All I Want For Christmas Is An Owen Card Duck

Our Christmas party went well last Friday and everyone had a good time. The food was great, the gift-exchange held a few cool surprises and we had a few very good laughs. It really set the mood for our holiday season.

Wow, it’s hard to believe that Christmas is next Friday!

We’ve been very busy the last two weeks getting all those Christmas and holiday packages out the door. Just a reminder, if you want your packages by Christmas you’ll have to select expedited shipping.

Since we won’t have a blog next week, I want to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas to all of you. We value your business and wish to extend our heartfelt good wishes to you and yours during this joyous season.

 

My Long-Awaited Owen Card Duck

I’ve been after Alan Zagorsky of Owen Magic Supreme to produce some Card Ducks for many months. He has none in stock and hasn’t been overly excited at the prospect of crafting more. But, I really love the Card Duck trick and consistently sell them (in all shapes and varieties) when I get them in. I’ve kept up my continual pleas for more Owen Card Ducks, which have apparently fallen on deaf ears.

Before I go on, I should tell you that Alan and I have a lengthy history of poking fun at each other, so he obviously saw a fantastic opportunity to go in “for the kill” with my Card Duck request.

Now, continuing…

This week I was pleasantly surprised to receive a package from Owen Magic and had been tipped off that it was in direct response to my Card Duck requests. I figured, “Finally, Alan must have found a few of the long-lost foul” and was forwarding them to me. Upon opening the package I quickly spotted the head of the Card Duck and instantly got VERY excited.

Yippee! My prayers had been answered!

As I opened the box, this is what I expected to see:

No sleight of hand necessary as the smart duck does all the work.

And then…to my utter dismay, I discovered that I’d been sent, a Card Duck Kit, a do-it-yourself kit for creating my own OMS Card Duck. The “kit” included nails, glue, sawdust, Card Duck head, some feathers, a miniature sombrero and tiny serape.

Also included was a handwritten letter that said:

Dear Mr. Gross,

As our production schedule has bee keeping Alan quite BUSY these days, he thought you may have some time to spare in your leisure-filled days to finish this well-anticipated hen that you have been ever so patient for.

Please be sure to send us a photo when your hen is complete!

Thank you,

Everyone at Owen Magic

Sadly, this is what was in the package:

This is the Do-it-Yourself Card Duck Kit I got in the surprise package.

Of course, I immediately called Owen, and when Alan got on the phone, he was fiendishly cackling like some kind of demonic jackal savoring my disappointment and interrupting the lodging of my complaint. Oh, but he definitely had a good laugh on me!

After hanging up the phone, I immediately got into action creating my OWN Card Duck, then snapping a quick picture (as directed) and sending it to him within 20 minutes.

This is MY Card Duck that was easily created with my kit so generously given to me by Alan. Now, the joke’s on him!

Luckily, I had a standard Card Duck on hand and used the materials from the kit to fashion one. I told Alan, “Heck, I made mine in less than 20 minutes Alan. What’s the big deal?”

Mister Zagosky has been informed that pay-back is a B*^#!, so he is to expect a surprise in the near future.

 

This week rather than a video of my favorite magicians I thought I’d post one of my favorite Christmas video of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra singing “A Marshmallow World” from 1967.

 

The love and authentic appreciation these two greats had for each other was always palpable. Hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I do!

Again, have a wonderful and peaceful holiday my friends.

More news in the New Year,

Paul

 

Christmastime is HERE!

We’ve been busier than ever. And I mean that. I am pleased as punch to report that we’re staying plenty busy during the holiday season and we have you, our customers to thank.

We’ve had wives, girlfriends and significant others calling to place orders and purchase gift cards for the magicians in their families, and we encourage you to get your shopping done early so that we can ship your packages out in time for Christmas.

12 Days of Deals

We’ve been running some great deals as part of our 12 Days of Deals this week. There are some fantastic bargains to be had, but they’re only available for 24 hours beginning at 10am daily and terminating the following day at 9:59am. Be sure to take advantage of some of these wonderful deals. Watch you in-box for these short-lived deals. Or, just click on the image below to be taken directly to that category now.

A Visit From The Dancing Gauchos

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Tim’s been working as one of the ringmasters in the Circus of Light at the Global Winter Wonderland taking place in Tulare. It’s a spectacular holiday festival and multi-cultural celebration featuring illuminated landscapes from around the world including the Eiffel Tower, Kremlin and other iconic internationally-famous landmarks.

One of the four acts featured in the Global Winter Wonderland’s Circus of Light is the Dancing Gauchos, an internationally-acclaimed act who been trodding the boards for over 30 years appearing with everyone from Senor Rai & Peter Pit to Jeff McBride & Kalin & Jinger.

Backstage before a performance; Tim Mannix with the Dancing Gauchos, Sergio & Martha Martinez.

Tim’s newfound co-workers are Sergio & Martha Martinez (The Dancing Gauchos) and they paid us a visit this week to have a custom-made prop created by our in-house prop master Tim Wisseman.

Marth and Sergio Martinez of the Dancing Gauchos fame; loved visiting Hocus Pocus.

The Martinez’ were thrilled to find that Hocus Pocus was filled with so many phenomenal show-business props including several of Paco Miller’s stage illusions. Martha comes from a longtime show business family and her parents and grandparents worked with Paco Miller in South America. She took loads of pictures to send to her mom.

Death Trap REVISITED – a Hocus Pocus Exclusive

Finally, available again after a prolonged absence! Guaranteed to add suspense, drama and, most importantly applause!

A trick so thrilling that it NEVER gets boring to perform. An effect that consistently adds drama and suspense every time you perform it! That trick, is Death Trap Revisited!

Over the years, the Knife-Under-Cup (the magician’s version of the Russian Roulette) has emerged in a multitude of variations with everything from the standard sharp knife under cup, to spikes and eggs.

A number of years ago, when Hocus Pocus first released Death Trap, the original, it created a huge sensation throughout the magic community. Its popularity remains constant and it is without a doubt one of the best-selling products we’ve ever had the pleasure of offering. Unavailable for many years, with its rerelease, you now have an opportunity to own this newly-minted version by master craftsman Ray Lum.

EFFECT: A simple wooden plank with 5 wooden holders is displayed. Next, the performer brings out a gleaming dagger blade, which fits into any one of the five slots. A spectator is invited up, and while the performer has his back turned, FREELY chooses a slot in which to place the dagger, blade-up! The spectator covers all the slots with Styrofoam cups and immediately, the performer turns around and crushes all the cups except for ONE! And yes, you guessed it – the remaining cup is raised showing the blade-up dagger!

Death Trap Revisited is as close to 100% safe as humanly possible ensuring a worry-free performance; can be examined THOROUGHLY, before and after, and can be presented effectively anytime, anywhere!

Hocus Pocus Christmas Party

Today we will be celebrating our annual employee Christmas party with an gift exchange. Our group insists on the same food yearly, from one of the best Armenian restaurants in town, and it’s always a lot of fun, especially the gift exchange.

This week’s video is of Abbott and Costello, one of my all-time favorites comedy teams. My dad introduced them to me and I’ve been a fan ever since I first saw them on black-and-white television. I especially like this clip because I perform the comedy Passe Passe Bottle trick in my show. Enjoy.

Get out there and enjoy the lights and sights of the holidays.

As always, have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul

 

Santa’s TRICK PICKS For Christmas 2015

Hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one. I can tell you that ours was. We managed to get the house decorated for the holidays, inside and out, and it looks great. My son-in-law Jonathan and sons Cole and Max handled the lights and décor outside and Betty and I were in charge of the interior. Thanks to all it looks A LOT like Christmas at the Gross house!

Like many retailers, we offered significant savings for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday to our customers. And yes, Black Friday was very good to us.

For more savings to go to our Santa’s Helper 50% Off category by clicking HERE.

 

Santa’s TRICK PICKS For Christmas 2015

We have a number of tricks that are highly recommended and high on Santa’s List of Top Picks. Here are the top FOUR:

1. Straight Suit by Louie Foxx Book (Hocus Pocus EXCLUSIVE)

Are you looking for a new comedy escape for family shows? The Straight Suit is Louie Foxx’s hilarious take on the straitjacket escape that will get BIG reactions!

EFFECT: You are strapped into the Straight Suit, which is like a straitjacket except that it’s a full body restraint. While you struggle to escape the suit suddenly inflates and fills up with air! This is where the fun comes in, while you wiggle to escape you cause the suit to gyrate in all sorts of crazy ways before you finally escape!

You’ll be amazed at how quickly people whip out their cell phones and start taking pictures!

2. Applause Please by Louie Foxx Book (Hocus Pocus EXCLUSIVE)

An audience-tested prop that’s a threefold powerhouse!

EFFECT: An applause sign is utilized throughout your show. During your show, you pour a bottle of Gatorade into a folded up newspaper and the liquid vanishes! You step on the foot switch to turn on the applause sign and it DOESN’T light up. When you open it up the light bulb inside is FULL of the Gatorade that just disappeared! You twist the end off and pour the Gatorade out!

Comes with:

• Gimmicked Applause Sign
• Evaporation Trick as a Gatorade Bottle
• DVD Instructions

APPLAUSE PLEASE is a three-in-one magic prop. Use it as a Warm Up , Applause Device or for the amazing Liquid-in-Light-Bulb trick!

3. Santa’s Surprise by Razamatazz Magic

This is an updated and modified version of the classic Farmyard Frolics (Edwin Hooper) style children’s effect again with a twist.

Great festive fun routine where Santa vanishes and appears in a funny comical routine with a different ending to the original style of effect.

This is a great trick with a magical Christmas theme; modern, colorful and keeps the children laughing and shouting in a controlled way that is a fun to see. You will be amazed at how stunning this looks. Never before has a children’s Christmas prop looked so good.

This is an absolute must for any professional or amateur children’s entertainer and an ideal addition to any children’s and family Christmas shows.

4. Peek-a-Boo Santa by Silly Billy (Hurry LIMITED QUANTITY)

Silly Billy’s newest road-tested item – a Run, Santa, Run on steroids!

Introducing the best Santa Claus trick on the market today. It’s like Run, Santa, Run on steroids. (If there was a Run, Santa, Run, which there isn’t!)

Peek-a-Boo Santa is based on Silly Billy’s hit trick Peek-a-Boo Bunny. Everything learned from building and performing Peek-a-Boo Bunny was added to the improvements and engineering of Peek-a-Boo Santa.

You get the tricked out chimney, the SIX Santas, and believe it or not, a beautiful red velvet bag to carry it in! It looks just like Santa’s sack! And this red sack is a natural fit with the plot about Santa.

You need a NEW Christmas trick for your repeat clients. You will be the ONLY magician in your market with this brand new trick. And you will have the time of your life performing it!

This is really a very good trick. I like it very much and believe it would make a nice addition to your show, especially set to music. It’s simple to perform and although it’s push-button magic, I suspect audience reactions will be audible as your cannot discern any size difference as the die changes color.

Here is the clip of the week. One of my favorites, Carl Ballantine performing his legendary comedy magic act. This was shot about one year prior to his death. Billing himself as “The Great Ballantine”, “The Amazing Ballantine” or “Ballantine: The World’s Greatest Magician”, his vaudeville-style comedy routine involved transparent or incompetent stage magic tricks, which tended to flop and go “hilariously awry” to the wisecracking Ballantine’s mock chagrin. He has been credited with creating comedy magic and greatly influenced both comics and magicians.

As always, have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives. I’m thankful for a lot of things, but I’m most thankful for YOU, our customer!

Without out you, we would NOT be in business, that’s for sure. So, I say without reservation, that I am immensely grateful for your continuing patronage.

When did Black Friday Start?

The history of Black Friday actually begins on a Thursday and with a parade. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, created in 1924, has long been ushering in the Holiday shopping season, and of course, that season begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in the early days.

Jump to 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt–32nd President of the United States–moves Thanksgiving back a week to give retailers more time to peddle their wares. Roosevelt’s plan caused quite a stir as he announced the change in October. Many celebrated the Holiday in its original time spot that year and mocked Roosevelt’s Holiday as “Franksgiving”—it wouldn’t be until years later that the date stuck. In retrospect, we can’t help but wonder if Roosevelt knew what he was doing all along, because a year in which two Thanksgivings are enjoyed sounds like the opposite of a mistake to me.

FDR moved Thanksgiving back a week to give retailers more time to peddle their wares.

It wasn’t until the mid-1980’s that the story of businesses getting out of the red and into the black financially, started to make the rounds. Savvy marketing professionals rewrote the story of Black Friday and today Black Friday acts as the busiest shopping day of the year, and the only day in which some people are willing to get up before six.  The mythology of Black Friday continues to grow each year as the deals become extravagant and the crowds become more and more.

Look for our Black Friday Sale in your email box. We’re sure to have deals for every magician’s pocketbook.

Global Winter Wonderland

Tim will be out of the office one-and-off over the next 6 weeks acting as one the ringmasters for the Circus of Lights, which is the show associated with the Global Winter Wonderland returning to the Tulare County Fairgrounds beginning this weekend.

Betty and I may take our grandson Zachary down to see this unusual event, which allows you to “Travel The World In One Night” seeing the iconic landmarks of the world illuminated. They even make it snow a couple of times nightly. There are rides, food, games and entertainment, so it’s essentially a carnival of lights.

The Global Winter Wonderland is occurring simultaneously in Sacramento at the Cal Expo with an ice rink and Acrobats on Ice show. So, if you’re not far from the Sacramento or Tulare areas, you may want to stop in and see what it’s all about.

And now, this week’s video. It’s a clip from 1980’s television. Doug Henning with Bruce Jenner performing a great magic routine with some desirable magic props.

Again, our deepest appreciation for your business. We know you have choices, and we’re glad you choose to shop with us.

Have a safe and happy holiday my friends.

Paul

 

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the season to think about your holiday shows and Christmas wish list for effects that pertain to the season. Silly Billy’s latest sucker effect, Peek-a-Boo Santa, is ideal for your holiday kid shows and two recent Tora Magic effects are now available through Hocus Pocus, but only in a limited supply.

Also, as a reminder, you may want to create or add to your Hocus Pocus Wish List making it easier for you or gift-givers to access the tricks your really want for the holidays.

We’ve recently received a fresh supply of Dean’s Box, so if you’ve been considering adding it to your repertoire, now is a good time. Especially since the price increase will take effect December 1st.

Peek-a-Boo Santa by Silly Billy – Hurry LIMITED QUANTITY

Silly Billy’s newest road-tested item – a Run, Santa, Run on steroids!

Introducing the best Santa Claus trick on the market today. It’s like Run, Santa, Run on steroids. (If there was a Run, Santa, Run, which there isn’t!)

Peek-a-Boo Santa is based on Silly Billy’s hit trick Peek-a-Boo Bunny. Everything learned from building and performing Peek-a-Boo Bunny was added to the improvements and engineering of Peek-a-Boo Santa.

You get the tricked out chimney, the SIX Santas, and believe it or not, a beautiful red velvet bag to carry it in! It looks just like Santa’s sack! And this red sack is a natural fit with the plot about Santa.

You need a NEW Christmas trick for your repeat clients. You will be the ONLY magician in your market with this brand new trick. And you will have the time of your life performing it!

Add These EXCLUSIVES to Your Holiday Wish List

You may want to consider these Hocus Pocus Exclusives for your holiday list since they are in limited quantities and are really exceptionally visual tricks.

Mega 55 Bloom Botania by Tora Magic Company

In particular, I want to point out the Mega 55 Bloom Botania is extraordinary. You will NOT find a better botania — this size, at this price — anywhere.

In fact, if you were to purchase a similar prop from another maker, it would easily cost you TRIPLE the price. We have but a few, so make haste if you’re on a mind to. You won’t regret it.

And another Tora trick that is just dynamite.

Split & Color Changing Jumbo Dice by Tora Magic Company

This is really a very good trick. I like it very much and believe it would make a nice addition to your show, especially set to music. It’s simple to perform and although it’s push-button magic, I suspect audience reactions will be audible as your cannot discern any size difference as the die changes color.

 

Dean’s Box – Get it BEFORE the Price Changes

This is the magnificent and powerful effect that bamboozled so many magicians when first it hit the market. Soon it will go up to $400.

Here are a few words of praise for Dean’s Box:

• “I think “Dean’s Box” is terrific. It is rare for me to be fooled by a trick, and this trick completely fooled me twice. Even if performed with a pedestrian presentation it would be an amazing mystery. Cloak this trick with a dramatic presentation and you’ve got something that people will remember for a long time.” – Michael Close
• “I saw Dean fool a room full of magicians with this ever-so-clever routine. You will marvel at its simplicity and effectiveness.” – Mike Caveney
• “I am utterly baffled by Dean’s Magic Box.” – John Carney
• “This will fool you, it will fool your audience, and it is actually fun to perform.” – Michael Weber
• “Wow, that’s real magic! Unconditionally recommended. You’ll love it.” – Mark Wilson
• “The routine is simple, powerful and destined to be a classic.” – David Williamson
• “It’s thrills and chills to witness Dean’s Box.” – John Kennedy
• “It hurts to be fooled that bad.” – Tony Clark
• “Dean’s Box fooled me badly.” – Martin Lewis

The craftsmanship is superb, the effect is absolutely devastating!!! Worth ten times more than the selling price, see what everyone is talking about! Comes complete with DVD instructions.

For the next several weeks I’ll be including video clips of my favorite magicians of all time. People who inspired me, who impressed me, or those who drew me into the world of magic that I hold so dear. So, enjoy them.

This week, the man that inspired me to perform a dove act, Channing Pollock.

Channing Pollock – The Most Sophisticated And Charismatic Practitioners Of His Craft

 

Time to Decorate the House

Around here we start early. This weekend my boys and I are readying my house, and theirs, for the coming holidays. It’s always a lot of fun and another good reason to get together with family for good food and fun.

 

As always, have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul

 

Tenyo! Tenyo! Tenyo!

They came and they went — the VERY same day. That is, the 2016 Tenyo items.

Those fortunate customers that pre-ordered their Tenyo items will be receiving them shortly if they’ve not already arrived. As you can see by the pictures we had a significant number go out in the mail this week – 247 packages to be exact.

Currently, we are completely out of stock on the MYSTERY DOGHOUSE and will soon be out of the FUTURE PUZZLE before replenishment stock is received. That’s how popular Tenyo is with magic collectors and aficionados alike.

Remember, the sooner you order yours, the sooner it’ll go out in the next wave of stock.

Finally, it’s arrived — our shipment from Tenyo. Now, to get these OUT today!

Our customers have been patiently waiting. So, we’re sending out all 247 packages pronto.

BAM! We’re done. They’ve all shipped out to the lucky recipients.

Mystery Doghouse (2016) by Tenyo Co. – Trick – (OUT OF STOCK)

MYSTERY DOGHOUSE T-265

 

A series of incredible effects will leave your audience breathless! An adorable toy puppy changes color, and magically jumps from place to place while closed up inside a box. These visual effects are made possible by a new and unique mechanism, and are great fun to perform.

Description

1. A spectator chooses one colored puppy from among the colorful sponge puppies.
2. The remaining puppies are inserted into a box containing three compartments. The box’s lid is shut tight.
3. When the lid is removed, all of the puppies have magically transformed into the same color as the selected puppy!

Additional effects are also possible, including the teleportation of puppy figures from one place to another.

Magical Plunger (2016) by Tenyo Co. – Trick – (IN STOCK)

MAGIC PLUNGER T-267

When this trick was first released, magicians around the world could not stop singing its praises. It’s a first-rate card routine that is unique, fun, baffling, and best of all, easy to master. We have added something new to the gimmick, making it more natural and reliable to perform.

Description

1. A spectator tells a random number to the mini plunger. When you push the plunger against a deck of cards.
2. The plunger miraculously lifts exactly that number of cards!
3. This time, a spectator selects a random card, remembers it, and returns it to the deck.
4. The spectator whispers the name of the selected card to the plunger. When you push the plunger against the deck… the cards cut at exactly the right location to locate the selection!

Ghost Camera (2016) by Tenyo Co. – Trick – (IN STOCK)

Take a photo of something invisible!

GHOST CAMERA T-266

Invisible objects appear in a photo! The camera is completely ungimmicked so you can borrow a spectator’s smartphone to take the photo. This cutting-edge trick will captivate audiences because it is both timely and baffling.

Description

1. The spectator selects a card, returns it to the deck, and covers the deck with a handkerchief.
2. The magician snaps a photo using a smartphone.
3. When the audience looks at the photo, they are shocked to see that the selected card has appeared in the picture! This can be immediately repeated with a different card.

Future Puzzle (2016) by Tenyo Co. – Trick – (IN STOCK)

FUTURE PUZZLE T-264

“That’s impossible!” “Beyond incredible!” Everyone who has witnessed this trick has been shocked beyond words. After a spectator names any picture card from a deck of playing cards at random, the magician assembles a small jigsaw puzzle. The freely named playing card is inexplicably shown on the surface of the puzzle! This baffling prediction trick is extremely powerful and direct, yet you’ll be performing it in no time, thanks to a clever principle and gimmick.

Description

1. Jigsaw puzzle pieces containing images of playing cards are displayed in a box. The magician asks a spectator to freely name any picture card he wishes.
2. The pieces are all dropped out of the box, and assembled.
3. Amazingly, the puzzle shows an image of the exact picture card that was named!

 

Our friend Silly Billy has an exciting new trick for your upcoming Christmas parties. Look for it early next week on our website. It delivers laughs and good cheer. Now is the time to shop for props for holiday shows. Click on the image above to be taken to our Christmas Magic category.

It’s turned cold here in Fresno with daily highs averaging in the low 60’s. In Fresno, there’s no transition, Mother Nature flips a switch and it goes from 89º one day to 54º the next. Such is life in Central California.

As always, have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul

Tricks that really ARE Treats!

We had a small film crew in the shop today shooting some b-reel shots for inserts on a video project we’re supplying the magic props for. Tim will be acting as a consultant of the shoot next week instructing the actor (CEO of a local company) how to perform the magic.

They’re producing a corporate video for their annual Christmas party with the company head posing as a magician on America’s Got Talent. They will intersperse real AGT footage into the film so that it appears the CEO is appearing as a contestant on the show.

Shooting in the Hocus Pocus showroom for a video project.

Last year’s reel had the boss-man appearing as each of the members of the Village People during a rendition of the band’s famous YMCA single. Apparently, this gentleman is quite a fun guy, who likes to give his employees a laugh for the holidays. I suspect this will be the best video yet since it sounds like they’re going all out and Tim is helping them. Besides, how could you go wrong with magic? After all, last year’s winner was a magician!

The picture above was posted to our Instagram account by my son Max, who keeps Instagramers up-to-date on the happenings and offerings of Hocus Pocus. Thanks to Max’s efforts we now have over 5800 subscribers. Thanks Max to bringing us into the 21st Century.

If you’re on Instagram and have NOT subscribed to us, just click the image below to follow us.

Now to my point….those Tricks that really ARE Treats!

I wanted to call your attention to several new releases that have gotten my attention. Not only are they good tricks, but they are surely treats for the eyes to behold.

First, Tora Magic’s Die to Lady in Garden-of-Flowers. Quite honestly, you won’t’ find a better, more compact and affordable illusion. My highest recommendation for return-on-investment. Secondly, Florian Sainvet’s Moneyer is strong, visual magic. Instant cash at your finger tips. Watch the video and see if you don’t agree.

Thirdly, Milk To by Bazar de Magia takes the old Ink to Goldfish effect to the next level. It is far superior, with a better gimmick, and, at the price, you can’t go wrong.

Finally, Shoe Business 2.0 by Scott Alexander & Puck combines the old Cake in Hat and the classic Vanishing Bandana into a contemporary effect for today’s audiences. All of these effects are worthy of consideration provided they fit into your repertoire.

Here are the descriptions and videos.

Die to Lady in Garden-of-Flowers Illusion by Tora Magic

A jumbo stage version of the Bob Kline’s original transformation effect!

From Tora Magic, the Die to Lady in Garden-of-Flowers is an easy-to-perform illusion, which leaves your audience completely baffled and elevates your show to the next level!

If you’re seeking an effective, compact illusion that can be performed surrounded AND with little or no rehearsal time, you cannot go wrong with Tora’s Die to Lady in Garden-of-Flowers. Without hesitation, we can truly attest to the fact that THIS is the best BANG FOR YOUR BUCK illusion you’ll find on the market today!

For those in the know, this illusion was created and introduced to the magic fraternity by Bob Kline as a Dice to Doves. Later, Harries of Sweden released their version of the effect as Die Surprise. Tora Magic Company has taken this stellar parlor-sized livestock effect and produced it in a grander size befitting the stage.

Now, with simple instructions you can effortlessly produce the birthday party kid or your lovely assistant instantaneously with a impactful illusion that will fit compactly into the backseat of your car. Plus, the unexpected and surprising Garden-of-Flowers finish perfectly concludes the production of a live person.

One of the most effective, low-cost illusions you can buy!

EFFECT: The magician displays a enormous red die resting atop a platform with casters. It is encased in a metal framework, which he removes and then gives the die a 360º turn allowing it to be seen from all angles. Next, he places the aluminum framework back over the die and finally a large black foulard obscuring the die from the audience’s view.

With a magical pass, the magician whisks the foulard away for all to see that his lady assistant has appeared in place of the die. Yes, a complete transformation to a live human being!

But, wait. He’s not done!

Lifting the metal framework upwards the girl is immediately surrounded in a garden of colorful feather flowers. Not only have you performed a strong transformation, but the surprise ending beautifully concludes this knock-out Illusion.

Produce a dog or an mid-sized animal, the CEO of the company for the annual holiday party or a product for its official launch. Anyone who can crouch down and fit inside will make a stunning appearance.

The Die to Lady in Garden-of-Flowers Illusion comes complete with everything required including an instructional DVD.

This illusion is a very deceptive and an undeniably surprising transformation skillfully manufactured overseas by Tora Magic Company.

HURRY: With but a few units available, it would be wise NOT to linger if considering this effect.

Moneyer by Florian Sainvet

Instant Money from nowhere: Moneyer: The ultimate answer to the question: can you make money appear?

Nothing to make, Moneyer is on you, ready for use whenever you want.

Highly visual and really easy, Moneyer is the tool that allows you to take money out of any borrowed object or bare hands.

Shoe Business 2.0 by Scott Alexander & Puck

This is the newest version of Shoe Business with all new jokes told by your personal smartphone assistant. If you have an iPhone you know the voice we are talking about. She gets so many things confused in this hilarious reboot of our widely successful original Shoe Business.

This deluxe edition comes with a custom made polyacrylic cup, mock smartphone, audio track featuring all the new jokes and bits of business we have developed since version one came out.

This one is even funnier than the original.

Milk To by Bazar de Magia

An easy, simple-preparation and care trick to perform, having a high impact on the audience. It includes glasses and a silk!

Such a clever gimmick, so much better than the original that we all knew growing up.

This is pure magic at your hand. Turn milk into almost ANYTHING that will fit into the glass …  your audience will go crazy.

Watch this video and see if you don’t agree that THIS version is considerably better than the former one most of us grew up with.

Happy Halloween

We trust you and yours will have a safe and wonderful Halloween. It is a busy time for magicians and we appreciate your business. Tomorrow is the 89th anniversary of Harry Houdini’s untimely death, that today is celebrated as National Magic Day. National Magic Day is celebrated by magic lovers across America each year on October 31 as part of National Magic Week.

Since it’s such a magical time of year, I thought I’d leave you with something, a video, from one of my favorites — a man that singlehandedly changed the course and direction of my life — Mark Wilson.

So, here he is, mister Mark Wilson performing the Cub Scout to Rabbit trick on the The Magic Land of Allakazam with the lovely and talented Nani Darnell and Rebo the Clown.

As always, have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul

 

The Hero’s Horse

We recently traveled down south once again to pick up a most unusual and magnificent prop, the Hero’s Horse by Owen Magic Supreme. One of our customers is flying in this next Monday to personally have a private demonstration before he purchases it.

The Hero’s Horse is a very artistic and imposing piece that can be displayed in one’s home or office and no one would ever believe that it was actually a very sophisticated magic trick.

One of only SIX ever produced, this extraordinary prop commands a $25,000 price tag. Its inner workings and engineering are so complex and impressive that it’s a study in mastery and inventiveness. In fact, so clever is it, you’re actually tempted to divulge its secrets.

Rather than stumble through an explanation, let me allow our online description to paint a picture for you of what an onlooker experiences.

Hero’s Horse by Owen Magic Supreme

One of six ever made, Owen has recreated and embellished one of the Alexandrian “Temple Wonders” first described in a manuscript by Hero of Alexandria nearly 2000 years ago.

We are pleased to announce our new association with Owen Magic Supreme. Hocus Pocus will be representing an array of Owen high quality magic props and paraphernalia from their vast product line. Known worldwide for creating props and equipment for top working professionals, the Owen name is recognized as one that is synonymous with magic of the highest caliber.

Owen Magic’s James Olsen has recreated and embellished one of the Alexandrian “Temple Wonders” first described in a manuscript by Hero of Alexandria nearly 2000 years ago. A stunning golden statue of a horse stands atop an ebony and brass base.

(Above) Alexia Zagorsky of Owen Magic Supreme with the Hero’s Horse and a 1980’s stock photo (below).

Effect: The performer twice passes a solid steel sword through the horse’s neck from top to bottom, yet the horse’s head remains firmly attached.

Commenting that the horse may be thirsty after such an ordeal, the performer offers a glass of water, which the horse drinks down with a “slurp.” The glass is put down in a strategic spot, and after a moment, nature takes its course in an unexpected way. On the spectator’s command, the horse immediately stops what it is doing to conclude the presentation on an amusing note.

“Hero’s Horse” is both esthetically beautiful and mechanically remarkable. The liquid effects are accomplished in a historically appropriate manner, without springs, pumps or moving parts. This museum-quality piece is only one example of Owen Magic’s custom engineering and building capabilities.

The entire illusion stands 60 inches tall and is 36 inches across and 24 inches deep.

Included is a custom built ATA case for safe transport.

The Geometrick Illusion

Also, as he is a serious Owen Magic admirer, our client has strongly hinted that he may be purchasing the Geometrick Illusion as well. Needless to say, we are very enthusiastically anticipating a successful visit.

Acquired from a private collection, the Geometrick Illusion>, leads the field in a new generation of innovative stage illusions that are 100% angle-proof!

The cooler weather is a welcome change making yard work far more enjoyable. I’m planning on having a great weekend. Hope you do too.

More news later,

Paul

 

Moretto Statue Comes; Big Fresno Fair Goes!

Our friend, magician Louie Foxx has been in town along with several other magicians for the Big Fresno Fair. They’ll be finishing up this Sunday as the fair comes to a close. Ace Miles aka Capt’n Jack Spareribs and Dr. Solar (Terry Robinson) have returned for the fair. Each have paid us a visit and we are glad to see them once again.

For several years now, the specialty acts & performers featured at the Big Fresno Fair visit Valley Children’s Hospital here in north Fresno. As you can see, the kids really get a lift from this visit.

The performers from the Big Fresno Fair paid a visit to Valley Children’s Hospital.

Doctor Solar and friend brighten up this child’s day with a cheerful visit.

Magician Louie Foxx performs some magic for two eager onlookers at Valley Children’s Hospital.

Look for some upcoming products from Louie Foxx in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks for several excellent effects from Louie Foxx.

In Other News…

This week, we took in a remarkably unique art piece that is magic-related and definitely the only one of its kind. It’s Moretto statue of Richard Ross. Here’s the write on our site:

Moretto Statue, Richard Ross with Coin Set

Recently acquired from a collection, this unique work of art captures the essence and spirit of Richard Ross in magnificent detail.

No magician can think of The Linking Rings and not think of Richard Ross, and his perfect presentation of the classic. At a time when stage magicians were yearning for new illusions, Ross made his reputation by perfecting classics, and selflessly dedicating himself to helping young magicians.

Approximately a month before his untimely passing, he received a Performing Fellowship from the Academy of Magic Arts and Sciences, a last recognition for an incredible performer.

Richard Ross left behind a legacy of magic for an entire country, and will serve as he always did — as an inspiration to young magicians everywhere.

No magician can think of The Linking Rings and not think of Richard Ross, and his perfect presentation of the classic.

DESCRIPTION: Toni Moretto is an Italian artist who has been described as a “cartoonist sculptor” who creates “humorous ceramics”, and whose work can be seen in many contemporary museums. Moretto’s work perfectly reflects the innate humor or ridiculousness of his models, taken from everyday life, professions and scenes. One of the subject matters he depicts — is that of magicians.

Moretto’s genius comes in full light when he gets his inspiration from magicians. His true artistry shines through these clay magicians in the evocation of their faces, and the motion of their hands. Only Moretto has the ability to capture a magician’s look and gestures in clay, not to mention the slight irony of our profession.

Toni Moretto is an Italian artist who has been described as a “cartoonist sculptor”.

This rare one-of-a-kind statue depicts Richard Ross with Veronique performing his singularly sensational linking ring routine, which made him a instantaneous household name in the magic world.

This exceptional stature has been coupled with a coin set from Ross’ 1970 FISM act. The coin set is #39 of 43 sets released and is beautifully framed with a photo of Richard Ross and an image of his Grand Prix trophy. The coin was actually used by Richard during his Grand Prix wining FISM act from 1970 and accompanies a Richard Ross token.

Moretto’s genius comes in full light when he gets his inspiration from magicians.

A note card from the Magic Art Center in The Netherlands verifying its purchase is included from Veronique Ross, Richard’s widow.

This rare one-of-a-kind statue depicts Richard Ross with Veronique performing his singularly sensational linking ring routine.

The statue itself is made from pure white clay that is oven-baked, meticulously painted, baked again, and finally varnished. The pieces that are released from Moretto’s workshop are not examples of craftsmanship, but rather PURE art. There is no mold. The characters are individually shaped by hand and each one is a unique piece, so no other exists.

Moretto never made two similar statues. This one-of-a-kind aspect makes them not only special, but truly rare!

A distinctive and irreplaceable piece expertly crafted by Toni Moretto of Italy.

Richard Ross’ award-wining FISM Act from 1970

Richard Ross at the Music Hall Theater in Paris, April, 1982

Collectible art pieces of this magnitude tend to be few-and-far-between, so your quick action ensures ownership of this Richard Ross Statue by Moretto, so buy it TODAY to avoid potential regret!

Back to the Fair for Diana Ross Concert

Betty and I are off to see Diana Ross in concert tonight at the Big Fresno Fair. I hope it doesn’t rain. And yes, you read THAT correctly — rain in Fresno. It’s actually happening sporadically over the past two days.

Really looking forward to a great night and weekend.

As always, I’m hoping you too will have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul

 

Another Week of Intrigue

We’ve been busy putting up items from a consignment this week. Some larger props as well as lots of books. And some of these props are quite intriguing to say the least. This mid-Century Thayer Vanishing Bird Cage made me want to consider it, but just for a moment. I have a really great one, so I don’t need it.

In fact, there are now over 770 books listed in our Private Estate section, so take a look because there are some fantastic books that we’ve not had on our site in over four years.

Here are just a few examples of items that went up:

Vanishing Dove Cage by Thayer Magic Company, Circa 1950’s

 

Abbott’s Ultra Modern Suspension, looks like a plank that a pirate would walk.

 

Constructed by John Pomeroy, this Zig-Zag Illusion is now very SCARCE as so few were made by him.

Stayed tuned as we continue putting up items of interest to performing magicians, magic aficionados and collectors.

Tim is Off to Paris!

Actually, it’s true. But, the accurate spelling is Perris. He’ll be going to Perris, California for the Southern California Fair to fill in for a few days for our friend, magician Frank Thurston.

Frank works the fair circuit nine month out of the year, mostly here in California, and has two overlapping fairs, so Tim will be filling in for him so that he can make both of these engagements. Plus, this will give Tim some exposure into the fair market since the last fair Tim worked was 35 years ago, the Oklahoma State Fair when in his first year of college.

The Rootin Tootin Fun starts this Saturday, October 3rd.

If you’re in the Riverside County area or somewhere in the Southern California area, you may want to stop in and see either Tim or Frank performing during the fair.

Adult tickets are $5 ($8 at the gate), children tickets (ages 5-11) are $3 ($4 at the gate).

Frank Thurston performing the Snake Basket at the Southern California Fair.

Long Distance Card Trick

We just put this back up in limited supply and would suggest if you’ve ever been interested in it, you act now. I first saw Chris perform this routine live at Wizardz’s in Universal City several years ago and will never forget how funny this routine was. I knew we had to have it. Sadly, it became unavailable. However, it’s back now in limited supply.

“This routine slays them. I consistently perform this effect whenever humanly possible. It kills!” ─ Tim Mannix

“I can’t believe Chris Mitchell is marketing this routine. It’s the type of routine that I’m sure reads like nothing (or worse), but when you see Chris perform it, you instantly recognize it as a product of a working professional’s act. Many of you will probably think this is a bit pricey for what you’re getting, but you’re not paying for the props; you’re paying for a professional routine, perfected by years of actual performance. If you had hired Chris to write and direct this routine for you, you would have paid a lot more.” ─ John Lovick, MAGIC Magazine Review

EFFECT: A deck of cards bound with a rubber band, is shown to the audience. Place the deck in a bucket dangling at the end of a four foot pole.

The laughter starts as the pole surprisingly extends 15 feet into the audience. Four spectators, at various locations in the audience, each peak at their own card. Without looking at the deck, you are able to psychically and comedically name each person’s card.

This is a fabulous routine. Strong magic. Unbelievably funny. Comes with everything you need including the extendable pole, bucket, special deck a performance DVD with Chris’ full routine, written detailed instructions.

As always, have a great weekend my friends.

More news later,

Paul