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Sam Paul
| Sam Paul | |
 | |
| Born | Samuel Orr Paul June 28, 1880 Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| Died | ? |
Sam Paul (1880-?) performed professionally as "Paul the American Magician", toured the season of 1920-21 throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana featuring illusions and spiritualistic demonstrations.
Biography
Paul became interested in magic around 1912, specializing is mental telepathy and Crystal Gazing, soon developing his act "Thought Transference" [1] In his presentation of mental telepathy he utilizes a Ouija board, instead of the usual crystal globe.[2] His two hour show of mind reading and magic also featured Edward C. Kalbfleisch.
He was assisted by his daughter in his illusion and Mind Reading Act. Some of his stage effects included giant productions of flags, pigeons, and fish bowls, Pigeon Catchings, The Mango Tree, The Invisible Flight, The Egyptian Screen, Astral Levitation, Spirit Slate Writings, Animated Hand, Spirit Skull and the Talking Head.[3]
Paul was active in the local magic societies. He joined the SAM in 1919 as member No. 659 and became the first vice president of the Philadelphia SAM assembly #4.[4] He was the secretary of MAHATMA local #8 of the National Conjurors Association.[5].
Paul performed his version of the Bullet Catch in 1922 for Houdini, who complimented him on it, at the Philadelphia banquet given in Houdini's honor.
Sam Paul however left magic during these roaring twenties, ended up making much more money, selling slot machines to the British. [6]
Bibliography
- CARROT AND CARD TRICK in Magic World, November 1919
References
- ↑ Cover - Magic World January 1920
- ↑ History of Conjuring and Magic by Henry Ridgely Evans (1928)
- ↑ Trix and Chatter
- ↑ MUM November 1919
- ↑ Magic World August 1922.
- ↑ Twelve Have Died Bullet Catching The Story & Secrets by Ben Robinson and Larry White (1986)