Magic with the Stars (1982)

[Terry]

Never saw this one before. Hosted by Welles, ending with this sequence also compiled into The Magic Show:

https://youtu.be/GrSrEiBG3-s?t=5408

[Roger Ryan]

Essentially a clip compilation show, "Magic With The Stars" is taken from numerous different sources (such as David Copperfield's specials) and stitched together as if it were one continuous variety show. Most of the presentations were shot on videotape, but Welles' closing illusion was shot on film since it was part of Welles' on-going The Magic Show project (note that this final segment is credited as being produced by Welles). With Welles accorded the sign-off with an altered Howard Thurston quote (Thurston's actual quote is, reportedly: "My object is to mystify and entertain. I wouldn't deceive you for the world"), one gets the impression that Welles had some influence in how the show would be presented.

[Le Chiffre]

I hope not too much, the show is kind of a mess (yes, it does look "stitched together"), although I appreciate the rare find. I've never seen it before either. That's actually pretty decent picture quality, considering. The problem for me with magic is that, although it's wonderful to watch live, it frequently just doesn't come across on TV. Still, anything that helped Welles get a paycheck in his later years is good, no matter how tacky or cringe-inducing. It's a shame Welles never finished THE MAGIC SHOW. From what I've seen of it, it could have been a very amusing show, with Welles's artistry as a filmmaker shining through in his "Light Box" segment near the end of this program (and shining out from the rest of the show). Once again, this is one of those programs where an abridged version of about half the length might work nicely. I'm tempted to see what I can do with it.

Keep up the good sleuthing, Terry.

[Terry]

Mike, the fan editor, making Hot Money watchable.

[Le Chiffre]

Yeah, but I only found about 35 minutes of that that was watchable. Best scene was Officer Welles, cruising the streets to Monster Mash.

Note on some of the magicians in Magic With the Stars:

Norm Nielsen (b. 1934) was born in Kenosha, WI, just like Welles. At 84, he still performs.

Richiardi (b. 1923) died in 1985 from a botched surgery, about a month before Welles. His floating woman and brooms trick must have been borrowed by Welles for his 1956 appearance on I Love Lucy. Lucille Ball said it felt like having a pole stuck up her ass for several minutes. The pain, she said, was worse than childbirth.

Carlton and Company (Carl Beck) - There was a false rumor that he later wound up in prison. He later formed Carlton and the Pendragons and specialized in working with large cats until a cat attack caused the act to break up in 1984.

The Great Tomsoni (Johnny Thomson) - Specialist in comedic magic with his gum-chomping wife, he later worked with Penn and Teller.