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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Back in the 70's, I think, there was a made-for-TV movie in which Dai Vernon played a bit (very small) role as a magician. I think the setting for the mystery was The Magic Castle. There was even a person called "The Professor" in the movie, but that wasn't Vernon's role. Does that ring any bells with anyone?
----- Sonny
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Rimbaud Loyal user Saint Louis 291 Posts |
I believe it was an episode of Columbo, but I'm not sure.
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"Saying 'Everyone is special' is just another way of saying 'No one is.'" --Dash from The Incredibles |
houdinisghost Loyal user 287 Posts |
No. It was a late night special on videotape rather than film in a series that ABC was doing. I believe it was called "Murder at the Magic Castle." "The Professor" was played by our Castle Medium Sandy Spillman. Sandy, in his time, produced, directed and acted in movies and TV. One of his last gigs was a series of ads for ATT long distance in which he and Billy "Whitey" Benedict played a couple of old guys who have stayed in touch through the years by phone. Sandy was one of the nicest guys we ever had around the Castle. Once, when I walked past him, he said, "Pat, you know Cary, don't you?" and proceeded to introduce me to Cary Grant with whom I had a wonderful chat. Another time, he said, "Pat, you know Joan Leslie, don't you?" and he introduced me to the drop dead gorgeous Joan Leslie.
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Thanks for the clarification and info, houdinisghost. I do recall that the show was on videotape rather than film and broadcast very late at night. And Sandy Spillman was Steve Spills dad, right?
I wonder if "Murder at the Magic Castle" is available on DVD anywhere. I found one listing for Sandy Spillman on the International Movie Database--an episode of "Family" called "Return Engagement": http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0792013/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1 ----- Sonny
----- Sonny Narvaez
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lotcaster Regular user Texas 151 Posts |
I did a pretty extensive search for copies of the show "Murder at the Magic Castle," and was unable to find it in any format on IMDB, WorldCat (library holdings around the world), or anywhere else, unfortunately.
The Columbo episode "Now You See Him" (season 5, episode 5, 2/29/1976) didn't feature Dai Vernon, but had a building in it that was similar to the Magic Castle. |
houdinisghost Loyal user 287 Posts |
The Columbo episode "Now You See Him" has Houdini's Ghost in it too. And he SINGS!
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MJE Elite user After all these years,I STILL have only 409 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 25, 2014, Anatole wrote: Right. |
Chad Gill New user 60 Posts |
Seriously?
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Brad Jeffers Veteran user 377 Posts |
Vernon appeared in an episode of The Magician, which was filmed in part at the Magic Castle. It was titled The Illusion of the Curious Counterfeit and aired in 1974.
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Brad, what did Vernon perform in his cameo of "The Illusion of the Curious Counterfeit"? I can't imagine they would have him appear without asking him to do some quick bit of prestidigitation.
I'm surprised that the series hasn't been released as a boxed DVD set. ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Brad Jeffers Veteran user 377 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 30, 2016, Anatole wrote: You can get the complete series HERE for $25. |
Brad Jeffers Veteran user 377 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 30, 2016, Anatole wrote: HERE is a brief clip from the episode with Vernon. |
Leo H Inner circle 1333 Posts |
Thanks Brad! I was waiting for Vernon to appear in the clip, but alas...I loved this T.V. series as a kid. It was one my first exposures to magic. I thought Bill Bixby was as cool as 007. I may get this series.
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Gary Plants Special user 549 Posts |
Too bad these are bootleg dvds.......probably made from VHS taped from tv. Also four hours per dvd means really sucky quality.
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