Posted 12 years ago
zguy2112
(110 items)
This is an original 1940 poster from my private collection of Magic posters. It measures approximately 21" x 28" and is "A" condition. This particular poster is one of the rarest Will Rock-Thurston posters from the time, only a few have surfaced. This is just 1 of a handful of different posters that promoted magician Will Rock's presentation of the "Thurston Show", which he performed from 1938 through 1942 after purchasing Howard Thurston's magic show.
Will Rock (William George Rakauskas) was born in Lithuania and came to the U.S. in 1912, he became a magician in 1920 and was The Great Raymond's assistant for 3 years before he hit the road and toured himself playing 300 cities in a four year period. Rock's show ended when the war started and he joined the Army.
Thanks officialfuel, love your "Marx Coupe"! Let me know if you come across another for sale, would love to purchase one for myself.
Thanks BELLIN68, your comments are always appreciated.
In the book "Inside Magic" George Boston tells many stories about being an assistant to Will Rock. While it is true that some of Howard Thurston's effects were used in the "Mysteries of India" show, many of the props and illusions actually came from the show that had been framed by Howard Thurston's older brother Harry who sold his show to Will Rock shortly before he died in 1941.
Yes, very true! And how brilliant of Rock to print the word "Thurston" on these posters, very smart marketing.
Yes, Rock was very smart as we both know. This is one of the more scarce Will Rock/Thurston posters to find. Glad I have one in my collection.