Howard Thurston: The Wonder Show of the Universe

From the early 1900s to the 1930s, America's great magician was a dapper little man in a tuxedo who presented "The Wonder Show of the Universe."

Thurston's popular show was a menagerie of colorful costumes, elaborate illusions, and a large cast of talented assistants. He made a horse disappear as it stood on a platform high over the stage; he made an automobile disappear; produced dozens of dancing girls; and sawed a lady in half as a dozen spectators from the audience watched, up close, on the stage.

Traveling on eight train cars of equipment, costumes, scenery, and animals, Thurston's show may have been the largest in history. But the magician was always remembered for his flawless manipulation of playing cards. It was this meticulous act with cards — they appeared at his fingertips, and then he scaled them, one at a time, across the stage and into the audience — that earned Thurston his reputation. He performed his card act at every performance for more than 40 years.

Thurston — SF Magic Museum, from Jay Alexander on Vimeo

Thurston's Legendary Posters

Thurston was as famous for his posters as he was for his performances. Printed by the finest lithographers of the era, these vivid, fantastical advertisements promised audiences an evening of impossible wonders — from levitating women to spirits returning from the dead.

Howard & Jane Thurston Promotional Card (1920s)

During his show, Thurston would scale these promotional cards into the audience. His skill was such that he could throw them to the last row of the balcony! The cards are two-sided, with Howard Thurston on one side and his daughter Jane, who assisted in the show, on the other. Both sides wish the bearer good luck.