The TV Miracle Cards did display on commercials in Michigan. Was it advertised on television in your state too?

I think you are thinking of Marshal Brodien's TV Magic Cards, and yes they advertised in Texas.

Good, I truly remember those days. It gives me the chills.

I'm not surprised, I hear that it can get pretty cold in Michigan.

Marshall took me to see his new warehouse (this was about 20 years ago) and there must have been a million decks of cards, stacks and stack on palletes, maybe 20 feet high... in a ui9lding maybe 60 x 120 feet.

I said, "Uh, do you think you might have ordered too many decks?" Marshall said, "This is only half the order."

He could also be (more likely) talking about "TV Mystery Cards"...

Steve

I remember Svengali decks being marketed on a local NYC TV channel TV in the late '50s or early '60s. I suspect those lengthy pitches, along with the ones for Charles Antell Formula #9, a hair product, were the first infommercials. The trick cards pitchman was named Bob Briar. He had a mid-western accent but was definitely not Marchall Brodeen. Anybody else remember?

If I remember correctly, TV Magic Cards were Marshal Brodien's Svengali decks, and TV Mystery Cards were his Mental Photography decks. Of course, I bought both when I saw his commercials. Then, he branched out and put out a magic set. What a golden morning it was finding that under the Christmas tree. Ah, good times.

Marshall Brodien has a very dry wit and a huge repertoire of incredible stories about his days of performing in Chicago.

He is a very personable guy.

And if I may add Marshall Brodien was a top close up magician that used to perform close up magic in the Lounge that was owned by Johnny Paul. He was also a great stage illusionist and a very good stage performer. Plus he was a successful night club hypnotist performing in some of the top Chicago night spots such as the Cairo Club.

I think that he had three card decks on the market - TV Magic Cards - TV Mystery Cards - And TV Miracle cards. Plus a TV Magic Card Box and many magic sets.

As a bit of trivia - Johnny Thompson wrote the first instructions for the first of the TV Magic card decks. Marshall started in magic I think at the Treasure Chest magic shop and was inspired by a performance of Jack Gwynne who was performing with his full stage illusion show that was just across the street from the Treasure Chest at the Oriental theater.

I worked for Marshall as a magic Demonstrator at the Marshall Brodien Magic Shop at Old Chicago Amusement park - Those were the days!

I hope this helps.

I actually have a Marshall Brodien magic kit I bought at my local Hobbytown store a few years ago. As far as I know, they're still making his products. Heck, I even found a "learn to draw" kit from Jon Gnagy. That guy's been dead for over 25 years!