Am thinking about buying Doug Malloy Lean. Does any one have any feed back on this?

On the contrary, Magicusa. Malloy's version of the classic trick is awesome. I've seen him perform it at the Castle a couple of times; it's very visual--almost surreal.

However, as I understand the trick (without giving away too much info), there's more to it than just the special shoes. Therefore, you're not going to be walking down the hallway at work and all of a sudden go into an antigravity move. I believe that it's for a formal show. However, if you perform professionally, in the right venue this is a fantastic routine!

Hi MJ Marrs,
Could you please tell us the effect?
Thanking you,
Gerard

MagicCarisio,

Go to the site below and read it for yourself, save alot of typing.

http://www.malloymodernmagic.com

Hi everyone,
I had been to the lean website and read about it. I have heard that it is not possible to do all that is claimed, meaning you are not free to move before or after the lean and I remember seeing the price else where at around $500.
How practical is this? Owners please comment. Thanks in advance.

"Lean on me, when you're not strong"...

Malloy is a brilliant and honest guy. He'll give you the straight dope about any of his products!!!

I asked Malloy. Beside the shoes you need a heavy metal plate (quiet big) to stand on it. Therefore it is only good for stage shows.

Hi Nimrod,
I am planning to use this as a visual gag in a stage act I am building. The act requires that I move around a lot. Will I be able to do it without leaving the stage? For instance can I do the dancing cane, with a lot of movement and then lean towards a drink, lean back and be completely mobile again? Without having to take the shoes off? Or does wearing these shoes restrict mobility? Also does the performer have to be slim?
Please reply and thank you in advance.

I saw a magician do the Lean yesterday at the SAM 16 Magic Competition. He had to set up on stage with no curtain. I watched him lay out the metal plate and drape a cloth over it. He did a great act with a bit of mime movement and at the end he was pusing on a "floating" ball and leaned way over so it seemed to hold him up. He was able to move around completely freely before and after the lean, and getting into position was not at all suspicious.

While walking to my car I hear a group speculating on how he was able to lean over so far. They concluded that it must take a lot of practice. I think it's significant that this sight gag is what they were talking about as they left as there was a lot of really good magic in the competition.

Dsilverfield,

Yes you can walk around the stage and the shoes can be worn during the entire performance without anything being given away. It's a great visual and I've seen the plate introduced in a number of alternative ways. I could be mistaken, but I think Kevin James uses it with Arturo and the gimmick is actually on a cleaning cart that is pushed out on stage at the beginning of the act. The lean is done on the cart versus leaving the plate on the floor.

I just finished reading an old Genii article on Bert Easley, which gives some interesting details on the lean board. One of the points that caught my attention was that the illusion requires the performer to be fairly light in weight, and somewhat (sorry) short in stature. The article mentioned that the late Harry Blackstone Jr. was interested in The Lean, and tried on Bert Easley's shoes. Unfortunately, Blackstone was too large, and the effect was unworkable.

I'm curious to know if any 6 foot something magicians have been able to use The Lean. If so, please let me know.

I am 6ft and perform without any problem. The key isn't your height, but your calf strength. Of course hitting the gym helps if you perform this regularly and the more fit the calves the farther the lean.

Christopher and Oliver Twist:
Thank you very much for your kind reviews and they have helped me a lot in deciding.
I have one last concern.
Can the metal plate be onstage before I start and can I just walk up to onto it and do the lean?
Thanks in advance.

You can put the plate onstage before you start and you'll be all set. Yes, you can walk up onto the plate and then do the lean. You just have to get into position on the plate before you can lean.

Thanks Corey. I get the point. I think I will go for it.
Thank you all

It only looks good if you do not over do it. Just be prepared if you are told it is an OLD CLOWN GAG. While this version is more developed the basics are the same.

Thanks power magic and coincidentally, that was the first comment a friend of mine made when I mentioned it.

Jello,

I have always loved "The Lean" and decided to go ahead and take the plunge because I couldn't find anyone who owned it or had ever used it.

That's the PLUS, noone uses it. The carpet coverup does just fine and is never noticed. I think it's like the super X, that even if you only bought it for promo pictures alone; it's still a unique picture that will really set you apart from all the floating ladies that agents see.

Unfortunately, I've had a hip replacement and while I can still do it. ..it's not really the safest trick for me to perform,now. Mines for sale. . . .just check the buy/sell section for "The Lean".

Thank you,
Daniel
dbull@ccvn.com