Whatever Happened to Rexford North?
on Wednesday, March 26, 2014I enjoy history. As such, I am a student of the 20th century, more specifically, the 1940’s and 50’s. This era fascinates me; the music, the movies, personalities, the events. That’s one of the reasons for the name of my show; Retro Hypno Comedy Hypnosis Show.
In the 40’s and 50’s there were several excellent stage hypnotists. One man from the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Dr. Rexford North, was successful not only on stage but also had a private clinical practice. In 1951 he founded the National Guild of Hypnotists which has become the largest organization for hypnosis in the world.
Dr. North was well-known for his strange voice and cadence when he spoke. His trademark sound was an effect of contracting spinal meningitis on a USO Tour. North completely lost all hearing and as far as anyone knows, never regained it. Total deafness did not stop North, he adapted to his hearing loss and came to be known during his time as America’s greatest hypnotist.
Then, in 1956, he mysteriously disappeared. He, his body, his car, his things; never found.
In late 1956, Dr. North accepted a show in Maine but never arrived. Like any good Film Noir, there are some interesting theories about what really happened. Did Dr. North leave his life and change his identity? Did he get into a wreck in the winter weather? Or…Did a competitor snuff him out?
Dr Rexford North left a legacy and a mystery. Retro Hypno celebrates these masters of the craft with a show that is both fun and entertaining. Each show is created with a nod to the phenomena based shows of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Watch for announcements and locations posted here and experience the wonderful world of trance!
Doug