Bert Allerton - Member Spotlight

Born Albert Allen Gustafson, (nicknamed “Bertie” in his youth) didn’t get started in magic until later in his life. He began his career as a railroad clerk until World War I when he served as a machine-gunner in France, and when he returned, he became a salesman for Sun Oil. In 1934, he picked up the Tarbell course in magic and was hooked. Tragedy struck that same year with the passing of his father, and a year later he lost his mother and wife. Bert quit his job and turned to magic. He joined S.A.M. 3 and later was a charter member of Ring 43. Bert began performing regularly at magic conventions and was featured on the cover of The Linking Ring (as Bert Allen Gustafson) in February 1939 (and graced the cover of Genii in 1941).

Bert moved to California to work at a trendy restaurant, The House of Murphy, where he performed for movie stars, businessmen, and athletes. He also performed private parties for many celebrities and quickly established himself as one of the country’s best magicians.

He returned to Chicago in 1941 and started performing at the Pump Room (in the Ambassador Hotel). While he was not paid by the hotel, he had a table tent t hat told guests he would come to the table to perform for $2 per couple or $5 for larger groups. Bert would sit at the table and perform a show that could last 15 minutes or an hour, depending on the audience.

During the 1940s, Bert continued to perform at the Pump Room while also traveling the country performing and lecturing.

 The 1950s saw a decline in the demand for his magic at the Pump Room. This led to his increased drinking, and with a downturn in the popularity of close-up, Bert became disenchanted with magic as it was harder for him to earn a living.

After Allerton passed away, Magic Inc published The Close-up Magician which Bert had started a few years before. This book inspired countless magicians including Eugene Burger (Eugene even lived in the same apartment building where Allerton lived). Allerton had published many effects in Hugard’s Magic Monthly, and books by Rufus Steele and John Scarne. He also contributed an effect for Ring 43’s Parade in the April 1949 Linking Ring. Chuck Romano recently published Bert Allerton The Gentleman Magician which is available on Amazon. This book contains a short biography and a bunch of Allerton’s effects.