In this episode of the Jinx Navigator Podcast, Jay takes listeners through the significant highlights of the first issue of The Jinx, a historic magic newsletter by Theodore Annemann. He discusses the first magic effect, 'Hallucination' by Eddie Clever, the 'Supreme East Indian Needle feat' by Ted Annemann, 'Two Papers and a Spectator' by Ted Annemann, and 'The Mystery of the Blackboard' by Paul Rosini. Jay provides insights on the relevance and adaptability of these tricks for modern performers, and offers resources for those interested in learning more. Tune in to discover the timeless art of magic from the 1930s…
PRELIMINARY Whatever the potential effect of the Bewildering Blocks, the trick is based upon too obvious a device; namely, an extra block concealed in the tube. In performances of the intimate type, the magician is too often asked to show the tube, at embarrassing moments, and even a smooth routine may not satisfy the wiser spectators. This, plus the need of a surprise finish, has led to the following creation, which may well be termed the Sucker Block Trick. EFFECT Three blocks, red, white and blue, are dropped into a tube. The tube is turned over, making the order blue,…
Magicians not "up" to the manipulative ability of expert and skillful "sleeving" will find this effect excellent for not too large audiences. The object used for the passing from one hand to the other is novel, it being a 2 1/2 foot length of key chain. Most five and ten cent stores sell German silver chain for about ten cents a foot. Two lengths are necessary. The audience sees nothing but the chain. It is held by the fingertips of the right hand and its length allowed to drop into the closed left fist. The left hand immediately raises to…
Were one to sit in on a Saturday afternoon klan-like gathering at most any magic shop throughout the country, and casually mention, "That principle certainly has stood the test of time since Ed Parsons thought of it," he'd be correct a goodly percentage of the time, no matter what current trick was being talked about. Beyond that, not one present day magus in a hundred could help but reply, "And who is this fellow Parsons ?" The answer would necessarily be, "He used the name of Henry Hardin, for magical purposes." Then the percentage might drop to one in fifty…
An unprepared glass tumbler is shown and in it is placed a red silk handkerchief. This is put on the table and a sheet of paper is next placed over the glass so that its shape is seen at all times. A borrowed hat is placed on top of the covered glass and by holding it at the sides the performer pushes it down, and the glass and contents pass through the crown into the hat! On the inside of the paper used to cover the glass is glued a piece of red silk by one corner. At this point…
In the fairest manner possible, ten half dollars are counted onto the left palm which is covered with a handkerchief. A spectator holds the four corners while ten more coins are counted onto a tray and dumped into the cupped hands of another. The first spectator shakes the handkerchief a selected number of times, and that number of coins travel across space to the hands of the other. Mr Fischer’s subtlety in handling the first ten coins is the basic principle of the feat. The rest can be varied to suit individual taste. On a small stand, like the one…
This effect, while a complete number in itself, makes possible two things heretofore considered impossible. Using a P&L metal card box you can actually change one or two cards and leave the rest unchanged. Secondly you can change cards that have been initialed. Two decks are used in the effect. One has a red back and the other is blue. Taking the blue deck the performer removes a card which he openly shows and has a spectator initial. Picking up a metal card box, the performer places the card face up within where it is fairly seen by all. Now…
(Note : this effect is exactly as written by its originator, Mr Bays, 13 Gillshill Rd., Hull, Yks., England. It has a novel presentation and in the author's own words sounds very refreshing for a change. Ye editor was afraid he might lose this spontaneity should he toy with the wordage.) This is a colourful little effect, apparently impromptu, and can so nicely be fitted into your act. The preparation required may be completed in a very few minutes so I will firstly describe how the spectator sees the 'flash ribbon restoration'. Look ! The magician is just beginning another…
In effect this is practically the same as has been done before, but the method is far advanced in simplicity and safety is the important feature. The performer at no time has a loose needle in his mouth, his mouth is absolutely empty at the start and will stand a physician's examination, and there is no secret loading of the inevitable threaded packet. For personal use, I found Crowley #4 Sharps a practical size. From magicdom's largest supply house (Woolworth) obtain a large spool of white linen thread. Have the center of this spool bored out making a hole about…
For those who want a clean and showy method for doing the four ace trick in front of audiences I offer my conception of the age old problem that never seems to die. Duplicates of three of the aces are used and these are long cards. Have them in the right coat pocket with a rubber band. The deck is unprepared and can be used for anything else. Start by handing deck to a spectator with the request that he take out the four aces and mark them. While he is thus occupied, palm out the three duplicates and add…