* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #334 Date: Sunday 29th May 2005 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Moehring Named Editor In Chief Of M-U-M 3. David Ginn 34th Year Of Doing School Shows 4. Norm Nielsen Reports On Jay Marshall's Funeral 5. Scams Perpetrated In South Africa 6. Richard Webster Is Currently In The United States 7. Looking For A Don Wayne Gimmick 8. S.A.M. Pin Trading -- LAST CALL 9. 'MATS' Music & Arts 'Junior' Talent Search 10. Castle of Magic - Christchurch Has Been Sold 11. Michael Close To Lecture In Calgary Alberta 12. Looking For Dealers Working The IBM Convention In Reno 13. Michigan Magic Day - An Outstanding 24-Hrs of Magic 14. Magic Aid 2005-Tips 15. The Greatest Annual Magic Convention On Earth TM 16. Pre-Production Of A 'Spirit Theatre' Type Show 17. Your Card By Peter Marucci 18. The Amazing Orchante Saga 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One A BIG thank you to Richard Webster who has just updated my brief biography for my website. Richard originally wrote the biography after researching letters, newspaper clippings and awards certificates last year. For those that are interested go to: www.watson.co.nz and the biography link is listed in the left side menu 11 down. ----------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Moehring Named Editor In Chief Of M-U-M ----------------- Message from National S.A.M. President Elect Richard Dooley The Society of American Magicians has reached an agreement in principle with John Moehring, Editor of "MAGIC" magazine since 2001, to become Editor in Chief of the SAM's monthly magazine, M-U-M, effective August 1, 2005. Moehring will replace David Goodsell, Past National President, who has served as M-U-M Editor for 29 years, and who will be retiring from that role in 2006. "We are so grateful and appreciative of the service David has given the SAM in this role," said S.A.M. National President John Apperson. "Now we look forward with excitement to what John will bring to the M-U-M." The SAM is committed to making a significant investment in the M-U-M, the most visible benefit all members receive. The selection of Moehring caps an extensive national search for the position. Apperson praised the efforts of the M-U-M Editor Selection Committee, which he established in August 2004. Chaired by National President Elect Richard Dooley, and comprised of Past National Presidents Gary Hughes and Craig Dickson, with Goodsell serving as an ex-officio member, the committee spent countless hours scouring through detailed applications and business plans, and interviewing finalists. "Because of the importance of this decision, the process we followed was very disciplined," Apperson said. "A detailed selection plan was developed and approved by the SAM National Council, in order to ensure an orderly, fair and objective decision. We adhered to our plan and as we hoped, the process yielded a great outcome." "We were incredibly impressed with the number and quality of applicants. Over 30 people expressed interest and we received formal application packets and business plans from about 15," said Dooley. "The high level of interest is a testament to the attractiveness of the Editor position and of the outstanding reputation of the S.A.M." "The decision was not an easy one," Dooley continued. "There's so much great talent out there. We feel that John brings us the whole package, the 'been there done that' expertise we required, and is someone who can devote the time necessary to meet the need to take M-U-M to the next level. We feel very fortunate to be able to have someone who has worked in this capacity for what many perceive to be the Cadillac of the industry. We look forward to the expertise, creativity and contacts which John will bring to M-U-M. John is the perfect fit for this position at this time. We hope members will be as thrilled as we are to have John as a key player on our team." A transition plan is being developed, to allow John to build his team. "We are very happy that David has agreed to do all he can to help make the transition an expedient and smooth one," said Apperson. Members should expect to see a new "look and feel" to the magazine as early as January. ----------------- 3. David Ginn 34th Year Of Doing School Shows ----------------- Message from David Ginn (US) Last Friday I finished my 34th year of doing school shows as a fulltime living! Yes, I did seven performances of "Secrets of Ancient Egypt" last week, as well as several other shows! Now I am off to Calgary, Canada tomorrow for a magic lecture and a clown convention. Whew! Seems that just three weeks ago I was in Dublin, Ireland, doing the same thing! Hey, I was ... and thank you Pat Fallon and all the Irish Magicians who attended. It was really fun! (And so was Italy & Spain in March/April!) ----------------- 4. Norm Nielsen On Jay Marshall's Funeral ----------------- Message from Norm Nielsen (US) Last week we went to Jay's funeral in Chicago. It was a remarkable experience. Over 350 people attended the Broken Wand Ceremony at the funeral home, and there was standing room only. This was truly a celebration of a great human being's life. Laughter was abundant. There were two signs on Jay's casket: "Lefty on Board" and "This is not the first time I died." Sandi Marshall, Jay's son, is a very talented man and knows Jay's act and can impersonate him as well. He did an absolutely remarkable job. (BTW, he has written a play that will go into Broadway soon). It was a pleasure to meet Jim Marshall (Jay's older son) and his son Chris, who has been with Jay the past three years at Magic Inc. Of course there were many wonderful stories by the heads of the many organizations Jay belonged to, and by the many friends. I just can't possibly say how happy I was to be there. Personally I wouldn't be the magician I am today without Jay's support and help. For a working professional, to bring his agent together with other acts is so rare this day, but that is what Jay did many, many times. He arranged for Mark Leddy (the agent for the Ed Sullivan Show) to come and see the likes of Billy McComb, John Thompson and Channing Pollock. In fact, John Thompson and I did an audition for Mark Leddy in Jay's Magic Inc.'s back room. A few days later, we went to New York City, to visit a friend in the hospital. This friend was Natalie Moreno Cover, who was Senor Wences' widow. Senor Wences was one of the most famous ventriloquists in the last century. He appeared 48 times in the Ed Sullivan Show. Regretfully, Natalie did not make it and passed away on Friday night. She was 89. We were fortunate to spend some time with her before she lost consciousness. On Wednesday afternoon I said to her: "You better get well, so that we can go for dinner at the Russian restaurant." Natalie, who was part Russian, opened her eyes and smiled at me. She lost consciousness on Thursday, and died Friday at around 7:00 pm. She was a dancer in a Paris show when she was young - it was then that she met Senor Wences. They were married for over 40 years. She was Senor Wences' manager, spoke over six languages (and carried conversations in several of them at the same time). Next to Lupe she was my best friend. I will miss the two friends I lost this week. A part of them will be with me always. Stay well! Norm Nielsen Nielsen Magic Website: www.nnmagic.com ----------------- 5. Scams Perpetrated In South Africa ----------------- Message from David J O'Connor (South Africa) Fellow E-Zine members, I was intrigued to read the article by Art Thomas of Ring 170 in Orlando Florida on last weeks e-zine, concerning the scam related to booking agents. Some of you may know that I am involved in the hospitality industry, as a B & B proprietor in South Africa. The very same scam has occurred here as well. A person or persons seeking accommodation will book rooms, forward a false bank deposit slip for an amount greater than the tariff, then phone saying a mistake had been made and request an immediate refund. I know many B & B proprietors in this country who have been caught, which surprised me because of the number of other scams perpetrated in S.A. Just beware that the practice is rife for entertainers and other forms of business. On a much lighter note, I must say how much I am enjoying the ongoing Orchante saga. Hearing again about the quaint country towns Orchante played brings fond memories. Tex Morton was very much my idol as a teenager, and bringing up names like Frankquin, Barry Crump, VanLoewn and Dorima for an expat is a wonderful reminiscence. I remember playing Tex Morton's country 78 records on the juke box at Luna Park arcade in Manners Street Wellington in the 50's. Keep the memories coming Tommy, they are magic. ----------------- 6. Richard Webster Is Currently In The United States ----------------- Message from Richard Webster (NZ) Richard's confirmed appearances are: June 2nd - 5th Book Expo of America, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York Monday June 6th, 7.00pm Soul Journey, 9 Main Street, Butler, NJ 07405 Tuesday June 7th, 7.30pm Morgana's Chamber, 242 West 10th Street, New York 10014 Wednesday, June 8th, 7.00pm Barnes and Noble #2021, 2245 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314 Thursday, June 9th, 7.00pm Quest Bookshop, 240 East 53rd Street, New York 10022 Saturday, June 11th, 7.00pm Transitions Bookplace, 1000 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Sunday, June 12th, 3.00pm Sanctuary Crystals, 5524 Cal Sag Road, Alsip, IL 60803 Thursday, June 16th, 4.00pm Metaphysical Emporium, 1417 Helmo Ave., Oakdale, MN 55128 Saturday, June 18th, 3.00pm Magus Books, 1309 SE 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55414 Tuesday, June 21st, 7.00pm Pathways Books and Gifts, 11419 Concord Village Ave., St. Louis, MO63123 Wednesday, June 22nd, 2.00pm Enchanted Valley, O'Fallon, Missouri Friday, June 24th, 6.30pm Isis Books, 5701 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80220 June 25th-28th International New Age Trade Show, Denver ----------------- 7. Looking For A Don Wayne Gimmick ----------------- Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ) The Don Wayne original Dancing Hank routine and gimmick has recently been upgraded and marketed by Sean Bogunia as the Ultimate Hank. My personal routine that is published in my lecture notes can be worked close-up and surrounded, but to do it you need the original manual gimmick as the starting point. I have had several enquiries recently from magicians wanting to buy the original version. If anyone out there has one they would like to sell, please contact me at chicane@nzmagic.com This is not a guaranteed offer to purchase, but I can forward your details to anyone who asks me where they can buy Don Wayne's original version. Wayne Rogers www.nzmagic.com ----------------- 8. S.A.M. Pin Trading -- LAST CALL ----------------- Message from Maria Ibanez Society of American Magicians National 2nd Vice President Greetings everyone: PLEASE, if you, your magic shop, your club, etc. are making a pin for trading at this year's National Convention, I respectfully ask you send me a copy of your graphic. It will be kept strictly confidential and nobody will see it until the convention, it is just that John Apperson and I are working on a check-off sheet to put in your packets so you can check-off what pins you have and keep track of what you are still missing. So far I can tell you that I know of at least 9 pins that have been made by different groups and it would be a tough call for me to pick my favorite - they are all beautiful! So please, send me your clipart, proof etching or whatever you've got so I can plug them in and get the sheets printed in time. ----------------- 9. 'MATS' Music & Arts 'Junior' Talent Search ----------------- Message from Gene McCarthy (NZ) Grand Final 2005 - The Results 1) Joel Howlett: JD's World Of Magic: Date: May 22 2005 / location / Revesby Workers Club event / MATS Grand Final 2005 / Winner - Fifteen year old magician and winner in the Variety Category and Overall Winner of the MATS Gold Medallion as MATS Performer Of The Year 2005 / Joel Howlett. This most popular choice of winner received a standing ovation from all assembled when his name was announced. Having so professionally entertained the 900 people in attendance, he wowed all the judges, then proceeded to joke, entertain and amaze all who witnessed his spectacular showmanship and unique abilities. Joel is 'the magician' for the new millennium. He has won the MATS Talent Development Scholarship valued at $10,000.00 sponsored by Chrysler Jeep. Congratulations Joel you are a star. MATS Co Patrons Tommy Tycho and Frank Ifield presented the awards to a most excited group of young performers. Variety is often overrun by vocalists and dancers but this year proved that there is life in a good sight act. At MATS, Joel is one of the best, most professional and versatile acts we have witnessed over the past few years. This young man has it all, charisma, charm, talent. Talk about the 'IT' factor! This entertainer is set to make an indelible mark on Australian Entertainment history. Good on ya Joel. 'MATS' Music & Arts 'Junior' Talent Search PO BOX 3104 ST MARYS NSW 2760 contact: Operations Manager: John Brownrigg 0416 385 503 / (02) 43413537 Email: info@matsaustralia.org / Web site: http://matsaustralia.org ----------------- 10. Castle of Magic - Christchurch Has Been Sold ----------------- Message from Burns Scandrett (Delarno) NZ We have, on very good authority, that the Castle of Magic in Christchurch has been sold. It reopens, early June, under the new management in the centre of the City. The new owner is a magician and will be selling a very large range of magic as well as novelties and fancy dress accessories. You will be pleased to note that he will NOT be selling any of the drug related items that the previous stocked. We will reveal more in the next Magic NZ. Watch this space. ----------------- 11. Michael Close To Lecture In Calgary Alberta ----------------- Message from Brent Smith (Canada) Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop in Calgary Alberta had the pleasure of Hosting Michael Close's Lecture on May 21/05. This lecture is not one to be missed. His power point presentation and honest real world experience, makes you look into yourself as a performer to see just what kind of magic your doing and Why. It also makes you look into your movements and action when doing tricks and helps you to eliminate the unnecessary actions in your performance. This is only the tip of the Iceberg in his lecture. If you have the chance to see Michael in action during his lecture DO SO!! You will not be sorry. Regards, Brent Smith Owner The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop Inc. www.vanishingrabbit.com 2219 Centre Street N.W. Calgary, Alberta Canada T2E 2T4 403 230-0810 TOLL FREE IN CANADA 1-877-872-2248 ----------------- 12. Looking For Dealers Working The IBM Convention In Reno ----------------- Message from Don Drake (NZ) I am looking for Dealers who are going to be working the IBM convention in Reno, NV June 28 - July 2nd. Since I didn't get a table this year, I would like to have some dealer's carry my books on consignment. More than one if possible. I will bring them to Reno when Bob Fenton and I drive up the day before registration opens. I will gladly leave a few with any dealer who wants to carry my stuff. If you sell them fine, if you don't no problem. I will split 50/50 and take back any unsold, if that is your desire. Please contact me independently, as listed below. Many thanks and I now return you to your profitable lurking -:) E-mail: dondrake@blackartsecrets.com ----------------- 13. Michigan Magic Day - An Outstanding 24-Hrs of Magic ----------------- Message from Tim Quinlan Inside Magic (www.insidemagic.com) I just got back from the beautiful Flint suburb of Flushing, Michigan; home to this year's Michigan Magic Day. Chris Reesman and his associates have to be commended for the incredible package they squeezed into a mere 24 hours. The lectures were outstanding and included top-shelf talent such as Whit Haydn, David Acer (pronounced 'Day-Vid'), and Johnny Thompson. Mark Cannon performed an incredibly difficult double straight-jacket escape under true test conditions and within feet of the spectators. The crane was a no-show but Mr. Cannon's presentation on solid ground and surrounded by fans, was likely more impressive. I will post a video I took of the escape on Inside Magic today. It was incredible. Cherie Kay from Houston emceed the afternoon benefit show and smoothed over the logistical bumps and imperfections to be expected from such an one-time event featuring magicians who have not previously worked together. Billy McComb was his usual wonderful self as emcee for the big evening gala. Luna Shimada and Losander were perfect in their respective acts. While David Acer's segment of the evening show wasn't entirely magic, he did perform the first truly stage-sized version of The Cups and Balls using trash cans. Johnny Thompson and Pam look younger than I have ever seen them and their routine was flawless. Even though we know better, it is so easy to overlook Mr. Thompson's technical prowess because his performance skills are so advanced. I have thought about the following sentence all night long and now ten hours after Mr. Thompson's final bow, I am ready to commit and be vicously attacked by my fellow magicians. Of course it is nicer to be flamed for something substantive and opinion-based than incidental or tangential. The manipulative skills Mr. Thomson exhibits is on par with Lance Burton's. There, I said it. Flame away if you must but his dove work including his final production from a clear sheet of plastic food wrap is effortless but incredible. Plus, he is just plain funny. The audience became deathly silent during Mark Cannon's attempt escape from a 55 gallon metal drum filled with water and locked in place with a bolt driven into position with a pneumatic wrench. He had to abort the escape three times because he was unable to catch his breath following the straight-jacket escape to sufficiently make the last inhalation last long enough to bolt, strap and lock the steel lid over him while submerged in the cramped darkness. We were all pretty anxious. It may be these stops and re-starts are part of his routine but it seemed too real and reminded us all underwater escapes is deadly serious. I sure hope Mr. Cannon is alright. He did escape from the drum but I am not sure he was just play-acting when he collapsed on the stage after his two staggering steps from the drum. It was a heck of a 24-hours. If you were there, you know that already but if you didn't make it, you know you should next year. I have posted images taken through the convention and will have more specific reviews of the acts up today (Sunday). www.insidemagic.com Subscribe to the Inside Magic Daily News! ----------------- 14. Magic Aid 2005-Tips ----------------- Message from Michael Chandler Hi, I have just returned from performing magic as a volunteer with Magic Aid 2005 as part of the British Rings initiative. I thought I would pass on a few tips to anyone considering going to the tsunami affected region of Thailand and performing. 1) Check what shots you need before you go. I had several that included typhoid. 2) If you are from a European culture you may not be familiar on how to use the bathroom. Once you are in the camps, or just away from hotels, you will find that they are quite different from those in the UK or US. This may give you a shock if you have not been pre-warned and understand the procedure for hygenic use. 3) Take plenty of Deet. This is an anti-mosquito roll on or spray. Remember Thailand is malarial. 4) If you are working in the camps you may stay there. It would be a wise precaution to take a mosquito net with you. In the UK you can purchase these from Millets or Boots. 5) You will often find that you are performing in bare feet (you must remove your shoes when entering many buildings. This includes most temporary structures in camps). Your feet will need the same attention as your hands. 6) Buddhists believe that the top of the body, the head, is the holiest. You must not touch anyone's head. If you do make the most sincerest apology possible. It is permissible to make balloon hats for children (I made many). But use discretion. Do be careful about touching anyone anywhere. 7) If the head is the holiest then logically the feet are the lowest. Do not point your feet at anyone if you are sitting cross legged. Do not rest your feet on a table so that they are pointing at anyone. Never step over anyone (not even a child at children's party). Do not bring unnecessary attention to your feet. 8) If female do not hand anything to a monk. Place it close by so they can pick it up. Do not place yourself anywhere where you may brush by a monk. Females are not allowed to touch monks. 9) Be careful of working without a permit. The authorities have tightened this up and you face a penalty of three years imprisonment if convicted. 10) The Thais are very fond of their King. Remember this when considering effects using Thailand currency that has his likeness. Stepping on a banknote can cause grave offence in Thailand so be aware. 11) Thais and many Asians have smaller lower leg bones than Europeans. This makes it easier for them to eat when squatting. In the camps you will be expected to eat on the floor. I also had a meal in a restaurant where everyone eat this way. Remembering the earlier point about not pointing your feet you will find this much easier if you ask for a thick cushion. Those members, who have experience of this area, might like to add to this list. ----------------- 15. The Greatest Annual Magic Convention On Earth TM ----------------- Message from Mel Kientz (US) June 28th to July 2nd, 2005 Reno/Tahoe, Nevada Grab your mules, boots, spurs, buckboards and a deck of cards...We're heading out to the Wild Wild West for 2005. The Biggest Little City in the USA will play host to one of the most memorable Magic Conventions we have ever presented. You can register online (www.magician.org) or zap us a note and we will send a registration form. But don't wait too long, the registration rate goes up on June 1st.... The Reno Hilton Hotel has plenty of rooms at $99.00 a night and the greats performance stage in the United States for the four (yes, count them... four) Evening Gala Shows... not to mention at least 10 Lectures and special events like Magic Underground... A convention bonanza for any magic enthusiast and a treat for the entire family! -----------------------o0o------------------------------ Roger Wicks, Registrar International Brotherhood of Magicians 9745 South Third Street Woodstock, OH 43084 Phone & Fax: (937) 826-1133 Email: ibmreno2005@yahoo.com For Hotel Reservations Please Call: The Reno Hilton - (800) 648-5080 Reference Group Code: IBM05 ----------------- 16. Pre-Production Of A 'Spirit Theatre' Type Show ----------------- Message from Verne McCarthy We are about half way through the pre-production of a 'spirit theatre' type show. We have a 4,000 square foot year-round attraction, "The Haunted Grimm House" that has been open 14 years now. We plan on performing the séance in the drawing room of the Haunted House, as we study our test market, with an eye towards a separate, permanent theatre to present our show. The séance will be, "The Spirits Beckon", written and directed by myself, with a heavy assist from my good friends and fellow magicians, Allan Sunday and Merlin (Daniel Brackens). We are hoping to present the séance year round, if the audience will have us, by showing their support. We are walking that terribly thin line between the two ways one can present a séance, one being that it's the 'real' thing, and the spirits will visit us with full manifestations, or secondly, it's a magic show in the dark, and it's all just in fun. We're taking an approach that lets the audience make up their own minds, whether it's really the spirits that are floating that table, forecasting the sitters' future, and that just blew out that candle, etc. This way, we can leave the believers and the skeptics to their own thoughts, and just have a lot of fun with it. We're aiming at a 45 minute show, but it's proving tough keeping it that short! We'll have a table with 13 sitters at first. When we get into our permanent home, we'll have the same table, but with room for a small audience of 20 to 30 people. The next time you're in Orlando, stop in and visit us. We'd love to visit and share magic! ----------------- 17. Your Card By Peter Marucci ----------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) It's been said by just about every "name" in magic: If you know a hundred ways of finding a card and only one way of revealing it, the - to the lay audience - you only know one card trick. However - well, you know the reverse of the above! Here is one more way of making a simple card discovery look amazing and, as well, include a heavy dose of comedy. In fact, I originally did this because of its humorous content and was pleasantly surprised by the amazed reaction I got when the card was finally revealed. Your Card By Peter Marucci Effect: A card is selected, remembered, and shuffled back into the pack. The magus shows the back of a jumbo card and asks" Would you be amazed if your card was on the other side." Getting a positive answer, he turns the card around to show the words "YOUR CARD" printed on the other side. Many groans from the audience. The magician looks puzzled: "Well, I said your card was going to be on the other side, didn't I? By the way, just what was the name of your card? " When the spectator announces it, the magus says, "Yes, well I knew that, too," and unfolds the jumbo card to twice its size, showing a big card that matches the chosen one. Working and Presentation: The presentation is pretty well covered in the effect; if you do comedy, they you'll know what else to add (if anything); if you don't, then you won't do this routine anyway! The "chosen" card is forced, of course. For the sake of argument, let's say it's the 10 of Hearts. You'll need a double sized jumbo card showing the 10H on the face (the back doesn't matter since it's going to be covered). Fold the 10H in half and round the corners off so that it looks like a jumbo card, only half the size it was. On the back of one half, paste an indifferent jumbo card, with its back facing out; this will be the back of the card. On the other side (the other half-back of the now-folded double jumbo card), paste a sheet of paper on which you have printed the words "YOUR CARD". Put this card in your case or in you inside jacket pocket. Force the 10H from a regular deck and have it remembered, returned, and the deck shuffled. You can leave the deck with the spectator, since you no longer need it for this trick. Take out the jumbo card, back facing the audience as ask if the spectator if she would be amazed if "your card were on the other side." When she says "yes", turn the card over, showing "YOUR CARD". After the groans have settled down, ask her what the name of her card was. When she says 10H, open the double jumbo and show that you knew that, too. Second Thoughts: As I said earlier, you will probably be pleasantly surprised by the reaction when the card is revealed. You may think it's "no big deal" but, to the audience, they think the trick is over with the production of the bad gag; to have a successful conclusion is cause for applause! And you'll get it! Peter Marucci e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com ---------------- 18. Dates For New Zealand Magicians To Remember ------------------ Friday 2nd September 2005 Chuck Hickok's Lecture - Auckland Time: 7.30pm Sunday 23 October 2005 Kiwi Magic Day Venue: Dolphin Theatre, Onehunga Auckland Registration form - go to: www.watson.co.nz/magic.html 20-23 October 2006 28th International New Zealand Convention of Magicians Palmerston North Convention website - go to: www.joel.co.nz/convention.htm ----------------- 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 54 In a career covering 50 years, the man who was born Robert William Lane 67 years ago in Nelson, New Zealand, became Australia's first country and western star. At his peak, he was selling more records in Australia than Bing Crosby. When he arrived in Australia in 1932, the eager 16-year-old possessed little more than an old guitar, with which he used to busk, and occasionally appeared on amateur radio talent shows. He worked as a dishwasher, a labourer on the Harbour Bridge, and - as the Depression worsened - became a virtual hobo, jumping trains up and down the East Coast. He managed to record a song called 'You're Going to Leave the Old Home, Jim', and talked a Sydney radio station into playing it. It was a sad song, that fitted the mood of the times - and it launched Morton's long and varied career. His style of singing, mixed with yodelling, was copied by scores of other aspiring singers. Tex Morton became a household name in his own and his adopted country. In the 1960s he was earning as much as $20,000 a week in the U.S. and Canada as a hypnotist and magician, billing himself as The Great Morton. He was an excellent pistol and rifle shot, a prolific writer and recorder of songs, bush poet (he once recited Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson verse at Carnegie Hall to full houses) and a whip cracker. In recent years, he devoted most of his energies to acting, playing in such TV series as Matlock Police, Homicide, and the ill-fated Waterloo Station. He secured character roles in a number of Australian feature films, including F.J.Holden, Stir and We of the Never Never. None won him any great critical acclaim until the release this week of 'Goodbye Paradise', in which he played a crooked politician. This week he lay unconscious in hospital, unaware of the rave notices this had brought him." It's now 18 years since Tex died, and what I've written about him is by no means the whole story of the man - that would take a rather large book. (It's a shame Tex didn't write his autobiography). I learned much from Tex in the short time we worked together, the most valuable, to me, was 'The Show before the Show', as in - Heading for the best Pub/Hotel in town, and entertaining the patrons, including the Owner/Manager and also, as in my case, 'The Show, After The Show'. 'Tex Morton' One of New Zealand's Greatest Showmen. -Postscript - According to some, I am an accomplished Magician, but the mainstay of my income as a Professional Entertainer for over 30 years, was as a 'Fakir'. I took what was commonly regarded, and probably still is, 'Cheap Side-Show Stunts' i.e. Fire-eating, Beds of Nails, Sword Swallowing etc., and with a little help from a Professional Choreographer and a Stage Producer, transformed them into an International Stage/Cabaret show; but Magic - (Sleight of Hand) has always been my first love. It was my Sleight of Hand which got my foot in the Hotel doors, impressed the punters and the Managers/Owners, and got me all of my work in the major hotels throughout New Zealand - hence, the show 'before' the show, and the show 'after' The Show. As I have said before, this was a most valuable lesson, which I learned from - The Great Tex Morton! ---------------- 20. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives ------------------ Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) ------------------- 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2005 Alan Watson