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:
Copy of Application Form for Honourable Withdrawal from American Guild of Variety Artists, 10 December 1956
Carbon copy of application form applying for honourable withdrawal from the American Guild of Variety Artists by Olga Denver; typescript, 1p.
Correspondence, c1936 - 1993
Letters and telegrams primarily relating to the performing lives of Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver) and his wife, Olga Norman, known as The Sensational Denvers, in the 1950s, as well as Ralph Normans's family life and later career endeavours in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Croydon Advertiser and Surrey County Register Newspaper Cutting About a Wild West Show, 12 September 1932
Newspaper cutting from the Croydon Advertiser and Surrey County Register of an advertisement for a Wild West Show at Kennards, featuring Two-gun Rix, 'a Croydon Man who emigrated many years ago to the US.'
Cunard Line Luggage Labels, c1951 - 1966
Two blank Cunard Line luggage labels with ties; 2pp.
Cunard Line Queen Mary Ship Baggage Labels, c1951 - 1966
Seven Cunard Line oval adhesive baggage labels for the Queen Mary, sailing New York – Southampton, 15 December; 7pp.
Cutting of a Photograph of a Woman Holding a Board with Knives Stuck on, c1930 - 1960
Oval cutting of a newspaper or magazine photograph of a woman holding a board, modified with black ink, with pictures of knives stuck on afterwards; 1p.
Daily Sketch Newspaper Article About the Denvers, 26 June 1957
Pages 5 - 6 of the Daily Sketch; article entitled 'Knife Thrower Won't Risk Wife for Less than £400,' with picture of Hal and Olga Denver and poodle.
Dallington Church History Booklet, 1985
Printed booklet on the history of Dallington Church, written by W. Hewett. Revised edition, 14pp.
Dart Throwing Dagger, c1953
Typescript instructions on dagger throwing titled, 'Dart Throwing Dagger: Anyone can quickly learn with these instructions: How to throw the dart dagger', thought to be written by Hal Denver (aka Ralph Norman), 3pp.
Declaration of Deed Poll of Change of Name of Ralph Norman, 15 April 1947
Declaration of Frederick Moon of the execution of deed poll of change of name of Ralph Norman, formerly Ralph Norman Noakes; typescript, 2pp.
Deed Poll of Change of Name of Ralph Norman Noakes to Ralph Norman, 14 April 1947
Deed poll of change of name to Ralph Norman, formerly Ralph Norman Noakes; typescript, 2pp.
Denvers' Knives Sharp: So Is Entire Home Show Newspaper Cutting, 10 April 1952
Newspaper cutting from Duluth News Tribune in three pieces and stuck onto a piece of hotel stationery, entitled ‘Denvers' knives sharp: so is entire home show.’
Department of Social Security National Insurance Pension Card, c1988 - 1994
Card issued by the Department of Social Security (DSS) Newcastle, stating that Ralph Norman is entitled to a National Insurance retirement pension (undated); 1p.
Derby Evening Telegraph Newspaper Cutting of a Review of the Reggie Dennis Novelty Show, 10 August 1954
Newspaper cutting from Derby Evening Telegraph; a review of the Reggie Dennis Novelty Show at the Hippodrome, Derby, with the Denvers on the bill.
Description of the Spirit Bell Trick, c1930 - 1994
Printed page describing the spirit bell trick; illustrated, 1p.
Description of Two Paintings, c1910 - 1990
Handwritten description of two paintings, appears to be part of a longer text, manuscript, 1p.
Diaries, 1944 - 1947
Pocket engagement diaries, kept by Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver).
Eastern Daily Press Newspaper Cutting About the Portrayal of Tom Norman in The Elephant Man Film, 27 November 1980
Newspaper cutting from Eastern Daily Press, pasted onto the reverse of an envelope addressed to Hal Denver, entitled ‘Norfolk woman upset by film,’ which reports that Mrs Valerie Howkins has been upset by the film ‘The Elephant Man’ for its portrayal of her grandfather, Tom Norman.
Emergency Contract Between Hulme Hippodrome and the Denvers, c1958 - 1960
Emergency contract between Hulme Hippodrome and the Knife Throwing Denvers to give twelve performances from 3 August 1959; typescript, 1p.
Envelope From Tom Arnold to Hal Denver, 28 February 1956
Envelope, post-marked 28 February 1956, addressed to Hal Denver, care of Music Corporation of America, Dallas, Texas, with ‘Tom Arnold’ written across the left-hand corner; typescript, 1p.