George Gatt 1919–1996

Biography

George Gatt was a living paradox. He could not read or write a single word in any language, could not speak a word of our second language, English, yet he became for many years the most popular and most sought for magician in Malta.

George was born in Qormi, Malta on the 10th of January 1919. His earliest influence was a visiting circus he attended when he was just ten years old. What fascinated him were not the wild animals growling impatiently or the trapeze artistes dangling precariously but the apparent miracles performed effortlessly by the illusionist. After being stunned by what he had witnessed, he tried to work out how these mysteries could have been accomplished. Without any help at all, he managed to concoct a repertoire of magic that he launched two years later in the parish hall of his native village.

In the early thirties magic was a shady occupation to master. It was still linked to witchcraft and to devil worship. He exploited this mysterious element and adopted the stage name of "The Phantom" that lasted throughout his performing career. For several war-torn years, he performed ceaselessly throughout Malta's towns and villages. During the Second World War he became very popular for the shows he used to perform in barracks and canteens.

In time of peace, George became one of the most popular stage artistes of those decades. Malta was a British Colony and often high-ranking officials booked his services as a silent act, among them the Governor, Sir Robert Laycock. When the pace of life was still slow and when the Television had not yet imposed its frenetic influence, stage performances went on for almost four hours. George managed to fill the time with spectacular illusions and feats of pseudo mindreading that nowadays are seldom seen in public. As his helper he engaged the services of another magician from Cospicua, Tony (Slydini) Gatt and later on his nephew Frankie Gatt. The latter's mother was often anxious at the 'perils' that her son had to endure like being 'decapitated' by a vicious guillotine and lifted high in the air with no support. Once something did go wrong during rehearsals and Frankie had a close shave.

George remained a bachelor until he was 47. He then met Angela, his childhood love, who, by now, had become a widow and they soon married. They became inseparable companions till George's demise. They travelled together, performed in a nightclub in Rome and visited the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

George became famous for his ability to mystify in difficult circumstances. His versatility would apply to magic performed right under people's noses and to visual extravaganzas played on the largest stage. His integrity and sense of brotherhood were an example to others. He never spoke badly of anybody. He was active in the Malta Ring of the I.B.M. and several times performed in our private and public functions. In his older years arthritis did not permit him to make full use of his sleight of hand abilities. Nevertheles,s he was always making either some coin transpose or some cigarette disappear to the bewilderment of those around him.

For the last ten years of his working life, George was employed as a carpenter therapist at the Mount Carmel psychiatric hospital. He used to find time during his breaks to entertain both the patients and his colleagues. He gave formal performances in their small theatre on special occasions and also helped to collect funds for charity for which he was made a Knight of the Order of St John.

He loved mechanical props and he always adopted some minor changes in the tricks that he bought. However, using his woodworking ability and knowledge of metalwork inherited from his father's profession he made a number of props himself, some of which were quite innovative in principle. His way of decorating them became unique and they can still be recognized as his handiwork. For a while his small house in Tonna Street, Sliema became a veritable museum of antiquarian props.

Unfortunately health problems restricted his freedom and together with his wife he had to enter a home for the elderly where he passed away on the 4th of January 1996. Less than a year later, Angela also joined him in eternal rest.