PROPOSAL FOR MEMBERSHIP INTO THE S.A.M. MAGIC HALL OF FAME: THE GREAT RAYMOND (Maurice Francois Raymond) 1877-1948

 

Maurice Raymond Saunders began his magic career when he was only nine years old. He accompanied his uncle, Addison the Magician, on a summer tour to the Pacific coast. After the tour, he was "hooked on magic'". He was his uncle's eager and talented student and quickly perfected the skills of magic.

 

He attended one year of medical school at Western Reserve University but left, to travel with the Winnenger Circus. He performed as a magician, learned to juggle and then, with the advent of hypnotism in the 1880's, he became an accomplished hypnotist and mentalist, thus rounding out his performing skills.

 

In the early twenties, Raymond formed his own show company and began his extensive travels with an act patterned after his idol, Herrmann the Great. He toured with his road show throughout South America, Europe and the Orient, became proficient in seven languages, and was at home almost anywhere in the world. He reportedly appeared before more kings, royalty, presidents and heads of state than any other magician before him. He traveled seven times around the world with his company, combining grand illusions, sleight of hand and finely choreographed magic. The Great Raymond won high acclaim for his artistry.

 

Raymond possessed a magnetic personality and regal bearing, and performed magic in the grand manner. He was easily the equal of his contemporaries:, Herrmann, Kellar, De Kolta, Maskelyne and Devant.

 

In 1928 Raymond married Pearlitzka, a featured harpiste and assistant who was later to become a first rate performer in her own right.

 

Only during the difficult Depression years did he scale down his show to one hour performances with the Fanchon and Marco Tour. This was an abbreviated version of his larger stage show. His own full length shows lasted two hours and were eye‑filling extravaganzas with lavish costumes and scenery. They were sustained by the Great Raymond's strong personality, marvelous voice and impeccable magical artistry. The show was a feast of large scale illusions with the startling production of oranges, livestock and the vanishing of a lady hoisted into the air on a swing.

 

He held his audiences spellbound with his wizardry with playing cards, the egg bag and Oriental magic, all done with consummate performing skills. In the entr’acte, his wife, Litzka, played the harp and sang, rounding out a spectacular show.

 

He‑brought first rate magic to the far corners of the earth and became an American ambassador of good will. This, coupled with his outstanding showmanship and performing skills, in the opinion of the Al Baker Assembly #35, should qualify him for a permanent place in the S.A.M. Magic Hall of Fame.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Lewis M. Neporent, M. D.

Past President

Al Baker Assembly #35