Francis Carlyle

Francis Carlyle (17 September 1912 - 27 December 1975) was a professional magician who was a regular and popular performer at Hollywood's Magic Castle.[1]

Francis Carlyle
Born
Francis Xavier Finneran

(1912-09-17)17 September 1912
Boston, Massachusetts
Died27 December 1975(1975-12-27) (aged 63)
Cause of deathAlcoholism
NationalityAmerican
Occupationprofessional magician
Known forsleight of Hand, card magic

History

Francis Carlyle was born Francis Xavier Finneran. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts and lived most of his life in New York, living at one time in Greenwich Village. He was well known and regarded by his peers, contributing his tricks to several books on magic. He was a regular and popular performer at Hollywood's Magic Castle in their close-up room, specializing in card and coin magic.[2] He also performed at notable clubs such as the Stork Club in New York. Later (at least from 1964), problems with alcohol made it difficult for him to continue professionally performing magic, and eventually to be barred from performing at the Magic Castle.[3]

In 1975, fellow magician Ricky Jay encountered Carlyle living in the streets of Los Angeles, and put him up for a few days at his home in nearby Venice in an effort to help Carlyle get back on his feet. But Carlyle relapsed, and was found unconscious on a Hollywood street shortly thereafter. He was taken to a convalescent home, where he died on 27 December 1975.

Card Manipulations N° 5 By Jean Hugard -- Hugard, Jean (1936). Card Manipulations N° 5. Max Holden.

Stars of Magic, Series 4 By George Starke -- Starke, George (1948). Stars of Magic, Series 4. Stars of Magic, Inc.

The Magic of Francis Carlyle By Roger Pierre -- Pierre, Roger (1975). The Magic of Francis Carlyle. Nightmare Alley Productions. ISBN 0-686-11869-3.

Scarne On Card Tricks By John Scarne—1950, Scarne On Card Tricks, published by Crown Publishers, New York

See also

References
  1. State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA, USA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics.
  2. "Francis Carlyle".
  3. "Only Twice".
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