BROKEN WAND :: TONY CURTIS

From the Associated Press:

Tony Curtis, who defiantly worked to mold himself from a 1950s movie heartthrob to a respected actor with such films as "Sweet Smell of Success," "The Defiant Ones" and "Some Like It Hot," has died. He was 85.

The Oscar-nominated actor died about 9:25 p.m. PDT Wednesday at his Henderson, Nev., home of a cardiac arrest, Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy said Thursday.

In February of last year, Tony was my guest  on the "Spirit of Magic" podcast in which we discussed his love of magic and his portrayal of Houdini.

Tony studied with George L Boston before starring in the 1953 film. His enthusiasm for magic continued far beyond his role in the film and he was a frequent  participant  at  the  AMA's annual annual award banquets. In fact, he presented Cardini with the Masters Fellowship, the Academy of Magical Arts highest honor.  

In spite of the fact that the film portrayed  a highly fictionalized account of Houdini's career, many still consider it to be one of the best "Houdini Films" yet to be made. 

His memorial service will be Monday, Oct 4, at 11AM at the Palm Mortuary located at 7600 S Eastern Ave in Las Vegas and is open to the public.

Personally, I would like to say that I am honored by the connection that I had with this Hollywood Legend and that my thoughts and prayers are with he and his loved ones.

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MNW #199 :: SPERRY & COBY

Dan Sperry & Rudy Coby join me on this episode of the Spirit of Magic podcast to discuss their upcoming appearance at the Las Vegas "Fright Dome." Rudy also talks about his upcoming show at the El Ray Theater and the Halloween Week that he is producing for the Magic Castle. We also get some of the back story from Dan Sperry on his experiences as a competitor on the most recent season of America's Got Talent. You may think you know what it is all about from pervious interviews that we have done with AGT competitors, but some of these insights may surprise you.

LISTEN TO MY CONVERSATION WITH SPERRY & COBY:

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BIG DADDY COOL TO DEFEAT VANDERBILT

This just in from our good friend and roving Magic Newswire reporter "Big Daddy Cool" !

NASHVILLE MAGICIAN CHALLENGES VANDERBILT FOOTBALL TEAM 

Nashville – Magician and Variety Entertainer “Big Daddy Cool” Johnny Dellarocca has issues a challenge to the entire Vanderbilt Football team. He claims that he is stronger than the entire team put together and that he can prove it Oct 4^th at 7 PM, prior to the opening of Beyond Smoke & Mirrors at McFadden’s.

“It’s a fact,” says Dellarocca “that I can take on the entire Vanderbilt Football team at once and win.” Johnny Dellarocca, AKA "Big Daddy Cool" has challenged the Vanderbilt Commodores to a unique test of strength during the opening night festivities of the new show Beyond Smoke & Mirrors at McFadden's on 2nd Ave.

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STEVE CARRELL :: BURT WONDERSTONE

From Variety: 

Steve Carell's looking to make magic and is in negotiations with New Line to topline comedy "Burt Wonderstone."

Project's been in development at New Line since 2006 when it bought Chad Kultgen's spec, then titled "Burt Dickenson: The Most Powerful Magician on Planet Earth."

"Burt" is set in the world of rival Las Vegas magicians in which one member of a highly successful two-man team dies in a risky stunt. The surviving team member must then find a way to rediscover his love for magic.

Read the complete article HERE

MR. DEAD'S UNDERGROUND

I was holding back on this until I spoke with Rudy today, but now, the cat is out of the bag. Stay tuned for more info!

In addition to his show with Dan Sperry at Fright Dome and his upcoming show at the El Ray Theater in Los Angeles, Rudy Coby is producing an all new show for the Magic Castle's Halloween Week! "Mr. Dead's Underground will feature  Tony Clark, Rich Cowley, Frank Olivier, Danny Sylvester and many more

Stay tuned for details!

A CONVERSATION WITH DERREN BROWN

From his Twitter account, we found this interesting chat with Derren Brown on Appearance and reality as a part of a conversation with Nigel Warburton and The School of Life. Enjoy

TURNING MAGIC INTO ART

Conceptual artist turned magician, Glenn Kaino  talks to the LA Times  as a part of an article promoting the upcoming of his magic themed art exhibit at LAX "Safe/Vanish"

An artist best known for conceptual-minded sculpture, Kaino was first drawn to magic about 10 years ago. At that time he taught himself a little "street magic, easy things like two-card monte and making an empty soda can appear full again," he says.

He mainly put those tricks to use during studio visits from curators and writers. "I did a trick when people arrived as a barometer, a heat test — people would either enjoy it or try to figure it out and take it apart. It was my way of telling how the next hour would go."

Read the complete article HERE.  Glenn will also be a guest speaker at MagicCon 2011.

ABRACADABRA :: BLAINE TO MAKE A BABY APPEAR

As we reported in April of this year, David Blaine became engaged to his French girlfriend, 23-year-old model Alizee Guinochet. From the New York Post and People Magazine, we now learn that the couple is expecting their first child. According to People, at a recent party, the magician told his guests "that he was excited to teach his first child some magic." From the New York Post article, ""The baby is probably already practicing the breath hold!"

DAVID COPPERFIELD APPEARS ON THE AMERICA'S GOT TALENT FINALE

For anyone that missed it, here's the video from David Copperfield's appearance on the season finale of America's Got Talent 2010 which aired tonight!

Robin Leach promoted the show before it was aired in his column and even mentioned our friend from Magic Magazine Stan Allen.

THIS WEEK IN MAGIC :: MAC KING

Comedy-magician Mac King and Harrah’s, Las Vegas have agreed to extend their contract for another five years. Currently celebrating his show’s 10th anniversary at Harrah’s, Las Vegas the contract will ensure “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” through 2015 for a historic 15-year run. Mac joins us on this episode of This Week in Magic to talk about his career and his latest books Campfire Magic. We also talk about his childhood friend Lance Burton and the end of his run at the Monte Carlo.

LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION WITH MAC KING:

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