by Photofnish » Jun 12th, '04, 00:02
The Effect
Here's a description of the effect from Elmwoodmagic.com, where I purchased the manuscript...
In effect, you place a small dictionary and a deck of cards on the table.
"I'm going to show you something IMPOSSIBLE," you say.
The spectator names any card. He can change his mind if he wishes. Let's assume the card is the Ace of Clubs. Pick up the deck, fan it and remove the Ace of Clubs. The card is placed, in full view, face-up on the table.
"Remember that I told you, before we started, before you named a card, that I was going to show you something IMPOSSIBLE? To make sure that there is no argument about just what the word IMPOSSIBLE means, I've brought along this dictionary."
Open the dictionary to the definition of IMPOSSIBLE and read the definition. Then, turn the dictionary around so the spectators can see the printed page. The word IMPOSSIBLE has been outlined with a heavy black line. Written next to it, in thick black ink, is the name of the freely selected card: the Ace of Clubs! Flip through the rest of the book, there is no writing on any other pages!
"But wait," you say, "I'm not through."
Pick up the deck and show the faces and backs of the cards. There's nothing to see. Just faces and backs.
Now pick up the Ace of Clubs and turn it over. On the back, in thick black letters, is the word IMPOSSIBLE!
And that card is the only card in the deck with any writing on it!
Cost
$9.95 US, plus another $10 to $20 in materials
Difficulty : 2
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
Review
I know there are quite a few people on this forum who enjoy mentalism, so I wanted to chime in on this, because it's really a thing of beauty and unlike anything I've ever seen. What you get for your $9.95 is a very well-written, thorough manuscript. Mr. Farmer does a superb job with this, detailing everything -- setup, presentation, etc. -- in clear, precise language. The result is a killer mentalism effect that stuns your audience. Plus, it's easy to do once you've put everything together, demanding more presentational skill than technical skill. In fairness, however, I should disclose two potential negatives: 1) It takes a good amount of time to set this up (though once it's done, it's done); 2) The props cannot be handled by audience members (though this shouldn't be a problem with proper audience management).
Overall score:
9.5/10
I'm very, very pleased that I purchased this manuscript and took the time to create the needed elements. This is a special one.