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…
Once in a while a sort of mad idea comes to everyone, and this especially is so with that order of humans called magicians. With that sentence as an excuse for what is to follow I offer something in the way of a routine. None of the tricks therein are new, but, to some extent, they are not what one might call "well known". Credit cannot be given to several for they have "kicked" around for many years. I hope that will be a "face saver" for credit not being given any -- it doesn't seem right somehow to differentiate…
For publicity or close-up purposes the following series of three effects will impress those who see them as being produced by a magnetic quality belonging only to the magician. While extremely simple, the appearance of the ideas from the audience view makes for quite a bit of wonderment. The performer does some simple magnetic feat such as the mesmerized cards. Then he offers to explain everything and credits it to "electricity". He rubs his finger briskly up and down his coat, across the carpet, or through his hair. Touching its tip to a metal surface or object a faint but…
Years ago I learned to do the magnetic effect with two toothpicks, but only lately did I apply it to the location of a card, and find the result a quite perfect impromptu table trick. You'd better carry a few toothpicks of your own, though, for the best places rarely have them. Put a toothpick on the table pointing directly at you. Now put another on top of the first, at right angles, and balanced so that it doesn't touch the table at either ends. Stick your right index finger out straight, and rub it against your head for a…