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 Television and Steel Pier Appearance, 24 July 1956
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to the Denvers concerning a television appearance and appearance at Steel Pier; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding the American Guild of Variety Artists, 18 August 1954
Letter from Dolores Rosaler of the American Guild of Variety Artists to Hal Denver concerning the extended term of three years on his contract; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding the Denvers' Address and Availability, 25 April 1955
Letter headed Jack Woronowsky in Oslo to the Denvers at 7 Club Cabaret, Den Haag, requesting their permanent address and availability; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding the Denvers' Employment Schedule, 16 December 1955
Original and copy of Music Corporation of America letter, signed by Eldred O. Stacy, addressed ‘to whom it may concern’ concerning the Denvers’ wish to stay in the United States and outlining their employment schedule: i) Original letter; ii) Copy of letter; typescript, 2pp.
Letter Regarding the Supermarket Show of Shows Rehearsal, 2 November 1956
Letter from Norman Weiss regarding the rehearsal time for the Supermarket Show of Shows at the Coliseum in El Paso, Texas on 17 November 1956 at 12 noon; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding US Club Dates, 17 January 1956
Letter from Eldred O. Stacy of Music Corporation of America to the Sensational Denvers concerning club dates in the United States in March 1956; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Vigo County Fair Rehearsal, 12 August 1955
Letter from Eldred O Stacy of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver concerning rehearsal for Vigo County Fair; typescript, 1p.
Letter Regarding Wild West Shows, 11 May 1993
Letter from John M Hall to Hal Denver, concerning Wild West shows; manuscript, 1p.
Letter Requesting Media Copies, and Regarding England and Europe Representation, 24 November 1954
Letter from Robert Brenner of Music Corporation of America to Hal Denver requesting 150 photographs and copies of magazines featuring the Denvers, and discussing representation in England and Europe by another office; typescript, 1p.
Letter to Accompany Contract for Cabaret Regina, Arnhem Appearance, 27 April 1955
Letter headed Theaterbureau Saks, Amsterdam, to the Denvers, to accompany the contract for their appearance at Cabaret Regina, Arnhem, the Netherlands, 13 to 19 May; typescript, 1p.
Letter to the Mail on Sunday, 28 October 1992
Letter signed by Hal Denver, which appears to have been sent to the chairman of the Mail on Sunday, requesting the return of material sent; typescript, 1p.
Letter Wishing Good Luck to Mr Denver From United Writers Publications Ltd, 3 December 1993
Letter from United Writers Publications Ltd to Mr Denver wishing him luck in finding a publisher for his book typescript, 1p.
Letters Regarding Montreal and New York Engagements, 24 February - 28 August 1951
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Certificate for Acting for Margaret Olga Frei, c1946
Certificate issued by London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to Margaret Olga Frei, awarding the silver medal for acting in the Summer Examination of 1946, with annotation by hand of ‘passed exams under Sir Donald Wolfit’; 1p.
Magazine 'AM, 6 October 1953
Copy of Magazine 'AM. Cover missing. Includes an article on Olga Denver and her role in the knife throwing act performed by her and her partner, Hal Denver, illustrated with three colour photographs, titled 'Hatchet Girl' on page 11.
Manuscript Notes, c1940 - 1960
Typescript account beginning, 'Daiquiris, Hemmingway's fav[ourite] bevy…', thought to be written by Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver). Includes descriptions of a visit to Cuba. Accompanied by a photocopy of a photograph of Hal and Olga Denver wearing Cuban style outfits, 2pp.
Margaret Olga Frei Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth, 19 July 1961
Certified copy of an entry of birth for Margaret Olga Frei, born on 25 October 1929, daughter of Hans Frei, hotel waiter, and Ethel Frei (formerly Spencer), registered in Leeds. Annotated with a manuscript note in pencil that reads: 'Married march 2nd 1953 when Olga was 23. I was 43. 25 anniversary next March', written in the hand of Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver).
Memorandum of Agreement for Performance at Shrewsbury Musical and Floral Fete, 31 May 1960
Memorandum of agreement between John Tipton for Shrewsbury Musical and Floral Fete, and the Knife Throwing Denvers, to perform on 17 August 1960; typescript, 1p.
Memorial Card for Thomas Norman (Noakes), c1930
Memorial card for Thomas Norman (Noakes) ‘the Silver King,’ who died on 24 August 1930; typescript and illustrated, 2pp.
Memphis on Mississippi: Souvenir Programme, 21 - 26 September 1956
Printed souvenir programme, advertising exhibitions, attractions, acts and contests, for the Mid South Fair Centennial. The Sensational Denvers', performed three shows daily as part of the Riverboat Follies (See pages 38-39). Blue cover with black, white, yellow and red illustrations and text, black text inside, and illustrated with black and white photographs, 66pp.