Denver, Hal, 1909 - 1994
Biography
Hal Denver was the stage name of Ralph Norman, second son of Tom Norman ‘The Silver King’, and father of Michael (Mickey) Van Norman the famous boxing referee.
Hal was born in 1909 to one of the most successful showmen of the 19th century and followed the family tradition into the travelling entertainment business to become a renowned star on both sides of the Atlantic, appearing in films and rodeos in America during the 1930s and 1940s.
Hal was a very successful and versatile entertainer. He performed in a Wild West speciality act as both a knife-thrower and cowboy and his early career involved working on the fairgrounds with his family. His skills quickly catapulted him into the world of variety, acting and circus. He appeared in many films and rodeos in America and Europe next to big cowboy names such as Tex Ritter and William Boyd. He was also a guest on The Johnny Carson Show and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show together with Elvis Presley and Gene Autry. He worked in variety with Dick Henderson, 'Hutch', Morecambe and Wise, Edith Piaf, Tony Martin, Dorothy Dandridge and Denise Darcel amongst others and worked in some of the most important circus rings of the time such as Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey in the United States and the Blackpool Tower and Billy Smart's Circus in England.
Between stage tours in variety, Denver also formed his own travelling circus, using names such as 'The Silver King Circus', 'The South African', 'The Royal South African Circus', 'The New Era Circus' and 'The Great American Circus'. In their heyday, the Denvers appeared in leading theatres such as the Sahara Hotel in Vegas and the Palace Theatre on Broadway.
After his third wife, Olga Frei, left the circus, Hal returned to cabaret and theatre work, and later concentrated on film and television work, appearing in Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
Hal spent his entire life in show business until his death on the eve of filming a new television programme in 1994.
Found in 348 Collections and/or Records:
Telegram From Stanley Wathon to Hal Denver, 21 August 1951
Canadian Pacific telegram from Stanley Wathon to Hal Denver; typescript, 1p.
Telegram Regarding Television, c1950 - 1960
Telegram to the Denvers from Mat Berlin regarding television; typescript, 1p.
The Denvers Press Release, c1947 - 1956
A press release from Music Corporation of America, New York, describing how Olga Frei-Denver was persuaded to stay in the partnership after her first performance, typescript, 1p.
The Denvers: the Knife Throwing Denvers, Aiming to Thrill Poster Scrap, c1930 - 1960
Scrap torn from a blue and red poster, with text reading ‘The Denvers: the knife throwing Denvers, aiming to thrill’; 1p.
The Elephant Man Monograph, c1930 - 1990
Comments by Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver) on the relationship of Joseph Merrick, Tom Norman, and Frederick Treves; typescript, 9pp.
The Major Story Monograph, c1970 - 1990
Story of how John Major’s mother stepped in when Hal Denver’s partner failed to appear, typescript, 18pp.
The Malayan Throwing Dagger Instructions Advertisement, c1940 - 1960
A4 advertisement folded into three, for ‘The Malayan Throwing Dagger’, instructions on throwing daggers (Wham-o Powermaster Corp, Alhambra, California), with 'Hal Denver Productions, 51 Blenheim Gdns' typed at the bottom.
The Sensational Denvers: Aiming to Thrill Press Releases, c1947 - 1956
Pages issued by Press Relations Department, Music Corporation of America, New York, with a list of engagements and six different press releases about Hall Denvers’ knife throwing act, which he performed with his partner Olga Denver, typescript, 8pp.
The Sensational Denvers Photograph, c1930 - 1948
Black and white photograph of the Denvers’ act, titled ‘The Sensational Denvers’ and with the Music Corporation of America logo stuck across the base of the picture; shows signs of retouching with ball-point pen, and of an oval shape having been stuck over the figure of Ella, Hal's partner at the time, 1p.
The Standard Magazine, 12 May 1951
Two copies of The Standard Magazine, published in Montreal. The cover features Marilyn Monroe, and there is an article, illustrated with five black and white photographs, relating to the Denver's knife throwing act, titled 'Knife-Tosser: He has Nerves of Steel - So has his Target' on pages 12-13.
Trade and Advertising Material, c1948 - 1966
Advertising material directly and indirectly related to the performance work of Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver), and his wife, Olga Norman, who had a knife throwing act together, often known as The Sensational Denvers.
Two Postcards of the Sensational Denvers, c1940 - 1960
Two black and white postcards of the Sensational Denvers.
Two Receipts for Hal Denver, c1956
Two handwritten receipts for Hal Denver (undated); 2pp.
Untitled Typescript, c1970 - 1990
Typescript account on early film at the fairground beginning, 'Another big attraction years ago was the Queen's Funeral…', written by an unknown author, and drawing in pencil on the reverse of one page depicting the stage and seating 2pp.
Unused Hotel Stationary, c1940 - 1960
Envelope of unused hotel stationary, including headed paper and envelopes, thought to be collected by Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver) whilst travelling in the United States of America.
Unused Notepaper Headed 'Continental Wonder Show', c1940 - 1960
One sheet of unused notepaper headed ‘Continental Wonder Show’, with W Garforth, Yorks address, and signature of Hal Denver near foot of page; 1p.
Unused Notepaper Headed 'H D Productions Present the Great New Era Circus', c1983
Two sheets of unused notepaper headed 'H D Productions Present: The Great New Era Circus’ [1983 tour?]; 2pp.
Unused Notepaper Headed 'Hal Denver Productions', c1940 - 1960
One sheet of unused notepaper headed ‘Hal Denver Productions’, with Blenheim Gardens, London address; 1p.
Unused Notepaper Headed 'Kayes Bros Circus', c1950 - 1960
Two sheets of unused notepaper headed Kayes Bros Circus with Northants address; 2pp.
Unused Notepaper Headed 'Prince's International Circus Co', c1950 - 1960
Two sheets of unused notepaper headed ‘Prince’s International Circus Co’ with London and Edinburgh address.