THE HOUDINI SEANCE
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FOGEL'S T O P SECRETS No.
4
T l HOUDINI SIANCE
FOREWORD Those magicians who have been privileged to see the Fogel "One Man Mystery Show" cannot have failed to be impressed by the Master Magician and Mentali; M s presentation, "The Houdini Seance". In Maurice's hands, the sequence becomes one to fire the imagination, and to capture it, intrigued by the fascinating story which is unfolded. The properties are simple; "Block Off" (Bat Block), the well-known block penetration. Any similar type penetration effect can be used. "Spirit Knots", an old but always effective rope effect using nothing more or less than a piece of rope, and a "Spirit Slate" effect, using two unfeked pieces of blackboard. Maurice has a plain table on the left to hold these properties, whilst on the right, on another table, is a candle in a candlestick and a photograph of Harry Houdini, the King of the Escapologists. Simple tools for what can be a complete act. The story is so compelling that Maurice told us he had, in fact, used this many times on its own without the magical effects and he once broadcast this story over the radio from the Middle East. We know that magicians everywhere will be grateful to Fogel for releasing another gem from his own show, another audience-tested winner. K. E. H.
Supplied with this booklet is a beautifully drawn portrait of Houdini by 'Corth', especially commissioned by us and taken from an actual photograph of the master himself. It will be found completely visual and most intriguing looking. We suggest that you should have it framed in a good quality gilt frame and set on a small curtained plinth. At the appropriate time, the curtains are drawn back to reveal the portrait. The whole of the actual sequence and presentation will be made clear from a study of Fogel's wonderful patter.
FOGEL PRESENTS THE HOUDINI SEANCE This has been a very popular feature in my show for many years. It is an ideal presentation suitable for every type of adult audience. I have used it in some of the biggest theatres in the world and can truthfully say it has always proved a great winner. It creates interest and discussion. The whole thing has been carefully thought out so as to hurt no-one, whatever their faith or belief. The effects used are very simple and this enables you to put your whole personality into the presentation. Indeed, it is my definite opinion that this is a grand object lesson to bring out and develop your personality. I urge you to learn the patter and presentation thoroughly. It is dramatic, gripping and of a very high order. These are the effects used:1.
Block Penetration.
2.
Spirit Knots.
3.
Spirit Slates. NOTE: I have described the routine with three simple effects. These tricks can be changed to suit the whim of the performer and in fact, I myself have varied them considerably over the years. For instance, at one time I used a Magical Welding effect in place of the "Spirit Knots". Many effects will fit into the routine as alternatives to the ones I have given. I suggest two are plenty to "point" the ending of the story prior to the appearance of the name on the slates.