1954 Rare "The Amazing Mr. Rooklyn" Illusionist Large Signed Advertising Poster.
The Amazing Mr Rooklyn
Maurice Rooklyn was one of Australia's leading entertainers - a hypnotist, juggler, ventriloquist, illusionist and magician. Born in England in 1905 to Russian-Jewish parents, his family migrated to Australia in 1912.
Rooklyn was dazzled by a local magician as a child, and from the age of four knew that he wanted to be a magician. He would spend 14 hours a day practicing magic. His signature masterpiece was a billiard ball manipulation routine, called Symphony in Spheres.
The Amazing Mr Rooklyn's shows incorporated a variety of musicians, dancers and comedians. At the height of his career he had his own travelling troop of about 30 people and just as many large trunks full of equipment for his shows. The Amazing Mr Rooklyn sawed people in half and made all sorts of things appear and disappear. The most dangerous trick he performed was catching a flying bullet in his teeth. On two occasions he was shot on stage in Bondi performing this act.
Touring the UK, in 1936 Rooklyn became the first magician in the world to appear on television. In 1958, his 12-minute demonstration of finger wizardry earned him the title of World Champion Prestidigitator, the first Australian to win this award.
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100% genuine & incredibly rare. Large advertising board promoting "The Amazing Mr. Rooklyn" performance at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne on Thursday 29th April 1954. The large poster is mounted on original thick cardboard & measures 48cms x 38cms. There are scratches, marks & losses. The signature is hand signed & not a facsimile, making it even more valuable. Note the stamp to the rear, ex The Bill Tatton collection.
Local Brisbane pick-up welcomed. Always happy to combine postage where possible & practical. HNCO are not responsible for import duties or customs charges. This is the buyers / importers responsibility.
