Anyone own this? If so thoughts?

Thanks
Shawn O'Brien

I'd be interested in hearing some thoughts on this, too. It just reminds me of a certain children's toy. I get the impression that if a performer had a bigger budget, they'd choose a different method and use an assistant.

This principle is the same one used in the old Operation Table. There of course are some limitations with this illusion. It's not one that can be done anywhere, under any circumstances. The background is going to make or brake this illusion.

Of course, nothing is better than getting someone out of the audience for an illusion. I always loved the old Operation Table.

Steve

In the advertisement it was noted it is based on a Paul Osborne idea, I don't know how accurate this is since the basic principal is well over a 100 years old.
I've noticed a couple of them go on magic auction but I feel the price is too high for what you are getting with this one.

Hey, what is "the Old Operation Table"?

I believe there is a clip on youtube with Doug Henning and Bill Cosby performing the Operation Table. You'll notice they are both in doctors coats. It's a fun trick to watch.

Steve

Steve, that is the Paul Osborne cutting in thirds illusion.
The improvement in the Rich Hill verions allows someone from the audience to be used, the Osborne version needs a trained assistant.

JC, Sure .. it's the Cutting in Thirds also known as the Operation Table from long ago. Paul, of course, based his plans on the original illusion. Doug performed this illusion in the late 70's. At the time Paul Osborne was just getting started in the business. Did I spell his name right?? I forgot ... again.

Both illusions utilize the same "secret" principle. That's what I was getting at.

Steve

Rich Hill seems like a really nice guy from my contact with him,
give him a shout or email him and I'm sure he'll share some details.
It looks like he has slightly differnt styles and finishes available.
Yep, it's an old method, but it's stood the test of time too.

Here's a video clip...
http://aleena.com/tilford/video/disMiddlement.html

There is also a smaller "arm" version... different method,
invented by the wonderful Larry White, I think Wellington makes that for him.

Magically, Walt

Hey Cheseedea, Chezadah, wait a minute . . . Chezaday, that's it. Yes, you spelled Paul Osborne's name correct.

Bruce Chadwick

Steve, I didn't know is was originally called the Operation Table, do you know who the originator was?

Ah ... you'll have to ask the old timers or search online. I was lucky enough to have a living encyclopedia of magic only a phone call away. Jay Marshall was always there with an answer .. he knew everything.

All we have now is the Café .. it will have to do.

Steve

Hay Steve:

I believe Edmond Spreer first created that table for the Fu Manchu show. It was a pit and the pendulum sawing. The table also doubled (under cover) for the Magic Shop counter in a different part of the show.

JB

Gee Steve,
I miss Jay and his encyclopedic memory too,
and Lefty does not say much these days either!
Magically, Walt

I think the Wacky Dracky has it figured out, not that he's an old timer or anything. Hard to tell with all that make up on .. but, underneath he's got a baby's face.

Thanks for coming through for me ...

Steve

The "Operation Table" as you guys are calling it is based upon what we call the "Periscope Principle." You can find an explanation of the illusion in Sharpe's CONJURERS' OPTICAL SECRETS book. Yeas ago, we refurbished a prop belonging to Paul Osborne. It was built by David Mendoza. It was a very beautiful and very well-made prop. This principle is public domain. You can have this prop built without any recourse of stepping on the inventor's toes. Many magic tricks have used this principle. Some of the tricks are really great. Just ask Larry White.

Happy to answer any questions you guys might have about Dismiddlement.

-Rich

I think the Henning version looks far more deceptive, but the advantage of using an audience member certainly has its merits. I have asked many, many laypeople how they thought the Henning version was done. None of them could figure it out (as opposed to almost everyone figuring out the accurate method for Thin Model Sawing.)

Hi rich,
I don't have any questions, just wanted to say welcome. I admire your work.
bob

Thanks, Bob! I sure appreciate it!
Rich Hill