August 23, 2017
This performance by Yutaka Kikuchi was recorded by Larry Thornton in Seattle, WA.
Larry Thornton Collection
about this collection
In the Seventies, when Larry Thornton of Calgary, Canada was an active magic convention attendee, he started recording magicians on his 8mm camera whenever and wherever they would grant him permission. He set the scene where performers gave private performances for small audiences, or directly to the camera. Below are clips from that era, which include performances from 1976 to 1981.
We encourage you to browse around as your curiosity guides you. Simply click on Larry Thornton Collection to come back here. If you want to see a shorter sampling, here’s a Movie Magic playlist to jump start your blast to the past. Alternatively, check out another wonderfully curated list by Jamy Ian Swiss in his article Take Two #51: Movie Magic.
August 23, 2017
This performance by Chuck Jones and Company was recorded by Larry Thornton in Calgary, Alberta.
The featured illusion, "Through the Eye of a Needle" was created by British magician P.T. Selbit in 1924.
August 23, 2017
This performance by Chuck Jones and Company was recorded by Larry Thornton in Calgary Alberta.
August 23, 2017
This performance by Mercer Helms was recorded by Larry Thornton in Calgary, Alberta.
On-stage introduction by Mike Caldwell.
August 23, 2017
This performance of Mr. Electric's lightbulbs from mouth was recorded by Larry Thornton in Calgary, Alberta.
August 22, 2017
Jeff Wawrzaszek's silent stage act, set to music, was recorded by Larry Thornton at the PCAM conference in San Francisco, CA.
August 22, 2017
Paul Gertner takes an unusual approach to manipulative magic, replacing coins, billiard balls and cards with feathers. This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton at the PCAM conference in San Francisco, CA.
August 22, 2017
This performance of Jerry Andrus' Linking Safety Pins was recorded by Larry Thornton in Edmonton, Alberta.
August 22, 2017
Paul Gertner performs his celebrated version of the classic "Cups and Balls" using steel ball bearings. Recorded by Larry Thornton in San Francisco, CA.