GOING FINE SINCE 1889:
THE MAGICAL ARMSTRONGS

John Hartford Armstrong was born in 1874, South Carolina. A generation removed from slavery; Armstrong grew up in the rural Jim Crow South. Despite the types of employment that would have been available to him during this era, Armstrong discovered magic and flourished as an esteemed entertainer beginning in 1894.

 

Billing himself as Professor J. Hartford Armstrong, the act evolved over time eventually including his wife, Lillie Belle, and his daughter Ellen E. Armstrong, who continued the family legacy as a magician in her own right. Performing until just before his death at his home in Spartanburg, S.C. in 1939, Armstrong proved to be a success in breaking down barriers due to his extreme talent, showmanship, charisma, and wit. This feature length documentary will explore their journey during a pivotal era, when black America was coming out of the late 1800’s into a modern century.

 

The filmmakers are grateful for the support of ​South Carolina Humanities, International Brotherhood of Magicians, and Society of American Magicians (SAM).

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