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:
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.
The Town Casino Showbill Poster, January 1952
Poster advertising musicians, comedians, singers and other acts performing at The Town Casino, 681 Main Street, Buffalo 3, New York in February 1952. Blue text and images on a yellow and cream background, 2pp.
Three Black and White Five-Pound Notes (Stage Money?), c1930 - 1960
Three black and white five-pound notes [presumed to be stage money], 3pp.
Three Stickers Advertising Mister Ed the Educated Horse, c1961 - 1966
Three stickers advertising Mister Ed, the educated horse; typescript.
To Mr & Mrs Great Britain Monograph, 26 June 1957
Monograph about the stage in England, Hal Denver’s name typed at foot, typescript, 1p.
Tom Norman 'Silver King' Plaque, c1930 - 1940
Metal plaque inscribed as follows: 'Tom Norman "Silver King"'.
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.
Unidentified Solider Photograph, c1914 - 1918
Black and white photograph, mounted on board, of an unidentified solider, possibly a member of the Norman family, shown in uniform [during the First World War].
Untitled Typescript, c1940 - 1960
Short typescript story (incomplete), written in the third person, beginning, 'Circus as a clown; He was beginning to miss Ella…', thought to have been written by Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver), 1pp.
Untitled Typescript, c1940 - 1960
Typescript, possibly a script for a broadcast or performance, beginning, 'Theres an old adage which says, sex makes the world go around…', thought to be written by Hal Denver (aka Ralph Norman). Includes descriptions of a walk around a fairground, 6pp.
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.
Untitled Typescript, c1970 - 1990
Typescript account on travelling circus beginning, 'As the big trucks lumbered along the deserted country road…', thought to be written by Hal Denver (aka Ralph Norman), 4pp.
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 'Madam C Paulo's All British Circus', c1983
One sheet of unused notepaper, headed ‘Madam C Paulo’s All British Circus’ with Birmingham address; 1p.