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 412 Collections and/or Records:
Letter Regarding American Guild of Variety Artists Honourable Withdrawal Cards, c1956
Circular letter from American Guild of Variety Artists, concerning Honourable Withdrawal cards; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding an Offer of Dogs, 19 May 1961
Letter from Ronald Smart dated to Hal Denver, concerning an offer of dogs; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Availability for Performance at the Horseshoe, Blackpool, 2 February 1988
Letter headed 'Blackpool Pleasure Beach' and signed Jon Butcher to Hal Denver, asking if he is available for Easter at the Horseshoe; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Battle of the Ages Contract, 1 April 1952
Letter from Marty Kummer of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver to accompany contract for the Denvers to appear on Battle of the Ages on 22 April 1952; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Bellevue Café Casino, Montreal, 7 March 1951
Letter from Stanley Wathon to Ralph (van) Norman concerning the latter's possible engagement at Bellevue Café Casino, Montreal; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Billy Smart's New World Circus, 10 November 1956
Letter from Ronald Smart for Billy Smart's New World Circus to Hal Denver, concerning the proposed television date; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding British Actors Equity Association Membership and Fees, 18 October 1951
Letter from British Actors Equity Association to Hal Denver, enclosing membership card and explaining fees charged to American performers; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding City Theatre, Amsterdam, 2 December 1950
Letter headed City Theatre, Amsterdam, with request for photographs and confirmation of engagement at City Theatre on 30 March; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Dallas Booking, 12 February 1954
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver concerning enquiries from Dallas about booking the Denvers; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Duluth, Minnesota Contract, 1 April 1952
Letter from Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver regarding Duluth, Minnesota contract; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Engagements in Chicoutimi and Shawnigan, 24 July 1951
Letter from Stanley W Wathon to Ralph Norman confirming the latter's engagement in Chicoutimi and Shawnigan; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Engagements in Indiana and Ohio, 11 August 1955
Letter from Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver to accompany copies of contracts (not attached) for engagement at Terre Haute, Indiana, and Berea Ohio; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Erie, Pennsylvania Appearance, 29 July 1955
Letter from Eldred O Stacy of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver concerning appearance in Erie, Pennsylvania; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Firearms Charge, 19 April 1979
Letter from James Hyde, of Evan Davies & Co, to C R Norman, headed ‘Firearms Charge,’ arranging conference with counsel; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Future US Engagements, 21 November 1955
Letter from Eldred O Stacy of Music Corporation of America to the Denvers giving dates of future engagements in the United States; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Garry Moore Show Contract, 7 March 1952
Letter from Marty Kummer of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver, accompanying a contract for the Garry Moore Show; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Gifts, Personal Matters, and a Possible Return to the US, 6 January 1960
Letter from Music Corporation of America to the Denvers, thanking them for gifts, and also concerning personal matters, and a possible return to the United States; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Grand Rapids Contracts, 11 March 1952
Letter from Music Corporation of America regarding contracts for Grand Rapids; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Inability to Offer Hal Denver Work in the Coming Season, 17 September 1957
Letter and envelope, both headed Tom Arnold and signed by Clem Butson, regretting their inability to offer Hal Denver work in the coming season; typescript, 2pp.
Letter Regarding Jack Paar Television Show Contract, 14 February 1956
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to the Denvers, referring to copy of contract to appear on Jack Paar's television show on 22 July 1955; typescript, 1p.