This secret which I am about to impart to you is one that has been cherished by the male gender of my family for many generations. As this pertains to liquor it may be well to say that I'm a direct descendant of a long line of two-fisted drinkers. Grandpaw never stopped until he could see double and feel single. Personally I've never refused a drink except twice. Once I wasn't asked, and the other time they forgot to pass it around. This secret will make it easier for some readers to get another pint, but to them I must…
Recently we saw a small model of this trick performed and wondered why it might well not be resurrected by present day magi who desire something pretty and different. Our first record of it is in 1911 and apparently invented by a Mr. Albert Russell. It found a good spot in the program of Theo (Okito) Bamberg. The performer shows a cylindrical glass tube container standing on the table. With it are (1) a cardboard cylinder which loosely fits over the "hydrometer tube", and (2) three tumblers, each filled with a colored liquid, red, white (clear), and blue. The glass…
Long ago someone thought of vanishing a glass of water from a thin glass topped table just large enough to hold it and a pitcher. The filled glass simply was left behind the pitcher as the handkerchief containing a ring or disc inside was brought to the front of stage. Through the pitcher, the glass of water left behind was invisible. To prevent even possible suspicion of the hiding place I have combined it with a wine and water beginning, and vanish a glass of wine. To the pitcher add half a teaspoon of strong solution of ammonium sulphocyanide (poison).…
Combining comedy, mystery, and surprise, this effect is severely practical for it can be worked under all conditions, even when the performer is entirely surrounded by the audience. It is especially good for nite club workers. A tomato is tossed by the performer into the audience (Wow ! That's news! Ed.) and after a thorough examination it is returned to the performer. (That's more like it. 1st Vice Ed.) A cocktail cup is next shown empty and left in full view. The wonder worker then places the tomato in a small paper bag and with a pass and double pass…
My conception of difference between a strong and a weak effect does not lie in the mechanic of a trick but rather in the convincing ability of the performer. The greater the convincement the mightier the effect. I do not believe there is any bad trick.. the fault invariably rests in the presentation.. or in other words the wrong "approach". By convincement I do not allude to such indiscreet tactics as deliberately sticking out the hands for examination or indulging in such remarks as "this box is devoid of any preparation". These would not be convincing but CONVICTING. In the…
Roxy Theatre, New York City, October 28, 1939 Time : 12 minutes. Reviewed by Wm. Henderson. Martin has changed his act quite a bit since seen here last. His pocket handkerchief thrown over hand is raised to show a full glass of wine. This is drunk and followed by a one hand production of five silver dollar coins, each of which is dropped into the glass. The coins are poured into the handkerchief and vanished. The handkerchief is stuffed into the glass which, in turn, is wrapped into a piece of newspaper. The paper is torn to bits and the…