Svengala

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Thirteen "subjects" are brought upon the stage, and after certain "property" maneuvers, are placed under "control." In this state they do all manner of ridiculous stunts, such as dancing grotesque steps, eating candles, onions and raw potatoes under the impression they are delicacies, and lilting imaginary weights.
The Columbia audience laughed itself sick over the performance, although to a wiser crowd the mechanism of the act would be apparent.
Source:
Variety 14:2 (03/20/1909)