CIRCULATION EXCEEDS ALL BRITISH MAGICAL JOURNALS
Incorporating the "MAGAZINE OF MAGIC" OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE MAGICIANS' CLUB DECEMBER
1938
PRICE I/- (15c)
ANOTHER GOLDSTON GEM ! THE PEG, BALL AND RIBBON. An examined Billiard Ball, Peg and Ribbon are the only items used in this seemingly impossible mystery. The performer drops a wooden peg into a hole bored through the top of the ball. It is pointed out that a smaller hole is bored right through the side of the ball and also through the peg, the holes of the peg and ball meet. A length of unprepared ribbon is threaded through the ball and peg exactly as shewn in the diagrams. A member of the company is requested to hold the ends of the ribbon so that the ribbon may freely slide to and fro the ball and peg. In full view the conjurer removes the peg from the ball and ribbon, when everything is again passed for examination. NO SKILL IS NECESSARY, THE TRICK WORKS ITSELF. Price 3/6, postage 3d. (SI.00 post paid).
MEET YOUR MAGICAL FRIENDS
AT
WillGoldstonEl
GOLDSTON'S! 14 GREEN STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE LONDON, W.C.2 :: ENGLAND
W I L L GOLDSTON LTD are Sole London Agents for WALTER W A N D M A N ' S APPARATUS — Quality and Reliability Guaranteed — BLOCK AND RIBBON EFFECT. Apparatus consists of a highly polished wooden block, with a hole in the centre, cover, and a length of ribbon. The ribbon is threaded through the hole in block, and after it has been clearly demonstrated that the ribbon actually does pass through the hole, a member of the audience ties the two ends together. The cover is now placed over the block, and again the ribbon is pulled to and fro to prove that it is still threaded through the block. It is now placed on the palm of the left hand. The right hand takes hold of the ribbon, and with a slow upward movement lifts cover and ribbon clear of the block, leaving block free from ribbon testing on palm of left hand. The whole apparatus is immediately handed out for examination. No Wax or Threads. Always ready. No preparation. Just a little bit different. There are no difficult moves, but in order to make every move clear eight actual photographs are included in the instructions. This effect was in Wandman's programme during the whole of last season, and was one of the high spots of his show. On the strength of this, and the appreciation of several Magicians who have already bought one, we confidently recommend it. Price 12/6 (5.00 dollars). THREE DICE IN BOX MYSTERY. A handsome round box is shewn which contains 3 coloured dice. The lid is placed on the lx>x and the dice thoroughly shaken. The performer now places the box behind his back and removes the cover, at the same time he hands to the company a card with the correct figures shewing the total. Other clever tricks may be performed with this ingenious box. Price 2/6 (75c).
Tfie total number.
GOLDSTON
DINKY CHANGING BAG. A handsome bag 3£ inches diameter by 6 inches deep has a chromium plated ring around the top. This useful bag will change, vanish or produce small articles. Most useful and effective. Price 5/- (1.50 dollars).
THE " A C E " OF DRAWER BOXES. A handsome polished mahogany box will change a card whilst held by a member of the audience. This box will also change a card to a load of small articles and may be examined with perfect safety. Supplied to Long Tack Sam. Price 15/6 (4.25 dollars).
WILL GOLDSTON Ltd.
ALADDIN HOUSE, 14 GREEN STREET. LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.2
Telephone : WHItehall 3304
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL QUARTERLY
Telephone : WHItehall 3304
Incorporating the "MAGAZINE OF MAGIC" 1938
DECEMBER
Editorial Let's Have Spectacle ... Seen this Trick ? News of Magicians The Mexican Coin Vanish Two Good Tricks for your Christmas Party The Mysogynist Production of Flags ... Apple to Orange Transformation ... Cutting through a Billiard Ball Walking through a Sheet of Glass Keep the Lamp Burning
C O N T E N T S Page 373 The Aladdin Brotherhood Of Magicians ... 374 An Adventurous Magician 374 Fun with Dante 375 Can the Mind's Eye see the 377 Future ? The Magicians' Club League 378 of Mercy Entertainment 378 Annual General Meeting 379 The Magicians' Club's Ladies' Night 380 Elections The Magicians' Club's Fixtures 381 for Wednesdays Editor's Letter Box ... 381 Solution to '' Mystic Clayton's '' 382 '' A Super Mystery "
Page
382 384 386 388 389 390 390 390 392 393 395
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 paper only. The entire contents of this issue are Copyrighted. RATES OF SUBSCRIPTION. One Year 2/9 post paid. Foreign Countries 75 cents. 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. (321.00). Other pages £ 3 3». Od. ($16.00). Half page £1 15s. Od. (8.50). Quarter Page £1 0s. Od. ($5.00). Inch displayed 5/- (Si.25). Small advertisement 2d. per word, minimum 12 words. Trade 4d, per word. minimum 12 words. Managing Editor
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WILL
GOLDSTON
Publishers : W I L L G O L D S T O N , L T D . , L o n d o n , W . C . 2 , England
THE EDITOR AND ALL CONTRIBUTORS Wish Readers A Happy Xmas & Prosperous New Year
ALEX REED, M.C.L. STAGE DIRECTOR. MAGICIANS' CLUB
Greets you sincerely and wishes you all the best for Christmas May the Horn of 'Plenty produce an overflow of Dates in 1939, and may they be of Gold
D P I I Kl E I DRUINCL
\A/ U I T C VVnilC
MAGICAL EDITOR OF THE WORLDS ' FAIR
wishes every Reader
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year 125 Babington Road, Streatham, London, S.W.I6
ALBERT WARBY — M.C.L. —
Christmas Greetings, coupled with the Best of Luck in the ZNjew Year
"Let us conjure away the Spirit of Dull Care"
PERCY PRESS 148 Gloucester Road Regents Park Primrose 2723 London, N.W.I
HOWARD DECOURCY
Miss R, WINE To all my Friends near and afar My thoughts go out to where you are May Xmas bring you all Good Cheer And joy throughout the coming Year
May Xmas give you cause to smile And bring you all the joys worth while And may your troubles quickly pass Like Birdie through the Looking Glass, The New Year fill your date book grand And spread your fame in every land
MR. & MRS.
m.
HI K
A. LENNOX ii M.C.L. The Xmas bells are gladly ringing And New Year's Day New Hope is bringing. May your Magical Hat be a mine of plenty, Producing more when appearing empty
HARRY H A L L BROADCASTS
H'ALL KINDEST THOUGHTS AND
H'ALL GOOD WISHES FOR
CHRISTMAS, T H E NEW YEAR & ALL TIME
To ALL YOURS IN H'ALL SINCERITY
H A R R Y THATS H ' A L L A very Cordial Invitation to You and Your Friends— COME UP & SEE ME SOMETIME You MAE I'M WEST
TRY THE MAGIC OF MY
&
"SHEARS" THEY ARE " SHEAR" MAGIC
181 OXFORD STREET, W.I & 149 CHEAPSIDE, E.C.2. (Near Oxford Circus) Phones GERRARD 4905, 4906 & 4907
(Near St. Paul's) Phones NATIONAL 8696 & 8697
HORACE SOLDIM President of the Magicians' Club LONDON
Wishes All Friends throughout the World his Sincere Good Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Good Luck for 1939
MURRAY M.C.L
Heartiest Good Wishes for
Xmas and the New Year
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS To all Members and all Magicians throughout the World from Past President
Louis GAUTIER "COOEES and CHEERS — from —
THE
GREAT
LEVANTE Hows TRICKS 7" Ascot Club, 28 Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.2.
LONG TACK SAM M.C.L.
desires to convey his Best Wishes to All Friends for Xmas and the — New Year —
The Chinese Restaurant 4/6 Glasshouse Street Piccadilly Circus - W. I.
NO ILLUSION J1BOU7 THIS! Seasonal Greetings & Qood Wishes to Jill Magicians from
JACK PILKINGTON G.M. M.C.L.
C I t t E M.C.L. Offers his Xmas and Net) Year Greetings to Will Goldston - Hermalin • Brunei White - Members of the Magicians' Club and AH Friends
WILL LAKE M.C.L.
Wishes all Magicians Good Hunting and a Full Date Book for 1939 FLAT 2, 100 BRIXTON HILL, S.W.2
Edward Proudlock — C M - , M.C.L. —
The Best Season Possible to all Magicians 26 Hayward Road, Whetstone, N.20 Phone 3307
Xmas & New Year Greetings AllM.C.L.
The Hon. Secretary of
The Magician's Club Wishes All Members and Friends
A Jolly Xmas and Every Success in the New Year ••••*.....•» J. ON. FISHER ("Our Jimmy ")
ARTHUR SHEED EDDIE SONGEST M.C.L.
M.C.L.
May Good Luck and Happiness be your Future
May Santa Claus fill your Stocking this Christmastide so that your wishes may be fulfilled with an encore
XMAS, 1938
ZEANIT
M.C.L.
May the wonder of your Magic Wand never fail you.
/ wish you all a joyous Christmastide coupled with 365 joyous days to follow
Ph»tt4-CHl 1024
'THAT Christmas may be Joyous and the New Year bring only Health and Happiness is the sincere wish of
CYRIL AND WINIFRED SEYMOUR, M.c.L.
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL
QUARTERLY
373
Though I am not by habit or inclination a man given to undue pessimism, I must confess that the political events of last September cast me to the depths. It was not merely that all business seemed at a standstill, but that the turmoil of an unhappy nation in eastern Europe threatened to wreck the whole structure of our lives, to smash in a few short hours the hopes and ambitions of every single one amongst us. Those of us who are past the first flush of youth remember too vividly the happenings of twenty years ago to feel any sort of thrill at the prospect of another war. In that one eventful week it seemed to me that magic had all but ceased to exist. Bookings were cancelled wholesale, and the unlucky performers were too caught up in the general gloom to bewail their own fate overmuch. And then, in a fashion truly magical, the crisis was ended. We were back to the old state of things. And we were at peace. By the time these words of mine are in print we shall be almost at the peak of the magical season ; and many of you will know for yourselves that magic is booming indeed. Bookings are more numerous by far than last year, when the season was one of the best since 1918. May this winter prove to all of us, humble amateur and exalted professional alike, the best magical season of the century ! As I announced in my last Editorial, I have reduced the price of Goldston's Quarterly with this issue. My readers will judge for themselves whether I have kept my promise to maintain the standards of the contents, but if I am allowed an opinion (and what else is an Editorial for !) I would say that this is one of the best issues of the Quarterly I have yet produced. I repeat, however, that any suggestions regarding features and articles in the Quarterly will be welcomed. Finally, let me say a few words with regard to the Christmas season. Yuletide is, above everything else, the great occasion of the year for children, and magicians would do well to remember that an audience of children can be—and frequently is—far more critical and observant than an adult audience. There is a tendency among inexperienced performers to " play down " to children, and I am convinced there is no easier path to failure than this. The successful magician, as John Mulholland has pointed out, is primarily a psychologist. Study your audience ; treat them, whether adult or juvenile, as your mental equals, and you will have learned an essential secret of success in magic. My sincere Season's Greetings to you all.
374
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL LET'S HAVE SPECTACLE. By HILAIRE WHITE.
We are living in an age of spectacle and high dramatisation. The outstanding achievements of cinema, stage, and even broadcasting reflect with certainty the new technique in entertainment: slickness, smoothness of action, and above all, the grand effect, visual or aural, that arrests the onlooker's attention like an electric shock. Whether this tendency is to be applauded or not I do not propose to discuss here. Some of us may deplore the passing of modesty and reticence in the spirit of public entertainment, but the fact remains that the technique of spectacle has come to stay. Magicians, particularly those who are starting on the road of public entertainment, amateur or professional, would do well to remember this all-pervading spirit of our time. Not so many years ago, sleight of hand in magic was an end unto itself; hostesses hired a magician's services because they knew he was " good with cards " or " a wizard with coins." There are still a few men who are so accomplished with sleights that they can afford to carry all their magical apparatus in their pockets: a length of string, a pack of cards, some coins. But those skilled and fortunate few are dwindling in number, and are a law unto themselves. Unless you have some peculiar genius for sleights—and remember that genius is the most ill-used word in the language !—you must provide spectacle. Include in your programme at least one effect that will delight, surprise, and dazzle the eye of your audience. To my mind, the make-up of your programme should depend not only on the nature of your audience, but on its size. For instance, if you are performing before some twenty or thirty people you can afford to rely mainly on sleight of hand. An audience above this mere handful will show nothing like the same appreciation of " close work." That is where your spectacle comes in. The bigger your audience, the more spectacle you should provide. The type of spectacle will naturally be dependent on your character as a performer. But remember that productions are always
QUARTERLY
popular, and an effect such as the production of a monster plant from a ghost tube is splendidly suited to an " average " magician performing before an " average" mixed audience. That is merely a suggestion, and common sense will naturally guide you further. In conclusion, let me add that I am not advising you to disdain sleights. In magic you cannot progress far without them. They are the scaffolding on which your reputation as a performer will be built. SEEN THIS TRICK? By JOHN CARPENTER.
It has long been my opinion that the pocket trick is the most neglected of any effect in magic. We take the view that the little magical gimmick which slips so easily into the waistcoat pocket may be all very well for the schoolboy showing his friends " something good " beneath the desk, but for the ambitious conjurer it is—well, scarcely worth thinking about. This notion, I am convinced, is altogether wrong. Certainly, the pocket trick cannot be used in large scale entertainment. But that is not to say that it is a whit less mystifying than the bigger effect which can be used on stage or platform. Further, the pocket trick has two considerable advantages over any other form of magical apparatus: it can be carried without any inconvenience whatsoever, and it can be utilised to provide a short, impromptu magical entertainment without previous preparation. But the essential virtue of the pocket trick is that it is a fine business recommendation. It is, so to speak, a sample in magical entertainment. The magician who casually asks some acquaintances the timehonoured question : " Seen this trick ? " and produces a little magical gadget from his pocket, is advertising himself in an unostentatious but unmistakable fashion. As a very great magician—one who was a top-liner in vaudeville for many years— once said to me: " The pocket trick is the sprat that often lands a mackerel." In other words, the magician who makes himself known as such by an impromptu pocket trick exhibition, is often asked whether he can perform any other sort of magic, and whether he is open for professional engagements. Continued on page 387
GOLDSTON'S MAGICAL
QUARTERLY
375
SrZZW'
i
NEWS OF MlAGICI'ANS
Not for a long time have two top-line magicians pla)'ed simultaneously in London. At the moment of going to press both Horace Goldin and Dante are playing London dates, and will do so for four full weeks. There could be no sounder testimony to the fact that the London theatre public is nowadays fully " magic-conscious." But, of course, it must be the right sort of magic. * * * * * Goldin has two new illusions in his programme, " Potato Jones " and " The Strip-Tease Girl." They are well up to his standard, and once again demonstrate Horace's flair for topicality. " Potato Jones," after being placed in a cage, surrounded by potatoes, and lifted clear of the stage, suddenly vanishes when the potatoes are released. "The Strip-Tease Girl" tantalises her audience through a frenchwindow before she effects an equally mysterious and speedy getaway. * * « * * Dante's great thriller takes the form of a duck production. Eighteen ducks are produced from a tub which has previously been filled with water. This is a fine illusion, and we need hardly say that it is finely presented. *
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•
We hear that Dante has contracted to play a number of engagements at important towns on the Continent. When these are completed he may take a holiday in the United States. Rumour has it that this American visit is a prelude to Dante's retirement from the stage, and we hasten to express our hope that once again rumour will prove herself a lying jade. There are too few magicians of the calibre of Dante in action nowadays, and his presence on the boards would be sorely missed. * * * * * The magical theatre which Sir Julian Cahn, Bt., has constructed at his residence at Loughborough is probably the finest and most up-to-date in England, if not in the
whole world. With seating accommodation for 535, it represents the last word in comfort, lighting, scenery, traps, effects, and dressing-room accommodation. Sir Julian, of course, is one of the finest amateur magicians of our time, and is capable of putting on a performance that is equal in every way to the best professional standards. *
*
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•
Frakson, after a very successful tour in the United States, recently returned to England to fulfil his engagement at the West End Cabarets. He has introduced a remarkable effect, in which a full-size wireless set is completely vanished from mid-stage while it is playing. Several experienced magicians who have seen the illusion have confessed to us that they have no idea how it is done. * * * * * It is with a genuine sense of loss that we have to report the death of Tommy Nelson Downs at his home in Ohio, on 11th September, 1938. Tommy was undoubtedly the greatest coin manipulator the world has known, and acquired much of his sensitiveness for coins through his early work as a railway booking clerk. So convinced was he that he would be a success as a magician that he walked from Marshalltown, Ohio, to New York to present himself to the vaudeville agents of that city. * * * * * He toured all the principal towns of America, and in Britain scored an unforgettable success with his Miser's Dream. His system of back and front palming is still accepted as the best, and his book, Modem Coin Manipulation, has become a classic. Tommy's health had been failing for some time, and his death was not altogether unexpected amongst his closest friends. He was in his seventy-first year. All magicians will mourn with us the passing of a great and noblefigurein magic. * * « • * Another whose death we sadly record is Wilfred Allan. Although still a young man,
MORE NEW TRICKS AT GOLDSTON'S ROPE-FIX. With the aid of this secret liquid performer restores a cut rope. securely is the rope fixed that strongest pull will not separate pieces. 2/6, postage 3d.
the So the the
THE HAMPTON CALCULATOR. A great effect for Mental Workers. A polished wooden frame is shewn containing three cut-out windows. A pack of ten numbered cards (0 to 9) is handed to a member of the audience to be shuffled, the cards are now spread out on to a tray face down. Three cards are freely selected and placed face down on the frame. It must be noted that the value of the cards chosen are unknown. A glass clear sheet is now placed over the cards on the frame and secured with metal clips. The audience are completely satisfied that everything is fair and square. The frame is now standing on the table in an upright position. Three members of the audience are requested to write on a card a number between 200 and 300. The addition is totalled by another member of the audience. This done, the performer turns round the frame revealing the cards showing the correct total of the selected number. Failure impossible. Price 15/-. NOTE.—The clean sheet is not made of glass on account of the danger of breakage. IMPROMPTU (LEGERDEMAIN) By E. Brian MacCarthy Post Paid 4/6 THE ZIP EGG BAG. The bag produces a finale to the famous Egg-Bag, since at any time during the trick the performer may open the bottom of the bag and thrust his arm through it. Price 4/-. FORGING AHEAD IN MAGIC By John Booth Post Paid 12/6 SILK HANDKERCHIEFS PRODUCED FROM AN UNPREPARED SHEET OF PAPER. One or more handkerchiefs are produced from an unprepared sheet of examined paper. Apparatus to produce 4 handkerchiefs, 3/6. Handkerchiefs to the correct size, 9d. each.
WILL GOLDSTON LTD.
ALADD'N HOUSE, 14 IRVING STREET LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.2
A Selection of "Sure Fire" Tricks for close w o r k . This is a
AN EXCELLENT SELECTION Each piece of apparatus is perfectly made and may be examined with impunity. CIGARETTE PENETRATION. A borrowed cigarette is dropped into a brass tube and secured by a metal cap. Two genuine pins are pushed through holes as shewn in the accompanying diagrams. Pins are removed and the cigarette withdrawn and returned shewing no punctures. Tube may be passed for examination. 4/6, postage 3d. ({1.00). THOUGHT-READING WITH THREE COLOURED METAL DISCS. Three metal coloured metal discs are passed for examination. During the interval the performer is blindfolded with a borrowed handkerchief—genuine blindfold. As each disc is handed to the performer, behind his back, he correctly calls out the colour. May be repeated as often as desired. 2/6, postage 2d. (75c). NEWEST BAT AND PIP. A neat brass bat is shewn containing a Pip of Clubs. The bat is manipulated in the usual manner shewing the same Pip on both sides, when the Pip suddenly changes to a Pip of Spades. Listen ! Instantaneously the Pip changes to a Diamond on both sides of the bat, and the bat may be passed for examination. 8/6, postage 3d. ($2.25).
«??
CUTTING THROUGH A CIGARETTE. A borrowed cigarette is dropped into a brass tube and covered with a metal cap. A genuine razor blade is slipped in a groove in the centre of the tube so that the cigarette i s caught half way. The performer cuts deeply until the razor blade touches the edge of the inner tube. The blade is removed, then the cap, and finally the cigarette—which comes out without a scratch—just as perfect as when it was dropped into the tube. 5/6, postage 3d. ($1.50). THE BAMBOO RODS. Two metal rods japanned to represent Bamboo. The rods are shewn separately, each containing a cord with a bead at each end. The rods are joined by means of a metal inner tube. Whichever cord is pulled the opposite cord does likewise. This is repeated several times, when, usually, a member of the company asks to be allowed to examine the rods. The performer immediately passes the rods to the '' know all,'' who tries to emulate the performer-—he fails, but the conjurer immediately repeats the trick with success. Well made and looks attractive. 5/6, postage 4d. ($1.50). BANK NOTE IN LEMON. A borrowed banknote is marked and the number noted. The performer places the note into a brass tube and passes the tube to a member of the audience to retain. A lemon is selected (not forced) and immediately it is cut open the genuine note is extracted. No fake knife is used. Tube may be examined. 6/-, postage 4d. ($1.75).
WILL GOLDSTON Ltd
SALE BOOK LIST
Free and Post Free Anywhere
ALADDIN HOUSE, 14 IRVING STREET LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.2
Printed in England by WALKER & Co. (Printers) LTD., 109 Great Russell Street, London.