I've been doing some research into Carl/Compars Herrmann, and haven't had much luck finding info on his act; more specifically, what effects he performed. If you have any information on this, please PM me.

Thanks.

Rick

James Hamilton is the Hermann expert. It think Burlingam published a book "Herman the Great" . I don't remember the exact content but it might help.

Richard

On page 63 of Burlingame's book, he gives a program of Carl's performance at the Casino at Wiesbaden. Unfortunately, it doesn't give a description of the tricks, but here is the program.

1st Part

1. Everybody's Card
2. The Canary Islands
3. The Chinese Egg
4. The Miser
5. A Mistake
6. The New Creation

2nd Part

1. The Obedient Cards
2. The Flying Watch
3. The Omelette
4. Quicker than Lightning
5. The Ring in Danger
6. Catching Fish and no Fish

That set list almost hints at the effects.

Everybody's Card may be a version of Everywhere and No where or other Universal Card plot

The Miser could the Miser's Dream.

The Obedient Cards, probably a rising card effect.

The Flying Watch is probably the routine with a watch target, as I think I recall reading his brother worked this with him.

The Omlette is probably baked in a borrowed hat. I believe he did a cake in hat, as well.

Ring in Danger probably a borrowed ring destroyed and found safe in an impossible location.

Catching Fish may be a version of Ariel Fishing.

The book, "The Magic Brothers" contains some description of effects, and also references "The Magic Makers", and "The Magic Man" for further descriptions. All are written by I.G. Edmonds. His writings are somewhat embellished, but there are some factual basis' for the lists of effects.

Michael, thanks for the insight; that's a huge help. I know from Magic Christian's writings that Compars was a great friend of Hofzinser, so it might make sense that "Everyone's Card" could be "Everywhere and Nowhere". The ones that you didn't mention are so vague, there's not even a hint as to what they might be; I'll try to contact James to see if he might know more.

Rick

I've written a couple show programs that I purposely used titles like were common on playbills in those days. It's fun to find intriguing, but very concise phrases that make complete sense once the trick has been seen.

I thought about that, but I didn't have a copy handy, so I couldn't quote it, but thanks for bringing that. If I recall, it did give some kind of description on the sleight of hand effects Carl did.

More than likely, the Miser is not the Misers Dream as it wasn't called that until T. Nelson Downs did it in vaudeville.

Good! I learned something today! Thanks!