August 22, 2017
Hank Moorehouse performing close-up in Portland, Oregon. Recorded by Larry Thornton.
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.
August 22, 2017
A piece of visual comedy, presented by Bob Lang in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Recorded by Larry Thornton.
July 28, 2017
This live performance by Dale Harney was recorded by Larry Thornton in Calgary, Alberta in 1974, five years before The Magic Palace originally aired. In addition to magic, there is interactive video with Santa (16mm film).
July 28, 2017
Recorded in Calgary, Alberta by Larry Thornton.
July 21, 2017
This tour of the Micky Hades Internatioal store in Calgary, Alberta was recorded by Larry Thornton. It includes a guest appearance by John Kaplan.
July 21, 2017
A chosen card is located with the help of a balloon.
Performance recorded by Larry Thornton.
July 21, 2017
Scott Imler takes a look at "the humorous side of smoking" with multiple transpositions involving cards, cigarettes and matches. This performance was recorded at Micky Hades International in Calgary, Alberta.
July 20, 2017
This performance was recorded by Larry Thornton in San Francisco.