Most astonishing thing I've ever read in a magic magazine

[John Signa]

From my recollection, the bit was done a few years (in 1989, I believe) before Carson left (1992) and it was developed specifically for the Tonight show.

[Steve Bryant]

Although it may have been developed with The Tonight Show in mind, I believe it first appeared on the special Ricky Jay's Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women. That version was more interesting in that Steve introduced Flydini as an ancestor, as though he had film of this "classic" act. (Of course, it had also been rehearsed at the Magic Castle.)

[Bill Mullins]

The New Jersey Record - Jan 20, 1988
Steve Martin will end a nearly 10-year absence from the stage when he performs Feb. 13 and 14 at Trump's Castle Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The comedian's act will consist entirely of the "world premiere" of a 10-minute bit he calls "The Great Flydini . "

THE SEATTLE TIMES - Jan 27, 1988
Steve Martin is developing an alter ego known as The Great Flydini. The actor-comedian made a surprise appearance at a Los Angeles benefit for the Big Sisters, showing up as a silent, off-beat magician who pulls strange things out of his pants. The Flydini routine started with a couple of unannounced performances at the Magic Castle in Hollywood last fall and Martin is trying to keep an air of mystery about the character. He is introduced only as ``the famous Italian magician, the Great Flydini '' and won't even allow pictures to be taken.


He also did a short bit of it on 60 Minutes during 1988, and at a number of benefits in 1988 and 1989. "Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women," Ricky Jay's special, was broadcast in Apr 1990, and Martin presented it as if it were his grandfather performing.

The "Tonight Show" performance was in May 1992. It is in the "Best of Carson" VHS and DVD collection, and has shown up in several clip shows on TV since then.

Ricky Jay helped create the act.

[Tom Frame]

This months issue of MAGIC features Mark Nelsons interview with Bryan Lee, stage manager of the Magic Castle. Heres what Mr. Lee had to say regarding his work with Steve Martin:

Probable the cleverest thing I made was for Steve Martin, for The Great Flydini. He produced several eggs from his fly, then one popped out and turned in a helium balloon on a string. It floated up as he was holding the string, and when a girl walked by onstage, a flashbulb went off inside the balloon, and a Polaroid picture came out of Steves pocket.

He liked the helium balloon, but he didnt use the flashbulb or the Polaroid picture because he felt it was far too sophisticated for Flydinis character. I wish hed told me before I actually built the whole flashbulb into it.

[DrDanny]

Ricky Jay included the Flydini clip as part of his show last year in SF. During the the intro, he claimed to have had some creative input into the act as well.

[Ray Eden]

It is my understanding the Carson had seen Martin doing the Flydini routine (perhaps at the castle?) and had begged him for years to come on The Tonight Show to do the routine. Martin finally relented once he knew that Carson's term as host of the program was nearing the end.