Skegness Magazine

Source: Skegness Standard 10th June 1936
Photo: Amelia Wrate Skegness

CAN a forest-bred lion be “hypnotised”? Whatever one’s view on the point, Ling Foo, the Chinese magician, who figured in the programme at Arcadia last week, entered the cage of a lion in “Captain” Fred Rye’s zoo on Sea View Pullover and, “armed” only with a short stick, remained in company with the animal long enough for our photograph to be secured.
The exploit of this modern “Daniel,” who presented some sensational Chinese illusions in co-operation with So-San at Arcadia during the week, was a sequel to the escape of a lioness from Mr. Rye’s zoo, which was recorded in our last issue. Members of the Arcadia company were discussing the “Standard” report, and Ling Foo declared that had he been privileged to meet the lioness during her spell of liberty he would have hypnotised the animal.
Such a suggestion, was, of course. pooh-poohed by sceptical fellow artistes, one of whom challenged Ling Foo to enter the lion’s cage without Captain Rye or an assistant being present in the cage, and hypnotise the animal behind iron bars.
The Chinese magician accepted the challenge, and a wager was made. Learning of this, a “Standard” representative immediately got in touch with our lady photographer—Mrs. Wrate, of Lumley Road Post Office—and Ling Foo readily consented to remain in the cage sufficiently long for a “flash” to be taken.
Captain Fred Rye and his assistant were, of course, close at hand in case of any untoward happening. but Ling Foo was the sole occupant of the cage with Leo and the iron door was firmly secured.
Was the lion “hypnotised” by the Chinese magician? If so, the writer is not quite convinced that his eye is not sufficiently “magnetic” to risk emulating Ling Foo’s feat!