Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Discuss the latest news and rumors in the magic world.
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Richard Kaufman
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Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 27th, 2010, 6:42 pm

Put this in the strictly "rumor" category for the moment, but I've been hearing some stuff regarding the status of The Magic Castle.

First, the deal with the potential new landlord that has been hovering for the past few years is off.

Two, that the Glover Family are done dealing with the AMA and its current president.

Three, that the AMA will be served with an eviction notice shortly and have to leave the Magic Castle.

Four, that the House of Blues, which is going to allow its lease to expire in their nearby venue, wants to move to the Glover's property on which the Magic Castle currently sits.

Again, strictly rumors, but perhaps West Flanagan, who is one of the Glover family, might have something to say here.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby JohnCox » October 27th, 2010, 6:58 pm

God please don't let this be true.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby tommEE pickles » October 27th, 2010, 7:17 pm

I don't think House of Blues can move in there because they wouldn't be able to carry a liquor license with current location to the church.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 27th, 2010, 7:21 pm

That can be overcome.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Mike Rozek » October 27th, 2010, 7:30 pm

I don't have any first hand info about these rumors, but I just spoke to a trusted friend who has spoken to some folks who would have knowledge of this. My friend confirmed the first two items in Richard's rumor post, but had no knowledge of items three and four. In fact my friend's view on the situation contradicted items three and four.

I'm going to the Castle tonight. I'm sure the rumors will be flying.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby erdnasephile » October 27th, 2010, 10:37 pm

Great--I just sent in my dues a few days ago... :(

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 27th, 2010, 11:05 pm

It's not a done deal, but a heavy rumor. There's something bad going on right now.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » October 27th, 2010, 11:06 pm

Very likely, rumors are flying because there seems to be a certain instability about it all. I'm concerned about the leadership of the AMA and the Magic Castle. Who or what really runs all this? If Milt Larsen can be censored by whomsoever or whatsoever, who really holds the Keys to the Kingdom or is attempting to do so?

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby MartinKaplan » October 28th, 2010, 5:04 am

Posted on the Magic castle Forum by Milt Larsen

[q]Originally posted by: Milt Larsen

The rumors are rumors. Many things are in negotiation but please don't pay too much attention to rumors 1,2,3 or 4. I'm planning on celebrating my 80th birthday here at the Magic Castle --- not the House of Blues. We don't need these scary thoughts even though it's Halloween. Boo!!! Milt[/q]

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby mrgoat » October 28th, 2010, 7:48 am

Gah, I was coming over in January, I hope it's still there!

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Terrence » October 28th, 2010, 11:43 am

Perhaps we could call the new venue "House of Booze" !! :cry:

Aside from that dubious triple-entendre, I'm inclined to listen to Milt on this one.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby JohnCox » October 28th, 2010, 2:53 pm

Well, even if the worst happened and the AMA leaves, I think they'd relocate to a new location, and maybe one that's every bit as interesting as the Lane house. I recall when they had the Variety Arts Theater in a very cool, historic building downtown. Something like that could be a successful "Castle." And don't the Larsens own most of the interior furnishings? They can strip the place. So the bookcase will still admit, Irma will still play, Houdini will still haunt the Seance Room, and once the doors to the showrooms are closed, you'll feel as if you're in the same old "Castle". Yes, it would be sad day for magical tradition and a flat-out tragedy for Hollywood to lose such an historic landmark, but the AMA would go on.

Also, the Glovers and any potential tenets should realize that 1000 sorcerers will lay 1000 curses on that property, so...food for thought. :p
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Brandon Hall » October 28th, 2010, 3:01 pm

Zancat has a point. I fear if the AMA is chased out of the Lane Mansion, some very bad mojo will decend upon the place.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 28th, 2010, 3:31 pm

The problem is the amount of money that the AMA can afford to pay in rent. That is and has always been the essential problem.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby AJM » October 28th, 2010, 4:00 pm

I wonder if anyone can clarify my understanding: -

1. I always get confused when I read the 'Castle' threads. As I understand it, the Castle is owned by the Glovers, not by the AMA or Milt Larsen. The Glovers can therefore rent or sell the property, which I'm assuming stands on a prime piece of real estate, to whoever they wish. Or am I missing something? Is / has there been some special arrangement between the Glovers and Milt / the AMA which has allowed the property to be used as the Magic Castle for as long as it has. One would have thought the owners would wish to generate the maximum amount of rental income possible - if not from the AMA then from any other potential tenant.

2. I thought the Castle had a liquor licence, so confused as to why the House of Blues wouldn't qualify for one.

I have to say, I've always been keen to visit the Castle but haven't quite made it yet - hopefully it will still be around for a good few years yet.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Brandon Hall » October 28th, 2010, 4:10 pm

AJM, Short answer, yes. The Sr. Glover had a gentlemans agreement that stood for years and is only now crumbling. Things change.

I've always been keen to visit Scotland...
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 28th, 2010, 4:38 pm

The AMA is a private club, and also a non-profit or not-for-profit organization, and this allows it to be get around the zoning issue for its alcohol license because there is a church quite close to it.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Ted M » October 28th, 2010, 4:39 pm

Since many of these basic questions are asked over and over again, here's a link to some background reading on Castle ownership, lease and land issues:

Genii Forum search: +Glover +Castle +land (posts by R Kaufman)

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 28th, 2010, 5:25 pm

Ted, nicely done. Wish I could figure out how to do stuff like that.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Pete Biro » October 28th, 2010, 6:29 pm

I don't believe any of it.
Stay tooned.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby KirkG » October 28th, 2010, 7:05 pm

I believe in "it" I found "it" in the Dictionary.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Jonathan Pendragon » October 28th, 2010, 8:45 pm

West Flanagan is my manager and friend. I stay out of the politics and respect West's need for confidentiality in these matters. I do know that nothing is settled and the discussion is on going. Fama nibil est celerius, nothing is swifter than a rumor, not even my Metamorphosis.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Brian Tolman » October 29th, 2010, 1:23 am

There's a few reasons that why the HoB couldn't move in:

1. Its zoned for club or fraternal organization. The AMA meets that standard, the HoB would have to work hard to do it.
2. They couldn't get a liquor license in a short time. Sure money solves a lot of problems, but it would take ALOT of time.
3. The historic hollywood and other organizations would have kittens. HoB makes its money on ROCK concerts and shows. It would be a huge noise addition.

Its a rumor, but not likely, IMHO.

However, its good to be listening to the word on the street. There is bound to be a grain of truth to it.

Back to lurking.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » November 2nd, 2010, 7:22 pm

The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians. It's unfortunate that some magicians can't get along with other magicians. What happened to brotherhood and fraternal feeligs? Sometimes things become more infernal than fraternal.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Pete Biro » November 2nd, 2010, 8:06 pm

Power grabbers.
Stay tooned.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » November 3rd, 2010, 7:25 pm

Who are these power grabbers?

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Doc » November 6th, 2010, 3:42 pm

"The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians. It's unfortunate that some magicians can't get along with other magicians. What happened to brotherhood and fraternal feeligs? Sometimes things become more infernal than fraternal."

Historically, magicians tend to be covetous prima donnas. You get a bunch of them together under one roof and the only act of collegiality observed would be stealing each others material.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby mai-ling » November 7th, 2010, 11:32 am

If they have to move, build a castle and move AMA to Chicago.
Central location and a great place for the MCA
to have their weekends too.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » November 8th, 2010, 5:34 am

I don't know if The Magic Castle could survive in another location. All attempts to replicate its success elsewhere have failed.

I'm sure we're all hoping that it stays where it is and retains its unique qualities.
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby The Magic Apple » November 8th, 2010, 12:25 pm

the Castle will never move. Relax

there have been "rumors" like this for over a decade....
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » November 9th, 2010, 11:05 pm

When Milt Larsen created the Magic Castle in 1963 he was a young man. Milt will be 80 on his next birthday. He is in good shape, but I doubt if he would be very enthusiastic about starting a new Castle.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Brian Morton » November 10th, 2010, 1:03 am

"Not even God himself could sink this ship."
-- Employee of the White Star Line, at the
launch of the Titanic, May 31, 1911

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Dustin Stinett » November 10th, 2010, 1:11 am

Never say never. Nothing lasts forever and change is inevitable. Period.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » November 11th, 2010, 11:54 pm

It is certainly true that "change is inevitable." According to Heraclitus, the only thing that is permanent is change. That is why "You can't go home again." Or "You can't step into the same river twice."

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby El Mystico » November 12th, 2010, 6:00 am

This patter by Heraclitus for his cups and balls routine never really "worked" for me.

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 12th, 2010, 7:47 am

We gonna have a "Protocals of the Elders of the Magic Castle" to go with the Vernon book?
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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » November 12th, 2010, 10:08 pm

Ask Max Maven about that!

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Passionboy » June 27th, 2011, 7:38 pm

So what is the situation now with the Magic Castle? I don't like rumors; however, I also don't like politics. I, and many other
loyal members I'm sure, don't know what's really happening behind the scenes!

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Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

Postby Richard Kaufman » June 27th, 2011, 7:41 pm

Quit stirring the sh*t, would you? What's the point or resurrecting a thread from last November? We already have an active thread on this topic that is current.
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