Original tricks with a rope are scarce these days, but here is one, the effect
of which is very surprising and unexpected. An ordinary length of soft
white rope is shown, and can be used previously for any of the popular cut
and restored methods. The performer makes a bow knot in the center as
shown. The rope is now put around the neck with the bow in front where
the tie is worn and the ends tied in the back with a double knot.
With both hands at the bow of the rope, the magician is seen to be working
the bow down smaller and smaller, the circle of rope getting larger and
larger of course as this action continues. All at once the left fingers are
seen to hold the bow knot, and at the same time, the right fingers drop the
rope which is seen whole and solid, the left hand tossing the bow knot into
the audience! The right hand now takes the rope loop from around the
neck and tosses that also into the hushed (?) crowd.
Having seen this performed, we know the nice effect of it all, it fitting into
any rope routine and being possible of performance at any time during a
program. The secret is extremely simple, but the moves make it perfect as
an illusion. Beforehand take a duplicate piece of rope about fifteen inches
long. Make a bow in this piece, the bow being about four inches from tip
to tip. Now trim off the ends of the rope about an inch each side of the
tight knot. Fold the bow up a bit and impale it on a common pin which has
been stuck on the inside of the left lapel with the point up.
When ready, show the length of rope and make the bow knot in the center.
Tie around your neck, with the bow against your throat. Let this be plainly
seen, and your hands are empty at the time. As your hands are away from
the bow, and as you swing around to give a glance at the knot behind, your
hands are holding the lapels of the coat, with your thumbs underneath.
As you face the front, the left thumb merely steals away the fake knot
behind the left fingers, both hands immediately being raised to the bow.
Now work the bow around the neck down, keeping it hidden as much
as possible, and when gone, open the fake bow, show it with your left
fingers, let go and show the whole rope with your right fingers, and toss
the knot to the crowd. Then take the loop from around your neck and toss
that out too.
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