|
|
Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
While we're waiting for Tom Cruise to develop _The War Magician_ movie based on Jasper Maskelyne's role as a consultant for the British Army during World War II, I thought I'd stir up some more historic discussion (and maybe some controversy) by bringing up "The Other War Magician"--Clayton Hutton (full name: Christopher William Clayton Hutton).
At the GENII MagicPedia we read: -----quote----- Christopher Clayton Hutton (1893-1965) was a British magic buff and journalist that developed escape-and-evasion gadgets for MI9 during World War II.... ...he was responsible for a variety of escape aids including uniforms that could be converted easily to look like civilian dress and powerful torches concealed inside bicycle pumps... Some of his other escape aids included: Button-compasses Collar-stud compasses Tooth-frame compass Magnetized pencil clip Compasses concealed in shaving brush,spool of thread and dice Compass and map in razor Compass and map in pencil Cigarette-holder telescope Saws in lead pencils Compass and watch in stopper 'Gigli' saw in flying-boot laces Secret compartment in heel of boot Compass in pencil-stub Maps in deck of playing cards Maps in games box Reversible uniform Pocket-gun with dart -----unquote----- From http://geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Chri......n_Hutton So... if Tom Cruise's "The War Magician" is stuck in development Hell, maybe some other film mogul could suggest a competing film about Clayton Hutton. Hutton's story was actually told as "Escape--Parts I and II" way back in 1963 on the anthology series "G.E. True": http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584854/synopsis?ref_=tt_ov_pl From what I remember, some magic historians question whether Maskelyne's role in WWII was really as substantial as _The War Magician_ suggests. Does anyone have any opinion about whether Hutton's contribution may have actually been more helpful in the war effort than Maskelyne's? ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
|
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Hi Sonny! I read the Maskelynne book, and, found it fascinating. I hadn't heard of Hutton. Hutton "sounds" even more interesting than Maskelynne.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
deaton New user Winter Park Florida 60 Posts |
I agree with Dick. 007 would be proud.
Original Old Town Magic Shop owner near Walt Disney World. Former Bozo the Clown in S.W. Ohio TV market. Was the founder and artistic director of Pinocchio's Maroionette Theater in Central Florida. Actor, writer, director, magic and spook show enthusiast.
|
rjs Loyal user 296 Posts |
Yes, Anatole, Clutton 's wartime work came before Jasper's.
Clutton eventually published Official Secret his memoirs in 1960 after long legal delays. He wrote an earlier pamphlet -Escaping on a Shoestring - after WW2, but as the Cold War intensified, his more detailed manuscript on POW Escape Aids was confiscated |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Magicians of old » » The Other War Magician (1 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |