Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
The Stage and Television Today. 27 Jul 1961
Page 6 Column 3 and 4
IT'S MAGIC
FAREWELL TO BRAUND
The death of George BRAUND on July 18 closed the chapter on one of the real personalities in the world of magic. With his 17 stone, a height of 6' 3'' he had no contenders to his original title of the 'Biggest Thing in Magic' and his great ability to mix with people made him a 'must' for the toniest of parties.
George Roughton BRAUND as <sic> born at Loughborough in 1903 and his interest in magic developed at a very early age. A major public school education plus his physical make-up gave him an advantage denied to so many.
In the pre-war days his act was the most original, George playing the part of a clergyman arriving late for a charity show. Among the novel effects he presented at this time was a version of a card on sword, but in accord with the act, the card was speared on the ferrule of an umbrella. At that time he was only a part-time professional, his bread-and-butter job being that of a top salesman with one of the well-known paint manufacturers.
It was the war, however, that brought out the true quality of BRAUND. A few days before he was due to report for OCTU training he had occasion to perform at a party given by one of the Brass Hats of War House. Mentioning that this would be his last show in mufti, the Brigadier in question told BRAUND that he would be wasting his time studying the theory and practice of warfare. Far better that his known talents were put to their proper use by entertaining the troops in this and other countries and so, for possibly in the first time in the history of the British Army, a magician was seconded as a Second-Lieutenant to the RASC with a roving commission to entertain the smaller detachments of troops.
SMALL UNITS
With his box of wonderful close-up tricks, his charming smile and almost apologetic stutter, he entertained year in and year out, those very small units who were cut off from every town where entetainment <sic> could be found. He did a wonderful job of work, and this experience stood him in good stead when hostilities ended.
With the doffing of his uniform he became one of the most popular entertainers in London and could be found in the very best nightclubs and restaurants. He played some of the most exclusive private dates both in this country and abroad. He was seen many times on TV and on one never-to-be-forgotten occasion, in a BBC telecast, his routined <sic> patter let him down and viewers were startled when he advertised the cigarette lighter he was using!
George was ill at St. George's Hospital for a long while, and his closing days were considerably lightened by the many visits that he had from his brother magicians. The “Biggest Thing in Magic” will not be forgotten.