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

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).