Incorporating the " MAGAZINE OF M A G I C " OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE MAGICIANS' CLUB DECEMBER
1937
PRICE I/- (25c)
IT'S FUN TO BE FOOLED by H O R A C E
GOLDIN
ORACE GOLDIN is the world's greatest living magician. He has made stage history with some of his amazing inventions, and he has mystified more persons of note than any other illusionist. The British Royal Family has, in the past, had a particular admiration for Goldin's dexterity and skill. By Royal Command he played four times before King Edward VII. in eight days, and so earned the name of "Royal Illusionist." The London Daily Mail once devoted a whole page to him under the heading : " T h e Queen's Own Conjurer," because of the interest shown by Queen Alexandra. King George V., when Prince of Wales, showed such interest in one of his tricks that the magician revealed in confidence exactly how the trick was performed. Horace Goldin has many interesting stories t o tell of his meetings with these popular rulers. During his long and distinguished career Goldin has also appeared before the Kings of Saxony, Portugal, and Sweden, Presidents Harding and Wilson, and the King of Siam, who actually had a theatre built specially for him, as the Royal Palace had no room large enough for the illusions. Fascinating, indeed, are the full stories of Horace Goldin's greatest tricks— particularly the Indian Rope Trick, which has baffled men for centuries, and " Sawing a Woman in Half," which is one of the world's greatest marvels. During his forty-eight years on the stage, Horace Goldin has travelled extensively, and the many stories which he relates of American gangsters, of great publicity stunts in the U.S.A. and Great Britain are amazing in their audacity. The pages of these unique reminiscences abound with excitement, humour, and shrewd comment on personalities and events. They also make it easy to understand why Horace Goldin is the outstanding figure in the world of magic to-day, and why he enjoys the titles " T h e King of Magicians," " The Magician of Kings." Price 18/- ($4.50) postage 6d. (12c.)
H
MEET YOUR MAGICAL FRIENDS
AT
•Will.Gbld8ton.tel
GOLDSTON'S! 14 GREEN STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE LONDON, W.C.2 :: ENGLAND
NOVELTIES IN MAGIC AT GOLDSTON S Professional Illustrated Catalogue and Cop/ of " The Magazine of Magic " 1/2 (3Cc.)
THE
JUMPING CARD HOULETTE.
A handsome Houlette made in inlaid Mahogany is seen standing on the magician's table. Three cards are chosen and returned to the pack and placed in full view into this handsome Houlette. Immediately the names of the cards are called out by the members of the audience who have chosen them, they jump out of the Houlette. A great effect. Price 25/-. Postage 6d" U.S.A. $6.50 Post Paid
GOLDSTON'S DE LUXE CARD DRAWER BOX ' This beautifully inlaid Mahogany box produces two chosen cards separately. Box and drawer may be shown at close quarters. Useful for many card effects. Price 20/-. Postage 6d. U.S.A. J5.25 Post Paid
READING THE ORDER OF A BORROWED PACK OF PLAYING CARDS Any pack of cards may be shuffled and placed into a neat wooden box containing an hinged lid. The box is closed and in full view the performer calls out the order of the cards, removing each card as he does so. Box may be examined. Price 10/-. Postage 4d. U.S.A. Post Paid $2.75
SHACKLETON'S CARD SENSATION A freely selected card is returned to the case and threaded with a length of silk ribbon. The entire pack and case has a hole punched through the centre. The pack of cards are removed from the case and the ends of the ribbon tied by a member of the audience. At word of command the selected card arises. Supplied to Horace Goldin and Frackson. Price 6/-. Postage 3d. 2/- on every retail pack sold is passed on'to the J. N. Maskelyne Benevolent Fund on the request of Mr. Edgar Shackleton.
STANYON'S GREAT PENETRATION OF A JUMBO CARD THROUGH A GLASS TUBE. Price 30/- ($8.00). Packing and Postage 9d. The performer shews an unprepared Giant Card and requests a member of the audience to mark it. A glass tube is next examined and found to be genuine. Now listen ! The glass tube is pushed half-way through a frame which is specially made with a large hole ; the card is slowly and in full view forced down the frame and instantly the frame is carried to the member of the audience who marked the card—the frame comes apart, revealing the card on the glass tube. A Positive Sensation Orders received from Horace Goldin and Dante. You must include this perfect mystery in your programme this season.
CLIPPO. A cut strip of paper is restored in full view. This is the effect : The performer takes a strip of paper about two feet long, folds it in half and cuts a length off the fold, immediately the strip falls flat and is fully restored. The paper is cut the second, third and if the performer wishes, the fourth time—and the paper strip is opened and in each case it is found to be restored. The greatest and best restored Paper Trick invented in recent years. Price 4/- post paid.
WILL GOLDSTON Ltd.
ALADDIN HOUSE. 14 G l ^ N STREET. LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON. W.C.
Telephone : WHItehall 3304
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL QUARTERLY
Telephone: WHItehall 3304
Incorporating the "MAGAZINE OF MAGIC" DECEMBER
1937
C O N T E N T S
Editorial News of Magicians ... What is a Book Club Worth? Reviews '' Zara '' Passing a Solid Steel Rod Through the Body of a Woman Without Covering and Down Stage ... The Borrowed Ring and Envelope ...
Page 287 288 289 290
291 293
The Magic Matchbox ... The " R a i n b o w " Handkerchief Effect Chaun's Appearing Knot ... My Early Life The Magicians' Club ... Elections ... ... ... Basque Children's Show Given by the Magicians' Club ... Letters to the Editor ...
Page 293 294 296 297 300 301 302 302
EDITORIAL NOTICES. Contributions are invited, and must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. The Editor will not hold himself responsible for the safety of any MSS. Short contributions of 250 to 500 words are the most welcome. All MSS. should be typewritten on one side of the apper only. The entire contents of this issue are Copyrighted. RATES OF SUBSCRIPTION. One Year 3/9 post paid. Foreign Countries $1.00. Single copy 1/- (25 cents.). Goldston's Magical Quarterly is supplied to the Wholesale trade and all Magical Dealers. ADVERTISING RATES. Front cover £5 5s. Od. ($26.50). Inside cover £4 4s. Od. ($21.00). Other pages £3 3s. Od. ($16.00). Half page £1 15s. Od. (8.50). Quarter Page £1 0s. Od. ($5.00. Inch displayed 5/- ($1.25). Small advertisement 2d. per word, minimum 12 words. Trade 4d. per word, minimum 12 words.
Managing Editor
.
.
.
.
WILL
GOLDSTON
Publishers : W I L L G O L D S T O N , L T D . , London, W . C . 2 , England rfWMWWWWWMM^WV%
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286
GOLDSTON 'S MAGICAL QUARTERLY
I Hon. Counsel: W. HALL HICKIN Hon Solicitor : ARTHUR BOLDEN Hon. Medical Advisers : Dr. MICHAEL J. FENTON Dr. ROLAND BRAMLEY. Dr. O. H. BOWEN Hon. Dental Adviser : ALBERT BANGERT Hon. Librarian : C. V. SEYMOUR Accountant: M. WIDDOWSON, F.S.A.A. Hon. Press Representatives : J. C. CANNELL CHARLES W. SUTTON Hon. Reporter: ALBERT WARBY
Founder and Past President: WILL GOLDSTON
President: HORACE GOLDIN
THE MAGICIANS' CLUB (WIZARDS' LIMITED)
Headquarters:
PALACE
HOTEL,
Telegrams— MYSTICITY LESQUARE LONDON
HOUDINI.
Entertainment Chairman : SIR JULIAN CAHN, Bt.
Hon. Stage Director: ALEX REED
ST.
Telephone— WHITEHALL 3304
Past Presidents : WILL GOLDSTON. LOUIS GAUTIER.
Vice-Presidents DAVID DEVANT 5ERVAIS LE ROY VRTHUR PRINCE 1. H. GILLESPIE Jir BENJAMIN FULLER : ». MONTAGUE, M.P. j iARRY HALL j 4ANNEN SWAFFER jir E. DENISON ROSS, Ph.D. iHARQUIS OF ELY i j A RRv 'pm™T 'MURRAY " Surgeon Capt. HENRY HUNT -ir TTTITFM riHM l K - n - KW -> >ir JULIEN CAHN, Bt. WIT TYAM ODGEN nnr™ i *lft .apt. WILLIAM ]
i
(
First Vice-President: H. M. HAMILTON-HEINKE
BLOOMSBURY
W.C.I.
Hon. Treasurer : WILL GOLDSTON
Council: WILL GOLDSTON LOUIS GAUTIER ARTHUR PRINCE ALBERT WARBY EDDIE SONGEST ALEX. REED H. M. HAMILTON-HEINKE FRANK WOODS, G.M. EDWARD PROUDLOCK, G.M. JAMES ROGERS Entertainment Committee: Chairman : Sir JULIEN CAHN, Bt W^GVD^TON J. O'NEILL FISHER ATMEE SWAINF HORACE ROSE WILLIAM G. B. BROWN EDWARD GREENWOOD ALBERT WARBY CYRIL T. ALLEN
Psychic Investigation Council: Chairman: HANNEN SWAFFER tVILL GOLDSTON J. M. RUBENS HENRY RIGOLETTO J. C. CANNELL
All Communications should be Addressed to Hon. Organiser WILL GOLDSTON, : 14 Green Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C.2 :
Hon. Secretary: J. O'NEILL FISHER
LADIES' NIGHTS: 1938 3Cth January 24th April 27th February 29th May 27th March Members are requested to make a note of the above dates THE CLUB MEETS EVERY WEDNESDAY A T HEADQUARTERS: THE PALACE HOTEL, BLOOMSBURY STREET, W.C.I. Founded in 1911.
The Club's Badge should be worn at the above functions
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL QUARTERLY
287
With this issue, Goldston's Magical Quarterly opens a new phase in its career. It is reduced in price, and I have been persuaded to increase the descriptions of tricks and illusions at the expense of general literary matter. In this number I have included material to suit every type of magician. I frankly admit that this alteration of contents ratio is something in the nature of an experiment, and I should genuinely welcome letters from readers of the Quarterly telling me what they think of it. My worst enemy has never said that I am afraid of criticism, and if the criticism contains some really constructive suggestions, I shall read it the more eagerly. I have noticed, in the past two or three seasons, a tendency for sleights to go out of favour, whilst bigger effects have become more and more popular. Whether this tendency is desirable or not, it is not for me, or for any other magician, to say. It is, I think, a sign of the times, a symptom of that modern taste which is well-nigh insatiable in its demand for show, sensation, and drama. Magicians would do well to notice it, and to mould their programmes accordingly. . A further point which is of more than passing interest. Within the short space of five weeks, I have received no fewer than six complaints regarding the performances of certain magicians at children's parties. From names I will forbear, but it does seem to me a remarkable thing that skilled and experienced magicians should take no trouble to cater to the essential nature of a juvenile audience. Children do not want to witness a magical entertainment as such. They want to be entertained in the way they understand entertainment. The obvious line is to link up one's tricks with a well-known nursery rhyme or fairy story. The fables of Old Mother Hubbard and the Old Woman in a Shoe offer, for instance, almost limitless possibilities in the way of surprise productions. And it is as well to remember that nothing appeals to the child mind so much as productions of sweets and toys ! Forgive this little lecture in psychology ! If it helps some of my readers to enjoy a bumper winter season, then it has been justified, and it need scarcely be said that this Editorial carries with it every good wish for Christmas and the New Year, from
y is
The President and Officials of The Magicians' Club Wish all Members and Readers
H fll>eiT\> Christmas anb a prosperous 1938
sÂŁ
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL
288
QUARTERLY
NEWS OF NEWS OF MAGICIANS. The evergreen Horace Goldin figures prominently in the magical news this season. He has notched up some record takings in his provincial travellings in Britain, and already has several bookings that will carry him well into 1940. Goldin, indeed, is like good wine ; with every season he gets better, although it is many years since he established himself as a performer of real vintage class! The passing years have certainly not withered the infinite variety of his magic. The " Balloon of Life " and " Indian Rope Trick," the two outstanding illusions in his present programme, are both the inventions of his own fertile brain, and we hear on very good authority that he has some other good effects in the making. •
•
*
Dante opens on Boxing Day at the Winter Garden Theatre, London, with the second edition of his magnificent quick-fire show, " Sim Sala Bim." The programme has been entirely revised, and contains a number of entirely new illusions. Dante's progress since he first broke into the real magical limelight not so very long ago has been really remarkable, and proves once more the worth of good magic coupled with first-class showmanship. Already we hear rumours that Dante intends to retire at the end of 1938, and for our part we cannot but wish that rumour will once more justify herself as a lying jade ! In " London Rhapsody," at the London Palladium, Cardini has again scored a success. This is the second Palladium show in which he has appeared, a fact which is not only a tribute to Cardini's almost uncanny skill, but to the acumen of George Black. In his own line of magic, Cardini is peerless, and to watch him at work is an object lesson in the finer points of the most difficult moves in magic. His back palming of cards
and his misdirection can baffle the keenest and most experienced eye. We commend, too, the note of humour which runs throughout his act, silent though it is. His performance, in short, is expert and complete. * * * Since Murray dropped his specialised escape work for an act of all-round magic, he has piled up success on success. He is booked well into next season, and a little bird has whispered that Murray's remuneration has trebled itself. Congratulations! Incidentally, two illusions in Murray's programme—" The Girl without a Middle," and " The Canvas Cabinet of Mystery "— completely baffled an old friend of ours who has been in the magical game for a score of years. * * * The Great Levante has certainly learned the secret of success. When he arrived in Britain from Australia he was quite unknown, and had no little difficulty in securing bookings. Within two years he was a topliner, and agents were begging him to place his name on their books. Levante has worked hard, and deserves all the success that has come to him. He is now touring with a full show of magic, supported with a number of high-class variety acts. His figures show that he is " good box-office," and he has a long string of bookings ahead of him. *
*
•
The nimble-fingered Howard de Courcy has been deceiving the West End cabaret audiences again, and from what we hear is likely to do so for a considerable time ahead. Society hostesses are after him, too— he has fulfilled a considerable number of private engagements in the West End already this season. De Courcy, of course, is a first-class performer in anything he undertakes, but there is no doubt that his charm of manner and his intimate style of presentation are big factors in his success. Those who have ambitions for society work—
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL and Howard de Courcy alone knows how remunerative that is!—cannot do better than to watch him work. Russell Swann is compering (hateful word !) the present show at the Dorchester. As an acquaintance of ours remarked, Swann is a first-class salesman, for it is not only his amusing magic that he puts across, but a droll and scintillating personality as well. At the recent League of Mercy Night at the Magicians' Club headquarters, the celebrated Billy Houston gave her first public show of magic. Her Rising Card and Portrait Materialisation (Past President Louis Gautier was her victim) brought forth such applause as has seldom been heard in Bloomsbury. Thus encouraged, Miss Houston has some more surprises up her sleeve, and we trust they will prove as good. The inimitable Bobby Howes, starring in the new Hippodrome Show, " Hide and Seek," indulges in some facetious magic which keeps his audiences in a literally roaring mood. Will Goldston was his tutor, and so Bobby Howes falls into line with many another musical-comedy star who has learned magic from the Magicians' Club Founder. George Graves, George Robey, Leslie Henson, Harry Tate, David Burnaby, Nellie Wallace, Sophie Tucker and Ronald Frankau have all, at various times, applied to Will for lessons in the magic art. It really seems that magic is not half so dead as some pessimists would have us believe.
DOUGLAS
QUARTERLY
289
WHAT IS A BOOK CLUB WORTH? By HILAIRE WHITE.
During the past year or eighteen months, the Book Club Movement has arisen in Britain. It would seem to have much to commend it. It guarantees the publishers concerned a certain number of readers— a number so great, in fact, that books can be produced for club members at a greatly reduced price. There are obvious limitations to such a movement, of course. The reader has no choice of books, but has to put up with what is thrust upon him. Since the average reader is a lenient and tolerant fellow, he probably doesn't mind. But an obvious danger to the Book Club system is that it may be misapplied in circles where, in fact, it has no proper application at all. This has already happened. There have sprung up a number of what I presume may be described as Magic Book Clubs. A number of people interested in magic subscribe together the price of a single magical work. The work is purchased, and then passed from one to another in the circle until all have read it. The book is then ballotted for, and the holder of the winning ticket is entitled to regard the book as his own property. Now this is not the true Book Club system at all. Every member of a legitimate Book Club has a new copy of his own. Actually the sole advantage he has over a member of the ordinary public is that he has obtained his volume at a reduced price. This is all to the good if the book is a novel, a biography, or a volume of travel. With a technical book, it is all to the bad for the very good reason that technical works are not intended solely to amuse. They
POWER
The Colour Cartoonist HOTEL REICHSHOF, MUHLFELD GASSE, VIENNA, AUSTRIA Eight to fifteen minutes Cartooning Act in seven colours Has been engaged for Variety Stage, Cabaret, Concerts, Films and Television Comi.: c/o "PERFORMER," 18 CHARiNG CROSS ROAD, LONDON, W.C.2
290
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL
are very often authoritative books of reference. Magical books are not primarily intended to amuse. I imagine that the only person who obtains amusement from a magical book is the Paul Pry who takes a childish delight in ascertaining how certain effects are obtained. Such people are not magicians, but busybodies. A magical book is a book to stud}', to file away on your shelf for future reference. Lest it be thought I have an axe to grind in this matter, let me state that I am not a magical author, nor am I ever likely to be. But I love magic. The books on the shelves of my library contain all the magical knowledge that I have learned—and a good deal I have not learned, too ! There I can dig and delve into the secrets of the masters, there are the secrets which are mine and mine alone. That is the beauty of a magical library. This nonsense of a score of readers sharing a single volume can never appeal to those who have real love of magic in their hearts. For my part, I have no better friends than those books I may call my own. And particularly those books which bear that truly magic label—Magic !
This Block, 2/6
This Block, 51-
Members may obtain these E l e c t r o s for for printing Letter Paper, Postcards, Circulars. T h r o waways, etc., supplied on application with remittance, to WILL GOLDSTON 14 Green Street Leicester Square : W.C.2 : London, Englan
Thls Block, 6/6
QUARTERLY
REVIEWS Books and Magazines for review should be addressed to the 13 ok Editor IT'S FUN TO BE FOOLED. By Horace Goldin. 18/- ($4,50). Stanley Paul & Co., Ltd. Two hundred and eighty-six pages of exciting reading. Twenty-two chapters covering Horace Goldin's early life and the many years which followed. This great and noble magician takes the reader into his confidences and spills the beans ! Eighteen illustrations, plus the diagrams, makes up a book full of thrills so different to any other book ever written by a magician. Horace Goldin tells how he rose from an ambitious poor boy to the highest pedestal in the magical profession, since the last century. Space does not permit a fuller review in this issue of this magazine. Don't fail to read this book before the edition is exhausted. KEITH CLARK'S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CIGARETTE TRICKS. 21/- ($5.00). Distributor : Kanter's Magic Shop. This work covers cigarette productions and manipulations in many forms and stages. The majority of moves can be learned with little difficulty, since the many photographs and diagrams shew clearly " just how." Magicians who are interested in tricks and sleights under this heading can now obtain a complete volume written by a specialist, and vouched for by such names in magic as John Mulholland, Theo Annemann, Charles H. Hopkins and Walter S. Fogg. Two hundred and ninety pages, illustrated with numerous photographic prints and diagrams. Bound in strong cloth and printed on good quality paper. AUS EINS MACH ZEHN. By Ottokar Fischer. Published by Saturn-Verlag, Wien, Austria. This neatly produced book of 182 pages and illustrated with clearly drawn line diagrams. Magicians who cannot read the language will find no difficulty in following the explanations, since the diagrams leave little to fathom. The publishers have failed to send us the price of this publication, we must ask our readers who wish to obtain a copy, to write direct. WATCH ME CLOSELY. 3/-. By Louis Lam. This Booklet contains a series of worth while Card Tricks written by one of the greatest experts of our time. The 4 Ace trick, which is explained in detail, is worth the price of this volume alone, apart from the other really clever tricks. GENERAL MAGIC. 3/-. By Will Dale. General Magic is a good title, since this volume contains a series of material suitable for performers who require items for a mixed audience. Edition limited to 250 copies only. Don't delay to place your order at once or you will regret it ! Space in this issue does not allow for mention of other books and magazines received. They will be dealt with in our next issue. CHARLES HEPWORTH.
Goldston's Super Wallet Mystery
A selected playing card is autographed by a member of the audience and returned to the pack.
Instantly the
conjurer removes from his pocket a genuine banknote wallet and hands it to the gentleman who selected and autographed the card. strong rubber
The wallet has a
band on
both
ends.
When the bands are removed he finds his card sewn between mica plates.
Endorsed by Horace great conjuring
Goldin as the
miracle
of our time
Price 35A ( $ 9 . 0 0 ) post paid ANOTHER METHOD with Ebonised Wooden Plates 10/6, postage 3d. ($2.75 post paid)
Super Fanning C a r d s , as supplied to Cardini, 2 / 6 per pack, 1
postage 2d.
Fanning P o w d e r , 6 d . per box, postage 2d. The short road to Expert Card Fanning. Herbert J. Collings with the aid of this remarkable powder is now using his old packs.
T h e C a r d E x p e r t by Lynn Searles, 8 / - post paid.
The The The The The
Stirling Egg, 2/- post paid. Best Quality Hank of Rope, 1/9 post paid. Genii, 1/6. The Sphinx, 1/6 Tops, 9d. The Magician, 6d. Magic Wand, 2/6. Pack Playing Cards, 1/-
WILL GOLDSTON Ltd.
ALADDIN HOUSE, 14 GREEN STRFET LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.2
Goldston's Offer 3 More Novelties Performed by HORACE GOLDIN
THE "ALADDIN" BLOCK & RIBBON An examined Coloured Block is threaded on to a silk ribbon. Two members of the audience are requested to assist the performer. One person holds one end of the ribbon and the other assistant holds the other end. IN FULL VIEW the block is removed, ONE HAND ONLY IS USED. Price 35/-, postage 6d. (19.00 post paid). Another method, In which a polished wooden block is used; the effect Is simUar as above. Price 30/-, postage 6d. ($8.00 post paid). Method C. The block is handsome and Inlaid. In this method both hands are used to remove the block. Remember In all the methods no covering of any kind is used. 37/6, postage 6d. ($10.00 post paid). Dante, in admiring these blocks, stated that this effect is excellent for Cabaret and close work. Devised by Jack Hughes
The "HYPNOTIC" TUMBLERS Two Glass Tumblers are placed top uppermost on an handkerchief which is used as a cover on a sheet of cardboard. The performer makes a few passes and then turns over the cardboard, when the tumblers adhere. The tumblers may be removed by a member of the company and the lot examined. An Ideal after-dinner trick, when the menu may be used in the place of cardboard. The greatest pocket trick invented this year. Price 2/6 post paid (75 cents post paid).
THE
CARD FORCING STAND Something you have been looking for for years. Presented at the Magicians' Club by Colin Simpson. The performer introduces a stand containing 5 regular different cards. Now the stand is turned round when each card is numbered 1 to S. The cards are removed and shuffled and returned to the stand. A member of the audience is requested to call for any number when that particular card is used. Can anything be more convincing ? Useful In so many tricks, such as the Card Frame, Card In Cigarette, Card in Wallet, etc. Price 10/-, postage 6(1. ($2.75 post paid). A Jack Hughes' invention. All the above obtainable at
WILL GOLDSTON Ltd.
ALADDIN HOUSE, 14 GREEN STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON. W.C.2
Walker &> Co. (Printers) Ltd., 109 Gt. Russell Street, London, W.C.I.