Teddy Dowler – The “Codologist.”

When I came upon his wonderful card in my collection I immediately had two questions. First, of course, was, “Who is Teddy Dowler?” And, second, “What is a Codologist?” If I was better informed on British magicians I would have known immediately. 

However, after a bit of research on the wonderful website Ask Alexander I had answers to both questions. Arthur “Teddy” Dowler was a British comedy magician who was very popular from the 1930’s until his death January 17, 1953 at 58 years of age. He was born December 30, 1894, at Stoke-on-Trent, England. Importantly, Dowler was co-founder with Harry Stanley of Unique Magic Studio which was absorbed by Supreme Magic in 1970. He was also the creator of the Legs Table. 

His card (below) features his name on the front, his self-appointed title, and has him living at “Sandringham” 25, Hope Road, Shanklin, I.W. The reverse does not feature a playing card design, but rather a photo of Dowler holding a rabbit and wearing a tuxedo with an enormous flower on his lapel. In each corner are the four playing card pips. Below, and to the left are the words, “Up to his tricks again!”

I wondered whether his title, “Codologist” had anything to do with fish (or perhaps Fish and Chips), but I believe I found the answer in The Collins English Dictionary. They identify the term as being informal Irish and describe “codology” as, “the art or practice of bluffing or deception.” Thus, Dowler must have been a practitioner of bluffing or deception. It makes sense. Dowler was among a contingent of magicians from Britain who came over to the States for the 1939 I.B.M. convention in Battle Creek, Michigan. The group sailed over on the S.S. Normandie and had their photo taken on deck.

He was in famous company that included John Ramsey, Edmund Younger, Mr. and Mrs. Les Levante, Cedric, Dr. H. Park-Shackleton, and others. Upon landing they were greeted at the gangplank by Charles Larson and Herman Hansen. On the voyage over these magicians had presented a stage show, a dry-run for a similar presentation at the upcoming convention. Dowler returned to the states as one of the first magicians from abroad to attend the Abbott’s Get-Together following World War II. He brought his wife with him and presented a, “typically English comedy style” act.

During this same trip, Dowler brought with him an improved version of Abbott’s popular effect “Disecto,” where a volunteer’s arm is sliced through with a movable blade without injury. The previous version featured a main portion of the chopper which hid the knife as it slit through the volunteer’s arm. This new version contained on very long opening that ran practically the length of the chopper through which the blade could be clearly seen slicing down on each side of the trapped arm. It took a great effect and made it even better. It was advertised, of course, immediately in Abbott’s catalog.

Dowler is identified most often as being the resident magician and MC at the Black Lion, Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent. He placed a fun advertisement for the place in the June 26, 1937 The World’s Fair. The ad notes that the Black Lion is, “150 miles from London (and worth the run!) 43 miles from Birmingham, 36 miles from Manchester, 53 miles from Liverpool and only 3 miles from the Theatre Royal Hanley.” The ad further states, “Teas, snacks, &c. ready any time, bowling green, salad served undressed for nudists, we even serve crabs. Magicians Made Merry – Showman Shriek Satisfaction. So come along all of you.”

Dowler also placed an ad in The World’s Fair on December 24, 1938, promising readers there was, “no Cod” about his Christmas wishes. One time Dowler starred with Maurice Fogel on the same bill at the Dudley Hippodrome. The reviewer in Abra, Jack Shepherd, apologized for calling Dowler a magician because of his self-anointed “Codologist” title, and also apologized to Fogel for calling him a magician because Fogel “went mad” if anyone referred to him in that manner.

Of course, I never had the opportunity to witness Dowler since I was only two years old when he passed away. I’m sure he was hilarious and well-loved by both audiences and his fellow conjurors. He was another brilliant thread in conjuring history gathered once again and woven into the tapestry of Propelled Pasteboards.

Tom Ewing

Harry Thurston

While Harry Thurston (1867 – 1941) was gazing into the lens of camera for his throw out card image, he had more than magic on his mind. Yes, his brother, Howard Thurston was known throughout the world as the magician extraordinaire while Harry, kept far away from the spotlight and fame. When Howard needed money, Harry was always there with the financial assistance (although neither of the brothers were able to keep money in their pockets for too long), Harry seemed to have any amount for his brother…for a price. As additional consideration for security for the loan, Harry ended up having a storage area filled with several of Howard’s large magic illusions.

Harry figured the props weren’t making money just packed away gathering dust, so he came up with the idea of creating a touring illusion show under a tent (much to Howard’s consternation). Harry called the show “Thurston’s Mysteries of India”. With the assistance of his wife Rae (as Princess Ranee), he attempted to make his mark in the world of magic. Harry had very little idea how the majority of the illusions worked, so he enlisted the help of two visiting Australian magicians first, Les Levante and eventually, Percy Abbott. Both performers found in a very short time, Harry’s method of performing wasn’t up to performance levels to brother Howard’s. It didn’t take long before both of the performers left the show. Then George Boston was hired to assist the ill-fated show. Boston left the tour too after being put through the ringer. In a short time, the show was packed away in storage until 1938. That’s when a young professional magician approached Harry and purchased the entire show. His name was Will Rock (William George Rakauskas).