Hi Neal Thanks for lookups. Negatives are always useful - at least I know now! Yes Jasper Maskelyne's life both as an entertainer, and as "camouflage expert" in North Africa, is fascinating. The Maskelynes were famous English illusionists between 1860s and 1950, and Jasper was one of the third generation of the family to become an illusionist. In WW2 he used his 'magic' skills - particularly misdirection and lighting - to great effect, hiding tanks, warships, and even the port of Alexandria. A book of his exploits - The War Magician by David Fisher - was published in 1983. The film rights to the book were sold to Paramount Pictures a few years ago and Tom Cruise is said to be keen to play the part of Jasper. Unfortunately the present situation in the Middle East makes it unlikely that the film will be made for some time. Magic history lesson over ! Thanks again Sue ----- Original Message ----- From: Neal Dench <ndench@tinyworld.co.uk> To: Sue Rowbotham <sue@rowbos.demon.co.uk> Sent: 20 February 2003 05:35 Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] GINNETT MASKELYNE THOMPSON BOADEN Lookups > Hi Sue > > No, sorry, nothing on any of these names. I guess the Who's Who only > concentrates on people involved more directly in the theatre world. > > I must say, being a "camouflage expert" for entertainment sounds intriguing! > :-) > > Cheers > > -- > Neal > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Sue Rowbotham" <sue@rowbos.demon.co.uk> > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 10:46 PM > Subject: [THEATRE-UK] GINNETT MASKELYNE THOMPSON BOADEN Lookups > > > > Hi Neal > > > > Many thanks. Interested in any references to: > > > > GINNETT - circus family > > JASPER MASKELYNE - illusionist, actor, camouflage expert ! > > MASKELYNE family - illusionists > > ALFRED CYRIL THOMPSON (known professionally as Cyril) - opera singer > > ALICE BOADEN - opera singer (sang at Covent Garden in 1902/3) > > > > Thanks again > > > > Sue > >