 |
 |
The $100 Bill Switch
|
|
|
I'm not sure of this ... but I think this magical effect was likely created one day after the first circulation of paper money. This is an indisputable classic in magic and represents so many of the core principles of illusion. As many other great ideas in magic have also evolved ... this beauty has become the inspiration for literally thousands of versions of the 'bill transposition' trick. See the Lets See A Trick section for a preview of one version of this classic.
|
|
|
| |
|
Ring on a String
|
|
|
Simple seems to always be the most powerful. This effect is the one that first hooked me. A piece of string ... a metal washer ... and one amazing thing after another ... as the 'ring' is placed onto and removed from the string w/ ease. Still love watching this age old classic.
|
|
|
| |
|
Cups & Balls
|
|
|
Here's a simple little effect that has been around as long as the great pyramids of Egypt. This effect dates back to some of the earliest recorded references to conjuring and magic. Three cups and a ball ... seems simple enough ... all you have to do is follow the ball. This one is a classic among classics and still fools them today.
|
|
|
| |
Victory Carton Illusion (org: Hindu Basket Sword Illusion)
|
|
|
The Hindu Basket Sword Illusion was likely the orignal form of this effect that has been performed in various forms over the years. More recently this has taken form as the Cardboard Box Illusion. A cardboard box ... a dozen sharp wooden spears ... one unsuspecting assistant. This is really two things. It's an effect and it's a book that outlines plans for creating many other effects from cardboard. This classic in magic was originally produced in the mid 20th century around the time of the Second World War. U.F. Grant is creditted w/ this idea of producing some of the classic stage illusions of the Golden Era from cardboard ... which was a bit more accessible during war time. He published a booklet called 'Victory Carton Illusions' around this time outlining plans for building some of the classic great stage illusions including Sawing Thru the Girl, The Spirit Cabinet, Levitation, and Doll House.
|
|
|
| |
|
Torn & Restored Newspaper
|
|
|
The Torn & Restored theme in magic is universal ... and applies to nearly any object that can be torn. They might include a cigarette, the paper used to roll the cigarette (common in early 20th century), a napkin, a newspaper or maybe even a playing card.
Life is short ... so be sure to witness one of these illusions before it's your time to leave. The Torn & Restored Newspaper is a beauty ... a baffler of the highest proportions.
|
|
|
| |
The Salt Pour
|
|
|
This was most famous as an old Fred Kapps routine from mid 20th century. Seems to have fallen out of favor since then for most performers but regardless this effect represents what's so great about magic. Simple ideas ... simpler executions ... powerful magic. This is a mystifying display of simplicity.
|
|
|
| |
|
Linking Rings
|
|
|
Linking Rings could be for some the quintisental magic effect. It's embedded symbolism of three circles joining is framed by it's endellible connection to what magic and illusion is.
|
|
|
| |
Cut Rope Trick
|
|
|
Similar in theme to the Torn & Restored effects ... the Cut Rope trick and it's many cousins stands as one of the 'standards' of magic. This one has so many variations and ways to amaze.
|
|
|
| |
|
Sponge Balls
|
|
|
Pure and Simple ... a colored ball ... two colored balls ... three colored balls ... where'd they go? This is so clean and so simple ... it just doesn't get any more so than this. The kids will love this ... but you should too.
|
|
|
| |
Saw The Woman In Half
|
|
|
Well this ilusion seems to represent so much more than magic. It's clearly one of those 'standards' in magic if you were to list the top ten stage effects of all time. But it transcends an illusion because it represents a fundamental theme of life ... one in crisis ... their fate outside of their control ... at the mercy of another. This theme has been repeated for all of recorded time ... and will likely manifest for all people in their time. Thank P.T. Selbit for this iconic illusion in magic history.
|
|
|
| |
|
Straight Jacket Escape
|
|
|
The magician as escape artist. We can likely thank Houdini for this connection and the many outstanding demonstrations of his prowess in this field. The straight jacket does represent the idea of restraint so well ... but handcuffs, boxes, bags, chains, vehicles, bodies of water, etc have been used to contain the illusionist ... if only for a short while.
|
|
|
| |
|
Levitation
|
|
|
This one for many years has caught the imagination of many a conjurer and spectator. This classic in magic has some fuzzy historical references that seem more mystical than magical ... but the Golden Era of magic in the late 19th and early 20th century century brought us the human levitation effect in it's most glorious form. There were many variations including one from Maskelyne & Cook (The Entranced Fakir), Maskelyne & Devant (Trapped by Magic), Harry Kellar (The Levitation of Princess Karnac), Howard Thurston (Temples of Love/Asrah Levitation), Servais LeRoy (The Garden of Sleep). Modern day versions have brought us the David Blaine and Chris Angel Levitations as well. Who knows what the future holds.
|
|
|
| |
|
The Miser's Dream
|
|
|
This classic coin effect was made famous by the Golden Era magician T. Nelson Downs who was known as the 'King of Koins' and was able to produce hundreds of silver dollars from thin air. In this classic effect the magician effortlessly plucks silver dollars from the air and drops them into metal bucket ... with each coin drop clearly being heard by all. This continues for an extended period beyond what a mere mortal would even be able to 'conjure up'.
|
|
|
| |
Scotch & Soda
|
|
|
It's just one copper coin ... and one silver coin. The magician clearly and fairly places the two in the palm of your hand. You're asked to close your hand as the magician chants magical incantations over the closed fist. You open your hand to find only one Silver coin ... only to find the copper coin has appeared mysteriously in another location. This is a perennial favorite and has many variations. The Dime and Penny version of this effect is known as Gin & Tonic.
|
|
|
