Search found 44 matches

by Don Spurrier
March 3rd, 2006, 4:59 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Cellini
Replies: 12
Views: 1613

Re: Cellini

Anyone remember, from the earliest Gatlinburg Convention shows, an act by Larry Austin, one of the early major contributors to "Heirophant", of "Austinini and the Moonshine Cloggers"? This was a well-defined magic act with two very attractive female assistants who did clogging ro...
by Don Spurrier
January 22nd, 2006, 2:33 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Syd Fleischman?
Replies: 9
Views: 1520

Re: Syd Fleischman?

Syd Fleischman started his magical writing around the '40s with the popular small booklets, usually around a buck apiece, such as Between Cocktails, The Blue Bug, Top Secrets and with effects in the earlier magazines like Hugard's and The Jinx. In 1993, L&L published Syd's Charlatan's Handbook w...
by Don Spurrier
December 6th, 2005, 7:08 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: McDonald Birch
Replies: 21
Views: 7789

Re: McDonald Birch

One night, many years ago (sometime in the early or mid-sixties), I was in the audience for an evening performance by Birch and his wife. It was a star-crossed evening for, in the audience, was Harry Willard, C. Thomas Magrum, the successful school magician, and Pat Patterson of the Dr. Silkini show...
by Don Spurrier
October 20th, 2005, 5:02 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Copperfield to 'magic' a girl pregnant?
Replies: 12
Views: 1352

Re: Copperfield to 'magic' a girl pregnant?

This effect has been in the shows for some time. It is a comedy effect and, while not as obvious as some would suggest, there are a couple of moments where one would wish that more thought had been given to the impressionable young people in the audience. It's not bad, but it isn't good. It is there...
by Don Spurrier
September 27th, 2005, 5:09 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: historical figures who are magicians
Replies: 54
Views: 8672

Re: historical figures who are magicians

Double Indemnity was a wonderful film noir offering. It is funny to see the young folks reaction to the fact that Fred McMurray is the villain/victim in that movie rather than the kindly father they remember from TV's My Three Sons.
by Don Spurrier
July 1st, 2005, 4:33 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Wanted: Cigar Books
Replies: 7
Views: 976

Re: Wanted: Cigar Books

Why is it that cigar magic is more readily acceptable to our politically concious audiences than cigarette magic? (See the Cigarette Magic topic presently under consideration).
by Don Spurrier
March 24th, 2005, 4:40 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Mystic Craig & The Elusive Canary
Replies: 8
Views: 940

Re: Mystic Craig & The Elusive Canary

Hey, you modern guys! All of the world is not yet on CDs (not yet!). The Whaley work appeared in printed form as a comb-bound big book. That may be more available through the used book sellers. I think that the British Ring still presents an award in honor of Mystic Craig even today.
by Don Spurrier
March 20th, 2005, 10:41 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Eddie Joseph
Replies: 22
Views: 4297

Re: Eddie Joseph

If one is looking for other Eddie Joseph material, locate a complete file of Max Andrews' Magic Magazine . Eddie Joseph had an effect or routine each month in that magazine from March, 1953 until the magazines's demise in April, 1956. Also, if I am not mistaken, Percy Abbott brought Eddie Joseph to ...
by Don Spurrier
January 25th, 2005, 4:52 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Sandwich
Replies: 5
Views: 981

Re: Sandwich

Thank you, Philippe. How do you do that.......?
by Don Spurrier
January 6th, 2005, 4:47 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Cy Endfield
Replies: 16
Views: 5521

Re: Cy Endfield

ZULU...a magnificent film (with gorgeous outdoor scenery) is based on a true story. It had, I believe, a very young Michael Caine in his first movie role. It is more than worthwhile to locate.
by Don Spurrier
October 13th, 2004, 4:55 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Coronation Souvenir Magic Magazine - June 1953
Replies: 5
Views: 883

Re: Coronation Souvenir Magic Magazine - June 1953

I goofed! When I mentioned that the Alfredson/Daily Bibliography had rated Max Andrews' MAGIC MAGAZINE as Uncommon, I was wrong. The rating is, actually, Common, and the definition supplied is correct. Sorry. A single issue, while valuable to a reader, has no extraordinary value to a purchaser. Huh?
by Don Spurrier
October 12th, 2004, 5:06 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Coronation Souvenir Magic Magazine - June 1953
Replies: 5
Views: 883

Re: Coronation Souvenir Magic Magazine - June 1953

The magazine about which Sam enquires is, indeed, The Vol. 2, No. 3 (June 1953) issue of MAGIC MAGAZINE published by, at that time, London dealer, Max Andrews. I am holding a copy as I type. Max's studio was known as Vampire Magic and produced many unique and well built items. A complete file of thi...
by Don Spurrier
September 17th, 2004, 5:45 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Anyone recognize this trick?
Replies: 44
Views: 4766

Re: Anyone recognize this trick?

Hydrofluoric acid should never be placed in a glass container (Duh! It is used to etch glass). There are special rubber or plastic containers for this. Please investigate before you purchase any such acid. I was once involved in a case where a gentleman purchased some hydrofluoric acid (it was not d...
by Don Spurrier
September 12th, 2004, 4:09 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Anyone recognize this trick?
Replies: 44
Views: 4766

Re: Anyone recognize this trick?

I recall the first time I saw the basic effect of breathing on a glass disc to reveal a symbol was an item distributed by Henk Vermeyden in the late 60s entitled Fade In - Fade Out. No mention of the inventor is mentioned in the instruction sheet. It was about 10 years later before the spectacles id...
by Don Spurrier
April 1st, 2004, 4:51 pm
Forum: Columns
Topic: Flim-Flam February Correction
Replies: 26
Views: 8155

Re: Flim-Flam February Correction

With all of the talk of Ouija boards and anagrams, Bob Read's line in the latest GENII might be of assistance; "He has a dyslexic Ouija board." That could make for a funny routine and revelation.
by Don Spurrier
February 26th, 2004, 4:50 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Mechanical Gaffed Deck
Replies: 2
Views: 784

Re: Mechanical Gaffed Deck

Bill, the trick is properly named "The Computer Cards" and, indeed, was marketed by Haines. The instructions credit both Swinford and Clyde Cairy. It is not indicated who contributed what. I do recall that Swinford was really into faro shuffle effects. This was many years ago, and with the...
by Don Spurrier
July 3rd, 2003, 3:58 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Bad Breath Prop
Replies: 17
Views: 2579

Re: Bad Breath Prop

Pete, since you admit that you are now Mr. Public Domain, I next expect to see you reproduced as an e-book put out by Chris Wasshuber! Sorry!
by Don Spurrier
May 2nd, 2003, 4:14 pm
Forum: General
Topic: favourite illustrations
Replies: 58
Views: 9150

Re: favourite illustrations

Kaufman gets the vote for hands and cards, coins, etc.; Steranko for body movements; but the vote for overall "magician" has to go to Nelson Hahne. It is amazing the influence his illustrations have had on magic for years! The slim, trim, sophisticated and debonair performer set the tone f...
by Don Spurrier
March 1st, 2003, 4:35 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Favorite levitation?
Replies: 23
Views: 7029

Re: Favorite levitation?

In response to Pete's inquiry as to the worst levitation, I have to submit the Floating Piano, done by anybody, anytime! That's an illusion that really sucks! I recall Siros' presentation of that effect at an IBM Convention, Knoxville, TN, I think, when, from backstage, we heard the cry, "Heave...
by Don Spurrier
March 1st, 2003, 4:29 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Favorite levitation?
Replies: 23
Views: 7029

Re: Favorite levitation?

As I recall Barclay Shaw's levitation on TV, it was done beside a swimming pool. Unfortunately, I don't recall year, network, etc. Barclay was a clever magician, but it was his puppeteering that got him booked. He did a full evening magic show at one IBM Convention (Cleveland?)(year?)that was replet...
by Don Spurrier
January 23rd, 2003, 4:29 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Bill Neff
Replies: 8
Views: 2827

Re: Bill Neff

Hey, Pete, good story! One of my convention funny moments was magician pattering into the down front microphone. Upstage ia a Doll's House which has been in position for some time. While the pattering is continuing, someone enters from stage right (I seem to remember Jay Marshall as the culprit). Th...
by Don Spurrier
January 22nd, 2003, 6:41 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Bill Neff
Replies: 8
Views: 2827

Re: Bill Neff

As a young man, I had the good fortune to see Neff's show on many occasions. He had one piece of business which has stayed in my memory over the years. It involved the Burned Alive Illusion...you know, where the reclining female assistant is enclosed in a casket or surrounded by a box of some sort; ...
by Don Spurrier
September 2nd, 2002, 10:48 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Dr. Sack's Dice Trick
Replies: 20
Views: 3515

Re: Dr. Sack's Dice Trick

Paul Green says, "I love the hunt." I do, too, and I was reminded of an effect I had read many years ago. I was able to locate it in a copy of Vol. 1, #3 (1971)of Magic and Spells Quarterly . This was Kirk Stiles' unusual publication which was cut short because of his untimely death. (By t...
by Don Spurrier
August 1st, 2002, 4:21 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Encyclopedia of Card Flourishes - any comment?
Replies: 15
Views: 2289

Re: Encyclopedia of Card Flourishes - any comment?

I assume that the book is more attuned to flourishes than card fans. However, I thought that this thread might be the place to remind folks of Goodlette Dodson's Exhibition Card Fans . I am probably one of the few folks around (Iwas a young lad)that saw Goodlette's act many times. Everything he publ...
by Don Spurrier
July 16th, 2002, 4:07 pm
Forum: General
Topic: August issue in the mail! Time for the monthly heads up.
Replies: 64
Views: 7140

Re: August issue in the mail! Time for the monthly heads up.

Received in the hinterlands on Tues., July 16, '02.
by Don Spurrier
June 25th, 2002, 4:28 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Magical Walking Tours
Replies: 12
Views: 1394

Re: Magical Walking Tours

What a great tour...depending on the weather and temperature, of course. A lot of pre-tour scouting would have to be done. Where was the old Abbott's and the Holden's stores? Weren't they near the former Tannen's address? Obviously, the Cort Theater (Henning's "Magic Show") and the Helling...
by Don Spurrier
May 27th, 2002, 4:40 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Francis Ireland Marshall has passed on.
Replies: 7
Views: 1414

Re: Francis Ireland Marshall has passed on.

Just read Dennis' post and am deeply moved. Although I met her on only a few occasions, I found her to be down-to-earth, friendly and helpful. What I regret the most is that I and the magical fraternity had not taken steps to thank her, in some small way, for her many, many contributions to our litt...
by Don Spurrier
May 27th, 2002, 4:25 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Shiners
Replies: 12
Views: 5251

Re: Shiners

Dennis mentions an upholstery tack. If smoking is allowed in your area, you won't have to remove the pointed shaft. Stick it into the end of a cigarette or cigar that resides in the ashtray (Not my idea; read it somewhere before). You could attach the head of the tack to the bottom of a lighter, mat...
by Don Spurrier
May 18th, 2002, 3:52 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Coin Magic Today
Replies: 41
Views: 4420

Re: Coin Magic Today

With all of the talk about casinos, if one is near you, simply go to a 50 cent slot machine and deposit a $20 bill. Hit "Cash Out", and 40 shiny half-dollar coins will drop into the bucket. You can also do this with a $10 bill but, for some reason, you don't get as many coins. If you try t...
by Don Spurrier
March 11th, 2002, 5:08 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: cards as weapons
Replies: 7
Views: 1503

Re: cards as weapons

Nicholas: You might want to check out EXPERT CARD MYSTERIES by Al Sharpe. For 1969, it was a stunner. Under a nude drawing was, "...a magnificent card trick must not be unlike a magnificent woman- each should be hip, joyous and beautiful, and have proportion, symmetry, rythym, and a poetry that...
by Don Spurrier
March 3rd, 2002, 4:18 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Pabular
Replies: 42
Views: 16211

Re: Pabular

An interesting thought. Gringras (Magico Magazine) published Vol. 8, #11,12 and Vol. 9, #1 of PABULAR. When Breese does the digital version, will these be included? Let's bounce back and forth. What, then, is the complete file?
by Don Spurrier
February 4th, 2002, 6:33 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Title of manuscript?
Replies: 3
Views: 1266

Re: Title of manuscript?

I am certain that the author is Roger Linden of St. Louis, a big booster of magic in that area. I don't remember the title you are seeking, but I do recall that one of the four featured magicians was Terry Lynn, a popular nite-club magician of the '40s. For a nice write-up about Lynn see the May, 19...
by Don Spurrier
January 8th, 2002, 5:17 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Carter Beats the Devil – A “Review”
Replies: 8
Views: 1998

Re: Carter Beats the Devil – A “Review”

Dustin:

Thanks for the erudite review. I, like you, think the Tom Clancy books, sometimes, beat a dead horse...but it is an interesting dead horse! Thanks to you, I will now search out the Carter book.
by Don Spurrier
January 5th, 2002, 8:03 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Johnson Cups and Balls
Replies: 27
Views: 4004

Re: Johnson Cups and Balls

Oops! Just found Pete's account in another section of this Forum. Sorry. It doesn't pay to stay away too long!
by Don Spurrier
January 5th, 2002, 7:52 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Johnson Cups and Balls
Replies: 27
Views: 4004

Re: Johnson Cups and Balls

Pete:

You mentioned that Mr. B was instrumental in stopping your listing of a used Paul Fox Rising Card on ebay. I am curious as to how and on what basis that was done. Are you at liberty to supply any details?
by Don Spurrier
December 28th, 2001, 6:05 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Karl Fulves' library
Replies: 44
Views: 21788

Re: Karl Fulves' library

Jahn, thanks again for updating the Fulves material. Pretty amazing output, isn't it? I wonder if any issues of NOTEBOOK were actually issued? Hopefully, someone on this Forum will know. I am not a Fulves collector but I do thrive on periodicals. This brings me to a stange point. For instance, what ...
by Don Spurrier
December 26th, 2001, 4:28 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Karl Fulves' library
Replies: 44
Views: 21788

Re: Karl Fulves' library

Thanks for the bibliography of the Fulves' publications. A lot of people forget the output in periodicals which, oftentimes, can be quite prolific. That's sorta like listing the works of Richard Kaufman and omitting GENII. For instance, I note that you include THE PALLBEARER'S REVIEW and EPILOGUE wh...
by Don Spurrier
December 22nd, 2001, 3:13 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Found Magic?
Replies: 7
Views: 1727

Re: Found Magic?

I can't confirm either of those accounts. The original style of the Himber ring, I was told many, many years ago, was used for arthritis patients whose knuckles were swollen from that disease. I like that better than the funeral director story.
by Don Spurrier
November 9th, 2001, 6:01 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: swann galleries
Replies: 11
Views: 2185

Re: swann galleries

Hey, Doug, Maybe you are right. I just merely added the total sum of the actual bids and subtracted from the total sum of the expected prices and noticed a great disparity. I can't explain the fall-short. My info was that Swann was disappointed; that they expected more. I wasn't there so my informat...
by Don Spurrier
November 7th, 2001, 8:19 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: swann galleries
Replies: 11
Views: 2185

Re: swann galleries

I didn't attend but followed the auction with some interest on behalf of our friend, John Reed. John's copy of Miracle Mongers and Their Methods , inscribed by Houdini to his brother, Dash, plus a pair of engraved cuffs, brought the highest sale of the auction at $15,000! It has been reported that t...

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