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Robinson Magician
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Robinson Magician
William Ellsworth Robinson, stage name Chung Ling Soo, enjoyed a successful career as a stage magician until his catching-a-bullet-in-his-mouth trick went fatally wrong...
1861 - 1918
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14111889
© Mary Evans Picture Library/HARRY PRICE
1861 Bullet Career Catching Chung Ellsworth Enjoyed Entertainers Fatally Ling Magic Magician Mouth Robinson Successful Trick Wrong
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This photograph captures the enigmatic figure of Chung Ling Soo, born William Ellsworth Robinson, in the prime of his successful magic career. The image, taken around the turn of the 20th century, reveals a man both mysterious and intriguing, his piercing gaze and enigmatic smile inviting us into a world of wonder and illusion. Born in 1861, Chung Ling Soo, also known as "The Chinese Magician," was a pioneer of modern magic, combining theatrics, storytelling, and a touch of danger to create unforgettable performances. He enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame, captivating audiences with his seemingly impossible feats of magic and sleight of hand. One of Chung Ling Soo's most famous tricks was catching a bullet in his mouth. The stunt, which left audiences in awe, involved the magician apparently catching a bullet fired from a gun in his mouth without harm. However, on the fateful night of October 17, 1918, during a performance at the Palace Theatre in London, the trick went tragically wrong. A bullet, instead of being stopped by a hidden mechanism, entered Chung Ling Soo's brain, resulting in his death on stage. Despite the tragic end to his career, Chung Ling Soo remains an icon of magic and entertainment history. His innovative approach to magic and his daring performances continue to inspire magicians and entertainers to this day. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of a man who pushed the boundaries of what was possible and left an indelible mark on the world of magic.
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