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https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-......c-hands/

Jack Chanin (1907-1997) was born in the Ukraine fled to Poland, and immigrated to the USA in 1926. Besides being a manufacturer, creator and owner of Chanin's Studio of Magic, he was also a performer and demonstrator. He performed an Oriental-themed act under the name "Cha-Nin". He ran Philadelphia's oldest magic studio, Chanin's Studio of Magic, until 1981.

That's a nice photo of Jack! Fez hats must have been popular with magicians in the 40s and 50s. I love the Jack Chanin story that the late Max Maven wrote up in his Parallax column.

Jack's fez tassel was mounted on a reel to use with his chinese stick routine.

Some quotes about Jack Chanin (from the David Haversat book)


“Because of their unusual cleverness and originality in presentation, Chanin’s books will live as long as magic-and that is forever.” – Edward M. Massey


“Chanin could pick up a silk with a brick in it, and you would never know.” – Dai Vernon


“I had never before seen such an impromptu performance, nor have I seen one since. They don’t make ’em like Jack anymore.” – Jay Marshall


“Jack was not simply a great magician; he was the greatest.” – Max Maven

I always tell people that Jack could hide a car under his oriental robe when performing his Chinese act and you would not see it. Further, he was best placed as the last performer because when he was done, the floor was covered in water, rice, and other such things. Hah!

I knew Jack for a long time (first met him when I was of elementary school age) and he was always nice to me. He had a reputation for being rough but I never experienced it.

He used to tell me that he had arthritis in his hands so could not do what he used to.

One thing that made Jack so good was that he did not hesitate to do a move no matter how difficult. He had no fear.

Jack was one of a kind who was naturally talented and creative. I actually have lots of great stories about Jack.

Please share if you are so inclined !

Is there any motion picture film footage of Jack Chanin performing ?

I attempted to locate footage but to no avail. You would think that there would be something and I would be surprised if there was none. Maybe he appears on a compilation of some kind.

He did lectures all over the US. You would think that at least one person taped it unless he did not allow it.

I have some impromptu footage of him working at Ken Klosterman's.