|
|
Steve Short's Harry Stanley Lecture
The Modern Mystic League
May 2021
Reviewed by Brian Lead
Steve
Short holds the record as our most frequent lecturer, who has delivered talks on
a wide range of topics, from David Nixon and Alan Shaxon to Johnny Hart and the
Supreme Magic Company. Members turned out via Zoom on May 9th to welcome him
again with his latest presentation on ‘The Unique Harry Stanley’.
There was, of course, a focus on the Unique years, when Harry ran the Unique
Magic Studio with the assistance of the legendary Ken Brooke. We heard about his
publishing ventures, notably with the Lewis Ganson books, and the long-running
Gen magazine. There was an amusing anecdote relating to Tommy Cooper, and the
occasion when Orson Welles helped to pack up copies of the Gen magazine. We soon
moved on to Harry’s associations with the likes of Ali Bongo, Jack Hughes and
Gil Leaney and his production in the mid-1950s of the television programme
Focus on Hocus, fronted by David Jacobs.
Steve invited John Henley to the presentation, who spoke about teaming up with
Remo Inzani in 1959 to form the Inzani-Henley partnership, well known for
producing high quality apparatus. John contributed some fascinating observations
and stories relating to magic and its practitioners.
Steve has a relaxed, easy delivery, underpinned with a gentle sense of humour,
and his name on the programme always ensures a good attendance. All his
presentations are supported by a wealth of documents and film clips; the result
of many hours of meticulous research. Steve’s presentations appeal to all who
are interested in the art of magic. The knowledgeable invariably discover
something new, while those coming fresh to the topic are immediately absorbed
and engaged as Steve brings performers of the past back into our presence.
We look forward to his next visit, when his current project on Ali Bongo has
been completed.
© Brian Lead, May 2021