George Boston

George Boston (1905 – 1975) began performing magic in his youth after watching Howard Thurston perform at the National Theatre in Chicago in 1915. In the 1920’s, he and a neighborhood friend, Louis Korman, created the act “Korman and Merlin” where they presented a small parlor act for the local theaters in Chicago. He performed on his own in the Chautauqua and Vaudeville circuits. During the 1930's he worked for a number of touring performers including Mel Roy, Charles Carter, Harry Blackstone, and he was also the chief stage manager for Howard Thurston’s brother Harry. Will Rock hired Boston after Rock purchased "The Mysteries of India" show from Harry in 1938.

                                                                   

Here's George as Merlin.

                                                                                 

Albeit staged, here is a rare photo of Merlin and Korman

Here's Louis as...himself!

Here's George posing in front of Harry Thurston's tour truck in 1935.

 

 

 

 

George helping Percy Abbott at the Abbott's booth.

 

George behind the counter while Dell O'Dell poses.

Dai Vernon and George enjoying a evening at the Magic Castle in 1963.

He managed the short-lived secondary magic shop of Abbott’s Magic Novelty Company in Hollywood, California. Boston was the inventor of the Boston Box (a variation of the Okito Coin Box). Boston continued to perform throughout the 1940’s. In 1947, Boston collaborated with Robert Parish and told his adventures on the road in a book titled, Inside Magic. He was the consultant in the 1953 movie, “Houdini” starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. He worked as a technical consultant for television shows including Art Baker’s “You Asked For It” and Ralph Edwards’ “This is Your Life” in the 1950’s.