Brick Tilley illustrated Ed Marlo's The Shank Shuffle, was a contributing writer on The Mark Wilson Course In Magic, toured China with the Wilson troupe in 1980, served as an adviser on teleseries such as Charlie's Angels, Jake And The Fatman and ER, and worked for David Copperfield. As an actor he appeared in The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman, The Osterman Weekend and Knots Landing. Recently he provided props for Modern Family.
You show two buttons, one in each hand, but magically one moves into your other hand despite your hands being separated.
The two short videos will explain to you a little preparation you will have to do to the buttons and the move to accomplish the deception.
This is essentially the same as Tenkai Pennies except here you will learn how to prepare the buttons to make it much easier to do.
1st edition 2024, video 1:18.
Three named playing cards are located aided by a wind-up toy. Self-working, foolproof, a real crowd pleaser. From the lecture notes of Jimmy Haviland, London's last street conjuror.
You will have to supply a wind-up toy yourself. It is ungimmicked. Anything that walks, hops, or drives a few inches will work.
1st edition 2024, PDF 4 pages + video.
Here's something that will enhance your reputation and make you appear to have great skills. A one-coin routine that is within range of anyone. It showcases a conceit that David Copperfield liked well enough to introduce in one of his later TV specials. Unlike other routines, it is easily mastered. It includes a concise video tutorial.
1st edition 2023; PDF 1 page, video 1min 36s.
Brick Tilley began as an extra on the famous ER series TV show. He worked his way up to stand-in and finished as an actor. This is a diary he kept during 15 seasons. Included among other things is a detailed history of the Warner Brothers Studio and a description of a typical day of filming on the lot.
It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in working in the motion picture industry. This is the information you need in order to have a successful career in film.
You will learn a lot of bits and pieces about the cast and crew, and what it was like working for the show, including...
When you think of Albert Goshman what usually comes to mind is his coins under the saltshakers. Unfortunately, this, like Rene Lavand's crumb trick, takes a lifetime of devotion to master. But Albert left us something else, his revolutionary take on the sponge balls. This startling effect is within the skill range of every serious student of magic. If you already perform this in some form, you can add his version in minutes, after acquiring a few easily obtained supplies. You may already have them among your props.
Also included is a suggestion for an astounding opening effect to add to your sponge ball...
The spectator is allowed to freely call out random numbers. Through a fair process of elimination, he arrives at a single digit. This number matches exactly a prediction that you have written down previously. This is an easy, foolproof method for apparently reading the spectator's thoughts.
1st edition 2022, PDF 4 pages, video 39 seconds.
The most streamlined, concise version of this classic ever created. Only four phases, but each of the last three could stand alone as the finish. No longer a tepid guessing game, now you can present this gem as a true work of art, filled with stunning surprises. Distilled from over 40 years of trial and error. Foolproof.
1st edition 2021; PDF 2 pages, video 1 min 43 s.
This old standby has been given a make-over by adding a comedy ending that revitalizes the handling and assures the performer a laugh and a round of applause. Get that deck out of the drawer and breathe new life into it. (Requires you to have or get a so-called "Electric Deck" which can be purchased new typically below $10.)
1st edition 2021, PDF 1 page, video 38s.
A modern version of this classic gaffed card. Detailed are the two methods: splitting cards and printing them yourself to achieve this mysterious effect. Included is a self-printed example. This card has a matte finish that is enhanced by the candlelight used to effect the transformation. This is a remarkable illusion that takes no skill and differs greatly from Hofzinser's original construction. As seen in the video, the image seems to melt from one card value to another. Simple in construction.
1st edition 2021, PDF + gimmicked card
This is a delightful departure from the standard card effect due to its ingenious patter line and startling conclusion. First conceived in the 1970s, the visual of four "cannibal" cards devouring a pair of "missionary" cards stands out in the memory of spectators. A welcomed addition to your bag of tricks.
1st edition 2021, PDF 2 pages, video 42 seconds.
For centuries this classic has utilized elaborately crafted models that no longer fit into our performing style. Here is an up-to-date, inexpensive, suspicion-free version that you can construct with minimal skills that is perfect for any type of magical performance. Use your imagination to craft your own customized version that will separate you from other performers.
1st edition 2021, PDF 3 pages, video 1 min 9 s.
A comedy version of the sometimes tragic bullet catch that plays for laughs and eliminates any danger or controversy. Especially geared for outdoor performances, it allows you to catch a jelly bean propelled by a toy slingshot and can provide welcomed humor and a degree of silliness to your children's shows. Easy to construct, safe and sure to please.
1st edition 2021, PDF 4 pages, video 42 s.
A playing card held between both hands vanishes in an instant. It does not use a thread or pull or topit.
1st edition 2021, PDF 3 pages, video 17 s.
A two card switch for Baccarat or Blackjack that paralyzed casinos in the 80's. As clean a move as you could hope for. Excellent as part of a gambling exposé.
1st edition 2021, PDF 3 pages, video 22 s.
This hardcore tool is not an easy thing to acquire. That said, it is, with dedication, within the skill range of anyone willing to devote the time necessary to master it. The drawn-out process of selecting a card has become tedious and time-consuming, causing the audience to lose interest. With this side steal, a card is peeked, transferred from the middle of the pack to the top in an instant. This PDF and video will put the side steal within your skill range.
1st edition 2021, PDF 3 pages, video 39 s.
A dollar bill to impossible location effect that incorporates the timeless Buddha Money Papers. The noted bill vanishes from the papers only to reappear inside a pocket watch case that has been in full view the entire time.
Included here possibly for the first time is the fool-proof method for preparing two bills so that they bear the same serial numbers. This is not the inferior dodge of erasing the last digits on the bill. These bills utilize the entire serial number.
1st edition 2021, PDF 4 pages, video 1 min 12 s.
A square-shaped paper chimney is ignited. When it has burned to a cinder the remaining ash floats mysteriously up to the ceiling before descending back to the performer's outstretched hand. Entirely safe and under the performer's control at all times. An excellent effect to be combined with fortune-telling or mentalism. A thing of subtle beauty.
1st edition 2021; PDF 2 pages, video 15 s.
A card is selected, returned to the deck, replaced in the box. The performer holds the box facing outward, his fingers positioned so that they encircle it. There seems no possible way for the selected card to escape. Despite this, the selected card is seen to rise up out of the box, right through the performer's index finger. Once the card protrudes from the box it is removed, spun on the finger, taken off the finger, and exhibited with a hole through the card's center.
(This idea was originally developed by Clayton Rawson in the 1930s and published in the Sphinx. Later Pete Biro unearthed it in...
Palming cards, and getting away with it, is one of the most difficult skills in the magician's toolbox. If you've ever wanted to master this sleight here is your chance. This concise tutorial will get you started, or improve your current technique, in order to raise your confidence level. This lesson covers the one-hand top palm.
1st edition 2021, PDF + video (length: 16 s)
The Knight's Tour has been a feature of many renowned performers. Ricky Jay and Reveen made it a masterful demonstration of mental agility. Various methods have been developed to create this illusion. We offer a foolproof device to ensure your success in presenting this fascinating feat of uncanny skill.
This gimmick builds on an idea by Robert Sherman from the 1950s.
1st edition 2021, PDF 4 pages.
This is an improvement in the handling of the Curry Turnover that makes this move easier to accomplish and more deceptive. A simple get-ready makes the exchange faster and infinitely more rewarding. It was perfected during hundreds of hours behind a Black Jack table without ever once being detected.
It can be used for magical purposes as well. Add this subtle weapon to your card arsenal.
1st edition 2021, PDF 4 pages, video 30 s.
A practical, easy to construct gimmick for accomplishing the effect of getting a selected card to vanish from the deck and be transported into a sealed envelope to be removed by a spectator.
You will receive a PDF and a video (see the digital shelf) explaining the process.
1st edition 2020, PDF + video 1min 9s.
A beautiful color change made popular in the 70s by Walter Cummings. A fan of cards is waved in front of the rest of the pack, causing the face card to change in a dramatic fashion.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 47s.
A card is merely thought of by a spectator. The performer writes a prediction on a card and pockets it. The spectator is asked to remove his thought of card from the deck. When the performer's prediction is read aloud by another spectator it is found to match the spectator's card. At no time does the spectator state or reveal his card until after the spectator's thought of card has been read aloud.
This is based on a Harold Taylor idea. The clever method will put a big smile on your face.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 1 min 37 s.
An excellent coin vanish made famous by Al Flosso, called "The Coney Island Fakir", taught to the author by Flosso himself in the 1970s. It is within the skill range of even the most untutored student of coin magic. It is highly deceptive while being completely natural in execution.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 35 s.
An excellent running false cut that is highly deceptive and relatively easy to master. Combine this with any false shuffle.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 26 s.
The effect is foolproof, self-contained and easy to perform. Want something different that sets you apart from others presenting standard feats? Here's your chance. Too easy for words. This unique teapot is capable of pouring numerous glasses of different colored sodas and finishes up with a glass of milk or coffee. The teapot can be purchased online.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 1 min 7 s.
A long stem rose appears in a flash of fire at the performer's fingertips.
Ideal for birthdays, weddings, anniversary wishes, mother's and valentine's day. Some simple construction necessary - nothing complicated. Make your own video greetings with personalized vocal remarks.
1st edition, PDF 1 page, video 44s.
Two equal lengths of rope magically join up to form one solid piece of rope in full view with no cover or excess movements. Simple to construct and a delight to perform. Within the skill range of anyone. It was a favorite of Billy McComb.
1st edition 2020, PDF 3 pages, video 54s.
The Shank Shuffle, a full deck false shuffle, was published in 1971 on Ed Marlo's behalf by Jon Racherbaumer. The Zarrow shuffle came out around the same time. New Yorkers backed this method and that overshadowed the Shank method, which may be superior, depending on your point of view. The Shank method is regarded as more convincing by some card handlers. Reading the description can be a bit daunting for the novice. Here is your chance to master the shuffle thanks to a lucid video presentation and a clear text and illustrations.
1st edition 2019, PDF + video (length 23s)...
During the 1970's Dai Vernon demonstrated this around the Magic Castle to anyone who was interested. He was quite fond of it. It is a neat, highly deceptive, practical hole card switch using natural actions, something he highly favored.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 12s.
Milbourne Christopher demonstrated this in his final lecture at the Magic Castle, revealing that he had taught it to Harry Blackstone, replacing a less deceptive version Blackstone had been doing for years in his show. A small handkerchief, held by opposite corners, is twirled between the hands and seems to grow to massive proportions.
This is highly recommended as an opener, and can lead into a dove production of other effect with the handkerchief.
1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages, video 48 seconds.
The addition of a clever device - something you have likely around the house - lifts this old favorite out of the amateur category and makes it a solid mainstay. Nor more of that "one behind the back..." method, this is ideal for walk around, as the reset is automatic.
You will receive a PDF and a video (see your digital shelf).
1st edition 2019, PDF 4 pages, video length 26 s.
This is the deck switch from the train car poker game scene in the movie The Sting, executed by John Scarne, renowned gambling expert. It is straight forward and within the range of anyone willing to devote the time necessary to master it. Add it to your skill set. You will receive a PDF and a video (download from your digital shelf).
Here is the clip from The Sting where the switch is executed.
1st edition 2019, PDF 4 pages, video 17s.
A false cut that uses the action of burning a card as misdirection. Particularly useful for cheating at BlackJack.
Chuck Smith was recorded doing this cut. (A letter from Chuck Smith to Brick Tilley is reproduced in the PDF.) He used it to beat players during the years of WWII. The sequence of actions is the following. You first openly cut the cards and complete the cut. Then you take the top card, turn it face up and place it as the bottom card. During the action of burning the top card you undo the cut. The demo video will prove how honest and fair this looks.
You will receive a PDF...
The Davenport Brothers caused a sensation in the last century by seeming to contact spirits. Leaving messages on blank slates was a common method of achieving this. Flaps, magnets and switching were among the ways to achieve results. Here is your chance to reproduce this phenomenon using an ordinary craft store slate, and a piece of chalk. A blank slate is cleaned as it is shown. Yet a bold chalk message appears without any cover or false moves. A stunning effect that startles onlookers. Easy to perform.
1st edition 2019, 4 pages.
A unique effect using an ordinary balloon. The performer holds the balloon by the neck. Without any false moves he uses a pair of scissors to cut a small portion of the bottom end off. This cutting action is repeated three more times until all that remains is the neck of the mutilated balloon. Putting this to his lips, he blows into the neck. Immediately the balloon restores itself and inflates to its full size. The performer then pops the balloon using the points of the scissors, startling his audience. This can lead into a dove production if you wish.
1st edition 2019, PDF 4 pages.
Charles Morritt was able to hold the entire theatre audience spellbound with what was, in essence, a pocket trick. After inviting two members of the audience onstage he would allow them to figuratively change places, thus transcending and descending their social classes using only two purses and four coins. Two copper coins, held by the "workingman", and two gold coins, held by the "uppercrust", change places while being held in purses by each witness. This updated version replaces much of the skill required by substituting gimmicks that can easily be made at home, while retaining the powerful...
Rene Lavand became known around the world for his version of this classic "Two in the hand, One in the pocket" sequence. Using only one hand, a few small balls of some soft substance and a lone coffee cup, he was able to fool and entertain all types of spectators for decades. This, then, is a streamlined, shortened version lasting less than a minute. It plays up the surprises without becoming monotonous. It can be performed silent or using brief patter.
EFFECT: Three small pieces of foam rubber are used along with a coffee cup. Two of the foam balls are placed into the cup. The remaining...
Also known as "Ne Plus Ultra" and "Bonus Genus", this was a favorite pocket trick at the turn of the century. Even Houdini was known to have fashioned a crude version of this out of a scrap of wood. Modern day toy companies create small dolls that make handcrafted ones a thing of the past. We located an ideal version at a local 99¢ store, it's a small figurine of a cherub playing on a flute.
EFFECT: A small doll is covered with a cloth. The cloth has a hole in the center, out of it protrudes the doll's head. The head is allowed to drop into the folds of the cloth. Immediately the cloth is shaken...
