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.
This clip of Ernie Brian was recorded by Larry Thornton in Spokane, WA.
This combination of card magic and gambling demonstrations includes the "Dai Vernon Poker Demonstration" from The Dai Vernon Book of Magic.
Mike Caveney's performance was recorded live in Spokane, WA by Larry Thornton in 1979.
Rick Johnsson performs close-up magic, recorded by Larry Thornton in Portland, OR in 1980. He is assisted at the table by a young Daryl Easton.
Johnny Ace Palmer performing the Cups and Balls at a private recording session in Los Angeles, CA in 1978. Later in his career, he would become known for performing the Cups using live baby chicks.
Filmed by Larry Thornton
Johnny "Ace" Palmer performs a routine witha billiard ball, a thimble and a finger ring. Recorded by Larry Thornton in Los Angeles, CA.
Johnny "Ace" Palmer performs silk magic. Recorded by Larry Thornton.
Johnny "Ace" Palmer performing close-up magic. Recorded in 1978 by Larry Thornton.
Johnny "Ace" Palmer performs rope magic. Recorded by Larry Thornton in Los Angeles, CA in 1978.
Johnny "Ace" Palmer finds the chosen card with the assistance of a tortoise and a hare. Recorded in Los Angeles, CA in July 1978 by Larry Thornton.
