Facts, photos, and fun from Don's family!
My father-in-law, the late close-up magician, Don Alan, was named one of the "100 Most Influential Magicians of the 20th Century" by Magic Magazine. The hardback book, "In A Class By Himself" by Jon Racherbaumer is now out from L&L Publishing. The 309 page hardback book is $49.95, or you can order the book and Don's video from the Joe Stevens' Greater Magic Video Library for just $70. To purchase, call 1-800-626-6572, fax 1-530-525-7008, or visit their web site at LLPUB.com. Thanks to all of Don's fans who have waited patiently for this book. We think you will really love it!!
Don Alan
And here is his publicity photo from the early 1970's.
The famous "Nut" is in his hand.
All Rights Reserved.
One of his first signature tricks was making a lump of coal appear under a hat. This trick was later revised using a large nut - which became one of his most famous illusions!
This cartoon was done in the 1950's by a friend of Don's.
All rights reserved by the Alan-McWethy Family.
All photo rights reserved by the Alan-McWethy Family
Don standing in his trash can with bowling ball.
Don As "Sir Dono."
Don was known for having the first serialized magic show on television called "The Magic Ranch." It ran on ABC for a full season. Guests included a kid who later starred on television: Dick Cavett.
Don on one of his many television appearances.
Here he is with Ed Sullivan and Danny Kaye!
In fact, middle son, Mark Alan McWethy's birth was announced on the Ed Sullivan show. Don was doing the show in New York when Jean had Mark in Chicago. She called backstage, Mr. Sullivan got word, then when Don finished his act, Ed told him about his newest son. Don was so flustered and excited that he held himself together on stage, but tripped over cables backstage as soon as the commercial break was called.
Please note that all rights, yep, all rights are reserved by the Alan-McWethy Family. You must get our permission to use "Don Alan" on any commercial endeavor. Just because Don has passed, does not give anyone the right to use his name, his tricks, or his image without permission and/or royalties. One of Don's four grandchildren has had the worst form of Juvenile Arthritis since age of 3. We are always looking for ways to subsidize of this youngster's lifelong medical bills. We have a love of Don and his legacy, and hope that it will be respected, do honor to the profession he gave so much to, and be a source of money for Ross here and there along the way.