FILMS
Jasper Maskelyne's filmography
ROOM 19
Jasper Maskelyne's first film was Room 19. He played the part of a detective hero who discovered a thief among guests in a hotel. Abandoning the usual detective methods, he makes the robber return stolen jewels by frightening him with various terrifying illusions. Although filmed in 1928, this black-and-white silent movie may not have been released to theatres / cinemas.
KIDNAPPED (THE DIZZY LIMIT)
Kidnapped (working title: The Dizzy Limit) revolves around a variation of the famous Maskelyne Box Trick. The magician, Jasper Montague (played by Jasper Maskelyne) is challenged £10,000 to perform the trick under strict conditions. Crooks learn of the challenge and manoeuvre to get hold of the money themselves. Kidnapped was one of the last silent movies to be made. Filmed in 1929, it's release was delayed until late 1930 to add a musical soundtrack. When it was later released in America, a 'talkie' soundtrack was added by voiceover actors.
TERROR ON TIPTOE
A black and white B-movie, Terror on Tiptoe is a 60-minute crime thriller centred on a fictional America film star working in a British film studio. Jasper Maskelyne plays a supporting role as the studio's floor manager and is later revealed to be the villain in the story. Filmed in 1936, it wasn't released until April 1942, playing in cinemas until early 1947. It was Jasper's first 'talkie' movie.
A WINDOW IN LONDON (LADY IN DISTRESS)
A man mistakes a magician rehearsing one of his tricks for murder, but further misunderstandings soon lead to the real thing. A British crime thriller, A Window in London stars Paul Lukas as Zoltini, the fictional magician. Released in the UK in 1940, It was re-released in America as Lady in Distress in 1942. Jasper Maskelyne was technical adviser for the film's magic scenes and does not appear in the film.
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PATHETONE PARADE OF 1942
The Pathetone Parade 1942 featured a dozen acts on a mixed variety bill. Jasper Maskelyne performed a turn, featuring P.T. Selbit's Human Pincushion illusion. The 40-minute black and white film opened in July 1942, while Jasper was serving in North Africa in World War Two. His segment was filmed before he went overseas, probably in 1940.
ACE OF CLUBS
In 1947, Jasper Maskelyne starred in an extended advert for Bass Jubilee Stout, a popular drink of the day. The 27-minute black-and-white short featured Jasper performing at the famed Collins Music Hall in Islington, London. Jasper provided the framework for the advert, with other segments showing greyhound racing, cricket, boxing, bowls and golf, giving a slice of British life.
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