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amazing_gordo New user Toronto, Canada 35 Posts |
Magician/Escapologist Dale Harney performed in Alberta, Canada, in the 70's and 80's. He starred in his own tv show; "The Dale Harney show," but is best known for hosting and performing on "The Magic Palace" show.
Many incredible magicians, and even a number of famous names such as Harry Blackstone Jr., Johnny Thompson, Martin Nash, to name but a few, performed on that show!! From what I can tell, Dale and his assistant/wife Lynda are now retired from performing, which is a great loss indeed. I wish he would make some tutorial DVDs or even write a book! That would be awesome!! |
Scott Imler Special user Calgary, Canada 545 Posts |
Dale is a great guy and was a great boss. I worked for him as his assistant all through the entire Magic Palace series with the exception of the first year. I toured with him and Lynda as well. Have not seen them in years but they are now literary agents selling movie scripts etc. Still do a litttle magic now and then. There must be a wharehouse full of illusions somwhere in Edmonton. Would be fun to take a peek inside it would bring backl a lot of memories.
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Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
I grew up watching Dale Harney on Saturday morning television. What a terrific entertainer he was!
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Adam Milestone Regular user 189 Posts |
When I was very young my father and I would watch The Magic Palace each morning at 7:30 and I loved watching Dale and the other guest magicians perform. Dale's show was probably the first thing that made me take an interest in magic and about a year later I was given my first book on magic. I wish they would release them on DVD; what real treat that would be! Does anyone remember who some of the guest magicians were?
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Adam Milestone Regular user 189 Posts |
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Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Thanks Adam
I REALLY enjoyed that clip! I've never heard of Dale and would really like to see more... Julie |
cassius2m New user Simi Valley, CA 68 Posts |
A friend recently gave me a box of magic specials he had taped through the years. One of the tapes had 6 hours of the magic palace on it. Very fun to watch. This show was a few years before my time so it was neat to be able to see. I just got done with an episode that a young Max Maven appeared.
Great stuff -Clay |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
In the mid '70s, I was doing a school tour in the Dakotas. I was near Minot (the "magic city") North Dskota, on a weekend, so I drove into Minot,late on Friday afternoon, rather than spend a nice fall weekend in a tiny hamlet. As I drove into the city, I passed a coliseum type building, and on the marquee was advertised the SHRINE CIRCUS. I drove around to the back of the building, and found the parking lot full of performers motor homes and trailers. I was driving my motor home, so I pulled in and parked. I could see the "back door", which was open, and there, through the door, I could see a Zig Zag Illusion. Of course, I walked in. I had plenty of experience in carnivals, and circuses, so I was "at home". A quick check with one of the prop crew, and I was directed to clown alley.
Lee Marx and Rex Young, two old pro. clowns were in the "alley" hanging up wardrobe and when I asked who the magician was, they said, "Dale Harney! He'll be in in a couple minutes to finish setting up his props for tonight's show. Help yourself to the coffee." We were cutting up jackpots, for a few minutes, when Harney came in. I introduced myself, and we chatted for a few minutes. Then he started setting his props,while we talked. He said, "Make yourself at home, there's plenty of room in the backyard." Show time is 7:00. So, I went back to my motor home to fix a quick, light supper. I didn't want to get in the way, so I read the mail, which I had picked up at the last town, and marked the map for next week's itinerary. Just before "doors", I went back to the alley, and Rex and Lee were in wardrobe and makeup getting ready to go work the "come in". Dale and his wife were made up, but still in back yard clothes. They had an hour. They werea lovely young couple and we shared news and experiences. It was now time for them to get dressed,so I ducked out and left to find a seat. Hubert Castle always produced a fine circus, and I enjoyed the show. Toward the end of the first half, the Harneys were introduced and I was interested to note that they worked in all 3 rings! In the far end ring, they did the Zig Zag, the in center ring, another ilusion that I can't remember. They closed in the other end ring with a real circus style sub trunk, with flash pots, etc. Dale had been wearing a set of tails in gray. When he came out if the trunk, he was in an orange outfit. It really grabbed the audience. We went to their trailer after the show finished, and enjoyed more visiting. I spent the entire weekend with them and really enjoyed the visit. He was a fine performer. She was,too! I had to leave Sunday afternoon to jump to my Monday town, Ah! Show Biz! About five years later, I was in Laramie, Wyoming, managing a phone room for the Stan Kramien illusion show. I flipped on the TV in my motel room, and there was the magic palace with Dale. Charlie Miller was the guest performer, and I got to see Charlie do his coin pail. it ws the only time that I ever saw him do it. That was early in the '80s. I've heard that they had retired from the road, and I note from Scott Imler's post above, that they are still in show business.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I have a few of the television shows on tape of his. Lots of great magicians guested on the program. Wish I had them all.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
The Magic Demon New user 5 Posts |
Back in the late 1970s there was a subsequent syndicated show geared to younger kids called LYNSKY AND COMPANY. I believe it was also produced out of Calgary, Alberta. "Lynsky" was Dale's wife Lynda and the "company" were Dale and a tall guy dressed in a dog costume called Ralph. "Lynsky" was the featured performer and Dale seemed content to take a more secondary role. Less magic, perhaps, and more "comedy" segments but in my recollection it was all good fun.
Does anyone else remember it? |
Scott Imler Special user Calgary, Canada 545 Posts |
I remember it well as I was the guy in the dog costume. Ralph. As much fun as we had taping the Magic Palace Lynsky and Company was even more fun there were no rules and much of what we did was ad lib. Ralph was a blast to do but man was it hot in that suit under the studio lights!!
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cheesewrestler Inner circle Chicago 1157 Posts |
There's one clip on youtube anyway, of the Harneys doing a "double dove act" (i.e. they both do dove productions), that even has a cameo by Mr Imler!
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Scott Imler Special user Calgary, Canada 545 Posts |
Yes it was as magic special shot here in Canada in the 80s brings back some memories. For its day it was a pretty good special. We did a motorcycle to car illusion and Dales own brilliant water tank escape (performed by Lynda) that fooled many a magician. Very unique presentation and a real head scratcher given the test conditions..
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magicfish Inner circle 7006 Posts |
I loved Dale Harney's show as a little kid.
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Magicians of old » » Dale Harney: Anybody remember this great magician? (4 Likes) |
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