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 Just for Kicks, 5 December 1952
Letter to Hal Denver regarding salary for Just for Kicks; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Las Vegas Availability, 23 November 1953
Letter from Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver regarding availability for a three week booking in Las Vegas; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Las Vegas Trip's Success, 14 November 1956
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to the Denvers concerning the success of their visit to Las Vegas; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Loews Penn Theatre Show Cancellations, 17 March 1952
Letter from Music Corporation of America to the Denvers regarding the cancellation of the show at Loews Penn Theatre on 21 March for one week due to illness of Tony Bennett; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding McKeesport, Pennsylvania Contract, 9 December 1955
Letter from Music Corporation of America to the Sensational Denvers at Dallas concerning contract for two weeks at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, beginning 19 December 1955; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Music Corporation of America, 10 April 1952
Letter from Bobby (Robert) Brenner of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver regarding travel arrangements for forthcoming engagements, and querying Music Corporation of America's sole representative status; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Music Corporation of America and General Matters, 16 September 1952
Letter from Robert (Bobby) Brenner of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver regarding general matters; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Music Corporation of America Ceasing Operations as a Talent Agency, 31 August 1962
Letter from Arnold Nemiroff of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver, concerning Music Corporation of America having ceased to operate as talent agency; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Music Corporation of America Contract Extension, 10 August 1954
Letter from Morris M Schrier to Hal Denver in which Music Corporation of America extends the exclusive management contract between Hal Denver and Music Corporation of America for a further three years; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Music Corporation of America Work Enquiry, 11 May 1953
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver concerning enquiry to Texas office about 6 months' work; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding National Insurance Deductions, c1989 - 1994
Letter from Rosalind Bushell of the British Broadcasting Corporation Television to Hal Denver about National Insurance deductions; typescript, 1p..
Letter Regarding North American Engagements, 16 May 1951
Letter from Stanley Wathon to Ralph van Norman 're Bellevue Casino, Montreal,’ discussing engagements in North America in coming months, and mentioning a two-page spread in Look Magazine; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Opening of Show in Montreal, 21 July 1951
Letter from Stanley W Wathon to Ralph Norman concerning the opening of a show in Montreal, and requesting copies of the Montreal Standard with a double-page spread on the Denvers; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Possibility of Work with Music Corporation of America, 2 June 1953
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver concerning possibility of three months' work from September 1953; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Possible US Visit, 18 December 1957
Letter from Eldred O. Stacy of Music Corporation of America to the Denvers expressing hope that he will bring them to the United States in August 1957; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Postponing Dallas Engagements, 30 July 1953
Letter from Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver concerning possibility of postponing dates in Dallas in September; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Proposed US Visit, 31 January 1958
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to the Denvers concerning proposed visit to the United States in next season; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Reggie Dennis Productions, 22 October 1953
Letter dated from Reggie Dennis of Reggie Dennis Productions to the Denvers, informing them that he will take up the option of a 1954 tour; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Royal South African Circus and Wild West Shows, 13 December 1991
Letter from John M Hall to Hal Denver, concerning Royal South African Circus and Wild West shows; manuscript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Tax Slips and Television Appearance, 26 January 1956
Letter from Music Corporation of America to the Denvers regarding tax slips and appearance on television in 1955; typescript, 1p.