The Unbelievable Story of Murray The Escapologist

Unusual As Usual

Leo Norman Maurien Murray Stuart Carrington Walters, affectionally shortened to “Murray” was born in 1901 in Melbourne, Australia. By the age of 25, he had already travelled to Peking, where he successfully performed an escape routine after being chained to a railway track while the Shanghai Express travelled towards him. And Phnom Penh, where the King of Cambodia enjoyed his sleight of hand magic so much, he offered him one of his 30 wives as a reward, Murray politely declined.

His next stop was Kabul to perform for Amanullah Khan, the Emir of Afghanistan. Rumour has it the Emir set Murray a challenge enough to leave any escapologist shaking in their boots. The Emir showed him the most secure prison cell in his kingdom. If he could escape he could keep the bag of 5,000 silver rupees the Emir had left inside. If he failed, he would remain in the cell for the rest of his life. Allegedly, Murray took up the challenge and won.

Ill health forced Murray to retire from the road in the 1954 and he settled in Blackpool, England opening a magic shop called “Murray’s Magic Mart” before passing away on 22nd January 1988, aged 87.

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Fact Analysis: Although careful research is implemented to assure accurate and correct information, sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction (or ‘humbug', as P.T. Barnum would say). If you find any information in this podcast inaccurate, please do let me know via social media.