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A Deadly Way to Make a Living: The Lamentable Fate of Chung Ling Soo, Marvellous
Chinese Conjuror
A talk by Brian Lead at the Bradford Magic Circle
7th February 2019
Reviewed by Ray Roberts
On a cold February Friday night when the south of the country was blanketed with
snow, I made the fifty mile round journey to Bradford, where the Bradford Magic
Circle was holding its AGM. This was followed by the inauguration of our
incoming President, professional entertainer Simon Hannah, who in turn
introduced British Ring President Brian Lead. Brian started with a short
promotion of the British Ring, before going on to the talk itself.
Brian’s talk was without doubt a work of love and devotion, which he delivered
at perfect pitch to an audience listening to every word. It was an in- depth
insight about the facts, fiction and myths surrounding Chung Ling Soo’s death.
There was factual evidence from the doctors’ post mortem report, coroner’s
conclusion, and tape recordings of witnesses. It was like listening to an Edgar
Lustgarten Scotland Yard TV drama from the sixties describing some Soho murder.
Like any sudden unexpected death, it posed more questions than answers.
All present were given a colour brochure for reference and to keep. It was a
very interesting, entertaining and thought provoking lecture providing much
discussion among the members. If anyone reading this has not yet informed their
Entertainment Secretary about this unique opportunity, then I strongly recommend
you do so and book Brian for his talk as soon as possible.
© Ray Roberts, February 2019