March
The Canadian Conservatory of Magic is proud to present its special section dedicated to the ephemeris of conjuring. This section explores the fascinating history of magic throughout the year, highlighting significant events, iconic artists, and innovations that have shaped this art. We invite enthusiasts and the curious to dive into the captivating world of illusion and magic and celebrate this extraordinary heritage.
Throughout History
03
March
1989: The Magic of David Copperfield XI: The Explosive Encounter airs on CBS
05
March
1955: Birth of Penn Jillette
09
March
1975: Joseph Dunninger dies at 82
2019: Johnny Thompson dies at 84
12
March
1988: The Magic of David Copperfield 10: The Bermuda Triangle airs on CBS
14
March
1980: Doug Henning is the guest star on The Muppet Show (S4-E21)
1986: The Magic of David Copperfield VIII: Walking Through the Great Wall of China airs on CBS
18
March
2006: Channing Pollock dies at 79
30
March
1990: The Magic of David Copperfield XII: The Niagara Falls Challenge airs on CBS
1993: The Magic of David Copperfield XV: Fires of Passion airs on CBS
04
March
1917: Birth of Al Koran
08
March
1985: The Magic of David Copperfield VII: Familiares airs on CBS
2019: Marshall Brodien dies at 84
10
March
1922: Harry Kellar dies at 72
1960: Birth of Lance Burton
13
March
1987: The Magic of David Copperfield IX: Escape From Alcatraz airs on CBS
2013: Hans Moretti dies at 84
17
March
2016: Paul Daniels dies at 77
24
March
1874: Birth of Harry Houdini
1918: Chung Ling Soo dies at 56
31
March
1992: The Magic of David Copperfield XIV: Flying - Live the Dream airs on CBS
2001: Lance Burton, Master Magician: On the Road airs on Fox Family Channel
March 24, 1918
On the 23rd March 1918, Chung Ling Soo performed his last act. He was mid-performance at the Wood Green Empire in London when he reached his famed ‘Condemned to Death by the Boxers’ illusion. In the act, one of his assistants would fire a gun at him, but it was carefully modified to stop the bullet actually leaving the barrel, thus keeping the magician safe while he pretended to catch a bullet between his teeth. On the night in question, some of the gunpowder exploded in the chamber of the gun, causing the bullet to shoot out of the gun into Chung Ling Soo’s lung. It is thought to be the first time the magician spoke in English on stage as he cried out “Oh My God, something’s happened. Lower the curtain”. He was taken to Passmore Edwards Cottage Hospital but died due to his injuries. He is buried in East Sheen Cemetery in East Sheen in London. There was a thorough investigation into his death, but it was finally classified as being caused by a tragic 'misadventure'