I saw the title and thought, "Ugh, a whole episode of effects using material that will trash my hands and tricks that will look weak." I was expecting bad spirit writing. And I was so wrong. No chalk was harmed (or even used) in the production of this episode.

The first two effects involve some interesting optical illusions that you might use for some fun filler material. Rock & Roll High Note is the third trick and was one of those that can easily be modified to fit your persona. I vaguely remember seeing the core effect performed in the deep dark past, but Dan demonstrates that with some simple theatrics a simple classic can be turned into a real winner. The Dirty Minds routine? Good one for an adult mentalism set if you can pull off some blue comedy material.

The final trick, The Illusion, is worth the price of admission and then some. Sure, there's some basic arts & crafts involved. But this one is so powerful that I WILL be running to the office supply store tomorrow. The effect is highly visual and, given the way Dan performs it, I did not see the ending or the kicker coming. This one I will be performing.

Dan Harlan: You are a national treasure.

5 brought up to date effects all using drawings. These include surprise predictions, and illusions. Only one would require you to buy a gimmick elsewhere. The first, two and the last I think were the best, with the final one letting you hand out great keepsakes.

This download is interesting and apposite and an important reminder of part of the historical legacy of 'magic' - community education via community places -such as 'lyciums'.

And, yes, it does require some art and craft skill use - this type of magic comes at the back- end of the 'magic-by-mechanics', era: pre-electronics and pre-minaturization.

So, if yer into educating any audience while performing a few jaw-dropping mechanical effects, this is a download for you.

Chalk Talk is one of the best in the Tarbell serious. And very easy to preform. I like chalk talk a lot. And highly recommended it.

This lesson is greatly reworked from the book. In the book, the magician would draw an image that looked like it was going to be one thing, but then it would change into another thing. In this lesson there are 3 "dirty" versions of this concept. There's also an drawing that looks like nothing that quickly turns into a clear image. All of these are made into magical moments.

There are two "moving image" illusions, one using an expensive magic store prop and one you can make yourself cheaply. I like the homemade illusion best and I might make one up myself.

As Dan said in the promo video it's all new ideas based off old concepts. I don't see me using anything from this, but it's still a bit of fun and interesting to know. I haven't read this part of Tarbel yet, but look forward to seeing the originals.

Best part of the video was when, during an explanation, Dan dropped something, swears, films 3 takes and the editor forgot to edit it all out 🤣

This download is interesting and apposite and an important reminder of part of the historical legacy of 'magic' - community education via community places -such as 'lyciums'.

And, yes, it does require some art and craft skill use - this type of magic comes at the back- end of the 'magic-by-mechanics', era: pre-electronics and pre-minaturization.

So, if yer into educating any audience while performing a few jaw-dropping mechanical effects, this is a download for you.

Harlan is a pillar in the community for helping to learn stuff. Really a great guy!

Love how Dan Harlan takes outdated material and keeps the odds behind it and makes it fresh.

Dan can breathe life into just about anything. A few of these things would be nice interludes for someone that M.C.s, but the arts & crafts ideas from Dan are worth everything here.

He teaches so much about the type of tools you'll need that my head always spins. The last effect is worth much more than than the entire lesson. Knowing how it works and how it is built should spark other ideas on making drawings move that can later be handed out.

Fantastic!