11/3/2009 We are sad to report that CARL BALLANTINE has passed away. Stage name of Meyer Kessler. Inspired at age 12 by his barber who would do the Thimbles while cutting Carl's hair. Originally a printer. Then in Chicago in the 1930s doing pro straight magic, first as "Count Marakoff" & "Carl Sharp", then, since the early 1940s switched to comedy magic as "Carl Ballantine" billed as "The Amazing Mr. Ballantine". Played the New York Capitol in 1950. He appeared in the 1945 SAMPA1 Salute to Magic, The Ed Sullivan TV show in 1953, & the Las Vegas El Rancho Vegas in 1956. A TV comedian ("McHale's Navy", etc) since 1959 & movie actor since 1965. Won Tannen's "Louie". 1985AMAPerformingFellowship.
WE HAVE MICHAEL BONGAR AS OUR AFTER MEETING LECTURER ON NOV. 6TH
The annual Houdini Memorial Broken Wand ceremony will take place at the Machpelah Cemetery in Glendale Queens TUESDAY NOV. 10 at 1:26 PM. If you need a ride from NYC call Noach Valley 212-957-6918