I have seen this one on tv a couple of times (a long time ago) but have forgotten the actual routine. Can anyone describe for me the actual routine and possibly give me a link to a video od someone doing it to refresh my memory? I just cannot remember the set-up as far as... did the "victem" remain standing or seated... patter lines, etc. Also, any recommendations for purchasing the whole effect or where I can find it. Thank you all so much. ~MagicAl (Al)

It all goes back to Slydini, I think he called it "the flight of the paper balls."

There are two books on magic and they should be in everyones library. I think the author is Ganson (sp?).

I know a bunch of others have covered it as well include Tony Clarke on a great tape called (i think) Paper Balls 2000 - refering the the number of times he has performed the trick.

Someone with a better brain please fill in the gaps.

To answer your specific questions, it can be done a multitude of ways (standing or sitting). Partly it's a great effect becuase it allows so much variation and personalization. Once you get the mechanics, timing and understanding of the psychology you should really work on putting your own stamp on the routine.

best of luck

Peter Gross
http://www.funnymagic.com

You can find a write up of Slydini's original in the book "Stars of Magic". Highly recomended.

Vandy

I have seen a version where the magi. used the volunteers shoes and the asst caught them without the spec knowing about it.

Paper Balls O.T.H 2200 DVD by Tony Clark

Do a search for that. I've not seen it but should have what you're after.

Tony Clark's DVD is a great way to learn the bit.

Actually everyone...It didn't start with Slydini. This calls for a little history lesson.

The Paper balls OTH was origionally done by Harry Blackstone Sr. in the 1930's. One of Blackstones principal assistants George Johnston, from Chicago, was given the trick after 18 or so months because Harry didn't want to do it anymore. George performed this trick during the war years for the troops in America.

Slydini saw George Johnston perform it at one of the SAM National conventions in the New York area. He asked George if he could perform it. George said ok and Slydini then went and turned it into one of the most beautiful pieces of magic ever seen.

Just a quick history lesson. In the immortal words of Terry Seabrooke, we should all remember and respect the history of magic in order for us to be able to present it professionally.


S. Patrick

I would love to see a video clip if anyone knows where one might be found. I did find this one - look at Copperfields vanishing egg video...

http://www.gregorylee.org/magic/magicclips.htm

~MagicAl (Al)

AL:
What else are you looking for? you've got DC, one of the best ever, doing the whole thing from begining to end.
Posted: May 19, 2005 9:58pm
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AL:
What else are you looking for: you've got DC, one of the best eve,r doing the whole thing from begining to end, what else would want in a video clip?

If you want, ther is a routine on Gregory Wilson's "On the Spot" DVD.

Regards
Wolflock

I guess what I am looking for is some tips on doing it with kids. And also, I would like anyone who has actually done it to give me the reactions and some thoughts on what worked and what did not. I have the personality to do this, but not the experience. Most of what I do is small tables and one on one magic with tt and sb's. ~MagicAl (Al)

Usally the reaction most have received is pure laughter. but can this be done safely during close up I'm not sure.

HI WoodenMarvels,

Maybe Peter is too humble to tell you, but he has a great clip of himself doing the same routine on his website. Check it out. It's great stuff along with very seriously wonderful funny routines. I throughly enjoyed watching it myself several times.

All the best,

JoJo

Peter, I just watched your video clip - I am impressed, you are truly funny and entertaining. My wife ordered for me (for my 28 year anniversary gift) the Ganson / Slydini Annodated book of Slydini where he gives the details of this effect, along with much more close up magic I am told. I cannot wait to read the book and come up with my own version of this classic of comedy magic. Yours Truly, ~MagicAl (Al)

I downloaded the Copperfield video - wow - that's proof that a simple trick can be dressed up and become 5 mins of pure entertainment. NO fancy props or lighting - just some charisma and humour.

Al,

Glad to hear you will be receiving the Slydini books. He is an incredible thinker and I had great fun pouring over the books and feel it improved all my magic, putting aside the issue of particular tricks.

In terms of the paper balls, I think you may find it an uphill battle to do it with kids. Not that kid volunteers won't be fooled by it, but no matter what you say to a group of kids, they will be unable to keep from commenting on what they are seeing ("You threw it over his head!"). This isn't them heckling, it's just that they can't be trusted to understand that it's OK that they see how you are doing it. Besides kids, who still haven't become jaded, often are disappointed by things that don't look like 'real magic'. They want you to do magic like Harry Potter, not Harry Anderson.

In terms of doing it as part of a close-up routine, remember, the trick is not for the person who is your volunteer, but the rest of the crowd, so I don't know who would be the audience if you were doing it one on one with someone. I would just use another method to vanish an item.

MagicAl: I agree that doing this routine for kids is a bit of a difficult task, for all of the reasons Peter mentioned. However, Tony Clark does have a kids' version on his P.B.O.T.H. 2200 video. Tony was a student of Slydini, and the video teaches a standard routine (with some great tips!), as well as one adapted for kids. I would still hesitate before doing it for kids though.

Thanks for the great Copperfield clip. I had forgotten how funny his stooges are.

On gregory wilsens new DVD set you can also find this effect. And her he use everything from wine glas to paper. Done closeup. FOr adults dough

Tony Clark's DVD is the best I've found. He takes it apart step by step and explains the "WHY" of things. I will add this to my act immediatly. BTW, anyone doing a comedy levitation... I could use some pointers... Thanks Guys, MagicAl