Posted 12 years ago
zguy2112
(110 items)
This is an original 1938 poster from my private collection of Magic posters. It measures approximately 21" x 28" and is in "A" condition.
This poster advertised magician Will Rock's presentation of the Thurston Show, which he performed from 1938 through 1942.
Will Rock (William George Rakauskas) purchased Howard Thurston's show after he died in 1936. He toured the U.S. and Canada, playing 300 cities in a four year period.
Thanks BELLIN68, I appreciate it. More posters to come...
Posted one more for you BELLIN68, hope you enjoy.
A (literal) footnote to this poster. Felix Bley (1875-1942), whose name is mentioned at the bottom of this half-sheet, was an old time showman who left his hometown of Demopolis, Alabama during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. Once he arrived in the Alaska gold fields he found show business more attractive than a pickaxe, and became manager of a concert hall, hiring future theater impresario Alexander Pantages as a waiter. In the early 20th century he managed a number of carnivals, and later worked with some of the true greats in the world of magic and illusion. During his career Bley booked and managed magic shows not only in the United States but around the world for Nicola, Henry, Carter, Dante, LeRoy and George. From 1926 until 1929 he was also the "Magic Editor" for "The Billboard." The Will Rock tour of Thurston's show was his final association with the theatrical world. Felix Bley died in Los Angeles March 31, 1942 at the age of 67. He is buried in his hometown of Demopolis, Alabama.