I saw Mark perform this on the Great Escape Convention 5 DVD, and it has had my attention since. However, it doesn't necessarily meet my personal criteria for an escape, as the performer is out of site for several minutes while effecting his/her release.

While we can debate in sight versus out of sight escapes and how audiences today are more demanding than in Houdini's day, I am curious if anyone has had any first hand experience with the Sweat Box escape? How did it play for you?

I saw Mark do it in person at the Convention, and I think the audience really liked it. I know I did.

Bear in mind..when the Cannons perform it, it's not just a "Here's a box..I get in..and now I escape" routine.

Their routine evolves around a 1930's storyline, with 2 assistants (Sheila & Fox) in costume - playing the part of two "back-woods" Sheriffs...who forcably manacle Mark, and then literally stuff him into the Sweat Box...and THEN into a steel container.

All while appropriate scenario music is playing. There is also a nice visible bit of business involving the cloth sheet that covers the steel box.

Mark's arm then reaches through the door's "feeding hole" and manipulates the padlock to escape.

So, with costumed assistants, music, and a themed storyline...an "out of view" escape CAN work today.

I'm interested in this. Any videos out there?

Saw Mark perform this on the Great Escape Convention 5 DVD

Moxahalla,

Thank you for the reply, but you obviously missed several key words or phrases in my post. This response is not intended to be snarky or smarmy, but rather submitted respectfully to clarify my original post.

I said that being out of sight doesn't fit MY criteria for an escape. That's not to say that it doesn't work for others, or that certain escapes shouldn't be done that way. It's just not how I prefer to perform escapes. I should add that I don't do any escapes that are "life threatening," such as underwater, etc., that could compensate for being out of sight. You must admit that audiences are indeed different today than 100 years ago, and their attention span is a lot shorter.

I also stated that I saw the Mark perform this on their convention DVD, so I am also quite aware of their routine. I tip my hat and bow slightly, as I feel it was a near perfectly themed routine to fit with the sweat box. Just as I respect them as performers, if I did this illusion, I would not copy their routine, but have several ideas of my own.

Back to my original query--has anyone had any FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE with the sweat box escape?

Now I am wonderin'


Wher can we get such a DVD M Leslie

Yours Sincerely

Dave Matkin
on this beautiful April frist 2009.