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.

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

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

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.