What's the origin of his name? Doc Hilford I could understand. But where does the double "c" in Docc come from?

Hello Alan:

Tonight I´ll phone Docc anyway and will ask him about his name. You´ll find an answer here as soon as I have spoken to him!

ESPecially & MAGICally

TED LESLEY

<IMG SRC="/forums/images/smiles/batmoon.gif">

Hello Alan:

Hilford´s grandparents came from Africa to USA. King Salomon´s Highpriest was a man named ZARDOCC. So the parents named him "DOCC" with Two C´s.
He told me yesterday that he is happy, that his parents did not call him Zardocc!

ESPecially & MAGICally

TED LESLEY

TED LESLEY <IMG SRC="/forums/images/smiles/batmoon.gif">

Thanks Ted for clearing that up for us. The origin of Docc's name has always been a topic for heated discussion when mentalists get together.

Hi Friends:
Docc is one of my closest friends. Yesterday I received a package from him, containing his latest releases. May I tell you, that his "Cassandra-Deck" for example is an "out of this world item"! The manuscripts he sent are ALL outstanding and I´ll discuss them with all of you as soon as I have fully read each of them. It brings me to one conclusion only:

Docc Hilford is an absolute GENIUS. I saw him perform once, as he was still living in Phoenix a couple of years ago. It was a kiddies-show he did. I can tell you, it was WONDERFUL to see him work, what a personality, what a showman!

If you come across manuscripts or tricks, with Docc´s name on, BUY THEM! All his material is outstanding!

Last but not least he is one of the nicest fellows I ever met in my life!

ESPecially & MAGICally

TED LESLEY

My question is, how did he get the name Docc? (just kidding)

I learned his routine for "Renfield" (the flies) and performed it for magicians. It is one of the funniest things I've ever seen or performed.

Thank you for clearing that up, Ted. I think most people (myself included) assumed that "Docc" was a stage name. What a fascinating origin.

As for Docc's thinking, Ted is right on. The man overflows with creativity. As only a small example, Docc's Cinderella Act is something with which mentalists should acquaint themselves if they desire a no-preparation, anytime, anywhere Q&A method that rivals or exceeds some of the commonly used routines. Don't let the name of the act or its marketing as one for sweet-16 parties distract you; this is seriously good "grown up" mentalism in both method and effect.

I think perhaps it may be the other way around... the Real Mind Reading Video has been ripped offed left right and centre after it was released.

Simply because you may have seen the material elsewhere does not instantly mean that it was the place the material appeared in the first place.

Docc is a wonderful and creative performer and a great friend.

Luke Jermay.

Sniper,

Now I'll have to be the one who respectfully disagrees. I love Docc's approach to magic and performing and think "Real Mindreading" is a great video. I think the overall premise is probably stronger than the individual effects, but I still get great response from the card force. Incidentally, when Derren Brown published a similar effect in Pure Effect everyone raved.

I can't say that I've never been under whelmed by a Docc effect, but I can't think of anyone else for that matter who I couldn't say the same about. Overall, I think Docc's contributions are invaluable and you can count me as a fan!

Ray

One problem with the good Docc-tor -- and it contributes to the negative way that some of us view him as a businessman -- is that he collects money via mail order for his high-priced effects but fails to deliver them for many months. Inquiries are greeted with prolonged silence.

I have a friend who received his order only after about a year -- and even then it was incomplete. My friend finally gave up and decided to drop his inquiries.

On one occasion I bought a Docc Hilford effect that wasn't very good, so I listed it for sale on e-Bay -- and I promptly received a message from Hilford threatening legal action and demanding damages (!). It was hilarious.

Obviously, I'm not his pal or a mentalism insider -- but as a customer I can tell you I'll forever steer clear of Docc Hilford.

Jerry

Well, I'll respectfully disagree with the last comment! lol. Na, personally I have been extremely excited and pleased by Docc's effects. I bought three of his booklets and they are all true genious. The guy has a unique way of thinking and can make even the simplest of props a wonderful effect. I advise people to buy everything and anything of docc's, as I know i certainly wille be.
Thanx Docc.

Sorry, but perhaps Hilford's business practices should be considered separately from what some perceive as the quality of his effects.

Interestingly, I just got a PM from another dissatisfied customer of Docc Hilford's -- a guy who ordered a $125 trick, never received it, couldn't get Hilford to respond, and finally had to go to the postal fraud and Florida consumer protection agencies (who couldn't help).

"Let the buyer beware" is always a good motto.

Jerry

Docc was a charter member of our little group of mental cases, the AZ 6-1/2. Those of you who saw us on the Desert Brainstorm videos had to realize that my deterioration into zaniness(sp?) during our journey to Sacramento to do the shoot for A-1 was due in no small measure to Docc's influence. I wasn't feeling too good during that timeframe and when asked by Mike Maxwell to do another set of videos I sold him on the idea of bringing our 6-1/2 group of crazies to do it instead. It was a blast. Unfortunately the group has spread to the four corners of the U.S. over the past few years. Docc went to Florida. Mark Strivings to Denver, Bob Bluemle to Vermont leaving Chris, Lee, Kenton, Gene and myself to struggle on alone. I really miss those meetings. I always came home with my sides aching from laughing. Phoenix will never be the same. I miss you guys!

Two new pretty expensive Hilford manuscripts, Lolita Effect and Mephisto's Journey appear to be already released by Docc as video tapes years ago under names "Killer Mentalism with Cards" and "You can do Mind Shaking Miracles" or does someone know if these are different?

I am sorry to report that the unfortunate experience of one of the Café's members reported above has also recently befallen me. Ring 16 in Memphis had Docc Hilford lecture to us in August of 2005. At that time Docc promised the group one of his card sword effects for booking his seminar, in addition to the lecture. We fulfilled our part of the bargain. I also personally purchased his spirit slate effect for $100 cash. He was to go back and make them and mail them to me. Neither the group nor I have ever received our items. I have repeatedly telephoned and emailed Docc about both issues.Emails either bounce back or are ignored. Phones are either unanswered or disconnected. That is no way to run a business. It has left a very bitter taste in my mouth.

Why would he do such a thing? There must be a misunderstanding.

He gains nothing from behaving this way. Docc makes enough money, he doesn't need to back out of his promises for a mere few hundred bucks.

Again, there must be some misunderstanding.

Docc is a shortened version of his name. I can't spell his full name, but be sure it is his real name. I believe it to be african in origin.

There is no misunderstanding. I have left voicemails, emails, no response. I know of someone on another message board who has experienced the same thing.. I eagerly await Docc's response.

John (Docc) Hilford grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was a protégé of the late Brian Flora.

Docc has an amazing ability to assmilate magical material that he has read.

Has there been some editing and deleting of messages in this thread?

It seems that when someone has something negative to say about DOCC it usually get edited or deleted. Reading this thread there seems to be something missing.

I for one will not buy anything that has his name on it anymore. I have been very disappointed with past purchases. But I’m not one of his close “in crowd” so I’m sure my opinion is wrong or just stupid to those who are.

I just tell people to take his ads with some, ok a lot of skepticism.

Well, to update, after 10 months I have received an email from Docc asking if I've received my slates yet. The answer is "no", but I have a glimmer of hope. I will update when and if I receive them.