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Cunning
| Cunning | |
| Born | Bob M. Cunningham 1872 Provo, Utah |
|---|---|
| Died | 1951 Los Angeles |
Cunning the Jail Breaker (1872-1951), later known as Doc Cunning, was an escape artist at the turn of the century. Some experts on the subject say that, in some respects, he surpassed the great Houdini.
Biography
In 1902, he toured Australia and New Zealand (and possibly South America) with his escape act.
He was also a successful illusionist, mind reader, hypnotist, lecturer, and a ring master for the Al G. Barnes Circus[1]
By 1922, he was billing himself as "The Mental Miracle Man" and "Dr." Cunning becoming a rival to Alexander[2]
Cunning was a member of a theatrical stock company in a play entitled "From Sing-Sing to Liberty," where his escapes played prominently in the story line.
Later working for Alexander, Cunning acted as company manager and bodyguard.[3]
He was honored with a testimonial dinner and magic show by the Los Angeles Society of Magicians in 1945.[4]
References
- ↑ Genii 1945 September
- ↑ Sphinx, November, 1922
- ↑ Alexander - The Man Who Knows by David Charvet (2004)
- ↑ TESTIMONAL DINNER HONORING DOC CUNNING A GRAND AFFAIR, Genii 1945 April