Help us get to over 8,755 articles in 2024.

If you know of a magician not listed in MagicPedia, start a New Biography for them. Contact us at magicpediahelp@gmail.com

Jac Olten: Difference between revisions

From Magicpedia, the free online encyclopedia for magicians by magicians.
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with "{{Infobox person | image = JacOlten.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = The Gen Sept. 1959 ...")
 
mNo edit summary
Line 23: Line 23:
'''Jac Olten''', who also gave himself the title of 'Count',  was a professional manipulator who toured France, Germany, England, Africa, and  the United States.  
'''Jac Olten''', who also gave himself the title of 'Count',  was a professional manipulator who toured France, Germany, England, Africa, and  the United States.  


It has been widely reported that at the start of the World War I, he was imprisoned in the 'Stalag 13' Prisoner of War Cam in Germany. His released was assisted by Helmut Schreiber (who would later perform as [[Kalanag]]) on  November 13, 1940. Schreiber obtained apparatus and engagements for him.  His internment however may have been related simply to military service of some kind. After the war, Olten wrote a letter testifying to Schreiber's help on his behalf and worked with Kalanag on at least one occasion.<ref>http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=263633</ref>  [[Al Sharpe]] recounts the story that Olten told him of his time in Germany in the May 2004 issue of [[Magicol]] (No. 151).
It has been widely reported that at the start of the World War II, he was imprisoned in the 'Stalag 13' Prisoner of War Camp in Germany. His released was assisted by Helmut Schreiber (who would later perform as [[Kalanag]]) on  November 13, 1940. Schreiber obtained apparatus and engagements for him.  His internment however may have been related simply to military service of some kind. After the war, Olten wrote a letter testifying to Schreiber's help on his behalf and worked with Kalanag on at least one occasion.<ref>http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=263633</ref>  [[Al Sharpe]] recounts the story that Olten told him of his time in Germany in the May 2004 issue of [[Magicol]] (No. 151).


Olten performed an act, modeled after [[Cardini]] and [[Frakson]], wearing white gloves, manipulating billiard balls, cards, silks and cigarettes.  He later included [[Horace Goldin]]'s version of the [[Sympathetic Silks]].  
Olten performed an act, modeled after [[Cardini]] and [[Frakson]], wearing white gloves, manipulating billiard balls, cards, silks and cigarettes.  He later included [[Horace Goldin]]'s version of the [[Sympathetic Silks]].  

Revision as of 20:36, 26 March 2012

Jac Olten

The Gen Sept. 1959
BornAlred Mihiel
April 13, 1913
Marseilles, France
Diedcirca 1995 (age 82)
Florida

Jac Olten, who also gave himself the title of 'Count', was a professional manipulator who toured France, Germany, England, Africa, and the United States.

It has been widely reported that at the start of the World War II, he was imprisoned in the 'Stalag 13' Prisoner of War Camp in Germany. His released was assisted by Helmut Schreiber (who would later perform as Kalanag) on November 13, 1940. Schreiber obtained apparatus and engagements for him. His internment however may have been related simply to military service of some kind. After the war, Olten wrote a letter testifying to Schreiber's help on his behalf and worked with Kalanag on at least one occasion.[1] Al Sharpe recounts the story that Olten told him of his time in Germany in the May 2004 issue of Magicol (No. 151).

Olten performed an act, modeled after Cardini and Frakson, wearing white gloves, manipulating billiard balls, cards, silks and cigarettes. He later included Horace Goldin's version of the Sympathetic Silks.

In 1966 Olten emigrated to the United States and worked for the "Dutch - American Cruse Lines". [2]

Lewis Ganson stated in The Gen that he was one of the friendliest magicians and always generous in his help to others by imparting the vast knowledge he has of magic. He appeared on B.B.C. Television.[3]

A letter from Jerry Lukins published in Hugard's Magic Monthly (March 1956) reported:

"In Nice I met Jac Olten. I was so impressed I came back the second night to see his two shows again. He worked beautifully with silks- Sympathetic Silks, cigarettes, very novel card effects and in one show he works with puppets. They were stunningly beautiful and were all made by him."


Note: Sometimes referred to as Jack or Jacques.

References

  1. http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=263633
  2. Höller, Hannes. European Jewish Magicians 1933-1945. (1999): 55
  3. The Gen September 1959