The Magic Show (1983): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1983, The Magic Show is a fantasy and music film directed by Norman Campbell, running about 105 minutes. “A young magician with an unorthodox look and style's first big break is threatened by a villainous rival.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The Magic Show is a one-act musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Bob Randall. It starred magician Doug Henning. Produced by Edgar Lansbury, it opened on May 28, 1974 at the Cort Theatre in Manhattan, and ran for 1,920 performances, closing on December 31, 1978. Henning was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and director Grover Dale was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. In 2001, a filmed performance staged especially for the cameras in 1980, directed by Norman Campbell at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, was issued on DVD by Image Entertainment. This production, originally intended for cinema release, differed notably from the original Broadway production, with several of the most memorable songs, such as "West End Avenue" and "Solid Silver Platform Shoes", removed. Doug Henning reprised his original starring role, while Didi Conn co-starred as Cal.

Who’s in it. The Magic Show stars Doug Henning as Doug, Didi Conn as Cal, Anita Morris as Charmin and Jon Finlayson as Van Zyskin, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Magic Show page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Magic Show tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.