Man of mystery
Kuda Bux made several appearances on BBC television in the 1930s and 40s
What is the gentleman in this photograph doing? And who is he?
This is a moment from the early days of BBC television before the outbreak of World War Two. The man was called Kuda Bux, and one of his appearances in 1939 was treated with a meaty write-up the listings - quite rare at the time. In more brief listings, he was always known as The Man With X-Ray Eyes.
"With his eyes completely bound up he is able to see exactly what is going on before him," it enthuses.
Kuda Bux was born in Kashmir in 1906 and became famous for his feat of covering his eyes with wads of dough and swathes of bandages - but was able to copy pieces of text and even light a set of candles, apparently without the power of sight. His repertoire of tricks was extensive.
The entertainer and illusionist - sometimes referred to as a 'mystic' - went on to be feted in the US and lived there for much of his life. By some cruel irony, he lost his sight to glaucoma in old age.
We'll occasionally bring you more from the sometimes weird and wonderful world of early TV entertainment here...
