|
|
Lee Darrow![]() V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts ![]() |
I have recently been contacted by a film maker to do a spot in a new independent production film about the old grind shows back around the turn of the 19th/20th century.
The character is a midway pitch-type magician, doing the cups & balls on a folding table on the midway as a distraction for another character, who is doing the dip of the marks. I need comments/information sources on this kind of performer, including costuming (they want to stay away from tails, top hat and cape as this is a cheap-o tent show kind of scene) and hairstyle as well as the kinds of pitch they might make to draw the tip. Any help would be appreciated. Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
Dr. Hoodwink![]() New user Eastern NC 42 Posts ![]() |
I'm no scholar, but I'm a great fan of turn-of-the-century sideshow-type entertainment. So much so that I'm patterning my magic/sideshow act on the concept and trying to integrate the basic image into my Vaudeville/circus troupe's overall look. My costume consists of black slacks, black boots, vest (waistcoat), frock coat and either a headscarf or, yes, my Brian Dube top hat.
Probably my favorite source is a book by J.W. Stencell. I just got off work, am extremely fried from dealing with a frantic book-buying public and ineffectual management, and am not on top of my mental game. As such, I simply can not remember the dang book's title and I'm not at my magical tower of might wherein is contained my library. A Google search under "Stencell" and "Girl Show" (title of another book of his) should get you a hit. Also, the book is readily available through most bookstores. I work at a large-chain bookseller and that's how I got my copy. The book covers American sideshows from throughout American history and is liberally endowed with photos and paintings. Overall, it's a wonderful read. His book Girl Show is also great and not necessarily as titillating as the lay public may think. Wrong period, but if you look carefully at your local B&N, they may have a couple of copies of a book of Edward Kelty's photography. He took photos of circus and sideshow folk during the 1920s and 1930s. There are several pics of actual sideshow troupes. For a more authoritative opinion, check out Slim's Sideshow website (I forget the addy). It's a great place to read posts by various and nefarious underworld showfolk. HOODWINK |
docdazzal![]() Veteran user San Tan Valley, AZ 343 Posts ![]() |
Hi Lee...
May I take this opportunity to reach out from across the time and space that separate us and extend to you a firm hand of greeting and warm wishes. A medicine show is a turn of the century (old fashioned magic show)...I have a lot of fun with it. As for your character...you may want a fast talker, been around and done it all type of persona. For your dress...you may get some good ideas from from Wild West Mercantile, out of Phoenix, AZ. I do all my costume shopping there...they specialize in late 1800 to early 1900 authentic clothing. Wild West Mercantile 5637 N 19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.246.6078 http://www.wildwestmercantile.com Good luck with your shoot...continued success. Best Regards, Doc Dazzal Dazzal's Entertainment Co., Inc. http://www.docdazzal.com |
Lee Darrow![]() V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts ![]() |
Thanks to both Doc's for the input.
I am dealing with costuming through the production company—they called me last night for measurements, etc. so they have the costume issue covered. I just hope they have it right. As to patter, I have a feeling there is this nasty thing called a script that I'm going to have to deal with. :sigh: But I appreciate the input. Their initial contact with me gave me a different impression about what they had in mind. Let's hope they don't screw things up too badly. I'll post title and release dates when they become available. It's indy-prod (independent production), so I am not expecting to go to Cannes or the Academy's next year on this thing! Heck, I doubt if it'll make Sundance, frankly. But who knows? Look at what happened with the Blair Glitch—er, um, Witch! Kind regards and thanks again. Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Believe it or not... » » Late 1900's carny midway magic???s (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2021 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.12 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < ![]() ![]() ![]() |