The effect of a cigarette being rolled by the tongue is not new by any means, it having been on the market for some time. This original kink, however, makes it quite a bit smoother and much more practical. The first version as marketed, requires some preparation, and the cigarette as produced from the mouth is seldom in good shape despite precautions. This present version may be presented at a moment’s notice anywhere and repeated at any time without getting ready for it.
For this method is used one of the rubber cigarettes sold in all novelty stores as a joke item. It cannot be told from a real cigarette at two feet, let alone a distance of ten or twelve. Beforehand it is put into the mouth between the upper lip and jaw a little to the right, in the same manner as for the needle trick. This placement is optional, as each performer will try out positions for ease in working. The rubber cigarette will bend into whatever position required and stay there. Upon release it straightens out into a perfectly smooth imitation.
You have a full tobacco bag (full of cotton, if you are using for stage) and in the right trouser pocket is placed a genuine cigarette. Matches are in the left coat or trouser pocket. Take a package of paper out, remove one, and apparently shake into it some tobacco. Fold the paper and put it into the mouth, making a rolling motion with your jaw. Really, you are getting the rubber cigarette into position for being pushed out with the end of your tongue.
While this short action is taking place, the right hand drops to the pocket and palms the real cigarette, clipping it between the first and second fingers. When the cigarette has been pushed from your mouth, the left hand comes up and removes it between your thumb and forefinger, and at the same time the right hand comes out and apparently takes it from the left. However, the left fingers pull it into the hand and the right thumb pushes its cigarette out as the hands come together. The left hand goes directly to the pocket and comes out with the matches, and you light up and proceed.
For nightclub floors or acts in which a cigarette routine is used, this is a nice opening number. For close work, one can use ground coffee in the tobacco bag, and never have to remove anything from the mouth (somebody will be watching for this) as it can be swallowed at will. The coffee won’t taste bad and the small amount of paper won’t kill you.
After all, it’s for the sake of Art.
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