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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
This is the four lengths of chain on a metal oval loop. I've never done an escape before. I saw another magician (not in my area) do this as the comedic in-and-out and it went very well. So I bought one to try it, and I do like it.
A couple of questions, if I may: -- Would it help or detract to cut off the extra chain links, leaving the chains just long enough to go around my wrists? -- Kids 12 and up are loathe to admit that anything has slipped by them. Even if I have two on stage confirming the oval, chains, and locks don't open, they're going to think of *something*! I'm expecting "gimmicked locks" (or the tween equivalent) to be the main target. Is there a way to overcome that? What about using zip ties instead? -- For a more dramaic presentation, has anyone tried a no-cloth, full-view immediate escape? (Assuming I can get good enough to pull it off!) I'm thinking raising my shackled hands above my head, taking a step back with one foot, then two quick pivots - letting those bigger moves cover the smaller ones. Workable? Or not advised? Ed |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Ed!
Back in '95, National School Assemblies had a young fellow booked to do an escape program. We had him booked to do about 17 weeks, starting in early January. In mid December, he called and canceled his tour. Jack West phoned me, and asked if I knew anyone who could substitute. My friend, Jim Jayes was available. I loaned him a jacket, my HAMBURG EIGHTS, a pair of modern thumb cuffs, and the chain loop cuffs. (They're NOT Siberians. "Siberians" are actually TRANSPORT CHAINS.) Jim did a fine job. He used the chain loops as a comedy in and out bit, and, it played very well. Nobody questioned the locks or the chains. Is your set the "big loop"? (about 12" long?) They're a lot easier than than the Abbott model with the smaller loop. Never let the marks see all the chains on one end of the loop. I think that you will get more out of the bit, if you do ia as an in and out.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
I found that, if you're going to use them as an in/out comedy escape, it helps to draw attention away from shackles and make them more incidental. Anthony Linden's 'suit jacket escape' is a good example of that. That should help with the kids.
I'm not convinced that shortening the chains will have much of an impact either way. I've only seen someone do a full-view version of this once (never tried it myself), and it was more akin to lowering the hands briefly behind an object to do the release.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
ED it must be done behind a cloth or there is NO MYSTERY
plus you get the benefit of messing with the two assistants who are holding the cloth or bag Don't cut the extra loops off. They attract attention because they are loose and it shows the chains aren't welded together - therefore opening and closing like a spring....... so said one member of the audience. Like Dick said hold two chains allowing the loop and two chains to hang. After the other hand is secured turn everything upside down and allow that hand to be secured. Never let them see all 4 chains next to each other, in a row. If your working with older kids then direct them to put the lock on just where you want it. Say things like "Move the lock up one link so you're sure it's tight" This conditions them to assume you are secure. Help them to help you. Have fun
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Thanks for all the tips. I'll keep working on this and keep y'all posted.
Dick: the loop is about 9 by 2. I'd thought of getting a welder to make one a bit bigger out of something not quite so shiney and new, and a bit thicker. Ed |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
No need to make a custom bar (I'm answering for Dick) If it works then it works.
The fun that you create involves the situation not the prop. There are 95 different arm/head/finger choppers out there but you can get the same response from any of them (Lets see if Dick agrees) However the shiny metal you're speaking of is probably aluminum or a chromed steel. In either case I bet it's slipperier then wrought iron. This escape - And I know that some will take exception to me referring to it as an escape - but it relies on the correct slack (not too tight and not too loose) and it relies on speed. If the links slide well just leave it alone. The locks however should have large bodies with small shackles and the mass of the mechanism will be more visible that way. So if you're going to spend money on anything it could possibly be new shiny locks, if you need them. Some people use a 3' foulard (not a silk that back-lighting will expose the act) and some people use a 24 X 12 (aproximate) inch bag that is opaque and has an open top. The benefit to a bag is the two helpers can not lean back and look behind the flat cloth. They will, they have and they do. No need having them go back to their seat and watch them mime your actions to their friends. They will and the do Now that I've answered for Dick, you might ask another question and I'll stay out of it. Maybe he can give you a few bits of business to do during your "escape". If he's in a good mood I bet he can show you how to make a 2 minute trick into an 8 minute feature act.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Yes! Re: Jay's comments on the situation as opposed to the prop. It's the old story: IT'S THE PERFORMER AND HIS PRESENTATION, NOT THE PROP!
Kellar, the Blackstone's, and many others (me, too!) used a hunk of rope, and something that one can't buy! >>>SHOWMANSHIP<<< Sixty years ago, I watched PRINCIPE NOTAES MAJAHARA (Talbot, Emanuel Seaton do the old "sit down, crossed rope escape" next to closing in his hour long show, with a yard of 3/4" manila, two sailors and SHOWMANSHIP. He KILLED an audience of 2,000 sailors with it. I use the Abbott model (personal preference). The loop is smaller, but, it works just fine. Yes, BIG MASTER locks do help sell the routine. The loop & chain prop is so simple that I've never had anyone question it. They all "look" for "trick" locks! I prefer the bag. Mine is about the size that Jay mentions. At the top corners, a LOOP of cord is firmly attached. Loop is easier to hang onto. Lance Burton's manager (hypnotist and illusion show) did a masterful job with the loop and chain on his last illusion show tour. (Darn! I can't think of his name!) A lot of the routine is in the build up, examining the locks and "cuffs". Don't overdo the in and out business. Remember the old "comedy three" repeat gag "rule"!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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GUNNARSON New user 62 Posts |
"Lance Burton's manager (hypnotist and illusion show) did a masterful job with the loop and chain on his last illusion show tour. (Darn! I can't think of his name!)"
The Man They Call Reveen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Reveen Reveen was so famous in Canada and broke every book office record at nearly every theater he played in. He was the first Showman I ever I saw when I was 15 years old. And one of the Greatest Real Showman of all time!!! And more important a truly wonderful person ! |
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Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 19, 2015, Dick Oslund wrote: The ‘comedy three’ rule is the worst way of presenting a joke to an intelligent audience. It’s used all time and especially in US sitcoms, either the original joke is funny to begin with or it’s not.
handcuff keys https://www.facebook.com/groups/274871910110997/
old business https://www.facebook.com/Stockade-locksmiths-276492435716704/ |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
IAN! I should have been more explicit! What I wanted to emphasize: "Don't go past the end!" I've seen too many performers who do!
DEAN!!! It's a long time since I sold you that "pile" of cuffs in Minnesota! I'm getting ready to dispose of a few more, now that I'm retired. I'll probably list them in the escape props for sale forum. The "gems" include "Hamburg Eights" (Trudel, gaffed) and a set of Austrian Thumb Cuffs (the double 'U" cuffs). Don't hold your breath,though. (They are old "friends", and, it's hard to say "goodbye" to old friends!)
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
IAN! I should have been more explicit! What I wanted to emphasize: "Don't go past the end!" I've seen too many performers who do!
DEAN!!! It's a long time since I sold you that "pile" of cuffs in Minnesota! I'm getting ready to dispose of a few more, now that I'm retired. I'll probably list them in the escape props for sale forum. The "gems" include "Hamburg Eights" (Trudel, gaffed) and a set of Austrian Thumb Cuffs (the double 'U" cuffs). Don't hold your breath,though. (They are old "friends", and, it's hard to say "goodbye" to old friends!)
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
I want the tower lions. I had a set in a drawer someone "appropriated" VERY disappointed, I was. (Still am 30 years later).
A bit of biz is to use your free hand to put on your glasses, from you pocket Another is to hand one volunteer a stopwatch. Another is to hold the bag higher. There are a dozen more. 3 bits is max. Then it's anti- climatic.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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bobthemagicguy New user 12 Posts |
Can someone advise where to buy a pair of in and out handcuffs? I see a set on Amazon. Suspect they may not be very good. Can't find an answer on any posts. Thanks
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Check Abbott's.
They've been making the loop and chains for years. Mine is about 2" x 6". If I get a chance this week, I'll go check them. They're in my storage facility. I've seen some that were a loop about 4" x 10".
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
While we're on the subject...I've been looking around for a set that are less chrome and more iron looking. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Hi Rook!
All that I have seen are the "shiny" ones! (Apparently, "that" is what sells to prospective custoers!)
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
I've noticed that for items that people see on a more regular basis that are already shiny (standard handcuffs, for example) shiny works. In that case, shiny looks like something new, in good working condition, and is representative of what they've seen before. However, for something that is a bit more unique (our case in point, in/out chains), shiny then screams "Look what I bought at a magic shop!"
Jay's helping me out with this, though...thanks, Jay!
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 13, 2015, Rook wrote: A very wise and talented UK lock smith once took a pair of McColl Seance cuffs (I may be wrong on the model here - they were basically Derbys with screws protruding in to the wrists - vicious looking bleeders for sure) and scratched them up somewhat and left them outside in the Northampton weather for a while. The result was a brilliant looking piece of art that looked like it dated back to HH time. Despite being made much more recently. I know he may not be around at the moment for various reasons but if he is and he is reading this, he may be very kind and drop us a photo. But he probably has better stuff to do. The down side to doing this with the type you refer to is that they kind of need to be "slippery". being rusty may render them non-in out again? |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Not rusty, just not chromed.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 13, 2015, dave_matkin wrote: That does sound intriguing.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
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