November 07, 2017
This clip has no sound.
An early attempt at video recording, made on 8mm film, by Larry Thornton in Calgary, Alberta.
Larry Thornton Collection
about this collection
In the Seventies, when Larry Thornton of Calgary, Canada was an active magic convention attendee, he started recording magicians on his 8mm camera whenever and wherever they would grant him permission. He set the scene where performers gave private performances for small audiences, or directly to the camera. Below are clips from that era, which include performances from 1976 to 1981.
We encourage you to browse around as your curiosity guides you. Simply click on Larry Thornton Collection to come back here. If you want to see a shorter sampling, here’s a Movie Magic playlist to jump start your blast to the past. Alternatively, check out another wonderfully curated list by Jamy Ian Swiss in his article Take Two #51: Movie Magic.
November 07, 2017
This clip has no sound.
This recording of John Kaplan was made by Larry Thornton, in Calgary Alberta.
August 25, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton at the PCAM conference in Victoria, British Columbia.
He explains how he got started in magic and performs several pieces of silent close-up magic.
August 25, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton at the PCAM conference in Victoria, British Columbia.
August 25, 2017
This presentation was recorded by Larry Thornton at the PCAM conference in Asilomar, California.
Assisted by Dr. Gene Matsuura.
August 24, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton in Calgary, Alberta.
August 24, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton in Seattle, Washington.
Jerry Andrus presents creative and novel versions of classic effects including the Cut and Restored Handkerchief, the Miser's Dream and the Cups and Balls.
August 24, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton at the IBM Convention in San Diego, CA
August 24, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton in Asilomar, CA.
It includes a variation of Charlie Miller's "Dunbury Delusion" and Dai Vernon's "Twisting the Aces".
A memorial fund has been established in support of Daryl's family.