Effect

The performer tells a story about a visit he made as a boy to an abandoned insane asylum in Lake Geneva with his cousin. According to legend, one of the rooms was called "The Death Room." This was where extremely sick or incorrigible residents were placed and left to die. In the door, there was a key.

"I took the key," the performer confesses.

A key is introduced.

"You will note that there is no trademark on the key, and it is shiny and new looking, yet its metallic content is not east to discern."

"The key has an unusual property. Somehow it can animate itself maybe all the wails and screams for help that came from that room are embodied in this key. Maybe not."

The key is placed on the performer's outstretched left hand, and the fingers close over it. Now with absolutely no movement of the fingers, the key slowly rotates 180 degrees in a spooky fashion.

The left hand is opened, and the key is moved laterally so that the front end protrudes on the side near the thumb and oval end at the other side. The left fingers are closed into a loose fist.

Slowly the key moves laterally from west to east. It not only moves through the hand laterally, but it also ever so slightly moves inward as it continues its spooky journey.

The performer's hand is totally immobile.

He asks a woman next to him to grasp the top of the key which is extending out of his hand. She does, and the performer opens his hand.

All is innocent. His hand is empty, and the woman examines the key.

The key is retrieved and is placed on the performer's open left hand and once again, it slowly rotates.

The key is dropped on the table and left to be examined.