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:
Hal Denver's Cowboy Shirt and Trousers, c1950 - 1960
Male cowboy costume (cream with red decorations), including a shirt and pair of trousers, worn by the knife thrower, Hal Denver of The Sensational Denvers (aka Ralph Norman). Accompanied by one female costume comprising a golden sequined bra and mini skirt with tassels, possibly worn by Hal Denver's assistant, Olga Denver.
Hal Denver's Cowboy Shirt, Trousers and Belts, c1950 - 1960
Male cowboy costume, including a shirt, pair of trousers and a decorative belt, worn by Hal Denver of The Sensational Denvers (aka Ralph Norman).
Hal Norman Rodeo Times Action Act Advertisement Mock-Up, c1948 - 1952
This item is thought to be a mock-up for a leaflet or handbill advertising, Ralph Norman's wild west act. Includes a photograph of Ralph Norman, images of cowboys, an American flag and the words: 'Hal [Norman]. Rodeo Times Action Act', 1p.
Hal Recalls a Showbiz Life Among the Stars Newspaper Cutting, c1970 - 1990
Undated cutting from unknown newspaper; article by Philip Hoskins.
Hal's Hot Stuff Newspaper Cutting from Weekend, 20 - 24 November 1957
Newspaper cutting of a double spread colour feature, from Weekend, entitled ‘Hal’s Hot Stuff’, on Hal & Olga Denver’s act; four colour photographs.
Handbill for Empire Theatre, Swansea, 8 March 1954
Handbill for Empire Swansea, on Monday 8 March [no year given; likely 1954], with the Famous Knife Throwing Denvers on the bill.
Handbill for New Cross Empire, 13 September 1937
Small handbill, torn in half, for New Cross Empire, 13 September 1937, with the Knife Throwing Denvers on the bill; typescript, 1p.
Handbill for the Great American Circus and Variety Round-up, c1940 - 1960
Bill of 'The Great American Circus & Western Variety Round-up' [continental wonder show], with the ‘Sensational Hatchet Man’ billed; illustrated, 3pp.
Handbill for the Palace, Grimsby, 3 May 1954
Handbill for the Palace, Grimsby, 3 May 1954, with the Knife Throwing Denvers on the bill; typescript, 1p.
Handbill for the Palace Leicester, c1954
Bill for the Palace, Leicester, week beginning 26 July 1954, with the knife-throwing Denvers on the bill; yellow and black print on white background, 1p.
Handbill for the Royal South African Circus, c1940 - 1947
Upper half of small handbill for the Royal South African circus, with a picture of Ella Norman [?] on the reverse surrounded by knives.
Handbills, c1937 - 1970
Handbills and other advertisements for performances of Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver) and his wife, Olga Norman, who had a knife throwing act together, often known as The Sensational Denvers, both in the United Kingdom and abroad, notably in North America.
Handwritten Itinerary for United States Tour, July 1956
Sheet of notepaper headed ‘The Sands, Hobbs, New Mexico’ with a handwritten list headed ‘Itinery’(sic) 1956 July, and listing dates and places in the United States; 1p..
Handwritten List of Performance Dates and Venues in the United States, c1951 - 1959
Handwritten list of eight dates and venues in the United States of America, including two television shows found inside a booklet for the 7 Club; manuscript, 1p.
Hans Frei and Ethel Spencer Certified Copy of an Entry of Marriage, 14 January 1925
Certified copy of an entry of marriage for Hans Frei, hotel clerk, and Ethel Spencer, hotel waitress, registered at the Registry Office in Leeds.
Hatchet Man Foreword, c1985 - 1990
Typescript foreword, written by Hal Denver (aka Ralph Norman) for his memoir titled, 'Hatchet Man'. Accompanied by a list of chapters to be included in his memoir, written in black and red ink, 2pp.
Hatchet Man Notes, c1985 - 1990
Typescript notes, written by Hal Denver (aka Ralph Norman) thought to be for inclusion in his memoir titled, 'Hatchet Man', 5pp.
Hospital Entertainment Guide No. 4, c1939 - 1945
Book containing quizzes, sketches, parody and puzzles, prepared by the Special Service Division ASF (Entertainment Section), Headquarters Army Service Forces, Washington D.C.
Hotel Sahara Souvenir Gaming Guide, 1954
Hotel Sahara Souvenir Gaming Guide [the Denvers performed at the Hotel Sahara, Las Vegas]; 16pp.
I Accuse the Police: Clean up this Sewer!! Monograph, c1930 - 1990
Typed account of the writer’s arrest and incarceration in a London police cell, by Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver), typescript, 2pp.