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daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
It never ceases to amaze me how some performers can find such great potential in everyday common props.
Such is the case with this effect. It goes thus: A spectator signs a freely selected card and draws a mouse on its face. She shuffles the cards, and you take out a mousetrap. You arm the trap, and place it on the spectator's out-streched hand. Stroking one card at a time over the trap, you wait for the trap to go off. Of course, the card that is caught in the trap is the signed card with the mouse drawing! Use your own deck and pen. (Mousetrap provided, but no batteries included. Just joking) So here we have an effect in which the element of "danger" is used to create some moments of comedy, and at the end everything turns out alright, and everyone breaths a sigh of relief. This effect really puts me to mind of Jim Pace's the Web. You are really going to have to use discretion and common sense, and perform it only in certain venues. I would recomend only to seasoned performers. Newbies or even some intermediates could get themselves in a jam, or into an uncomfortable situation that they may not easily pull out of. But if you are comfortable with this kind of effect, then you may find just what you are looking for here. Your personality and performing persona will have a big part to play in whether or not you make this a success or a failure. The mechanics of the trick are older than time, using a simple device that can not really be called sleight of hand. Other than that, you must control a card. The most difficult part of the trick is learning how to quickly and smoothly set the mousetrap, but a few trys will have you setting it like a pro without making your fingers a victim. And yes, it's a real made in Norway mousetrap, that comes down with a SLAM! It will make folks jump for sure. I know I jumped the first time I set it off. Their is no real element of danger involved, as the spectator's hand is held out flat, and you place the safe side of the trap on their hand. But that does not register in the mind of the spectator, as it feels like a dangerous thing. It is all psychological, to be sure. You can enhance the effect if you wish, as I did when using it in a comedy club setting. I Used a fake finger, and when setting up the trap, allowed the finger to get slammed in the trap! Then I yelled at the top of my lungs for a couple seconds, before revealing it was a gag. (Amazing Jonathan, eat your heart out!) Then I used Mickey Mouse ears for the spectator to wear, donning a pair myself. Gets some big laughs. In the end I showered the audience with stuffed cat toy mice that I got from a pet store. Don't try this at home, unless you know your audience! Daffy Doug can not be held responsible for whatever happens if you use these ideas! This is a simple prop with great comedy potential in the right hands, it's simple to perform, and packs very small. It has audience participation, can be performed stand up, close-up, or on stage, and packs a lot of laugh potential. Four stars **** for those who can handle it.
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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Turk Inner circle Portland, OR 3546 Posts |
Doug,
Thanks for the review. It gets my 'ol spi**ter muscle tightnening just thinking about the danger element in this effect. Even performed properly and with strict audience control, this has to have the audience wetting their pants (or worse). BTW, in your post, you stated: "The mechanics of the trick are older than time, using a simple device that can not really be called sleight of hand. Other than that, you must control a card." My question is: Is the "simple device" you are referring to the mouse trap or is it a "secret something" that also is necessary to perform the effect. Additionally, I wasn't certain if the card control was "by your favorite method" or was a method integral to the routine and the use of the mouse trap. Finally, Jarle Leirpoll sells this mousetrap in two "flavors" (standard and weakened spring versions). The standard version seems especially inherently really dangerous. Have you found this to be the case? And were you reviewing the standard version? Thanks for any clarification. This effect has really intrigued me but I can certainly see limited application for it----i.e., NO childrens' shows, for instance. Additionally, I certainly would also be hesitant to try to perform the effect where a lot of liquor has been consumed and the audience members' conduct and coordinationare highly suspect. Is it really as dangerous as it looks? Mike P.S. I found your fake finger routine to be hilarious, and, that would have done it for me. If I had been a member of the audience, I would have definitely wet my pants when you had the trap go off on your "finger".
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto. Eschew obfuscation. |
eryanic Special user 683 Posts |
Hey guys..is there a demo for this trick that I can download??
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eddieloughran Special user 942 Posts |
This is a trick I perform sometimes, and it really goes down well, - with, as was pointed out above, the right volunteer.
As long as they keep their hand flat. The way the card is caught you have a lot of control. It was used on a couple of T.V. shows. |
Turk Inner circle Portland, OR 3546 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-01-18 04:52, eryanic wrote: Eryanic, Here it is: http://www.leirpoll.com/mousetrap.htm Mike P.S. I should point out that the video on the moustrap is only a video demonstrating a SAFE way to load the mousetrap. There is no video on the actual routine tnat I am aware of. But think about this!!! An actual video to demonstrate a SAFE way to set the mousetrap!! Like has been pointed out before, this effect is inherently dangerous and you had better have everything under control if you perform the effect. I would STRONGLY urge you to have liability insurance to cover the times a spectator might get injured by this device. Not as dangerous as Russian Roulette but not as innocuous as a TT vanish either.
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto. Eschew obfuscation. |
daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-01-18 04:52, eryanic wrote: I'm not aware of any video online. I purchased it from Hank Lee so you might give him a buzz and ask.
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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Bagatelli New user Germany 73 Posts |
Quote:
I'm not aware of any video online. Six years later, I found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy60YruS8Nc |
Stephen Young Inner circle Thought Illusions 3933 Posts |
I really like this a lot.
I'll have to check out if it's still available Steve |
Douglas Lippert Inner circle E Pluribus Unum 2343 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-04-01 10:06, steveline wrote: Hey Steve, You can buy it direct from Jarle @ http://www.leirpoll.com/mousetrap.htm Hank Lee also sells it as well @ http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php......0&page=1 I just purchased one from Hank Lee because I don't live in Europe.
Douglas Lippert
Former I.B.M. Ring #8 Secretary |
Stephen Young Inner circle Thought Illusions 3933 Posts |
Thanks for the links
Steve Posted: Apr 1, 2010 2:15pm Just ordered. Watch out audience!!! steve |
Douglas Lippert Inner circle E Pluribus Unum 2343 Posts |
Glad it helped out Steve. You, me, our audiences, we're all in for a treat!
Douglas Lippert
Former I.B.M. Ring #8 Secretary |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricks & Effects » » REVIEW: Card In Mousetrap by Jarle Leirpoll (0 Likes) |
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