Here is an interesting video of Johnny Thompson performing as Howard Thurston , using Thurston's original Disembodied Princess prop , with Jane Thurston. (Howard Thurston's daughter) This was done at the IBM convention in San Diego (I don't know what year). Another magician then portrays Dante , performing the Sawing a Woman in Half illusion. Sorry I don't know who the magician is who portrays Dante .

https://youtu.be/M-nCQ4qzKlw?t=214



Click here to view attached image.

And here is Dante himself performing his version of Sawing a Woman in Half.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHBTiFMe95A

I believe that was William Larsen playing the part of Dante. Thanks so much for posting!

Lou

I don't think that is Bill Larsen. Bill Larsen's make-up was much more meticulous in his recreation of Dante.

These photos of Larsen performing as Dante are from the 1977 edition of "It's Magic". (assisted by Irene Larsen ... and a couple of kids ... anyone recognize them ? Charlotte and Claude Yarbrough ... whatever happened to those youngsters anyway?)





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I still have my Disembodied Princess from the early 70's with similar shape, the shape has changed quite a lot since then. Thanks for posting David.

That was James Hamilton playing Dante. He was one of the most knowledgeable magic historians and a fixture of conventions back in the 80s and 90s.

Thanks for filling in the name !


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Thanks for all these great posts.