Harlem Globetrotters 1956 Promotional Reel - 8mm film

After initially forming in the 1920s the Harlem Globetrotters quickly inspired several other organizations to launch similarly themed touring companies of exhibition basketball teams combining comedic antics an stellar athleticism. Some competing companies featured notable players who had previously been under contract with the Harlem Globetrotters, and frequently adopted team names that were overtly suggestive of the famous Globetrotters moniker, and even player uniforms that were similarly designed to those of the original team.

In the early 1950s one such team was founded as The Fabulous Harlem Magicians, known more informally as the Harlem Magicians. This, along with the fact that many such competing teams not only featured ex-Globetrotter players but also on-court antics that had earlier been popularized by the Globetrotters prompted The Harlem Globetrotters to commission this promotional reel in 1956.

This cut was produced by Castle Films and distributed on 8mm silent film with scenes interspersed with interstitial text, with frequent use the word "Magic" or Magical in an attempt to more closely associate the term with the Harlem Globetrotters as opposed to the Harlem Magicians.

Also notable is the re-design of the player jerseys to feature the world "Original" over the team name.

The soundtrack to this video was generated with a collection of royalty-free music along with a cut of "Sweet Georgia Brown", long associated with The Harlem Globetrotters as their team theme song.

[sonnydin]

I was 11 years old back in 1956, and around that time, the Harlem Globetrotters visited Hong Kong. The indoor stadium was fully packed with paying spectators, including us schoolboys. We laughed so much at their antics, these highly skilled basketball players running circles over the opposition, and the poor referee, too. I am now 76 and living in London. Those were good old days. Thanks for the memories, Harlem Globetrotters. God bless you all, wherever you are. Thanks for sharing video.

[Phaedrax]

Not only are they clever & entertaining, but the nicest guys I ever met. <3

[moverling]

In 1956 i was 9 yo. And every time I seen these guys on tv, i was spellbound.
Meadow lark lemon was so awesome. Life was sheldered back then. But these guys gave life, life. God bless the early team.

[chopzzz]

Damn their passing skills is like God tier

[조정현-tf]

Not only their performances are entertaining, but also they are actually fantastic basketball players

[Phaedrax]

I'll add to my previous comment by saying that I met The Harlem Globetrotter & The American Allstars when they stayed at a hotel where i was working. They filled the hotel with such fun & good humour, I was really sad when they left. I have great memories of them.

[cwctlh]

I grew up in the 1960s and went to see them every year. I always asked for autographs and every single player, including the superstars, was gracious and treated me like someone special, not a random kid in the cheap seats. I was always thrilled to meet them. At the time, I didn't realize that I was the gazillionth fan they met that day. As an adult I understood what classy men they were.

[darrellreed]

My parents took me to see them in Phoenix around this time. I still remember being in stitches and in awe of what they could do. Meadowlark Lemon, #36, always seemed to steal the show. Great memory seeing this clip.

[juneshopper]

Dad always made sure we watched the games on TV. Never saw them play in person, but some awesome ball handling and lots of humor too Remember Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal the most.

[riadanabtawi]

Extremely skilled guys, they deserve all basketball lovers appreciation.

[SKG]

I knew Curly Neal. He moved to my town, saw him and didn’t realize who he was at first. He walked in my store one day and said that he wanted to buy some flooring from a local dealer. Absolute class act. Enjoyed every minute of my time with him. Even at the height of his popularity he was the most down to earth guy you would ever want to meet. Never forget him.

[luisbermea]

I saw them in Mexico city between 72-76, for us down there it was even more amazing, since we didn't watch or have pro basketball, Im 60 now and still remember how great they where.

[MK-qsos]

Props to them. Still entertaining during a time of extreme racism and segregation in the US.

[jerrybrownell]

Probably the greatest entertainers and crowd pleasers ever. Still going strong in their 94th year (founded in 1926 ).

[fddd]

Who else is watching this in the year of 3198

[CMRinehart]

My parents went to see the Globetrotters in the mid 60’s and left us kids at home. Terrific parents indeed.

[kathyp.]

Harlem Globetrotters always will be the best team on the planet!!!!🏀🏀🏀🏀 👏👏👏👏👏

[garyjarvis]

Wow, great memories of when my father took me to watch them in the Early 60s. This 9 year old was Amazed. Now 50 plus years later I remember why I was.

[MonKordelinfoTv]

The harlem are super famous. Their skill is like majic... lovely to wacth... cool music

[clancen]

Some editor in 1956 was really trying hard to make this look like 1916.