WANDAS, Suzy (Jeanne Van Dyk, 1896 – 1986). Suzy Wandas and Dr. Bennett’s Home Movies. Eleven reels of 8-mm film captured by Dr. Zina B. Bennett both in his home theater, at magic conventions, and on international tours, recording the performances of many magicians of the mid-twentieth century, including some of the most significant performers of the era.
Among the conjurers in the films are Cardini, Jack Gwynne, Harry Blackstone Sr., Arthur Dowler (possibly presenting the first performance of Hippity Hop Rabbits at Abbott’s Get-Together), Karrell Fox, Charles Carrer the juggler, Dell O’Dell, Carl Ballantine, Jack Gwynne, and many more. Other magicians that appear – captured at an Abbott’s Get-Together show on which Wandas appeared – include Neil Foster, Percy & Gladys Abbott, and Dorny. This reel includes a partial performance by Wandas on stage presenting her “act as known,” including her cigarette and card manipulation routines.
Another reel includes the performances of Dr. Bennett, while yet another is the only surviving record of Suzy Wandas’ manipulative magic. This film shows her presenting her Linking Rings and Mutilated Parasol, as well as Dr. Bennett’s giant card manipulation routine, including the backpalming and production of jumbo cards. Included is a typed summary of several reels outlining their contents, prepared by Wandas. The reels are held in a cloth satchel with Wandas’ typed address tag attached.
Also included is a 36mm film showing a close-up of Wandas performing with cards, in deteriorated condition. In all, a wonderful visual record of many important magical performers of the mid-twentieth century.
A digital transfer of the 8mm films is included with the reels.