Difference between revisions of "George Boston"

Revision as of 17:56, 11 February 2009

George Boston (1905 - 1975) was a performer that spent his entire life in the theatrical profession. He was best known as chief assistant/stage manager for 22 leading magic shows including Harry Blackstone Sr., Charles Carter, Laurant,Willard the Wizard, Jack Gwynne, Nicola and Howard Thurston.

He was a feature magazine contributor to both Genii and Tops.

He was a member of the first Board of Directors and former Secretary of the Academy of Magical Arts.

He wrote a book about his experiences titled nside Magic (1947) (with Robert Parrish). He also wrote "Ladies Free" and "He Who Pulls the Strings".

George was featured on the cover of GENII for November 1949.

He was also the technical adviser for films and TV shows including "Houdini" starring Tony Curtis, "You Asked for it" and "This Is Your Life". He taught all of Houdini's tricks and escapes to Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

George worked for the Magic Castle until he suffered a stroke which paralyzed half of his body. The last few years of his life were spent in hospitals and convalescent homes until he succumbed to a final stroke.

George has been erroneously linked to the Boston Box, a variation of the Okito Coin Box, by J.B. Bobo in his book Modern Coin Magic. Most believe now that it just originated in the city of Boston. ¹

References

¹"The George Boston Combination Coin Box" in New Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo, page 230.