Bill Malone Tips Sam the Bellhop
It is only once in a long while that a trick as powerful as
"Sam
The Bellhop comes" along. Years ago, in his book "The Final
Word on Cards" by Rufus Steel, there was an entry titled "Sam and
Moe." This was simply a stunt in which the magician tells a story
while turning over cards from the deck. It was not really a trick but
merely used as an interlude, such as "Rocky the Raccoon."
However, world-renowned magician Bill Malone learned the Sam the Bellhop story
from friend Mike Pappas of Chicago, added expert blind cuts and false shuffles,
and turned this muse of a trick into an absolute jaw-dropping miracle.
Over the years, he refined the effect, and in 1994 was asked to perform it on
the "World's Greatest Magic." His performance had magicians
desperate to learn the secret, and Malone answered the call by publishing this
video.
The tape starts out by showing a live version on Malone's performance (not from WGM). After the performance, Bill takes you behind the scenes to explain the trick. First, a brief history is given of the effect. Malone next goes through to explain all of the false cuts and shuffles which are needed in order to perform the trick. Now, I know that when you hear the words false shuffle and false cuts it makes you cringe. However, Malone does an excellent job of explaining the moves step-by-step and making it as easy as possible. You will learn the Zarrow Shuffle, Erdnase False Running Cut, Marlo's Favorite False Cut, Michael Skinner's False Cut, and several more. Next, Malone takes you through the sleights which are involved in the effect, of which there are only two.
Following the explanation of the false shuffles and the sleights, Malone takes you through the complete effect, along with teaching you the hilarious patter. He points out where the energy needs to be during the trick, in order for the presentation to be flawless. You will see and learn the rhythm, the pacing, the timing, the asides, and the attitude which makes "Sam the Bellhop" one of the most entertaining 4 minutes of magic. If card magic is your thing, then this video is the best $35 you will ever spend. If you are willing to take a couple of weeks to practice the moves, the shuffles, and the routine, then you will be rewarded with a lifetime of fun and entertainment.
Daryl's Ambitious Card Video
The
Ambitious Card is one of those rare things in magic - a "perfect"
effect. It is quick and easy to understand, yet has variations limited only by
your imagination. The performance transcends all language barriers and can be as
simple or as complicated as you wish. Freestyle routining makes this effect a
little like playing jazz - once you have mastered the basic theme, you can weave
in and out of it to create a unique and personalized rendition for each
performance. Here you have the chance to witness the live performance of Daryl's
entire gold medal-winning F.I.S.M. routine. Daryl also demonstrates and explains
dozens of additional tips and subtleties he has created and refined over many
years to allow you to be the best you can be. And, for the first time ever,
Daryl reveals the real work on the most amazing finale to this routine - Daryl's
Ultimate Ambition Improved!
Ok, that's what's on the back of the video box, at least. Daryl's Routine of the Ambitious Card is definitely amazing. However, I read that description of the video before I purchased it and I must say, I was expecting a lot out of the tape. Then I sat down and watched Daryl perform the routine, and although it is a good one, which I now use, the patter is really not there, and I am not the greatest of making up my own patter. Not only that, but the "amazing finale" to the routine requires a special gimmick that you can only purchase from, you guessed it, Daryl himself. Well, if I just ruined the video for you then hear this, I still use the routine in my act, and it does get quite a response, it's just that it is not too different from other Ambitious Card Routines that are described in books. The thing I love about this video, however, is all of the moves which Daryl takes you through. He shows you his routine and the moves which are involved, but then he explains several other moves, which you are free to incorporate into your routine. In other words, you can make up your own ambitious routine in which the sky is the limit. Below are the moves which Daryl explains.
Daryl's Gold Medal F.I.S.M. Routine - Riffle Shuffle Control; Triple Lift; Snap Double Life (Larry Jennings); The Double Lift Build Up (Verne Chesbro); Brrrrtttt! (Bruce Elliott); The Top Change; For The Unambitious (Edward Marlo); The Double Whammo; Deck Switch (Daryl); The Bluff Pass (Paul LePaul); Topper (Frank Garcia & Bill Spooner);Tilted and Turned (Daryl); Up the Falls; Thin Ambitious (Daryl & Edward G.).
Additional Techniques - Control Knockout; The Center Double Life (Jack Avis); The Hofzinser Spread Pass (J.N. Hofzinser); To Boldly Go; The Push-In Change (A. Roterberg, Hatton & Plate, Frederick Braue); The Ambitious Miracle Change (Edward Marlo); The Tip-Over Change (Jack Merlin); The Tiltless Tilt; Bluff Insertion from the Front (Irv Weiner); The Daily Leaper (Dr. Jacob Daley); The Impromptu Duplicate; Four - Fifths of the Truth (Phil Goldstein); Ambitious Movie (Roy Walton); A One-Handed Sequence (Daryl); Mexican Turnover Top Change Second Deal (Daryl); Diminishing Lift Sequence (Edward Marlo & Daryl); Flustration Count (Brother John Hamman); The Trick That Fooled Houdini (Dai Vernon); The Gaffless Houdini-Fooler (Daryl); Nothing Changes (Rick Anderson); The Ambitious Twins (Frederick Braue, Jean Hugard, Daryl); Ambitious One Way (Daryl); The Paintbrush Change (Stanley Collins & Dai Vernon); The Pop-Up Card (Frederick Braue).
A1 Convention at the Capital '98
This is the live video tape from the 1998 Magical Media Convention held in Washington D.C.. Performances are given by Gregory Wilson, Kenton Knepper, Docc Hilford, Guy Hollingworth, Eric DeCamps, Derek Dingle, and Tommy Wonder. Now, I am willing to bet that the reason this video has gained so much attention is due to Mr. Hollingworth's presentation of "Waving the Aces," but I assure you, there are several other very good pieces of magic which can fit into anyone's routine.
The
video starts off with Gregory Wilson, who presents his "Florida
Keys." In the trick, keys are borrowed from an audience member, and
they visually link and unlink. This trick is very cool and relatively easy
to learn. Next up is Kenton Knepper, who I must admit I had never heard
of before. Knepper performs a version of "Torn and Restored
Card," claiming his version is by far the easiest to perform. Well,
he might be right about that, but he failed to mention it is arguably the worst version
of "The Torn and Restored Card." The card cannot be examined by
the audience upon performing, due to the fact there is a small but visible tear
in the middle of the card. I can't stand routines such as these, in which
the audiences' suspicion is heightened, yet they are not allowed to examine the
evidence after all is said and done. Maybe there is a reason why I have never heard
of Kenton Knepper.
Next up is Docc Hilford, who performs a quick version of palm reading. The trick's premise is very simple, but if performed with the right mood, it is truly stunning. As Docc explains, "I fly first class when I only have coach tickets, simply because I can perform this illusion!" Then, Guy Hollingworth takes the stage with his much talked about version of Dai Vernon's "Twisting the Aces." Hollingworth performed his "Waving the Aces" three years ago on the "World's Greatest Magic." Then, without any 'jiggery pokery' he proceeded to explain the move which makes the trick happen. Now, while the move seems relatively simple, I am still having problems mastering it. However, I assure you that if you can ever perform the trick half as well as Guy does, then card magic doesn't get any better. The one disappointment here was that Guy, in his "World's Greatest Magic" performance, changed the cards into Aces after the performance. While he does go into explaining this on the tape, the basis of it turns out to be gimmicked cards (duh!) which are made only by Guy!
Eric Decamps and Derek Dingle follow, with some stunning coin magic up there sleeves. DeCamps performs the "Shadow Coins," in which three coins are cleanly vanished and then are caused to reappear one at a time. Dingle then performs and explains "Silver Quick," in which four coins travel one at a time from the performer's hand to the spectator's hand. Both of these coin effects are visually stunning, but will take some work to master.
Finally, Tommy Wonder performs his "Card in the Card Box" with the Two Second Fold. I must say, this has become one of my favorite effects on the tape, as Tommy shares all of the intricate details of this very powerful routine. I have come across several card folds in the past 10 years, but this one takes the cake.
Michael Ammar Miracles With Cards Video Vol #1
In 1994, Michael Ammar introduced the first three
volumes in his Miracles with Cards Video Series. Later, in 1997,
he finished out the set with his final 3 volumes. Michael took
classic magic effects, and made them as easy to perform as
possible. Each video contains 10 incredible effects, plus a bonus
effect. This volume is, of course, volume 1. Each of the volumes
costs anywhere from $25 dollars to $35 dollars, depending on the
dealer. Here are some of the highlighted effects and a brief
description of each.
8 Card Brainwave-This classic effect by Nick Trost is based on Ed Marlo's Orlam Subtlety. The effect is, the spectator is shown 8 cards, and is asked to think of one. He then names it, and it is shown that all of the cards have the same color back except for his!
Red Hot Mama-This effect comes from Ryan/Everhart/Leech. The spectator's card changes to an odd color and is then set on the table. He is then asked to pick another card. This time however, his card does not change color. The magician, confused, looks at the card that was earlier set on the table and it has become the spectator's card!
Triumph-This classic from Dai Vernon, featured in Stars of Magic, is clearly explained by Mr. Ammar. A card is chosen and then mixed into the pack. The magician then mixes the deck face-up into face-down. For the climax, the cards are spread to reveal they have all turned face-up, except for the spectator's chosen card, which is face-down.
Las Vegas Leaper-From the mind of Paul Harris comes this great routine. This trick involves great interaction with your spectator. The basic effect is 10 cards are counted out and the magician then asks the spectator to sit on them. The magician then counts off 3 more cards for himself. He one-by-one makes the cards to vanish and reappear in the spectator's packet.
Cannibal Cards-A great effect from Lin Searles. The magician tells a story of how every deck of cards comes complete with it's own cannibals. He produces the four kings, and proceeds to place 3 selected cards inside the kings. The cards mysteriously vanish, and for a climax, the kings are reproduced in the middle of the deck with the selected cards in between them.
The Insurance Policy (Bonus Effect)-A great effect from the mind of Tommy Wonder. This effect can be bought at magic stores for as much as $10, but comes free with this video. The effect is the spectator selects a card. The magician then produces his insurance policy. In a funny sequence, the insurance policy is opened and is shown as big print of the spectator's chosen card.
Michael Ammar Miracles With Cards Video Vol #2
This week we review volume two of Michael Ammar's
Miracles with Card Series. This classic is packed with 10 great
tricks plus a bonus routine, MacDonald's Aces. Below are some of
the highlighted tricks.
Twisting the Aces-This classic Dai Vernon routine was first published in his Inner Card Magic Series. The magician shows four aces and one by one causes them to appear face up.
Daley's Last Trick-Dr. Jacob Daley, a brilliant magician, created this quick trick. The effect is the magician displays the four aces, and then hands the spectator the two black aces. Then, with a magical gesture, the magician shows that he now holds the black aces and the spectator has the red ones!
Card Warp-This classic Roy Walton routine is one of the simplest illusions yet it is very mind-blowing! The magician displays two cards and then shows that they have actually warped inside each other. The great part of this trick is it leaves you (the magician) clean.
That's It-A card is chosen and lost in the deck. The magician explains to the spectator that he wants them to take a lie detector test. He goes on to explain that every time he turns a card face up, he wants the spectator to say That's It (that's my card). He goes through several cards before he thinks he has the right card. He hands it to the spectator and asks if he was correct. The spectator responds no but, upon being turned over, the card is changed into his chosen card.
The Ambitious Card-This routine is one of the most mind boggling out there. The spectator takes out a card and, time after time, it returns to the top. To end, the magician bends the chosen card and clearly places it in the middle. The bend visually comes to the top and is turned over and proven to be the chosen card.
MacDonald's Aces-This great bonus, a $10 value, comes free with the video. The spectator is given odd cards and asked to place his hands over them. The 4 aces are then shown and are caused to vanish. The spectator is asked to lift up his hands and, to his surprise, the aces are found there.
Michael Ammar Miracles With Cards Video Vol #3
The third volume
in the Miracles with Cards Series is a gem. The following are
some of the highlights from the video.
Between the Palms-The classic Alex Elmsley routine in which a spectator's signed card magically appears under the spectator's palm. A very powerful effect!
Twins-A classic John Hamman trick in which 4 cards are displayed, and a story is told, which climaxes with all 4 cards changing into other cards.
Jazz Aces-The awesome Peter Kane/Darwin Ortiz effect in which the 4 aces are shown, as well as 4 odd cards. One-by-one, the aces change places with the odd cards. An excellent effect which will be a wonderful addition to your repertoire.
Card in Wallet-The classic trick with a little twist put into it by Michael Ammar and Gary Plants. A card is selected, a piece of it is torn off, and it magically appears in the magicians wallet, in his credit card slot!
Color Changing Deck-The Dai Vernon effect in which a red deck is displayed, a card is selected, and the card ends up being the only red card in an entire blue deck. A true classic of magic!
Michael Ammar Miracles With Cards Video Vol #4
Some time after publishing the first three
videos, Ammar decided that he had more effects to teach and published the next
three in the set. Each of the last 3 volumes contains a printed outline of each
effect, so the magician can reflect back upon what he/she has learned. Volume #4
was a smash hit, with such classics as Your Signed Card, Reset, and The Gambler
Vs. The Magician. Here are some of the highlights from Volume #4.
You Signed Card-An excellent trick created by Brother John Hamman. The 4 aces are shown, a card is then taken and placed face down on the table by the magician. The spectator then proceeds to select a card, and it mysteriously vanishes inside the aces. However, when the original card that was placed down by the magician is flipped over, it proves to be the spectator's signed card!
J.C's Super Closer-One of the true gems of the series, it holds up to it's name of being a super closer. The magician proceeds to find the 4 aces, the 4 kings, and, as a climax, all the suits are divided out by the magician. Words can't express this classic effect!
Reset-My personal favorite effect of the series, Paul Harris takes credit for this effect. The magician displays 4 aces and 4 jacks. He places the jacks face down on the table, and one by one they change places with the aces, until the magician is holding all 4 jacks. However, as a climax, the magician pushes the jacks through his hand, and they appear again as aces. The cards set on the table beforehand are picked up, and shown to once again by the 4 jacks!
Card Thru Table-An excellent effect that really is mystifying. The spectator selects a card, puts it back, and is instructed to place his hand under the table. Mysteriously, the card slowly transforms inside his hand, and when he pulls his hand it, it proves to be his card.
Gambler Vs. Magician-Dr. Daley outdid himself on this one! The magician recounts the story of the classic showdown between the magician and the gambler. The gambler challenges the magician to cut to 4 of a kind out of the deck. The magician successfully cuts to 3 kings, but on the 4th one he cuts to an ace. However, using his magic powers, he changes the 3 kings into aces. The gambler then challenges to find the kings. He accepts, and the magician proceeds to produce them from anywhere he desires! Great effect, and awesome story.
Michael Ammar Miracles With Cards Video Vol #5
Volume #5 in Ammar's series contains
brilliant material from magicians such as Martin Lewis, J.C.
Wagner, and Paul Harris. The video is filled with more exciting
card magic for the magician.
Virginia City Shuffle-Another true gem of the series. In this effect, the magician shows three blank cards and an ace. He sets a blank card on the table, and places the ace in the middle of the blank cards. He then gives a magical gesture, and the ace is back on the table. He repeats the process, and, to close, the magician reveals there to be only one blank card and three aces!
Henry Christ's Fabulous Four Ace Trick-An astounding ace trick, and incredibly easy to perform. The magician shows 4 aces, and places them inside the deck at random places. In the amusing patter that follows, he is able to relocate the aces in a amazing fashion.
The Gun Trick-One of my favorites to perform for a fun group. The spectator selects a card, returns it, and the magician proceeds to make a gun out of the deck. He then shoots a card out of the deck, and it proves to be the spectators card!
Card on Ceiling-One of Michael's, as well as my, favorite routines to perform. The magician has a card selected, returned, and raps a rubber band around the deck. He throws the entire deck against the ceiling, and, amazingly, one card, the selected card, sticks to the ceiling.
Torn & Restored Card-A great version of the classic torn & restored card, this one coming from the mind of J.C. Wagner. The effect is truly visual, and one of the best versions of the trick which I have come across. But, most importantly, it is very simple to accomplish!
Michael Ammar Miracles With Cards Video Vol #6
The closer of the series, this is not my
favorite of the videos. While it does have some classics
including Jumping Gemini, and Close-Up Illusion, it also has
tricks such as Miracle which I am not the fondest of.
Close-Up Illusion-One of, if not the most visual piece of magic which I have ever seen. 3 cards are displayed, two of which have the same back, the third is a odd-backed card. The magician clearly shows the odd-backed card to be in the middle, but by giving a little shake, the card visually goes to the bottom, and then goes back to the middle. Great trick by Mr. Jennings, and very simple to learn.
Play it Straight Triumph-A great trick from the mind of John Bannon, this was recently performed by Michael Ammar on the Magic Awards on Fox Family. The effect is a card is selected and the magician proceeds to shuffle face up cards into face down, and states he will find the selected card. However, with a bit of humor involved, he realizes he hasn't asked the spectator to put his/her card back. He states that he will do the next best thing and find out the value of the card. The deck is spread, and 12 cards, in order of a certain suit are shown face-up. One card is missing, and it proves to be the chosen card. One word of caution with this one, it requires some set up, so be prepared!
Jumping Gemini-An awesome trick by Darwin Ortiz, in which the Ace of Spades continues to jump to the top of the 4 ace pack. The cards then change to 4 ten of hearts, and, for a climax, change into the 4 kings!
Triple Coincidence-John Scarne's classic effect in which two decks with different back designs are presented. The magician gets one, the spectator gets another. They pick three cards from their own deck, and place them in each other's decks. When spread out, the three cards chosen by the spectator turn out to be the same taken by the magician!
Money Miracles Vol #1
World Champion magician Michael Ammar performs
and teaches the most amazing collection of magic featuring bills
and coins ever on video-- both new and classic. The very best of
the practical yet astonishing routines you can carry in your
pocket or wallet. Michael performs on location for guests at a
resort at Lake Tahoe in Utah. His Super Practice Sessions,
classical music together with all the advantages of video make
mastering these miracles easier than ever. There are 3 videos to
the set, and each video has 10 different effects, with a bonus
effect on each. The following are highlights from the first
volume:
41 Cent Miracle-Forty
one cents are displayed and made to disappear in the bare hands,
except for the quarter, which changes into a piece of peppermint.
Continuous Production-A seemingly endless
production of dollar coins is produced from a silk in the hands.
The climax is the appearance of an extra large dollar coin, then
a fan of credit cards, followed by the Credit Card Quickie( below
). Endless production ideas are introduced here.
Credit Card Quickie-After
the above fan of credit cards is produced, Michael breaks off a
corner of a credit card and restores it by magic.
Hornswoggled-Twenty dollars is counted in the
hands. The bills are recountd one at a time only to find $19.00.
A third count, only $15.00!! The last count shows the total
restored but with a surprise ending. Excellent patter with
routine.
Snappy-- A matrix type trick using 4 quarters
and four cards, where the coins start one under each card and all
go under a single card, then resume their original positions for
a surprise finish.
Michael's Matrix--A trick using 4 half dollars
and only two playing cards. The halves start in 4 corners and end
up under one card.
Star Warp-- A playing card is folded in half
inside a folded dollar bill. When the card is pushed through the
bill, the card reverses itself inside out and outside in. In the
end, the reversed halves of the card are torn in half and the
ripped edges match up perfectly.
Bent Penny Transposition-A dime in the
spectator's hand switches places with a penny in the magician's
hand. Afterward, the penny squeezed in the spectator's hand is
bent and makes a memorable souvenir.
Incredible Coins Across-Four half dollars
disappear from the magician's hands and appear out of thin air in
the spectator's hands.
Hanging Coins-Four half dollars are made
invisible and "hung" in the air on invisible
"skyhooks". A sweep of the magician's hand and the
coins are retrieved and made visible again.
Bonus Effect-A dollar bill's serial number is recorded
by the spectator, folded by the magician and made to change into
a laundry inspection sticker. The bill has vanished!! The bill
reappears pinned to the back of the magician's coat, and, the
serial number matches with the one written down by the spectator
originally. The coat was shown without the bill in back at the
start of the trick. A miracle!!