I checked through the search before posting, and I'm pretty sure nobody has mentioned The Great Cardini yet. Sounds unusual as he was one of our greatest practitioners of the 20th century. So before jumping into discussion here are a few things to consider about him.
He was born as Richard Pitchford back in 1895 in Mumbles, Wales. During the first World War he found himself playing with cards constantly while waiting in the trenches. As time passed he grew very skilled in card manipultation and sleight of hand. He was later injured in battle and sent to rehab in a local hospitol on leave. Here he continued to hone his skills.
Eventually he married and moved to New York where he performed in small shows as a career. His very unique act consisted purly of sleight of hand demonstrations. He would perform as a noble, rich, gentleman roaming his house while supernatural forces would "play jokes" on him. Cards and Cigarettes would randomly appear in his hands and disappear just as quickly. He didn't talk - classic music would create the atmoshpere as it was timed to his motions. His act became so visually stunning that he moved on to perform at The Palace, Radio City Music Hall, London Palladium, Copa Cabana, and also gave a command performance for the King of England in 1938.
One of his last shows was performed on television during the Festival of Magic special. This is the only known video footage of him before his death in 1973. He is still the romodel for top famous magicians today, such a Jeff McBraide.
Here is the link to his only known video. Although it is not the full 8 minute act.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38nbBGKbyeI