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Andre Hagen Inner circle 1432 Posts |
Does anyone ever use this anymore? It was a stunningly visual and instantaneous rope restoration that I used back in the 1960's and 70's.
It was best as an opener because of the nature of the setup, but it was a beautiful thing to behold. It got me many bookings because an agent, Ben Bergor, (a magic legend himself) witnessed one of my performances and loved it. I don't know how popular it was because it was so cheap! Abbotts sold it and perhaps still does, but NO cut-and-restored rope effect beats it. I could hand out the rope for inspection afterwards but most everyone suspected a switch, so I started having a spectator tie his ring to the end of the rope before he cut the rope. After the startling restoration I would give the rope with the ring still attached to the spectator to take back to his seat and ask him to pass the rope around for inspection. Bill Neff had quite a career. I believe he started as a carnival magician and ended up in the 40's with a spook show. Along the way he created some good routines and, of course, the "Miracle Rope." I'm thinking of resurrecting the trick if I can figure out a good method for using it other than as an opener, since my opening sequence for adults works well for me now.
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one - Albert Einstein
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
I have used the trick off and on for several decades. Dick Barry has a streamlined version that is every bit as good (same effect different methodology).
I've always loved it as an opener since it was quick, very visual, and very magical. Abbott's still sells it.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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jolyonjenkins Inner circle United Kingdom 1181 Posts |
Jolyon Jenkins
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
The Abbott version of this trick is made from 7/32" rope the absolute cheapest stuff you can use, and still get away with calling it rope.
Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Andre Hagen Inner circle 1432 Posts |
Harry, I'm intrigued. Is Dick Barry's version for sale somewhere? Does it go by a different name?
Al, When I got the trick way back when it didn't come with rope. Actually any rope should do, although a smaller diameter might work smoother. By the way, I'm still waiting for your take on the "Big Fat White Rope" from Hank Lee. What do you think of it?
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one - Albert Einstein
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Andre
Excuse me for not getting back to you sooner. The problem with white rope is eventually it will get grey from use, so I'm now using the Hank Lee rope for Full circle, fiber optics, and rope through the neck. It is beautiful stuff, not as good as Daryl's rope, but Darly's rope is more expensive, so I am very happy with it, also the end of your rope solution worked great, and it is very easy to use. YOU'RE THE GREATEST Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
Dick calls his version “Renaissance Rope”. Rather than being a full ‘cut-n-restored’ it starts with two pieces of rope, tie them together, the knot pops off and the rope is one long length. I think it is a big $15.00 from his web site.
http://www.dickbarrymagic.com/ It’s on page two of “Great Magic”.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Andre Hagen Inner circle 1432 Posts |
My thanks to you Harry. Nice video clip of the trick, and lots of interesting material on the Dick Barry site. Here I go again. I'll have to give the "renaissance Rope" a try.
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one - Albert Einstein
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Dennis Loomis 1943 - 2013 2113 Posts |
There is a very fine demonstration of the Bill Neff Miracle Rope Trick using a holdout on the new Vernet DVD set: "The Invisible Hand." This is most practical as it is a solution to the problem that usually the Neff effect has to be done as an opener.
Dennis Loomis
Itinerant Montebank
<BR>http://www.loomismagic.com |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
If you still have the instructions, Neff had a way to get "into" it at any time. I use a giant old antique flying ring pull to do the necessary.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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magicians Inner circle Teacher and Legend 2898 Posts |
I believe that Neff had an oval wire gimmick, like piano wire as the holdout. I use the rim off of a squeeze purse on an elastic to do mine. I cull the opening and it matches my open fist. (in show this with credit to Neff).
Illusionist, Illusionist consulting, product development, stage consultant, seasoned performer for over 35 years. Specializing in original effects. Highly opinionated, usually correct, and not afraid of jealous critics. I've been a puppet, a pirate, a pawn and a King. Free lance gynecologist.
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Neff had a gag with a silk vanish and would accidentally show a long red lady's stocking up his sleeve. He would pull it out to get the necessary.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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