Magician, Mentalist and King Rat
David Gert Heinz Berglas was born in Berlin on 30 July 1926. Born into a Jewish family, he escaped Nazi Germany and came to Britain at the age of eleven.
During the Second World War, he attempted to join the RAF by claiming to be older than he was. After his true age was discovered, he later served with the Intelligence Service of the United States Army, assisting with work connected to the denazification of Germany.
Following the war, Berglas studied textiles at Bradford Technical College with the intention of joining his family’s business. A chance meeting with magician Ken Brooke in 1947 sparked his interest in magic. He also studied psychotherapy and medical hypnosis, experience which helped him develop the confidence and understanding of human behaviour that would become central to his performances.
He became a professional magician in 1952 and soon appeared at London’s famous Windmill Theatre before touring variety theatres and nightclubs throughout Britain.
Billed as “The International Man of Mystery”, Berglas became one of the most influential magicians and mentalists of his generation. He was the first magician to have his own series on British television, Meet David Berglas, in 1954.
His later Channel 4 series, The Mind of David Berglas, featured guests including Christopher Lee, Omar Sharif, Peter Cook, Britt Ekland, Graham Chapman and Max Bygraves.
He also became known for spectacular publicity stunts, including driving through London blindfolded, completing the Cresta Run blindfolded and apparently transporting himself from London to Glasgow during a live television broadcast.
His most celebrated creation was the Berglas Effect, his legendary presentation of the “Any Card at Any Number” plot. A freely named playing card would apparently be discovered at a freely chosen position in a deck. The effect became known throughout the magical world as one of the “Holy Grails” of card magic and continued to puzzle fellow professionals throughout his lifetime.
Berglas also worked as a creative consultant and technical adviser on several major films. His credits included Casino Royale, Barry Lyndon, Octopussy, Willow and Tim Burton’s Batman. His work involved teaching card handling, pickpocketing and other specialist skills to actors including Orson Welles, Ryan O’Neal, Roger Moore and Jack Nicholson.
He served as President of The Magic Circle from 1989 until 1998. During his presidency, he played an important part in securing and developing the organisation’s permanent London headquarters and supported the decision to admit women as members.
He received The Magic Circle’s prestigious Gold Medal in 2000 and was later appointed MBE for services to magic and psychology.
David Berglas was Rat number 596 in the Grand Order of Water Rats. He served as King Rat in 1979 and was also recognised by the Order as a Past Preceptor and holder of its Badge of Merit.
His long association with the Water Rats reflected both his standing within the entertainment profession and his commitment to fellowship and charitable work.
David Berglas died in London on 3 November 2023 at the age of 97. His originality, psychological insight and extraordinary showmanship left a lasting influence on generations of magicians and mentalists.
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