In Series 1 No. 1 of the Stars of Magic, there is a routine by Jarrow. Its his "Hanky Panky". A Hankerchief is held by the four courners by two spectators in a horizontal position. A sheet of newspaper is held over the center of the handerchief and a lighted cigarette held underneath the center of the hankerchief. Suddenly the cigarette burns its way through the newspaper, but on removing the paper it is found that the hankerchief has not been damaged. Wondering if anyone does this effect and what the response as been. Is it worth learning this effect?

As cigarettes are no longer acceptable in groups. I guess not!!!

Try the Nemo Knife thru Coat, or if you wish a total gimmickless method, see Jay Marshall's routine. It may be still available from Magic Inc. in Chicago.

You can use your pocket knife from the color changing knife routine.

Usually you are right. Cigarettes are no longer acceptable in groups or in any number for that matter. However, as I live and work in Nevada, just outside of Reno, almost without exception, the clubs, bars and casinos were I perform at all allow smoking. Wish they didn't. But as long as these venues allow smoking I might as well utilize some of the good magic available that uses cigarettes. One venue in particular has a bar area that has approximately 25 tall tables each with 4 bar stools. In addition, the outside patio area, which is all smoking has about 20 tables, each able to seat 4 to 6 people. Then there is the actual walk up to bar that has 20 bar stools and enough additional standing room for about 15 people. Except for the actual bar, the tables all have cloth napkins. Hence my interest in Jarrow's "Hankey Pankey" (cig thru hankdrchief or as I will use the cloth napkin) in conjunction with knife thru napkin.

I don't smoke, however, I recently traded for Johnny Thompson's Commercial Classics of Magic. I really liked his handling of Hanky Panky (volume 3). I am considering putting this into a routine and perhaps I can get a volunteer who smokes. But I am on the fence about this.

It sounds like it is worth a try in the venue that you work, Tom.

Jimmy

I didn't know there was another version of Jarrow's Hanky Panky. Jimmy, are you familiar with Jarrow's version and if so, whats the difference? I've only seen in print Jarrow's which I have been performing for about 20 years. It really goes over well. Or at least until smoking became so taboo. But living and performing in Nevada, almost all casinos and bars allow smoking.

No, Tom, I am not familiar with it. I thought from your initial post that you were contemplating learning this routine. But your last post states that you have been doing this for 20 years. Now, I'm curious: how does it play for you? It does seem like a very nice routine. As an alternative to the knife through silk, I wonder if doing Jeff Sheridan's silk through silk routine would also be a nice follow-up.

I just popped the DVD in again. Johnny Thompson does give full credit to Jarrow so it may very well be the same handling, which is quite deceptive. There is also a clip of Johnny being interviewed by Micahel Ammar and mentioned that Jarrow was very successful even when doing a close-up or parlor routine on stage.

Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, Yes, I have been doing Jarrow's "Hankey Pankey" for what seems like forever. And it plays very well. It never fails to get a very good reaction. As a follow-up I will say out loud as if I was talking to myself, there's a ash spot on the handkerchief or napkin from the cigarette. I'll bring out a small pair of scizzors and cut the center of the handkerchief or napkin as if I were cutting away the ash spot ala TT. Then I'll restore the handkerchief or napkin. I'm not familiar with Jeff Sheridan's "Silk thru Silk" routine. I'v considered using Pete Biro's knife "Nemo" knife thru coat as a follow-up to Jarrow's "Hankey Pankey".

Apparently, Johnny Thompson on his "Commerical Classics" #3 DVD has his version of Jarrows "Hanky Panky". Has anyone see his version performed or seen it on his DVD?

Johnny Thompson's handling is very good. I just dug up my Stars of Magic book. Tom, it appears to be the same handling.

Jimmy

So Jimmy, what do you think? Are you going to give it a try? I've used this in restaurants (many years ago) and it went over very well. I'm looking for a substitute for the cigarettes. Something like PUNK I think it was called. Its used to light fireworks I believe. Almost no smoke if I recall correctly. Foutunately, I work a lot in Nevada and the Casinos. All Casinos allow smoking. So it ok to do it.

Oh, is there much difference between the two handlings? Between Jarrow and Johnny Thompson?

I definitely want to give it a try, Tom. I'll let you know if I finally dive in with it. I have never seen a tape of Jarrow performing this. Actually, I don't know if such a recording even exists. All I can say is that what Johnny Thompson does on his DVD seems identical to Jarrow's handling. And Johnny does this quite eloquently.

Jimmy

I have another Johnny Thompson video and as he explains, he performs the classics as taught to him by Charlie Miller and others. So, this may be Jarrow's handling exactly or Charlie Miller's. If he has anything to add to the original, he mentions it on the tape.

I have the Stars of Magic book, but have never been interested in this effect.