John Calvert: His Magic and Adventures

This long-awaited DVD showcases the remarkable life and adventures of John Calvert, just in time for the holiday season. Produced with care by his nephew, Fred Calvert, a seasoned writer, director, and producer known for his work on Sesame Street, this film captures the essence of John’s legacy.

Associate Producer Steven Bakos worked diligently with the editor to ensure a polished viewing experience. The opening features George Gershwin’s iconic “Rhapsody in Blue,” setting the stage for the captivating Cigarette Act, which serves as an insightful lesson for aspiring magicians, much like the Cardini act. The film is expertly edited, blending various performances that showcase John and Tammy in different costumes and settings, enhancing the storytelling.

We journey back to John’s childhood in New Trenton, Indiana, in the early 1900s, before moving to Cincinnati, where we meet the legendary Howard Thurston. In a heartfelt segment filmed at the Calverts’ home in Bowling Green, Kentucky, John reflects on his path to becoming a magician, recalling a childhood egg trick that nearly got him expelled from Sunday School. The narrative spans from 1911 to 1940, covering significant historical events such as World War I, the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression, allowing us to witness nearly a century of John’s life.

Next, we join John and Tammy in their expansive motor home as they travel for performances. During the journey, John shares insights about Siegfried and Roy and Lance Burton. The film features the renowned Dancing Handkerchief act, where a volunteer provides the handkerchief, and John cleverly steals his watch. Upon arrival, we see John collaborating with stagehands to set up the show, with Stage Manager Bruce Chadwick praising John’s backstage strength and diplomacy.

The film is rich with magic performances, each movement reflecting John’s lifetime of expertise. It includes generous clips from his films, such as the “Falcon” series, and nostalgic anecdotes about stars like Errol Flynn, Red Skelton, Clark Gable, Jack Palance, and Paul Newman.

Tammy, arguably the best assistant in the world, dazzles in acts like the “Nest of Boxes,” “Flying Organ,” and other levitations, as well as the Blindfold Sharpshooting and variations of “Paper Balls Over the Head.” Their love story began in Singapore in 1960 when she was just 18. She affectionately states, “When he wants to do something, he does it. I go along with it – most of the time!” John emphasizes the importance of humility in performance, conveying genuine enjoyment to the audience.

The film also introduces John’s ambitious African movie project, “The Curse of the Elephants Graveyard,” recounting the drama of his plane crash, his use of fireworks to fend off pirates in the Formosa Straits, and tales of shipwreck and blindfold flying. The ships featured include the “Sea Fox” and “Magic Castle” one and two, with John noting that sailing serves as a form of therapy. We witness Tammy and John in rehearsal and performance in New York, including a detailed look at the thrilling Buzz Saw act.