Gerri Larsen (of Genii magazine) and Art Baker (of US radio, film and TV fame) were married in London on 11 August 1957. George (Gilly) Davenport gave Gerri away and Betty and Jean Davenport were bridesmaids. American magician Frank Lane helped make the arrangements with George Davenport. Frank was quite a joker, particularly when Gus Davenport was involved. In a letter Frank wrote to me a while ago he shared this story about the wedding.
“. . . while the ceremony was going on, Gus had a cold and kept sneezing and coughing. I had some sneezing powder in a small bottle and dumped some in the middle of a handkerchief. Gus didn’t have any other handkerchiefs as he hired a tuxedo for the wedding. So I passed the hanky to Gus and he used it. And you know the results. When the minister said to Gerri “Do you take this man for your lawful wedded husband . .” Gus let out a TERRIFIC KER CHOO . . . and the crowd burst out in a big laugh. I couldn’t blame them as it was very funny.”
There’s film of Frank playing the fool in the garden of the Davenport’s home in Kent. To find it just click on N3095. He was definitely one of magic’s characters.