“Rameses – The Forgotten Star” by Christopher Woodward
By Joel A. Moskowitz M D
LA JOLLA, California –“Sic transit gloria mundi” (thus passes the glory of the world). Doug Henning was much admired only a few years ago. Who speaks of him now? Few would recognize the name Albert Marchinsky or Albert Marchinski. If you were told he
was billed as “The Eastern Mystic” – not even then. How he had lavish sets
mirroring an Egyptian temple? That he was a follower of Chung Ling Soo (William
Ellsworth Robinson)? Who was he? A leading stage illusionist who called
himself RAMESES and was written about in the pages of The Sphinx (curiouser and
curiouser). The Sphinx is the official publication of The Society of American
Magicians.
Some would say that Moses was the first Jewish magician, outdoing
the Pharoah’s mystifiers. In his day, the Jewish Albert Machinsky amazed
audiences all over the world then disappeared!
This superlative conjurer was born in Poland/Russia and was famous in England;
made tours to South Africa and the United States, and the continent. He
performed for the King and Queen of England. Maurice Fogel who became an
eminent magician in his own right, acted as assistant to Rameses at the latter’s
decline. It is fascinating that many years later, Christopher Woodward, himself
a much acclaimed magician and author, and son-in-law to Maurice Fogel should
take on the labor of love to bring the story of ‘this forgotten magician’ to the
attention of today’s prestidigitators.
In an elegant hard bound graphic diligently researched 132 page book, published
by Squash Publications of Chicago, Woodward allows the reader to experience The
Great Rameses as though you were there. Woodward is known for his writings:
with Richard Mark, his co-author they wrote Maurice Fogel – In Search of the
Sensational. Woodward’s much praised The London Palladium is another
example of his wordsmith accomplishments.
The reader will doubtlessly marvel at how and where author Woodward came to the
information that revealed the history of Rameses. For example, Woodward
describes a review from Stanyon’s Magic which provided a detailed record of
the Rameses show and the likely methods he employed: (Kilburn Empire April
1910) i.e. “The Appearance of the Performer in Cabinet”; Handkerchief from
Glass Tube to Decanter; Confetti to Water; Production of a lady with a goose
from the large cabinet; Water, boiled in Cauldron, changes to Three Doves;
Production of Flowers; Production of another lady from cabinet “She”.
Woodward even quotes an interview from Sterling’s Magic World (1911) where
Rameses comments upon his belief in the supernatural (he doesn’t believe). He
boasted about his “Cremation” effect – which others have attempted but failed.
Enthusiastic affirmations describe Rameses: ‘keeps his audience guessing and
gasping’; Egyptian wonder worker; a hypnotist (goose being the one hypnotized);
‘inexplicable wizardry’. Alongside the text, are period programs, front
pieces of magic publications of the era, sketches of levitation effects, copies
of payment to Rameses from the Chatham Empire Theatre; and (courtesy of Mike
Caveney) three sheet lithographs in startling color; Rameses postcards courtesy
of Paul Kieve; Rameses playing cards (author’s collection); photograph and
ticket to Empire theater April 8th 1918.
Woodward adds the whipped cream to the delicacy by including Rameses’own advice
to prospective conjurers. (Take a course…practice etc.) This literary
confectionary treat includes commentary from the author about his research which
led him, of all places, to San Diego. In 1989, he received a letter from Mrs.
Margaret Doser who said she was the granddaughter of Albert Marchinski
His exploits as a literary detective compliment his persistence in making ‘the
forgotten star’ known. If you happen to be in Los Angeles you might consider
visiting the Skirball Museum, where a current exhibit promulgates the Jewish
magicians of yesteryear, gigantic posters in vibrant color, of Rameses are
included.
Absent that, afficianados of magic can do no better than
purchasing/reading this charming history of an Edwardian era magician remembered
by Christopher Woodward (a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, and Gold
Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle of London and literary investigator par
excellence) The doctor recommends 5/5 (Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx)
*
Moskowitz is a freelance writer, specializing in magic, based in La Jolla, California. He may be contacted at joel.moskowitz@sdjewishworld.com