Ade Duval

Ade Duval (December 31, 1898- August 13, 1965) was born Adolph Amrein. He was remembered for his Silk Blowing trick, the vanish of the Cocktail Shaker full of milk, and the "Smoking of the Thumb."

He started performing with Andrew Blaeser as the "Duval Brothers" in the early 1920s, then went out on his own when his partner retired. He became a star of vaudeville with his signature "Rhapsody In Silk" routine which he performed with his wife, True, as assistant and musical director.

After True's died of cancer in 1955, Ade lost interest and began developing a nervous disease which sapped his strength. An operation was performed which enabled him to present his manipulative act at the Buffalo IBM Convention. His renewed strength didn't last and he spent most of his later years in the hospital.

He began to write a series of books, but only the climax of his Rhapsody in Silk routine saw publication.

Ade Duval performing his Rhapsody in Silk