What are we looking at? Who is is the magician and what illusion is he performing?
Clue: The image from an article, now part of HHCE collection, came from the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame and was used to advertise a famous illusion.
Will share the caption and additional info about the famous illusion and performer next week.
It looks like it might be the Vanishing Elephant, pistol and all. The performer is a mystery.
The Vanishing Elephant is a great guess.
I was also thinking the Vanishing Elephant and maybe Milbourne Christopher?
I thought the same thing but wanted proof since the caption says it’s someone different. Will share what I found next Sunday.
Milbourne Christopher? Nice guess John! I think it might be him too.
It is definitely Milbourne Christopher. See page 428 of “The Illustrated History of Magic.” It shows the elephant enclosure and his coat. A perfect match.
It’s absolutely, Milbourne Christopher…performing The Vanishing Elephant.
From 1967’s “The World’s Greatest Magicians” – Hosted by Gary Moore (CBS-TV).
One of his most iconic publicity photos.
Great detective work, all! I recently acquired the hard to find historic magic special (of Milbourne Christroper performing the vanishing elephant effect) on DVD.