Magic Tricks

Almost a century ago as a young boy starting out in magic I had this effect. It was well made then and it is well made now.

Back in those days most men carried boxes of matches with them. Then came the ubiquitous and cheap lighters which did away with matchboxes, and then came the second hand smoke people who did away with cigarettes and cigars in public space.

So, the most difficult part of this effect is explaining why you have a box of matches. Once you get past that, it is terrific. I personally use a story about the classic illusions - levitation and boxes on stage and sawing in half or piercing an assistant with a sword. I mention that I have encountered a miniture version of all of those things.

'Imagine - this as a magician's box, with a beautiful assistant therein - and picture this match as a sword.'

With great seriousness I pierce the box with the match and say, "I can almost hear the assistant screaming. Maybe I should have levitated her.'

"But you probably can guess how this was done - a simple box with a hole in it and a trusty match. Here try it.'

Once the spectator has tried and found resistance, I ask him or her to open the box and check out the assistant. "Rather heavier and more solid than your ordinary assistant. No wonder I didn't levitate her.'

Easy to do, spectacular effect that seems to happen in the spectator's hands. Easy to do as the magic is done where there is no heat on the objects - and then they are in the spectator's hand.

This was a no-brainer 5 star rating.