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Joe Strantz New user 24 Posts |
Folks, is anyone familiar with the block and cord effect "Bessie the Elusive Cow", where you thread a cord through a clear acrylic block twice, show the block suspending midway on the cord, then flick your wrist, seemingly passing the cord through the block? I'm thinking about buying this trick, but not sure how it works, and can't afford to keep buying tricks, that have some complex switch, or easily detectible gimmick, that won't work for me. I prefer the easy ones to perform, mechanical in nature, (no major switches, gimmicks, etc.). I know, I'm not a good technician, I'm a pure amatuer, more of a showman and just love magic, mostly doing tricks for my kids. My favorite trick is the Color Cube Deluxe and I'm looking for similar excellent mechanical type tricks. Any help would be greatly appreciated on these questions:
- Is the cord or block gimmicked? - Can they be examined? - Is it repeatable? - Does it rely on magnets, a switch, or some other non-examinable gimmick? Any help would be appreciable. Thanks - Joe. |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
Well this is an update of a very very old trick. That used to be sold under the name of Bloc-Cord (Block Cord) or Block off Cord.
It is about as easy as it comes. There is no gimmick. What you see is what is used. A length of rope or cord and a cube of wood or plastic with a hole drilled through it. That's it. The clear plastic version is very pretty and very modern looking to be sure. But a simple wooden version can be had for about $25.00. For example you might check out: http://www.fabmagic.com/bloffrofab.html They are the same trick (methodology).
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Hi Joe:
I don't have this particular trick, but I had a very similar one many years ago. Unless they've really improved the method, I can tell you this: The block is not gimmicked. The cord must be gimmicked in some manner to come free of the block. The block can be examined,, but I wouldn't even offer it for examination before the effect. It's see-through! The cords can't be examined, but after the completion of the trick they probably can be. The only way it could possibly be repeatable is if there is some type of magnet or similar gimmick. Therefore, one of your last two questions is correct, but not both. The price is very expensive for what you get. I assume it's expensive to cut a block of plastic and drill a hole through it. In my opinion, you probably wouldn't be happy with this trick if you're looking for a self working miracle. Stick with needle through balloon, pen through dollar, ring flight (there's a great examinable ring flight available), or matchbox penetration. These are all self-working examinable tricks that are real foolers. Jim |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
Actually the cord is NOT gimmicked at all. It is a single cord not cords (as in two). This is not the Grandmother's necklace principle. The props are totally examable before and after the trick is performed(but why would you want to?).
You can see a close-up photo on the Steven's Magic web site. They have it for 55% off. http://www.stevensmagic.com/index.php?ma......d=113004 Another view of it can be seen on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Bessie-the-Elusive-Cow/dp/B003VL59R4 It is what you see; a cube of plastic (or wood if you follow my link above) and a length of rope/cord. One length of cord. That's it. Plain and simple. There is a rather simple "move" to accomplish the trick but it requires NO gimmick. There is a very short discussion of the trick here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......&forum=4
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Thanks Harry, that's not the way mine worked. Mine was the old two cord, tie one over method.
Speaking of Grandma's necklace, there's a "new" one on the market by Dean Dill called Nana's Necklace. My understanding is that this can be examined before and after the effect if you want. The "move" is apparently made right in front of the spectators. This may suit Joe's requirements to a "T", and it's only about $25. Jim |
Joe Strantz New user 24 Posts |
Harry and Jim, thanks so much for the detailed response. I think I will get this one then. It sounds like it will work for me. I appreciate the insight and advice.
Harry, you mentioned a couple others that might work for me: an examinable ring flight; and matchbox penetration. Can you point me in the right direction to find these? What they're called, or who makes them. I'd appreciate it. Thanks again Guys. Best, Joe. |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
Joe, There are any number of Ring Flight props you can use. If you want one that is handed to the spectator to remove the key and not discover the workings you will have to consider:
Reel-less: Would include: “Ringer” by Steve Dusheck. It is arguably the best in the class. A bit difficult to find as Steve only makes a very limited number. You have to get it directly from him. http://www.stevedusheck.com/Steve_Dushec......ome.html A tad easier to find and a good version where the key ring may be handed to the spectator to take off their ring is “Pro-Flight” by Nicholas Einhorn. You can see a demo of it on the Penguin site: http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S12186 The one I have the most experience with is the Morelli Ring Flight. All three look similar but work differently. All three allow for the spectator to take their ring off the key ring. For some reason the Steven’s website would not load this morning but it is normally: http://www.stevensmagic.com There is only one reel based ring flight prop that actually allows the spectator to openly take their key off the key ring. It is the” Ring Flight Revolution” put out by Dave Bonsall. It is pricy but well worth the investment. With proper handling and blocking you can use any of the Ring Flight props and develop a good routine. The spectator doesn’t have to take the ring off the key ring /key case for it to be a powerful routine. Look at Dick Barry’s prop and routine, Bruce Cevron’s routine, Mike Close’s routine for the Gaetan Bloom prop, Pete Brio/Joe Porper prop and routine, etc., etc. As to the matchbox penetration I don’t remember ever recommending this prop. I’ve use one I bought in France decades but don’t know of one being made today that I’d strongly recommend. I have moved to using INDUSTRIAL REVELATION by Jamie D. Grant. It is a knife and/or folded playing card and coin through card box. There are a couple of discussion threads on it here on the Café. One can be found at: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=109
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Joe Strantz New user 24 Posts |
Harry and Jim. I just got the "Bessie the Magic Cow" trick from SME. Mastered it in just a few minutes. Tried it out on my kids (my guinea pigs for all new tricks). They loved it and had no clue how I did it! Real simple, visual magic that plays well for me. This enhanced version is a magnificent work of art too. Beautifully created. Real professional looking. I am very happy with it. Thanks for all the input and advice. I really appreciate it. Best, Joe.
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Stellan Special user Sweden 580 Posts |
This is a good trick. However I have found the cord a bit too stiff for doing the trick smoothly. I don't know if it is possible to soften it as it seems to be made of synthetic material. It is not so easy to replace it because of the special ends. Anybody who has a solution to this?
"There is no reality, only perception."
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Mystification Special user 571 Posts |
Is there a demo anywhere for this?
Is it a layered routine or a one effect trick? |
Stellan Special user Sweden 580 Posts |
I don't think there is a demo for this. I hope not. It is a one effect routine. I do not use the presentation about Bessie. It fits into a patter I have when talking how people use magical thinking and hoping for the seemingly impossible.
"There is no reality, only perception."
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jaizon Inner circle By time you read this I will have 1552 Posts |
I know it's been a long time since this thread was active but I'm hoping for a little help. I purchased Bessie the Elusive Cow as part of a fundraiser for a magician on FB. It came to me in perfect condition but has no instructions and I haven't got a clue what to do with it. Any help (even a pdf of the instructions ) would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Preston |
PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
Old Thread!!!
I purchased the block penetration on the secondary market. I know how to perform the penetration. It did not come with the Brewe routine. If anyone can send me a copy, I would be most appreciative. Paul Green paulgreen(AT)earthlink.net |
Jay Jennings Veteran user Scottsdale, AZ 332 Posts |
Old thread (but not as old as when Paul revived it!!)
Is there anybody around who performs this (or performed it) who'd be willing to trade me some emails (or possibly a Zoom call) about it? Thanks! Jay
Mystery arts articles and thoughts: https://ExclusiveMagic.com
Free video crash course for numerology readings: https://LoShuNumerology.com |
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Hi Jay - I’ve been doing it recently and calling it the Houdini escape, telling the story of Houdini and releasing the block from the rope. Really plays well for adults and kids and is very visual. Hit me up!
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