Carl Hertz
Encyclopedia
Carl Hertz was born Louis or Leib Morgenstein in San Francisco.
After becoming proficient in the art of magic, he toured America, Europe and Australia, which he had first visited in 1892. He was one of several famous magicians who added films to their repertoires during the early years of cinematography
.
He sailed from England on 28 March 1896 aboard the Royal Mail Steamer Norman and during the voyage exhibited Robert William Paul's Theatrograph to the passengers. He also showed films to his audiences in Australia and Johannesburg
, South Africa.
After Australia he toured Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), India, China, Japan, the Fiji Islands and Hawaii as a magician employed by the Lumiere Brothers.
He published his autobiography in 1924, Modern Mystery Merchant; The Trials, Tricks and Travels of Carl Hertz, the Famous American Illusionist.
"Phoenix" illusion. His wife entered a furnace and emerged unscathed.
Known for the vanishing bird cage
act. He was actually summoned to the British House of Commons
on August 2, 1921 to prove that his act did not harm the birds. He performed the trick for them, then produced the unharmed bird.
After becoming proficient in the art of magic, he toured America, Europe and Australia, which he had first visited in 1892. He was one of several famous magicians who added films to their repertoires during the early years of cinematography
Cinematography
Cinematography is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for cinema. It is closely related to the art of still photography...
.
He sailed from England on 28 March 1896 aboard the Royal Mail Steamer Norman and during the voyage exhibited Robert William Paul's Theatrograph to the passengers. He also showed films to his audiences in Australia and Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
, South Africa.
After Australia he toured Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), India, China, Japan, the Fiji Islands and Hawaii as a magician employed by the Lumiere Brothers.
He published his autobiography in 1924, Modern Mystery Merchant; The Trials, Tricks and Travels of Carl Hertz, the Famous American Illusionist.
Magic act
"Aerolithe" illusion, involving a girl dancing on air - a court case was brought that accused him of stealing it from a German magician."Phoenix" illusion. His wife entered a furnace and emerged unscathed.
Known for the vanishing bird cage
Vanishing bird cage
The vanishing bird cage, also known as the flying birdcage, is a classic parlour magic effect that was invented by French magician Buatier De Kolta. The trick has also been used by magicians Carl Hertz, Harry Blackstone, Sr., John Mulholland, Sabrina Vera and Tommy Wonder.The magician displays a...
act. He was actually summoned to the British House of Commons
British House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords . Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster. The Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members , who are known as Members...
on August 2, 1921 to prove that his act did not harm the birds. He performed the trick for them, then produced the unharmed bird.
Sources
- Picture Australia
- Who's Who of Victorian Cinema
- http://www.magictricks.com/bios/whoswhohijk.htm
- Gallery of Carl Hertz related images
- Carl Hertz: A Modern Mystery Merchant 1859-1924