News
The Gay Magicians
June 10, 2026As countries around the world celebrate Pride, we wanted to find something appropriate from our archive. The majority of our film collection comes from the mid twentieth century, generally prior to about 1975.
Principles, Deceptions and a Phantasy
May 05, 2026Continuing our series of “The Good, The Bad and the… You Decide” we are pleased to share two clips from Arthur Buckley. (If you missed the previous release featuring Lewis Ganson, consider stopping there first.)
Back to the Screening Room
April 14, 2026At Magicana, we continue to maintain a massive collection of magic related video. These include films and tapes from the William McIlhany Collection as well as those from other private collections.
A Magical Acquisition
April 01, 2026In a landmark moment for the scholarly study of magic, Indiana University’s Lilly Library has announced the acquisition of the David Ben Magic Collection. The Lilly Library is one of the nation’s preeminent rare books, manuscripts, and special collections libraries.
The Screening Room
This footage was captured and edited by Sid Lorraine in 1931 in Lima, OH, courtsey of the David Ben Collection
John Giordmaine (1898-1974) was a well known Canadian magician. He was particularly well known as a family entertainer and for his decades spent demonstrating magic in the toy department of Eaton’s in Toronto. This clip was recorded at the SAM Conference in Chicago in 1940.
Harold Alberto (Harold McAuliffe, 1882-1964) was an Australian performer who eventually immigrated to the US. He billed himself as The Gay Deceiver.
Bruno Nolo demonstrates fire eating, fire breathing and shows off his muscles for good measure. The program is most likely In Melbourne Tonight hosted by Graham Kennedy which ran in Australia from 1957-1970.
Kuda Bux (Kuda Bukhsh, 1905-1981) performs on You Asked For It, hosted by Art Baker.
Kuda Bux (Kuda Bukhsh, 1905-1981) performs on You Asked For It, hosted by Art Baker. This appearance was from 1953.