Francis Carlyle

Francis Carlyle (1911 - December 26, 1975) was born Francis Xavier Finneran.

Francis Carlyle made three contributions to the Stars of Magic, Inc. series of tricks including:

• "Decapitation" a effect using paper matches
• "Homing Card"
• "Wrist Watch Steal"

He is also known for developing a one-hand turnover (paddle move) with business and playing cards.

Dai Vernon frequently mentioned Carlyle with admiration for his ability to make his effects crystal clear to spectators.

Later in life, Francis was known to have a drinking problem and his bookings as a magician became infrequent because of his unreliability. Things got so bad that his wife left him. Many nights while working at the Kiwi, a bar in Greenwich Village, he ended up sleeping there. He also began losing his vision.

He was brought to the West Coast by friends where he was straightened out for a bit and his magical talents were once again were brought to light. Soon, Carlyle became a regular entertainer in the close-up room at the Magic Castle.

But sadly, he just couldn't stay away from the bottle. He worsened until he was not responsible for his actions. Even his best friends tried to steer clear. He finally had to be barred from The Castle which he loved.

Eventually, he had been admitted to a hospital in Hollywood, California as a "John Doe" case after being found unconscious and helpless (most likely from the drinking he was battling with for years). After a few weeks he was transferred to convalescent center where he never improved and eventually died.

Roger Pierre wrote "The Magic of Francis Carlyle".

References

• http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Forum=1&topic=002901&Number=0&site_id=1#import
• http://www.stevensmagic.com/gemini/Mike%20Rogers/OnlyTwice.htm