ship they bear to one another. Everything will then ARTAL, CANAL, CANT, CANTAR, CARAT,
CARL, CARNAL, CART, CARTA, CHAL,
become clear.
CHANT, CHAR, CHART, CHARTA, CARTA,
Explain that you are going to tap cards at random CHAT, CHARLATAN, CLAN, CLAT, CRAN,
across and around the circle and that he is to spell the HAAR, HALT, HARL, HARN, HART,
name of his card silently, one letter for each tap. HARTAL, LAHAR, LANA, LANCH, LANT,
Emphasize that he must say nothing until you tap the LARCH, LARN, LATCH, LATH, NAAN,
last letter, when he is to call "Stop". Stress that he NACARAT, NACH, NALA, NATAL, NATCH,
must spell the full name of his card, including the RACA, RACH, RATCH, RANA, RANCH,
word "of". (If you neglect this last point, you will soon RANT, RATA, RATAN, RATH, TACH, TAHA,
come to realize how important it is.) TAHR, TALA, TALAR, TALC, TANA, THANA,
TARA, TARN, TARNAL, THAN, THANA,
Ask him if he is ready and then begin tapping slowly
and deliberately. Simply make the first nine taps THAR.
haphazardly, the 10th on the Two of Clubs and the rest The complete word was CHARLATAN and the
in sequence clockwise around the circle until he calls missing letter was A.
"Stop". Tap the last card once more and say:
Note: 30 words GOOD; 41 words VERY GOOD;
This one? 50 words or over EXCELLENT; 57 words is the
Tilt the card towards yourself and peep at its face. POSER.
Lower it again and say:
Which card did you think of?
When he names his card, hesitate slightly, take
another peep at it and then slowly turn it over. You'll
find the effect is all that can be desired. ALL ADVERTISING MATTER
When the climax has registerred and the trick is To: PETER EDLIN
apparently over, gather up the six cards carelessly but 29 Fourth Avenue
in such a way as to retain their original order. You can Grantham, Lincs. NG31 9TS
now offer to repeat the trick. 0476 60657
You'll find that the impact of the trick is out of all Rates for Full, Half and Quarter page advertise-
proportion to the economy of the method. The only ments, etc. on application.
requirement is for the performer to know the cards All advertisement copy should be received not later
and their sequence absolutely thoroughly. Write your- than the 1st of the month for publication in the fol-
self a little introductory patter and run through the lowing month's issue.
routine a hundred times or so in private. You should
then be ready to work it under fire.

240
 NUT AND BOLT
BY MAGINI OF IPSWICH
I have always thought that to use the "Brema" nut
with a piece of string or cord is illogical, as one
associates a nut with a bolt, hence "nut and bolt".
I give here my version which I used to use when per-
forming. You will have to shop around for a brass bolt
which will take the nut or use brass threaded rod or, if
on the other hand you have a set of stocks and dies,
you could make your own.
The bolt should be drilled through, about lh" from
the top as in diagram A to take a piece of round rod —
a knitting needle will suffice.
TO PERFORM — Show bolt and nut,
thread the feke nut on the bolt below
the hole, then insert the rod or needle
as B. Have a spectator hold each end of
needle with hands. Now, with the
unfeked nut concealed in your hand,
cover the bolt and needle with a hand-
kerchief or silk, screw the nut on top of
bolt and take the split nut off, Rod
removing it with the covering. _ Always, it is the forced colour which comes out.
This is speedily done. Ifill feke11111
L
i?ate'
The nut has now penetrated the
rod or needle and is above this,
screwed on the bolt, as C. You have
performed a little miracle and all
can be examined by the spectator.
This is MAGIC for MAGIC NUTS.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please notify the Secretary
(not the Editor) if you change
your address.
241
ADAIR'
FORCE-A-COLOUR
BY IAN ADAIR
Often we need to force a colour. We do it sometimes
by using a coloured card code or use things such as
blocks, coloured crayons or balls. It is the latter item
we use here.
The performer has a large cloth bag filled with col-
oured ping-pong balls. These are removed, shown
and examined, then returned to the bag. Another bag
is shown, this time one with a simple cut-away slanted
portion on one of the corners. It is seen that when a
ball is dropped inside the bag and this is tilted, the ball
rolls out of the open slot and onto the table or a dish.
So, a spectator puts his hand inside the big bag and
secretly removes one ball, hiding it from view, then as
requested dropping it into the bag, which is tipped so
the ball is allowed to drop out to show its identity.
Here's how! The balls are not faked but the bag is. It
is a changing bag with the usual middle division. It dif-
fers from the usual model, inasmuch as it has a cut-
away slot across its corner but only one side of the
compartment actually has an opening outwards, the
other is closed, being sewn around the edges. This
means that if you had a white ball clenched inside your
fist in your right hand and allowed it to drop into the
first compartment which has a sealed unit and a red
ball in the other, when tilted the red ball will roll out
leaving the white one trapped inside. This is how the
force works and little more need be told.
Whatever the force colour, this is inside the second
compartment, the bag being shown inside and out to
be empty. Attention is drawn to the fact that when a
ball is dropped inside and the bag is tilted, the ball will
roll out. This is done and, of course, the planted ball
makes it appearance. The bag can now be turned
inside out to show it is empty.
If you like now, you can push a coloured ball
through the cut-away corner and tilt the bag so a white
ball rolls out from the top of the bag, a sort of reversal,
the bag being turned inside out to prove it is empty
again, the other ball being trapped and secreted
inside.

AOERICPA
By DALE SALWAK m.i.m.c.
HE big story this month is, of course, David
Copperfield's purchase for $2.2 million of the
T John Mulholland Library of Conjuring and
the Allied Arts. As previously reported (see Circular,
December 1990), the Library of Congress had lobbied
vigorously to obtain the collection. According to
stories in the Los Angeles Times and elsewhere,
Larry Sullivan, chief of the Library of Congress's
Rare Books and Special Collection Division, said he
regretted the outcome. "I think the Government had
a cultural imperative to save the collection for the
public," he said. But magicians will disagree. As
Copperfield explained in a published interview, he
had first become interested in buying the collection a
year ago and now wanted to prevent another buyer
from possibly selling it in pieces or sending it over-
seas. He intends to move it closer to his Las Vegas
home, where he will make the collection available to
scholars, not curiosity seekers.
One of magic's best-loved entertainers — the late
Neil Foster — was honoured at the Thoroughbred
Magic Guild's 1991 Unconvention, 1st and 2nd
November at DuPont Lodge in Kentucky's Cumber-
land Falls State Park. Anything can happen at this
annual event and it usually does! Those attending
came prepared to perform their close-up or platform
magic for each other. Bill Brewe brought an abundant
supply of apparatus and books for sale. There was a
used magic sale. And several videotaped perfor-
mances of Foster were shown. For information on next
year's Unconvention, call Guild member Doug
Doolin (606/885 4600).
242
Max Howard, noted magician and professional
actor for the past 25 years, performed last month as
"Professor Gus Rich - The War Wizard" (nee William
Augustus Reich) for a two-week run at the Atlanta
Shakespeare Company's Elizabethan Tavern. Con-
temporary historical accounts, family letters and per-
sonal memorabilia helped him to recreate the
extraordinary life of this nineteenth-century Ameri-
can soldier, showman, master storyteller and
travelling magician.
Possibly one of the most spectacular magic shows
ever to hit the midwest played to three sell-out crowds
in Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park earlier this year.
"Abracadabra, A Magical Experience" was emceed
by Jay Marshall and included the Pendragons, Norm
Nielsen, John Gaughan, Jade, Mac King and Abb
Dickson. Steve Faris co-ordinated the close-up per-
formers who entertained the audience members as
they entered the theatre. Ken Klosterman hosted and
Abb Dickson directed. Later, Ken was honoured by
the Cincinnati Playhouse for bringing magic to the
city. Treasurer of The Cincinnati Academy of Magic
and Allied Sciences (C.A.M.A.S.), Carl Stemler and
President Bill Brewe, were on hand to name Jay
Marshall Honorary Wizard and present him with the
Order of the Owl for his outstanding contributions to
magic. Past recipients of this honour — highest rank
with honorary life membership — include John Braun,
Stewart Judah, Duke Stern, William Dodson, Forrest
Jarvis, James Ronald Haines, David W. Price, Jr.,
William Shakespeare Berger, Lester Lake, U. F.
"Gen" Grant, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Neil Foster,
McDonald Birch, Robert Lund and, most recently,
Jay Marshall and Del Ray.
C.A.M.A.S. was chartered on 23rd July, 1965 as a
non-profit corporation with the expressed purpose of
increasing public awareness of magic as a performing
art and filling a vacuum within the magic fraternity.
Since then, the group has brought about many
changes in the policies of national magic organiza-
tions, organized three Cincinnati conventions (in
1967, 1968, 1970), conducted tours to magic museums,
sponsored a teenage magic club and helped to send
winners of local teen-magic contests to national and
international competitions. And they have done all
this with less than a dozen active members at any one
time. Membership is by invitation only.
On 31st October, Stan Allen and I had the pleasure
of performing at the C.A.M.A.S. 26th Anniversary
Awards Banquet, held at the Omni Netherland Plaza
Hotel in Cincinnati. This once-private affair is now
open to non-magicians who the members feel will
appreciate both the magic as a great form of entertain-
ment for all ages and the accomplishments of those
who are assembled to be honoured. Along with the
stage show, the evening included a gourmet dinner, tri-
butes to Del Ray, Jay Marshall and Ken Klosterman,
and tableside magic — all hosted by Steve Faris.
May we continue to support, respect and encourage
each other in this great art that we call magic.
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243
 icfj Cabinet of Qturiositieg
By EDWIN A. DAWES, M.I.M.C.
179. ANNIE ABBOTT—THE GEORGIA MAGNET: But this was not her first performance in Britain after she
A POWERFUL LONDON ATTRACTION arrived at Liverpool from New York on 27th October aboard
the White Star liner Teutonic. During the previous week,
she had given a private showing at Sandringham for the
NE HUNDRED years ago, in November 1891, the Prince of Wales' 50th birthday celebrations. when it was
O Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square. was the scene claimed that she had also cured both the Prince and the
of a theatrical sensation that captured the imagination of Duke of Clarence of their headaches b y touch. Then, on
many Londoners and filled the columns of the nation's news- Saturday afternoon, 14th November, a special show was
papers. The focus of their attention was a young American arranged at the Alhambra Theatre for the benefit of some
girl, Annie Abbott, who was billed as "The Georgia Mag- invited individuals and representatives of the Press. The
net", a title that was scarcely original to her. However, Times reported "A Mahatma of the highest order, or else a
because her predecessor. Lulu Hurst, who had created a remarkably clever lady conjuror entitled 'The Little Georgia
similar furore in the United States during the period 1884- Magnet', gave a private manifestation on the stage of the
85, never came to Britain. both the title and the phenomena Alhambra Theatre on Saturday afternoon". The Daily Tele-
displayed were novel to London audiences. No less an graph opined that had she flourished contemporaneously
observer than J. N. Maskelyne commented that "To say that with that eminent inquirer into the unseen world. Matthew
this young lady has set the Thames on fire is a very mild way Hopkins. she would undoubtedly have been burned as a
of putting it. London itself is ablaze with excitement ..... In witch.
the next few Rich Cabinet articles, we shall endeavour to
trace this phenomenon, principally through the medium of
contemporary reports.
The first advertisement for this attraction appeared in
The Times on Monday, 16th November as a separate entry
above the general Alhambra listing of acts, which included
Marie Lloyd:
Annie Abbott "The Georgia Magnet" and
Marvel of the Age, who is exclusively engaged
to give a limited series of her wonderful exhibi-
tions, will appear TONIGHT at 10 o'clock.
In the theatre programme, she was billed as
MISS ANNIE ABBOTT
"The Little Georgia Magnet"
The Most Wonderful Phenomenon of the Age

John Hollingshead, one of the committee at Annie Abbott's

Annie Abbott, "The Little Georgia Magnet", as portrayed in special performance at the Alhambra on 14th November,
1891 on her debut in London. 1891.

244
 Annie Abbott was accompanied on her engagement at the
Alhambra by her husband and by her manager, a Mr.
Christiana. Personal details concerning Annie were not
freely broadcast at the time of her debut in Britain, although
later she proffered some of dubious accuracy. She was, it
seems, born around 1870 at Milledgeville, Georgia, the
youngest of 13 children. One newspaper described her as a
slim, fair-haired girl of lady-like appearance, weighing just
seven stones (98 pounds) and apparently about 21 years old.
It noted that she had plump and rounded arms, not showing
any unusual muscular development and that she was gener-
ally as little like a "strong woman" as can be imagined. This
description may be compared, however, with the observa-
tions made on her physique to The Star newspaper by one of
the committee men selected to go on stage on the night of
19th November and who had the opportunity to meet her in
the board room of the Alhambra Theatre prior to her turn.
He noted that she was short but powerfully built though
carefully dressed to convey the idea of fragility. Her
forearms were "splendidly developed and as muscular as
those of a rowing man".
Professor Oliver Lodge, who witnessed Annie Abbott's
feats at a private interview before her performances at the
Alhambra began, told members of the Society for Psychical
Research at their meeting on 4th December, 1891 that "Mrs.
Abbott is a strong though small woman" and his overall con-
clusion was that the effective agent employed was muscular
force. Subsequently, in 1895, Lodge commented that he did
not offer any public statement at the time Abbott was
0
exhibiting in England beyond the bare fact that, in his
opinion, there was nothing occult involved, because he had The Georgia Magnet resists the combined efforts of three
no wish to injure the performance which was a fairly good men to push her over. (From J. N. Maskelyne (1892), A
and entertaining exhibition of well-chosen feats of strength Human Magnet De-Magnetised).
and skill.
When Annie Abbott was interviewed for the issue of Tit-
Bits published on 28th November, 1891, the young lady
announced "I am the daughter of Bishop Haygood and was medical man having taken0 the magnetic lady's temperature,
born at Milledgeville, Georgia". She then went on to main- which was stated to be 95 and considerably above her nor-
tain that from her earliest childhood she had possessed this mal temperature, the exhibition began. A committee-man
power, which was still today a mystery to herself, for she embraced a chair; Miss Abbott touched it with her fingers
could not explain it nor could anyone else. The first sign had and the gentleman staggered to and fro like a drunken man.
been the discovery that at the age of four or five years, she Miss Abbott held a chair between her open palms and no
could lift her father who weighed about 15 stone but who one or two of the committee-men appeared to be able to
found it impossible in return to lift her or even move her. She thrust it to the ground. These performances were done with
continued in this fanciful vein .....I must work off in some ordinary chairs selected at haphazard and in this case, as in
way this unlimited force which I possess and I tell you hon- subsequent cases, committee-men were invited to place
estly that I am doing this as much for the benefit of my health their hands between the palms of Miss Abbott's hands and
as anything else". Annie claimed that she was unable to wear the chair operated upon, so as to see that there was no mus-
watches because they immediately got out of order, her cular pressure used. Other chair exhibitions were given with
dentist had difficulty in treating her teeth because he could plain but massive oaken chairs belonging to Miss Abbott.
not use steel instruments and was reduced instead to "a Still using her open hands, she lifted, eventually, a confused
species of sandpaper and a rubber". mass of committee-men, who piled themselves up on two
(sic) chairs, to the number of six, at least. There were also
Barry Wiley, in his researches on Lulu Hurst, has identi-
performances with a billiard cue. The lady poised it breast
fied an early rival of hers, Dixie Haygood of Milledgeville, high in front of her; six panting committee-men apparently
and this individual would thus correspond with Annie failed to push her off balance or — and this was rather more
Abbott's maiden name. mysterious — to bend the billiard cue. Then the cue was
For a description of her special Saturday performance, we rested with its point upon the floor, while half-a-dozen
can do no better than quote from the report that appeared in committee-men hung on to it and an agile gentleman of con-
The Times on Monday, 16th November under the heading siderable age positively sat upon the butt and upon the
"A Magnetic Lad y ". "With her, upon the stage, was a com- hands of his friends. The cue bent but did not break; Miss
mittee of some dozen gentlemen, stated to have been Abbott lifted the whole pyramid of men and wood from the
suggested by the management, amongst whom one, Mr. floor or caused it to rise b y touching it. Finally, nobody could
John Hollingshead. bore a familiar name. Mr. Hollingshead, lift Miss Abbott by her bare arms but anybody could lift her
however, contented himself with sitting and watching the upon placing a handkerchief between his hands and her
performance and did not take so active a part in the subse- flesh. It appeared then that a handkerchief was a non-
quent proceedings as other members of the committee. A conductor of Miss Abbott's "force": nevertheless, by

245
holding one end of a handkerchief while a boy held the
other, she appeared to be able to transmit her force of
irremovability to him. The tests applied were not sufficiently
severe to justify a description of the whole affair as being
anything more than a clever performance and there were
certain respects in which it was weak. The committee-men
being assumed to have been genuine, it still remains to be
explained where billiard cues of this phenomenal strength
are to be obtained, why a handkerchief should be at once a
conductor and a non-conductor, why no pressure should
have been felt even if the force exerted in lifting was mag-
netic, why the mass of the lifting performances and the
exhibitions of immovability took place at one part of the
stage and why chairs, which were properties, were not
subjected to close examination."
The first-hand observations of two of the members of that
initial committee and a medical observer are of considerable
interest. All these three gentlemen were motivated by The
Times report to write letters to the editor to clarify or express
their views and these were published on 17th November.
John Hollingshead (1827-1904) was an author and jour-
nalist who helped to found the Alhambra Theatre in 1866
and founded the Gaiety in 1868. He was the lessee of a
number of London theatres and a director of many music
hall companies and he is credited with being the inventor of
general matinees. He was clearly stung by the implication
that although he was a prominent member of the committee
he did little or nothing to justify his selection and went on to
say:
"I certainly did not test the physical power of a force
which I was right in assuming existed but I ascertained, as far
as possible, that from whatever source the power came, it
did not come from anything in, upon or under the stage and
that it could be exercised on any part of the stage. Miss
Abbott naturally took the front centre of the stage when she
demonstrated, as I took it myself when I proposed a vote of
thanks to the young lady but I no more derived my eloquence
from the boards beneath my feet than she did her `odic',
electrical or magnetic power. I ascertained that two chairs
and two only belonged to her and her exhibitors and that the
boy who appeared for a short time as a magnetic medium
was brought in out of the street and was not connected with
the establishment. My relations with the stage carpenters of
the Alhambra for the last five-and-twenty years have been of
such a friendly character that I felt sure in getting any
information I wanted from that quarter. I think I did my best
to clear the ground for a fair consideration of the phenome-
non, though I was probably more ignorant of `science' than
half the gentlemen on the stage."
(lb be continued)

"STARS OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE"

EORGE Kovari has been presenting these shows in London and the Home Counties during the autumn.
The first one got away to a swinging start on Tuesday, 29th October with hundreds of children and adults
G who turned up to watch both a matinee and an evening performance of the magical spectacular.
Compere for the show, Terry Burgess, broke the ice with the audience and then introduced first on the bill
Richard Griffin who treated the audience to his prize winning manipulative act including cards and dove
productions. As a contrast, George Alexander then performed three exciting escapes from his repertoire.
Van Buren junior demonstrated his joint unicyling and juggling skills shown off to excellence with the choice of
music and also with assistant Miss Kelly showing great stage presence with grace and style.
... But soft, what was this next? Mr. Terence Seabrooke striding from the wings to take on hundreds of
children with invited vocal repostes as he did his personalised brand of torn and restored newspaper; then gallop-
ing into 36 inch sympathetic silks (large handkerchiefs for big colds), a customised Chinese rings routine and his
standard moving pip patter. This lad could go far!
The interval came with no let up in the entertainment with Dara Kaka showing his own brand of close up and
turning out balloon animals like biscuits in an ante room. Steve Mills elsewhere inviting people to stand on him
whilst he was laying on a bed of very nasty looking nails.
It is always entertaining to see Don Robertson's act with yo-yo's, but for the children and adults in the audience
seeing it for.the first time it was a real novel treat in itself. Don's spot after the interval then gave way to the "big
finish" ... all 45 minutes of it with Van Buren and Company showing quick fire illusions. Mis-Made Lady went
down very well with the kids as Van Buren scratched his head and "chastised" himself for getting all the boxes
muddled after he stacked them. The children loved this! Substitution Trunk, Radium Girl and others were shown,
finishing with his unique vanishing motor bike and rider.
As the audience streamed out, still George had a surprise as close up magic was being showed in the foyer by
most members of the company. Finally, outside, there was Steve Mills breathing fire into the darkening skies of
Wembley Park giving the audience excellent value for money for the afternoon.
A two hour break and the evening performance took place again to a crowded house. All in all, a show
excellently produced with no hitches at all in music, lighting or sound.
GEOFF DONALD

246

AN EVENING WITH
PETER JEFFERIES
ETER JEFFERIES' magic, electronic magic,
highlights The Magic Circle's badge-of-office
P Indocilis Privata Loqui. The secrets behind
his ingenious gadgetry are indeed well concealed.
Working from a range of switches and activating
relays, he updated several standard effects by
achieving similar results but by new means (elec-
tronics). An example was his opener on 2nd Sep-
tember— a three-card effect using Jumbo cards. What
initially resembles the Hummer and Al Koran effects
of having a helper move around three items, at the
same time calling some of his moves then performer
divines the lay-out, goes considerably beyond the
Hummer/Koran methods when electronics further
assist the performer. Most of us did a double-take
when the assistant made his moves but, this time, in
silence. Undeterred, the performer still charted every
move, unseen though they were. The sensor kit (infra-
red, I believe) built into his table, responding to the
metal shim in the picture card, activated a light cue to
the performer (nowhere near the action).
Related subleties were applied variously to divine
the spots on a domino; to cause a card case on end to
topple by sound impulse (shades of Harbin's tippler);
to locate a matching card (transmitter, coil and shim).
Highlights were his "Lucky Lights" box, the wilting
candle, Anverdi-type card box'whose lid is closed by a
green hand that emerges at the whim of the performer
(nowhere near the equipment). The wilting candle
that accidentally sets alight an envelope containing a
banknote (put out yesteryear by Harry Stanley) is
based on a rising interest curve that could not fail in
even the toughest of venues. Similarly attention-
grabbing was his Miser's Dream-type production of
miniature flashing lights (reds and greens) then seem-
ingly eating them. The unexpected finale was ingeni-
ous. He removed his false teeth to reveal each tooth
glowing with inner light — some red, some green.
A really novel evening. The members clearly liked
what they saw and Peter Jefferies' order book is
doubtless filling up — his magic is distinctly
uncommon.
PATRICK LEVEY
247
THE MAGIC OF YOUTH
FTER some opening remarks from the
affable Jonathan Jay, host for The Magic of
A Youth on 23rd September, Nick Einhorn
took the floor and opened with a routine during which
he produced a number of knots which were then magi-
cally slipped off the rope and thrown out for inspec-
tion. His cut and restored effect which followed was
not helped by a pair of apparently blunt scissors. Nick
zipped along at a terrific pace finishing with the trans-
position of a spectator's credit card from a sealed
envelope, held between two freely chosen pages of a
paperback, into another envelope held between the
same two pages of a second book. His act, like
everyone else's, was just the right length.
Jon Allen was introduced and just had time for one
trick before dashing off to a professional engagement.
Jon had a volunteer choose and sign a card. After it
had been mixed into the pack, he produced a minia-
ture revolver. The now somewhat edgy spectator was
asked to hold the pack in front of his body Jon then
fired the gun with such a terrific crack that nervous
audience members such as myself had to be comforted
by friends. The spectator emerged unperforated but
his card was found in the middle of the pack, black-
ened and holed. From a layman's point of view the
apparently fair handling of the cards throughout,
along with the whizzo finish make this a particularly
startling effect.
Jonathan Jay appeared next to perform a mental
routine. He held up four paperbacks and a lady from
the audience was given an obviously-free choice of
any word from any one of the books. Jonathan then
did the business; straining hard, he managed to get an
i mpression one letter at a time: he scribbled his
thoughts down on a large board and he was, of course,
correct.
Peter Jefferies
 Bruce Smith delivered a humorous patter to accom-
pan y a double card prediction. Two cards were chosen
by spectators and a member of the audience was then
invited up to read out a postcard which correctly
predicted the cards.
Jonathan Jay
Jonathan Jay finished with a quick prediciton using
a nail writer. Effects with this device leave an audi-
ence convinced that the magician has some weird
sixth sense. 1 felt he could have built this up a little
instead of moving on to the Jackpot Coins which I
regard more as a diverting puzzle than a strong closing
effect. But it went off well.
The evening was a comparatively short one. lasting
only 40 minutes. But I thought this was just right.
Apparently several young participants had dropped
out at the last minute for the delightful reason that
they were away earning professional fees for
entertaining real people. Hooray for them!
TOM CUTLER
CHRISTMAS MAGIC
RICKY MICKY showed us nine effects with a
Christmas theme on 7th October. The first
T was based on the Mickey Mouse effect from
Supreme. This consisted of a tray in a container in
which there was a diamond cut out to show the tray
inside. Three different coloured stars on a board were
shown and one forced with an ingenious method using
a giant clothes peg. The picture thus chosen at ran-
dom(?) was, of course. one of Father Christmas. This
picture then appeared on the previously-undecorated
tray.
The second effect was mainly a spelling routine
with picture postcards of Christmas scenes, in which
the magician always manages to get the right picture
when he spells out the word, one card at a time. but
the child volunteer always gets it wrong. Tricky Micky
explained the set-up for this.
248
Next Micky showed a sort of "three card trick" but
with three coloured balls dropped into tubes marked
1, 2, 3 for identification. Once again, as in all the
effects of this evening, we were shown the "how".
The fourth effect was a variation of "Jolly Lollies"
by Supreme and consisted of pictures on cards of
Christmas trees in different colours. Four children
come up and have to guess which coloured tree is on
the cards, the backs of which are facing them. The last
card when turned round has turned into a picture of
Father Christmas.
Effect five was with rings of different coloured tin-
sel. The magic wand was waved and the rings were
linked. They had been changed behind the table, with
misdirection. It was done a second time but this time
with a changing bag. Next, different coloured wands
were waved over the bag to get silks emerging of the
same colour. A final wave of the wand and the silks
changed into a large "Merry Christmas" silk. The
main "M.O." was a three-way changing bag.
Next we saw "Clobbo's clobber" but with Father
Christmas having come down a model chimney with
filth y and torn clothes. A child assists by putting the
clothes into a "washing machine" and after, too small,
too big, etc.. they finally appear on Father Christmas
in the chimney.
Tricky Micky
Effect seven consisted of five model walls of dif-
ferent colours and a wooden cut-out of Father
Christmas pinned on the front so that it could spin "a
la clock dial". There followed the usual choice of
colours by the children and "sucker gags".
The next effect was "Cuddles the Cat" Mark II con-
sisting of a sad-looking Cuddles in one side of the
apparatus and a shop the other. From the shop were
produced cards with such unwanted things as a bone,
carrots. bird seed, etc. Eventually there came a
Christmas tree. On Cuddles being shown again, he
possessed a great big smile.
 The last effect was a routine with a box of gold
snowballs and the child volunteer and the magician
each take three. They are then put in a "snowball
machine" and they change. In this, the magician
always gets it wrong, the boy always gets it right and
the magician has to go through all sorts of forfeits such
as wearing big ears, red nose, etc.
Tricky Micky worked fast and hard and his timing
and pace were perfect. finishing dead at the end of the
allotted time, which under these conditions, such as
questions coming from the audience at different times
in the show, must have been difficult. The evening was
very much enjoyed by the many children's performers
present and much note taking was in evidence.
FERGUS ANCKORN
Similarly, Ed Ekle's "Moebus Zipp" was adapted
into a circus story about Siamese twins, Fat Lady, etc.
and for smaller children John used puppets to form a
liaison with his young audience. He obviously has an
interesting attic for we saw all kinds of attractive
things not often seen these days. In one example, a
jeweller's display of fancy rings was shown so that a
volunteer from the audience might select one. The
ring was vanished and found inside the innermost of a
nest of ungimmicked ornamental boxes. The method
used was typical of John Palfreyman's simple but
effective approach. Dorothy in the wings simply
selected an identical ring from a matching display of
rings and placed it inside the boxes. The point about
this trick is that the two ring displays were bought very
cheaply when they were easily available.

AN EVENING WITH
JOHN PALFREYMAN
N the evening of 14th October, John
Palfreyman gave his talk with the subtitle
O "Things you may have forgotten but which
are still lying in the attic". More than ably assisted by
Dorothy, he showed how old routines could be
updated and improved — particularly where special
apparatus is no longer available.
He began with a trick wherein a chosen card turned
out to be the only red-back in a blue-backed pack.
This involved the use of an exotic ingredient — Pomade
Hongroise or Moustache Twirler! John Palfreyman
We were shown lots of ways of presenting magic for
Many of the tricks we saw were familiar from the
children. For example. a trick involving coloured silks
past but the system — whereby most of the work has
and a dye tube was enlivened by associating the vari-
been done before leaving home — is an exemplary one
ous colours with lines on the Underground and this, of
in that it leaves the performer time to perform. That's
course, led the magician getting them wrong and the
professionalism.
audience back in their rompers putting him right and
all that. LEONARD CHASE

GOODLIFFE'S
a
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British Isles—First Class Mail: 52 weeks£ 39.50 26 weeks £19.80 13weeks£9.90 2nd Class Mail: 52 weeks£ 36.40 26weeks£18.20 13weeks£9.10
Overseas— Surface Mail: 52 weeks £50.96 (USA $90.50) 26 weeks £25.58 (USA $4750) 13 weeks £12.80 (USA $25.75)
Air Mail (USA): 52 weeks $110.00 26 weeks $5750 13 weeks $30.70
Air Mail Australia. New Zealand, Japan. 52 weeks £67.08: 26 weeks £33.54: 13 weeks £16.77

249
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• •
A Happy Christmas and bright New Year to all! :
• From Edwin and David •
0 WHO? Well, they are the new team behind the sensational new magical dealers, j
0 'Edwins Magic Arts' 0
Edwin's Smash Hits!
• At the British Ring Convention •
0• "All the best" was on the Edwin's Magic Arts Stand. 0
What were our biggest sellers? •
• Well, everyone loved the great new Children's Magic we had on offer. •
•

One is a smashing "Turn it Around" trick. •

THE PRESIDENT'S LE DY
0• A flat silver cup changes to a gold one, and at the end there's the transformation of the cup into a cut-out 0
figure, all in colour, of the President's Lady! Who else! Have we told you the price? £ 15.00 (USA $30.00). •

0 All the boys were talking about this one! 0

MUMPTY IS KING! :
• One of the most unusual effects ever produced is King Humpty. First you produce an egg — Humpty Dumpty •
0• was really an egg as you probably knew! You give it features, you try to balance it on a brick wall. 0
Then you have the notion of placing a safety net underneath him to catch him if he falls! A marvellous bit of •
• business, for every time you look away Humpty topples and falls into the net! •
0• Enter "All the King's horses and all the King's men" to stand guard in front of the wall. Humpty vanishes — 0
but then he reappears giant size. Next he is made King and you put a crown on his head. A picture of his •
castle appears — so it's a lot of magic! Everything is included for you to work this right away. Really •
0 tremendous value at £45.00 (USA $90.00). 0
KOMICFIL KFPERS :
0• For years magicians have told me that they've not been able to buy `Funny Fotos'. I always had it in my mind 0
to put out an improved version of that effect. Those big cards were clumsy and heavy to cart around. I've got •
• it all now in four slim-line wands. The wands unfurl as banners showing the different comical characters — •

0• white rabbit, monkey, Scotsman and a seaside land-lady type of person. 0

Of course, there's a great routine with it and guaranteed laughs. There are giant cards too on which a picture •
• of one of the chosen characters appears. You can make it a different character at each show. I call it `Komical •
Kapers' and the price is £38.50 (USA $80.00) complete. •
0 I can honestly recommend it as a very good buy! 0
0• Catalogue No. 1 0
56-page 10 inch x 8 inch catalogue. Price £5.00 (USA $10.00) or free with any order of £20.00 (USA •
• $40.00) or over. You can read all about the new ones there. •

0 Edwin's Magic Newsletter, free for a large stamped addressed envelope. 0

EDWIN'S MAGIC ARTS
0 "Widgery", Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LP 0
•••••••••••••••••• .••••••••••••••••••••••••••o••••
250
•
• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••
What Donald Bevan Said, in `Abra', 2 6th October, 1991
• Edwin's Magic Arts Catalogue, Number 1. It is almost 40 years since Edwin produced a •
• Number 1 Catalogue (Supreme Magic). Having `retired' five years ago, Edwin, with partner David •
•
• Pusey-Hooper, bounces back with a 56-page, super array of brilliant and colourful effects. Every page 0
•
• illustrated with photographs or drawings, printed on heavy gloss paper, it is really a book. Here are •
• items from Edwin's highly acclaimed lecture, like Crafty Chinaman Paper Tear, Ring-Switch, Jungle •
• Jamboree, Miracle Prediction, Kolor-A-Kube and much more. How many items in total? A dozen, •
• perhaps two? No, there are more than fifty items fully detailed, not including accessories like rope, •
• flowers, gimmicks, Edwin's books and lecture video! Close-up, mental, children's stage and cabaret •
• magic, all are covered. The catalogue costs £5.00 post paid, redeemable with orders over £20.00 •
• (USA $40.00) . Those who thought Edwin had `faded' from the magic scene are in for a few surprises! ••
•
• Edwin's Magic Finale (Edwin's Magic Arts, Bideford, price £20.00 (USA $40.00 post paid). ••
• Many magical inventors write a book. It's great, some first class magic. Another soon follows, that too •
• is good. Following `fame' with a third, the quality slips and any subsequent publications follow suit. So •
•
how does Edwin Hooper produce four, uniform in quality of material and production? I ask the •
questions, provide your own answers!
:
• Uniform in size and binding to Edwin's previous three volumes, this latest tome covers the mixture — •
• as — before, almost every branch of magic is covered, illusions excepted. Counting items, I noted 68. •
•
• Quite a number previously marketed, the majority unobtainable for a long time. Among these an effect •
• I bought from Edwin some thirty years ago called Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp, a children's . •
• routine combining a Square Circle production and the card castle principle. A dealer's nightmare to •
• make up, but the DIY magician with an artistic bent could have a colourful, exciting exclusive. For the •
• reader who may have some or even all of these, there is plenty more from which to choose and still •
• have top value. •
• Close-up magic gets good coverage, nothing complicated but all visually entertaining with cards, •
• coins, bottle tops, wind-up toys, even `fingers'. Mentalists, check out the skull routine with a clever •
• method of marking envelopes, attributed to Archie Byford. Children's performers, lots of colourful, •
• practical routines from paper tear's to producing rabbits. •
• The book has excellent illustrations by Maltese magician Vanni Pule and splendid photographs by •
• David Pusey-Hooper, of props described, magicians and events. In addition Edwin adds a number of •
•
• anecdotes under the title `Tales I Never Told', some poignant, some amusing, some with pathos — like •
•
• the day Edwin crowned a nun(!), first meeting with David Berglas, memories of Tom Harris and Fred •
Kaps (an untold side of this great performer!), family stories, the final break with Supreme Magic, and •
• several more. •
• The production of the book with its bright, laminated dust jacket, quality binding and attractive •
presentation throughout its 320 pages make it an essential addition to the `Edwin' library. Get it, or •
• regret it. •

EDWIN'S MAGIC ARTS :

"Widgery", Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LP
:
• STOP PRESS! Edwin and David will beat The Magic Circle on Monday, 3rd February, 1992.
•
• •
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

251

VIDEO VIEW
reviewed by
PETER ELDIN
THE MAGIC PARTY VIDEO
Running time 1 Hour 45 minutes. £29.50 ($60.00) from
Mark Leveridge, 29 Wrefords Close, Exeter, Devon EX4
5AY, England.
It would be rather nice to keep the material on this tape
exclusive to Mark Leveridge and myself. If you buy it,
perhaps you will have the common decency not to use any of
his items near Grantham!
Mark really knows what children like, and his routines are
practical. I was particularly taken by "Mr Rose's balloons"
which can run for a quarter of an hour of solid entertain-
ment. The experienced magician will find something here,
but for someone starting to entertain children and who
wants to learn the best approach to them, this tape will prove
a gold mine. I wish it had been around when I first started
magic.
The tape includes tricks, routines, games and lots of tips
on handling children. There is no easy answer to keeping
children under control, and some of the best children's enter-
tainers occasionally have trouble with an "awkward" child.
Mark gives quite a number of tips on obtaining and main-
taining control, and his routines keep this in mind.
His games include lots of business, so that organising them
becomes part of the act, and a part during which all the chil-
dren are joining in. In none of his games is a child "out", and
expected to sit still and be good and watch the others.
There were one or two little things that jarred slightly. I
was not keen on the gags about bottoms, reinforcing the
notion that bottoms are naughty unmentionable things. I
also had reservations about dressing children up in hats and
wigs. In this part of the country primary school children get
nits, and it seems desirable that the magician should not even
be suspected of spreading them. However the routine in
question is easily adapted to use other things, so perhaps I
am nit picking.
The quality of the sound was poor, so you have to listen care-
fully, and possibly more than once to understand it. But it is
well worth the effort as this is about the best tape on
children's magic that I have seen.
SON OF TRIK-A-TAPE
Magic's own magic magazine
on video
THE TRIK-A-TAPE COMPANY
45/47 CLERKENWELL ROAD
LONDON EC1 M 5RS
HOST OF IDEAS — RON GILBERT
Running time 60 minutes. £14.95 from Ron Gilbert,
7 Woods View Road, Bournemouth BH9 2LJ.
Ron Gilbert's ideas are always worthy of attention and the
offerings he provides on this tape are of his usual excellent
standard. The tape was recorded during Ron's lecture at the
British Ring convention at Scarborough in 1989. Unfortu-
nately, the sound levels vary a great deal and the camera
work is a little erratic at times but the quality of the material
Ron present more than makes up for these minor irritations.
Most of the items are aimed at children although some can
easily be adapted for adult use. Among these are Moon
Disc, an easily made Clock Dial effect, and Velleda Again.
Velleda Again is a neat prediction effect using a principle
that was new to me, although Ron himself acknowledges
that the same principle was used by Paul Daniels to good
effect in one of his TV shows. Another item for the mentalist
is Mystery Box, a self-working Seven Keys to Baldpate
routine. There is also a useful tip for the Park Bench
Levitation and an effective Knife Through Coat item.
Puffing Billy is a clever and very effective restoration of a
dismantled model train, the thinking behind which is rather
crafty. Ron also shows his Ronbox, a prop already used by
many children's entertainers.
My own particular favourite on this tape is Ribbon Fun. I
like this partly because it does not use "magicians props" but
also because it goes down well with kids. I have only tried it
on a couple of occasions but each time it has gone down well.
The expression on the young helper's face at the end of the
routine on this tape is a joy to behold.
In conclusion I must say that a wealth of good, practical
ideas are to be found on this tape which is thoroughly
recommended and extremely good value for money.
THE SECOND CLOSE UP MAGIC SYMPOSIUM
Running time 1 hour 50 minutes. £29.50 ($60.00) from
Mark Leveridge Magic, 29 Wrefords Way, Exeter, Devon
EX4 5AY.
I really enjoyed this tape. In fact, since receiving it for
review, I have watched it several times — simply for the
pleasure of doing so.
The tape was recorded at Mark Leveridge's Second Close
Up Magic Symposium held at Bath in March, 1991. Most of
it consists of straight performances by the stars of this
unique day of magic. The majority of them are not explained
(in fact it is not really a tape for the "how's it done?" brigade
although some explanations are included) but they are all a
joy to watch.
My wife, who caught part of the tape, enjoyed Janet
Clare's vanish of a `Lear Jet'. As the aeroplane was only a toy
it was not quite Copperfield material but it was interesting
and entertaining. Indeed the whole tape is interesting and
entertaining and I am sure it will bring a great deal of
pleasure to all who buy it.
Just for the record, for shortage of space precludes me
from doing justice to everyone, the tape also features a nice
bangles and string routine from Janet Clare, a hilarious card
trick from Tony Rix, and immaculate coin work from
Michael Vincent, Shaun Macree, Mark Leveridge and Mike
Austin.
 Among the unexplained items on the tape are Tony Rix's
goldfish production from a ten pound note and Bob
Swadling causing a replica of a chosen card to appear inside JOIN CLUB 71 NOW!
a flash cube which flashes by itself. Both these items are
detailed in full in the Close Up Symposium Book (reviewed Every issue of CLUB 71 MAGAZINE
last month). In fact the book and the tape complement each has at least 84 pages, many with colour
other so I would recommend that you buy both. and a four-colour cover. Contents include
Geoff Ray explains several card items, a neat ring and tricks, reviews, articles and news from
rope routine, a colour changing pack and a coin trans-
position routine. Tommy Wonder gives a great deal of around the world.
valuable and sensible advice in his lecture, part of which is Annual membership is just £9.95.
featured on this video and is also covered in the book.
There is also a discussion on close-up, table hopping,
Subscribe NOW.
hospitality performances and trade shows, chaired by Mark
Leveridge, with Dan Garrett and Tommy Wonder.
Dan Garrett also appears at the end of the tape with pom
poms, linking rings, colour changing records, linking elastic
bands and an animated mouse.
As stated before, this is a really entertaining tape and I 46 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RY
have no qualms in recommending it to anyone who has any
interest in close up magic. Telephone: (071) 720 6257

THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN MAGICIANS'

EUROPEAN CHAPTER
FIFTH EUROPEAN GOSPEL MAGIC CONFERENCE
NCE again this ever growing conference brought delegates from all over Europe to talk, watch and learn
magic for five days! Driving into the grounds of this year's venue, Sunbury Court, it was obvious that con-
O juring was not the only magic we were going to experience this year. The staff and surroundings of Sun-
bury Court "magically" provided our every need, the result of which was the rebooking of the venue for 26th-30th
October 1992!
The key to the entire conference was the desire to improve standards of conjuring and performance; and
thus to present the gospel of Christ in a way which exposes the myth of a Christianity which is irrelevant and
boring. To this end much use was made of workshops, tea breaks and late, late night discusions for the purpose of
perfecting that "difficult" move or watching that card/coin trick for the nth time!
Special guests this year were Fellowship of Christian Magicians' International President Jerry Burgess and
his family from the U.S.A. and lecturer/writer Robert H. Hill from Greece. Aided and abetted by Henry Smith,
Pete Hodge, Tony Maidment and Peter McCahon, they managed to talk on topics ranging from showmanship to
D.I.Y., magic and gospel routines with dealer props to escapology.
Those who could no longer take any more in were able to divert their brain by weighing up the value of yet
another prop from the dealers' stands! The choice was made more difficult yet by the arrival of Supreme Magic
Co. for one of their flying demonstrations and a new initiative to replace time-consuming auctions with second-
hand stalls where the blarney flowed freely!
Despite various technical setbacks the day before, the public show was a great success. Compered by
F.C.M. European President Henry Smith, the show began with comedy and mayhem from Tony Maidment; magic
of another kind then followed with a beautiful song by Janie Burgess which nicely set the scene for the smooth
magic of Bob Hill. Julie Kroneman finished the first half of the proceedings with her ventriloquial act. Interval
entertainment was provided by Gordon Short and his amazing balloon creations. The second half was opened by
Janie Burgess once again and was followed by a reign of chaos as Peter McCahon exploded (literally!) through his
escapology act. Finally, dignity was restored by the stunning magic of Jerry Burgess, with no holds barred he
presented the gospel and made their eyes pop out of their heads!
It was a great week and I extend my thanks to all who worked so hard to make it happen. Roll on next year!
PETER MCCAHON

253

Those people who try out for their M.M.C. or
A.I.M.C. degrees on close-up examinations night
find themselves in for a singular experience. Doubt-
less they have practised at length, performing in the
pub and at dinner parties, roping in wives, girl friends
and colleagues as amiable spectators. Yet when it
comes to it, they are asked to show their close-up
tricks not to half a dozen people but to a gigantic
crowd of about a hundred. This presents the perfor-
mers, as well as the audience; with a number of
problems.
The most obvious snag is that if you're at the back,
you can't see. And sometimes you can't hear either.
But this is not really the performer's fault. The
chances are that no matter how practised he is, he
simply isn't used to performing to more than a handful
of people at a time. Why should he be? These are
close-up tricks designed to be done close up. Many of
them will be invisible beyond a yard or two. If he
enlarges his performances to include those shadowy
figures in the dress circle, he will dissipate the confi-
dential ambience which is so important to the success
of his tricks.
During the last jam-packed close-up examination,
in October, some spectators were obliged to stand up,
yards away from the performer and on the very edge
of his field of vision, while those in the front rows
found themselves looking up at his hands. Short of
refusing to perform, there is nothing he can do about
this and he surely longs to be back in the pub where he
has complete control over angles and where he can
speak in a normal tone of voice without having to fret
about the people at the other tables. If, like me, he
adopts a somewhat laconic and low-key presentation
or if he is doing a trick with match heads then the set-
up on examinations night means he is doomed before
he starts.
It would be a good idea, I suggest, to introduce a
new and altogether revolutionary protocol for close-
up examinations. This would involve the magician
doing his magic close up, in front of a small group,
including his examiners, gathered informally at the
bar or seated at a card table, or anywhere else where
he feels comfortable. After all, the place to examine a
creature to its best advantage is, surely, in its natural
habitat; to the genus Magiciana Closerupicus this will
be in a relaxed and intimate setting surrounded, not
by a gigantic flock of spectators, but by perhaps eight
or ten people. Making a close-up performer work in
front of a crowd is forcing an owl upon day.
TOM CUTLER
254
May I, through The Magic Circular, thank all the
members who sent their wishes for my wife's recovery
from her serious illness? Although there is a long road
yet to go, I am sure that the many good thoughts
received have given her the will and courage to over-
come her difficulties and for this, both her and I thank
you all.
We did not know we had so many good friends in
The Magic Circle and we shall never forget their
concern at a time when it mattered most.
HENRY LEWIS, M.I.M.C.
Throughout my years of Circle membership, I have
watched with admiration the dedicated and constant
efforts of the officers and council in their striving
towards the seemingly impossible goal of a permanent
and worthy headquarters for our organisation.
Now, at last, that dream is about to become a reality,
to the enormous benefit of ourselves and the wider
magical fraternity for generations to come.
We owe all those responsible for bringing about the
present position an enormous debt of gratitude and I,
for one, as a member of the silent non-participating
majority, will be seeking ways in which I would be able
to help them, albeit from afar, in the final exciting
stages of their grand design.
I hope all my fellow country members will be doing
the same.
COLIN BISSELL
AT HOME
WITH
THE MAGIC CIRCLE
1992
Tuesday, 14th/Wednesday 15th January
Tuesday, 18th/Wednesday 19th February
Tuesday,17th/Wednesday
, 18th March
Tuesday, 14th/Wednesday 15th April
Tuesday, 19th/Wednesday 20th May
Tuesday, 15th/Wednesday 16th September
Tickets: £15 each
Reduced rates for parties
Booking enquiries to
Dick James
6 Compton Terrace, The Green,
Winchmore Hill, London N21 3NR
Telephone: 081-882 5522
I I
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• •
Edwin's Magic Arts announce an :
exclusive direct import from China of top quality
•
• SILKS •
• all at half normal price •
• •
• Yes, we have them, superb quality, correct weight (5 momme), gorgeous colours. Three sizes —11 inches •
• x 11 inches. Our suppliers tell us that these are cut 12 inches before hemming. They are charged to us as 12 •
• inch silks. If you will check other dealers' silks, you will find that these are under 12 inches. We prefer to be •
• honest and tell you that these are 11 inches square finished size.
• 18 inch silks, really 17y inches square;
SimilarlY, we supply
PPIT' q and 24 inch silks which are 23 inches square.
q •
•
•
• No rough and erratic amateurish hemming. :
• All our silks have wonderful hand-rolled edges. Compare these silks with any offered by any other •
• dealer and we guarantee that you will be surprised and delighted. •
Apart from the PROFESSIONAL QUALITY, we have even more exciting news and that is our PRICES.
• Over the last few years silk prices have escalated. A spot check on three leading dealers' prices shows: •
• Dealer `A offers "12 inch" silks at £ 1.50 each; "18 inch" silks at £3.00; and "24 inch" silks at £6.50. •
• Dealer `B' offers "12 inch" silks at £ 1.75; "18 inch" silks at £3.50; "24 inch" silks at £5.75. •
• Dealer C offers 12 inch" silks at £ 1.95; 18 inch" silks at £3.95; 24 inch" silks at £6.95.

• As a result of bulk buying involving a capital outlay of many thousands of pounds, we have been able to 0
• purchase at low prices and we are passing the savings directly on to YOU — our customers. No wholesale. •
• You can only purchase these silks at these prices directly from us. •
NOW NOTE OUR PRICES
• (all inclusive of VAT) •
• 11 x 11 inch silks, red, yellow, green, blue, white. These are the only colours at present supplied to us. •
• Price each, £ 1.00 (USA $ 2.00) . Yes, read that again, £ 1.00. •
• 17 x 17 inch silks, the same colours, price £2.00 each (USA $4.00). •
•
• 23 x 23 inch silks, same colours, price £3.50 each (USA $7.00). :
• Prices almost half that charged by any other dealer and for a better quality product. •
• Inclusive in our dollar price, we will pay air mail postage to you. This applies to silks only. •
• We can also supply 35 inch silks in white only — with the same beautfiul hand-rolled edges at £6.00 •
• each (USA $12.00).
• We already have a number of customers commenting on our silk prices and expect our stocks to be •
• quickly diminished. Absolute satisfaction guaranteed. •
• Handling charge on silks only waived but add £2.00 to cover post and packing. Send all orders to:— •
• •
EDWIN'S MAGIC ARTS
"Widgery", Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LP
• •
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

255
 ADDITIONS TO
MAGIC CIRCLE FOUNDATION MUSEUM
Programmes - Palace Theatre, Preston: Great
Hermann, Fred Culpitt and Jan Glenrose, Jack
Demain, Billy O'Connor, Kardoma. Hippodrome,
Preston: Claude Williams, Benson DuLay, Fred
Brezin.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Programmes - ENSA Theatre, Calcutta: Le Roy.
New Theatre, Cambridge: Chris Charlton. Hippo-
drome, Preston: Raymond Smith, Cingalee, Erikson,
Kharkov. Palace Theatre, Preston: Fred Culpitt.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M.I.M. C.
Programmes - Palace Theatre, Preston: Milton
Woodward, Deveen, Cassandra, Rita Carmo.
Artemus. Scale Theatre, London: Magic Circle
Festival of Magic, 1951.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Programmes - New Theatre, Cambridge: Voltaire.
Duke of York's Theatre, London: Paula Baird,
Arthur Dowler, Jasper Maskelyne & Co. Sheffield
Empire: Russ Carr. Garrick, Southport: Robert
Harbin. Hippodrome, Preston: Sheik Ben Ali.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M.I.M. C.
Programme - Scala Theatre, London: Magic Circle
Festival of Magic, 1959.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Programme - Scala Theatre, London: Magic Circle
Festival of Magic, 1949.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Programme - Scala Theatre, London: Magic Circle
Festival of Magic, 1955.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Programmes - Garrick, Southport: Jack Demain.
King's, Preston: Rayfayelle, 'Fingers' Orsini, Murray,
Jack le Dair, Artemus, Great Levante. Royal,
Preston: Sirdani, Milton Woodward.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Programme - Collins Music Hall: Chicane.
Donated by Rae Hammond, M. I. M. C.
Pair of Magician's Tables, c. 1880.
Donated by Mrs. Pamela Deane
Coin wand, fitted with 1819 half-crown.
Donatd by Mrs. Pamela Deane
Magie 8, 1991. Two stickers FISM 2000 Vienne and
Die Magische Zehn.
Donated by Yosi Notkovitz, A. I. M. C.
Poster - Stars of The Magic Circle, Brent Town
Hall, 29th October, 1991.
Donated by George Kovari, M. I. M. C.
Poster - Richard Stupple Children's Holiday Show,
Civic Theatre, Bedford, 6th August, 1974.
Donated by Richard Stupple, M.I.M. C.
Poster - Richard Stupple, Welwyn Hatfield District
Council, 4th, 5th and 7th January, 1977.
Donated by Richard Stupple, M.I. M. C.
Official programme - S.A.M. Convention, Las
Vegas, 3rd-6th July, 1991.
Donated by Henry Lewis, M.I.M. C.
it tit

THE MAGIC CIRCLE APPEAL AUCTION, OCTOBER, 1991

Appreciation is given to the following members who voluntarily assisted at the
Auction. Pat Page, Terry Herbert, John Palfreyman, Joe Marchant, Lionel Russell
and Steve Ashby. Also to Brian Miller and Alan Shaxon who so greatly assisted me
with the lotting and packaging. Finally, to the good humour of the bidders who made
the auction a successful event. Additional thanks to the Editor of The Magic Circular
who so ably assisted with the publicity.
HENRY LEWIS, ES.V.A. (RETD), HON. AUCTIONEER

256
THE BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES GRATE-
MINI ADS
FULLY ACKNOWLEDGE DONATIONS TO THE
FUND FROM THE FOLLOWING: lop per word prepaid. Cheques, postal or money
orders payable to THE MAGIC CIRCLE. Copy, by 1st of
Sidney IRELAND month for the following month's issue, to PETER
John LEE ELDIN, 29 FOURTH AVENUE, GRANTHAM, LINCS.
Hugo ADLER Sid SLAVNY NG319TS.
Lionel FORDESMAN Graham DESMOND
Pat CONWAY Harry GREENAWAY
Stephen WOOLLEY Russell BUTLER ANTIQUE PROPS bought and sold. Bobby Bernard, 19
Exeter Road, London NW2 4SJ. Tel: 081-450 2201.
Ted WHEBELL Charles PECOR
GEORGE NORRINGTON'S WHO'S WHO IN MAGIC.
Howard GRAFF Alan PARSONS Issue 13 for 1992. 64 pages of articles, diary, dealers,
James BEAVIS Cliff TOWNSEND societies, lecturers and travel data. £2.60 (inc. p&p).
Brian STRINGER Peter SAVAGE George Norrington, 36 Lincoln Road, Dorking, Surrey
RH41TD.
Bertram WHITE Leonard CHASE
BOOKS AND EPHEMERA ON CONJURING AND ALL
Frank BRIGGS John PERRY PERFORMING ARTS. Catalogues issued regularly. Send
Peter BAIKIE Roy HEATH three first class stamps for current issue. I am always
interested in purchasing good material. Anne FitzSimons,
Paul FLORY Ben HOWELL 62 Scotby Road, Scotby, Carlisle CA4 8BD.
John LLOYD John STYLES
PAUL SPENCER PROPS. Tricks gathering dust? Why not
Timo AALTONEN Brian DAVIES exchange? Magic exchanged, bought and sold, S.A.E. for
Jack STEPHENS Miguel MUNOZ list. 21 Jardine Way, Dunstable, Beds. LU5-4AU. (Tel: 0582
600221).
Terry JONES Blake MAXAM

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B12 OXS
Tel: 021-440 3060 Fax: 021-446 4165

257
 Monthly Routine Matters
Minutes of a meeting of the Council held at Headquarters
on Wednesday. 7th August, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman). David Berglas.
Michael Bailey. Chris Pratt. Sam Gupta, Brian Miller,
Harr y Devano. Alan Snowden. All Bongo. Anthony
Brahams, Leslie Cole. Jack Delvin. Rupert Connell. John
Holland. Ken Lee. Jack Ma y es. Les Nottle, Harr y Reeve.
Don Robertson. Darr y l Rose. Alan Shaxon, Richard
Stupple and Al Woodrow.
Apologies were received from: John Young, Michael
Candy. John Gordon. Henry Lewis, Alan Maskell and Peter
Scarlett.
Deaths
The Council noted with regret , the deaths of Eustace
Malcolm, Benson Dulay and Hughie Daniels.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 28th June, 1991 were
confirmed and signed.
Secretarial Report
(i) It was agreed that the new members on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
(ii) It was agreed that the reinstatement on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
(iii) The resignations on the attached Schedule were
accepted with regret.
(iv) The Secretary referred to the fatal printing defect in
the recently issued proxy form which now required a
reprint and immediate dispatch by air mail to overseas
members and by second class post the U.K. members.
The Secretary stated that he, too, had now resigned as
a trustee of The Magic Circle and that Magic Circle
Trustees Ltd. would now assumed that role.
Promotions
It was agreed that the promotion on the attached
Schedule be accepted.
Treasurer's Matters
The Deputy Treasurer reported receipts and payments for
July 1991 of £37,833 and £6,884 respectively.
Welfare Report
Richard Stupple gave a further report on his work as
Welfare Officer.
New Premises
The Chairman reported on a property recently viewed.
The meeting then adjourned to enable all Council mem-
bers to travel to and view the property.
Following a tour of the premises in question, viz. the Half
Moon Theatre, Mile End Road, it was unanimously agreed
than an offer be made subject to contract.
All other items on the agenda were adjourned until the
next meeting.
Next Meeting
To be advised.
Elected associates — 7th August, 1991
John George Beck, 6 The Cliff, Roedean, Brighton, Sussex
BN2 5RE. (0271680657).
258
Malcolm Gordon, 91 The Gore, Ghyllgrove, Basildon,
Essex SS 14 2DS.
Richard Trethowan. Flat 33, 7-9 Moreton Street, Pimlico,
London S W 1 V 2PW (071-630 7818).
Elected Member— 7th August, 1991
Robert V. Allen, Oakspell House, 2709 Reche Road,
Fallbrook, California 92028. U.S.A. (619-723-7307).
Reinstate to M. M. C. — 7th August, 1991
Stan Allen, Suite 322, 4067 Hardwick Street, Lakewood,
California 90712, U.S.A. (213-531-0953).
Resignations — 7th August, 1991
Michael Austin — Bolton.
David Hobbs — Crediton.
Promotions — 7th August, 1991
To M. M. C.
Tony Hansome — Gillingham.
Miguel Munoz — Hayes.
Matthew Pernick — Virginia, U.S.A.
To A.1. M. C.
Scott Wells —Texas, U.S.A.
A.G.M.
Minutes of the annual general meeting held at
Headquarters on Monday, 16th September, 1991.
Present: Derrick Speight (Chairman), David Berglas,
Chris Pratt and Sam Gupta.
Apologies were received from: Terry Burgess, Ali Bongo,
David Goodwin, Peter Laing, Brian Miller and John
MacGregor.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th September, 1990
were confirmed and signed.
Annual Report
The Hon. Secretary referred to his written report as
published in the July 1991 issue of The Magic Circular.
He referred to the programme of events arranged for
Monday Nights and extended his thanks to all those who par-
ticipated whether as lecturer, performer or arranger of the
many shows.
He corrected the part of his report concerning sponsor-
ship of Richard Griffin at the recent F.LS.M. competition
which was by The Magic Circle Foundation rather than The
Magic Circle.
On a proposal by Ken Lee, seconded by Leslie Cole, the
Hon. Secretary's Annual Report was unanimously adopted.
Balance Sheet and Accounts
(a) The Hon. Treasurer presented the balance sheet and
accounts of the Society for the year ending 31st March,
1991.
(b) The Hon. Treasurer then presented a report and
statement of accounts for the Benevolent Fund.
On a proposal by Dara Kaka, seconded by Larry Barnes,
both sets of accounts were unanimously adopted.
Appointment of Officers Resolution
The following were unanimously declared as officers of The following resolution, proposed by Darryl Rose and
the Society: seconded by Ali Bongo, was considered:
President: David Berglas "That The Magic Circle Rule Book, viz. the Rules
Vice-President: Michael Bailey and Constitution of The Magic Circle and The Magic
Hon. Secretary: Chris Pratt Circle Benevolent Fund, should have the word 'male'
Hon. Treasurer: Brian Miller removed and replaced with the word 'person"'
The Chairman then made a presentation to Sam Gupta in Following a brief discussion, the resolution was put to the
recognition of his many years' service on the Council cul- vote of those present and those voting by proxy which
minating in his role as Deputy Treasurer and finally Hon. revealed 469 in favour of the resolution and 129 against:
Treasurer. 78.43% being in favour, the Chairman declared the
resolution carried.
Constitution of the new Council
The constitution of the new Council was declared by the Any Other Business
returning officer as follows: (i) The Chairman made reference to the Half Moon
Ali Bongo, Anthony Brahams, Michael Candy, Leslie Cole, Theatre property recently acquired and invited Rupert
Rupert Connell, Neville Cooper, Jack Delvin, John Connell, who had so ably acted on the Society's behalf,
Gordon, John Holland, Ken Lee, Henry Lewis, Alan to enlarge upon the nature and title of the property
Maskell, Jack Mayes, Les Nottle, Harry Reeve, Don acquired. Rae Hammond suggested that a blow by
Robertson, Darryl Rose, Peter Scarlett, Alan Shaxon, blow account of the acquisition of the property should
Richard Stupple, Al Woodrow. appear in The Magic Circular.
In answer to a question by Cyril Corden, the Chairman
stated that there was every expectation that The Magic
Circle Foundation would provide the funds for the
COUNCIL ELECTION 91/92 museum and libraries at the new headquarters. Terry
Seabrooke felt that a clear, concise statement con-
VOTES CAST cerning the various funds currently in existence for the
BONGO, Ali 457 purchase of a property should appear in The Magic
Circular.
BRAHAMS, Anthony 265
CANDY, Michael 370 The President concluded by expressing his thanks to
Derrick Speight, Michael Bailey, Rupert Connell and
COLE, Leslie 340 all involved in the acquisition of these premises, a
CONNELL, Rupert 307 sentiment shared by the entire meeting.
COOPER, Neville 346
DELVIN, Jack 393 (ii) Peter Pinner, in noting that Jack Mayes had organised
GORDON, John 366 his last Spring Day of Magic, enquired whether The
Magic Circle would be prepared to continue the
HOLLAND, John 284 organisation of this event.
JONES, Jim 210
LEE, Ken 295 (iii) The Hon. Secretary stated that the question of forming
LEWIS, Henry 347 a Junior Magic Circle was to be discussed in detail at the
284 next Council meeting. The Chairman stated that no
MASKELL, Alan
decision had been made but that since it was an issue of
MAYES, Jack 303 considerable substance, the views of the membership
NOTTLE, Les 433 would certainly be taken into account.
PICOT, Nic 143
REEVE, Harry 404 (iv) Doug Young proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair-
man, the officers and the Council of the Society for
ROBERTSON, Don 388 their work on behalf of the membership.
ROSE, Darryl 279
SCARLETT, Peter 412
SHAXON, Alan 457
STUPPLE, Richard 352
WOODROW, Al 392
ENTRY TO
Auditor
On a proposal by James Freedman, seconded by Michael THE CLUBROOM
Fenton, Messrs. Moore Stephens were appointed auditors Members are reminded that for security and
for the ensuing year. administrative purposes entry to the clubroom
Returning Officer should be made through the Carisbrooke entrance
On a proposal by Dennis Patten, seconded by Alan to the Victory Services Club (entrance nearest
Maskell, Terry Guyatt was appointed returning officer for Edgware Road).
the ensuring year. After the meeting members are asked to exit via
The Chairman took the opportunity to express thanks to the main entrance (through the Buttery).
Terry Guyatt and all those members who had assisted him Membership cards must be available for inspection
for the excellent manner in which the ballots had been con-
ducted and for the splendid arrangements made for this at all times.
evening's meeting.

259
 bituarp
ALAN KENNAUGH
1928-1991

EATL^RE writer for show business magazines and papers, columnist to Magigram for more than 20 years, Alan
F Kennaugh sadl y passed away at 2 a.m. on Friday. 25th October. He had been ill and was hospitalized but news
of his sudden death came to us as a tremendous shock.
Alan had been a showboz writer all his life, working in Cumbria and then progressing to become a feature
writer for the TVTimes in London. Over those successful years, Alan interviewed mo re stars and leading per-
sonalities than any other writer and right up to his untimely death, was still producing top articles for major
magazines and, of course. our own magazine the Magigram.
His bright and breezy. often punchy, articles for Magigram were always laced with photographs. First in
Kennaugh Kalling and then later in Kennaugh's Kaleidoscope. there was never a dull moment in any of his copy.
Alan toured the world, interviewing big stars such as Bing Crosby and Jack Benny, as well as those mo re
contemporary and closer to magic.
Alan was an Honorary Vice-President of the British Ring and edited the Budget way back in the 60s. He was
a regular attender of the annual British Ring con vention and, together with Liz, was always popular amongst mem-
bers. A guest of honour at the Supreme Super Days at both Lewisham and Malvern, Alan was P. R.O. for Supreme.
Our sincere condolences go to Lizabeth %%arlock. Alan will be sadly missed by all.
IAN ADAIR

HE funeral of Alan Kennaugh, M.I.M.C., took place at Putney Vale Crematorium on Friday, 1st November.
T Chief mourner was long-time partner and friend, Elizabeth Warlock and The Magic Circle was represented
by President David Berglas, Welfare Officer Richard Stupple and members Edwin Hooper and Charles Pemberton.
RICHARD STUPPLE
Chief Welfare Officer

CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Barnes. Tim. 19 Convent Gardens. Ealing. London W5
4UT. (081-568 8290.)
y
Betteridge. Ron. 7 Coventr y Close. Midwa . Swadlincote.
Derb y shire DE 11 7PP. (0283 215332.)
Brown. Robert. 1250 Norfolk Way. Sacramento. California
95831. U.S.A. (9164283210.)
Clive. Donald. BM/LHBD. Monomark. London WC1N
3XX.
Everitt. Graham. 2 Buxton Close. St. Albans. Herts. AL4
9UH.
Gannon. John. Tollesbur y Cruising Club. The Yacht Har-
bour. Tollesburv. Maldon. Essex CM9 8SE. (0621
869222.)
Grieve. Tom. 76 Wilmcote House. Woodchester Square.
London W2 5ST (071-289 5487.)
Honaker. Ronald. 3447 Wellington Road. Montgomery.
Alabama 36106. U.S.A.
Lewis. Trevor. Awel Y Mor. Bryn Colwyn. Abergelle Road.
Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 7RS. (0492 512658.)
Nolan, Patrick, 2 Oaklands Avenue, Brookmans Park,
Herts. AL9 7UJ. (0707 50194.)
Reynolds, Quentin, 11 Orchard Terrace, Phibsboro,
Dublin 7, Ireland.
Rodgers, Peter, C/o Commonwealth Bank I.S., Application
Centre, 2-14 Elsie Street, Burwood, N.S.W. 2134,
Australia.
Shealy, Wallace, 415 Fry Street, # 11, Denton, Texas 76201,
U.S.A. (8173800835.)
Smith, Henry, 78 Thames Drive, Taunton, Somerset TA1
2TE. (0823 270347. )
Truzzi, Marcello, 5010 Willis Road, Grass Lake, MI 49240,
U.S.A. (517 522 3551.)
Wells, William, 1105 Potomac Lane, Alexandria, VA 22308-
2534, U.S.A.
Wilson, Ronald, Unit 2, 32 St. Leonards Street, Mosman
Park, Perth 6012, Western Australia.

260
 ' MAGIGRAM THE INTERNATIONAL
9E CONJURORS' MAGAZINE

THE INTERNATIONAL
3 Now In Its 55th Year
MAGAZINE OF MAGIC
Of Continuous Publication.
Genii Features The Latest Magic
From The World's Top Magicians
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• Celebrating its 25th year • Product pages - Letter i Every Month Along With Its Interna-
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- sparkling new format page • tionally Famous Columnists, Reviewers,
• The monthly with Star • 44 A4 glossy pages Reporters and advertisers from around
Columnists • Four colour cover a the globe.
• Top magical inventors • Incorporating the
RATES TO EUROPE:
effects and routines Trixigram
;' Surface 1 yr: $45.00 -2 yrs: $85.00
Subscribers become members of the Airmail I yr: $70.00 - 2yrs: $140.00
Supreme Magicians' Club PAYABLE IN U.S. FUNDS
Send cheque, cash or pay by Visa, Access, t MASTERCARD AND VISA ACCEPTED
MasterCard, American Express.
Price (12 issues post paid) £15, GENII - P.O.BOX 36068,
Overseas £18, U.S.A. $35. k. ., LOS ANGELES, CA, 90036 U.S.A.
FAX: (213) 933-4820
V
SUPREME MAGIC COMPANY, `_ PUBUSHED MONTHLY BY
THE LARSEN FAMILY SINCE 1936
Supreme Home, Bideford, Devon EX39 2AN,
Engbs
Tel: 0237 479266 Fax: 0237 421440

THE LEVER/DCE SILK VANISHER MEL T THROUGH

If you A black jeweller's box Is
need to vanish a opened and a gleaming circular
12' silk in your brass box is removed. The box
GONE act do you push and lid both have a large hole
It into a box, drilled through them so that the
, Jl bag or cone? inside of the box can be seen.
Why? A real The box is examined and a
magician would coin (50p or half dollar) is
just tuck it into his fist and the silk would dropped inside. , lid is
melt away! And that's exactly what THE placed on and th coin can be seen within
LEVERIDGE SILK VANISHER will allow 71i through the hole yet instantly It penetrates
to do! first out of the box - and then back in
The special 12" long magic wand, which again!
can be used throughout your show and Finally a piece of examined ribbon is
handled by the spectators, can at any time threaded down through the hole in the box
be transformed into a secret gimmick which lid, magically melts through the coin Inside,
will allow you to either vanish or produce a and out of the hole In the base! The ribbon
silk holding nothing more than the wand! is pulled right through and everything may
This is a simple yet effective idea which i mmediately be examined. No re-set, ideal
requires no pulls, thumb tips or other for table hopping, can be worked
gimmicks which need to be secretly surrounded. Comes with jeweller's box, brass
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PRICE:- L12.50 $25.00 instructions. PRICE:- f17.50 $35.00
ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE - 11.00 $3.00

Mark L e veridge Magic, 29 lVrefords Close, Exeter, De von EXd SAY, England
,, r , Tel-- 0392 52000 Fax:- 0392 135725
 For Your Address Book...
PRESIDENT: David BERGLAS. M.I.M.C.. 6 Great North Road. Barnet. Herts. ENS IJS. 081-440 6688.
VICE-PRESIDENT AND APPEAL DIRECTOR: Michael BAILEY. M.I.M.C.. Gunsgreen. Firway, Grayshott. Surrey
GU26 6J0. 0428 713472.
SECRETARY: Christopher PRATT. M.I.M.C.. 13 Calder Avenue, Brookmans Park, Herts. AL9 7AH. 0707 54971 to
whom all annual subscription, general and policy matters and changes of address should be addressed.
TREASURER: Brian MILLER. M.I.M.C.. 26 South Park Crescent. Ilford. Essex IGI 1XU. 081-478 1175 to whom
matters of finance, other than subscriptions, should be addressed.
CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Derrick SPEIGHT. M.I.M.C.. Upstream. Trout Rise. Loudwater, Rickmansworth, Herts.
0923 720431.
WELFARE OFFICER: Richard STUPPLE, M.I.M.C.. 61 Springfield Avenue, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8JB. 0234
851607.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL: Harry DEVANO. M.I.M.C.. 17 Cedarhurst Drive, Eltham. London 5E9 5LP.
081-850 8264.
EDITOR OF THE MAGIC CIRCULAR: Peter ELDIN. M.M.C., 29 Fourth Avenue. Grantham, Lines. NG31 9TS.
0476 60657.
NON -RECEIPT OF CIRCULAR: Michael CANDY, M.M.C., "Sound of Music," Harthall Lane, Hemel Hempstead,
Herts. HP3 8SE. 0923 267057 to whom all queries on NON-RECEIPT of The Magic Circular should be sent.
LIBRARIAN AND BOOK POSTAL SERVICE: Peter LANE, M.I.M.C., 17 Milton Road, Ickenham, Middx. UB 10 8NH.
0895 674124 to whom all hooks borrowed by post should be returned.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Jack DELVIN, M.I.M.C., 18 Lodge Close, Orpington, Kent BR6 OQQ. 0689 826169.
EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY: Les NOTTLE, M.LM.C., 74 Cherrydown Avenue, Chingford, London E4 8DU. 081-
529 5591 from whom details of examinations and non-receipt of certificates maybe obtained.
BENEVOLENT FUND SECRETARY: C. Michael COLLEY, M.I.M.C., The Hollies, Oak Street, Lechlade,
Gloucestershire GL7 3AX. 0367 52482.
MONDAY NIGHT HOST: Neville COOPER, A.I.M.C., 5 Scarsdale Villas, London W8 6PT. 081-937 4710.
AT HOMES: Dick JAMES, A.I.M.C., 6 Compton Terrace, The Green, Winchmore Hill N21. 081-882 5522.
CURATOR: Henry LEWIS, ES.V.A., M.I.M.C., 24 Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, Middx. 081-9582525.
ENTERTAINMENTS COMMITTEE: Alan SHAXON, M.LM.C.; Ali BONGO, M.I.M.C., c/o 7 Rivermount, Walton-
on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2PW. 0932 228796.
When writing to any of the above please enclose s.a.e. (A4-size envelope) or International Reply Coupon

THE NEW MAGIC CIRCLE SHOW CASE

JEWELS fo r wear at functions, etc . ......................................................................................... 7.50
BUTTONBADGES for appropriate degree ............................................................................... 4.00
MAGICCIRCLE CUFF LINKS, new design ............................................................................. 9.50
MAGICCIRCLE TIES. maroon or navy blue ........................................................................... 6.00
MAGICCIRCLE CAR BADGES ............................................................................................ 6.00
MAGICCIRCLE STICK PINS, new design .............................................................................. 7.50
LEATHERBOOK MARKS, new design ................................................................................... 1.50
MAGICCIRCLE BANNERS in red silk ................................................................................... 5.00
COASTERS, box of six in red, blue, black ................................................................................ 5.00
CHINA MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .................................................................................. 4.00
POTTERY MUG, Magic Circle motif in red .............................................................................. 2.00
SILVER-PLATED TEASPOON, motif in red ............................................................................. 2.50
BOOKMATCHES, 10 boxes .................................................................................................. 3.50
BALL-POINT PENS ............................................................................................................. 0.50
SPORTSCAPS, blue with Magic Circle motif ............................................................................ 8.50
PLAYINGCARDS, (Magic Circle), red or black/red) .................................................................. 2.00
KEYRINGS ....................................................................................................................... 1.50
12" BALLOONS with The Circle badge on, 10 of mixed colours ................................................... 1.50
SVENGALI PACKS, Magic Circle cards, blue back only (with instructions) ..................... (p&p 75p) 3.50 (New)
Obtainable in the Club Room from Jack Mayes Postal enquiries to:-
JACK MAYES, 153 DERBY WAY, STEVENAGE, HERTS SG1 5TN
Tel.: 0438 352433
Cheques to be made payable to The Magic Circle
Please add £1.00 for badges and jewels, cuff links and other small items. Mugs, please add £1.50.
Some of the above items are ideal for presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc.,
i.e., book marks, mugs, coasters, pens, matches, key rings and silver-plated spoons

y v .
Printed b) Barnard & Crannis Ltd., Unit 30. Lea Valley Trading Estate. Angel Road, Edmonton, London NI83HR, and published b) "The Magic Circle", The Victor Ser ices Club, 63 79 Seymour Street, London W2 2HE