Bert Douglas:
A Family Remembers
From an early age in Scotland, Douglas Robert Smith was captivated by magic.
His boyhood ambition was to follow in the footsteps of Professor Anderson, the famous "Wizard of the North".
As a young conjurer, he adopted the title "Mr. Smith - the Uncanny Aberdonian". In 1912, at the age of fifteen, he wrote his first article for “The Magic Wand”.
Soon after coming to Canada in 1920, he chose the name Bert Douglas for professional purposes by transposing his two Christian names.
Captivated by magic.
Bert Douglas in Scotland
(circa 1914)
Donald (age four)
and Big Bill
Bert Douglas, Magician
Promotional Material
John Henry Anderson
“Wizard of the North”
Bert Douglas and George Laidlaw
April 10, 1965
Although our father was never primarily a performer of magic, my brother and I fondly remember his 'shows' performed at various church gatherings, Sunday schools, Christmas concerts and, above all, to family gatherings with his children and grandchildren.
As Sid Lorraine expressed it: "He was a somewhat shy and retiring fellow, a fellow who loved magic and contributed a great deal to all who shared his enthusiasm and pleasure."
In his own quiet and modest way he influenced countless magicians everywhere.
Bert Douglas, 1924
Bert Douglas
Niagara Falls, 1924
A performer who loved magic.
