Charlie Miller Bio?

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wildmagic
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Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby wildmagic » May 16th, 2012, 8:38 pm

I was wondering, actually hoping, someone is writing Charlie Miller's Biography. I've asked different members at the Magic Castle, but nothing definite could be stated. With the passing of Ron Wilson most I asked believe Johnny Thompson may be the only remaining person that could be a wealth of information. Anyone?

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 16th, 2012, 9:25 pm

No one is writing anything about Charlie Miller at the moment.
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Edward Pungot
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Edward Pungot » May 16th, 2012, 9:50 pm

I have (or rather had) William Woodfield's copy of the Frank Csuri Notes on Miller along with a compilation of Miller's notes and contributions to various publications (not including the Magicana items). There's even a very brief handwritten notation of Kaufman's handwriting suggesting a possible future publication. The blue pen notation of No! on the first entry suggests perhaps the overall wishes of Miller that none of these items should see the light of day.

Robert Parrish gives a terse account of Miller in Words About Wizards. But really, all you need to know about the man and his magic is out there if one does the research. Just watch him do the rice bowls from the Steven's Magic Library to understand his philosophy and outlook on life. A treat if you have never seen it.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 16th, 2012, 10:18 pm

Charlie really didn't want his body of material published. That's the impression I got, even though he was certainly generous in explaining things on a personal basis if he thought you were serious.
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Edward Pungot
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Edward Pungot » May 16th, 2012, 10:28 pm

I'm currently going over some of Bob White's material on DVD and see a heavy influence of Miller. Ricky Jay, Weber and Carney are the next individuals that come to mind as far as direct lineage and tutelage. And then there is of course the gentleman you already mentioned along with Harry Riser. But they will probably respect the wishes of the grand master. I will take heed and will follow suit.

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erdnasephile
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby erdnasephile » May 16th, 2012, 10:39 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:Charlie really didn't want his body of material published. That's the impression I got, even though he was certainly generous in explaining things on a personal basis if he thought you were serious.


Harry Riser has stated (and I'm paraphrasing here) that although Miller greatly loved magic and hanging with magicians, he didn't want to waste his time giving the real stuff to dabblers. You had to come to him with evidence you were serious and worth talking to.

wildmagic
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby wildmagic » May 17th, 2012, 12:26 am

Thanks for responding, but I am not looking for a book on his methods of card handling or revealing the real stuff, but a bio on the man himself. I'm sure some of his routines would be mentioned, but do not have to be explained though I'm sure some would want it. I have his booklets, "An Evening With Charlie Miller" and "Charlie Miller Lecture Notes" and I can utilize the Genii Archives to read his columns so the request is not a book on his routines with explanations, but was looking for the life of Charlie Miller.

Again thanks,

Gary

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Pete Biro
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Pete Biro » May 17th, 2012, 3:24 am

Charlie worked cruises because he like to dance.
Stay tooned.

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erdnasephile
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby erdnasephile » May 17th, 2012, 8:50 am

Wildmagic: be sure to check out Dodd's upcoming podcast on Charlie Miller.

Edward Pungot
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Edward Pungot » May 17th, 2012, 8:56 am

wildmagic wrote:...I can utilize the Genii Archives...


May 1989 Special Dai Vernon Issue has a 3 page obituary on Miller by Johnny Thompson (745-747)

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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby El Mystico » May 17th, 2012, 9:25 am

Again not what you asked for, but just checking you are aware of this footage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkeJggTnN1Y

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 17th, 2012, 10:12 am

Wow--great footage. I think someone might have mentioned it several years ago because it's been up there since 2007.
Great stuff.
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Alpen
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Alpen » May 17th, 2012, 11:17 pm

The material that Charlie Miller published, along with the material contained in the Csuri transcripts, is a very small fraction of his body of work. The majority of it was not written anywhere but was passed on to a few people.

Roger M.
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Roger M. » May 17th, 2012, 11:30 pm

I've seen that vid before, but forgot all about it.

What a treat!

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mrgoat
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby mrgoat » May 18th, 2012, 4:53 am

Great footage, thanks for sharing El Mystico

wildmagic
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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby wildmagic » May 18th, 2012, 3:32 pm

I looked up John Thompson's obit on Charlie, Genii May 1989, and enjoyed reading about him. It is a very brief capsule of his life and wanted more when I finished. I brought the subject up in hopes of someone moving forward with his bio. Whether it becomes a reality is something to wish for and anticipate. I enjoyed the video on Youtube and look forward to the podcast on Charlie Miller.

Gary

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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Bill Mullins » May 18th, 2012, 5:14 pm

Can anyone tell me the name of the music being used on the video?

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Re: Charlie Miller Bio?

Postby Mark Collier » May 18th, 2012, 5:24 pm

Love and Devotion (Christian Zechner Dub Mix)
Three Faces Feat. Tim Besamusca


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