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Dr Walford Bodie MD a. k. a. The Electrical Wizard was famed for magic tricks using
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Dr Walford Bodie MD a. k. a. The Electrical Wizard was famed for magic tricks using
Dr Walford Bodie MD a.k.a. The Electrical Wizard was famed for magic tricks using electricity and an electric chair, Published Daily Mirror Front Page 4th November 1909.
Our Picture Shows... Mr. Samuel Murphy Bodie, known on the music-hall stage as Dr. Walford Bodie, is being sued by Mr, C. H. Irving, the son of a farmer, to recover a premium of £ 1, 000, went into the witness-box yesterday, his answers causing great amusement. Questioned as to the letters M.D. which he used, he explained that in his case they did not mean doctor of medicine, but " Merry Devil". Extracts from his book were also read, in which he referred to visits to the Far East. Examined in regard to his travels, he explained that he had only been to the places named " in his dreams"
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
London
Greater London
England
Media ID 21345285
© Mirrorpix
1900s 1909 Case Court Crime Magician Side Profile Trial Showman
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This vintage print captures the enigmatic figure of Dr. Walford Bodie, also known as The Electrical Wizard, who rose to fame in the early 20th century for his mesmerizing magic tricks involving electricity and an electric chair. Published on the front page of the Daily Mirror on November 4th, 1909, this image showcases Mr. Samuel Murphy Bodie, a. k. a. Dr. Walford Bodie himself. The photograph becomes even more intriguing when we learn that Mr. C. H. Irving, son of a farmer, had filed a lawsuit against him to recover a premium worth £1,000. As Mr. Samuel Murphy Bodie took the witness stand during the trial proceedings captured here, his answers caused great amusement among those present. One particular point of interest arose when questioned about his use of the letters "M. D" after his name – he clarified that they did not signify "doctor of medicine" but rather stood for "Merry Devil". Furthermore, excerpts from his book were read aloud during court proceedings which described supposed visits to far-off lands in the Far East; however, upon examination by lawyers regarding these travels, he confessed that they had only occurred within the realm of his dreams. This snapshot offers us a glimpse into both courtroom drama and entertainment history as it immortalizes one of magic's most eccentric showmen from yesteryears - Dr. Walford Bodie MD or simply put - The Electrical Wizard.
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