Does anybody know if anyone performs a levitation like Doug hennings one from an early tv special, where the assistant is raised then turned 360degrees vertically? I remember seeing one on British TV in the 70's.. maybe Jeffery Atkins and I know Thurston did.

Just doing some research...

Thanks for your help
Matt

You might want to try contacting Jim Steinmeyer as he did a lot of work with Doug Henning.

I had thought of that, but I think the routine predates Jims envolvement with Doug. I believe Charles Reynolds was his consultant for the early tv shows. The Henning routine wasn't too deceptive but I rememeber the british guy doing his on a full lit TV studio. Doug's routine had a certain BA element to it. I'm sure the Thurston version was pretty similar.

I do believe Doug's was based on an older version of the Aga... HOWEVER, the 3 in 1 levitation system developed by Dutch Hailing (if memory serves me right) has a similar option. I know Dutch (Saydean) recently sold the mfg. rights on this piece but you may want to look into it via the archieves here @ the Café.

I've bought the rights to the 3-in-1 and yes it has the capability of vertical levitation and a 360 spin.

I believe Doug's version was based on a Trilby idea. I've also been working on a levitation like this. The 1936 Thayer catalog sells plans for something called "Theo" There is not a lot of info in the catalog description, but I think this is where Doug may have gotten the idea.

Richard

The rotating levi seen on British TV, in the Paul Daniels Show, was The Carmo Mummy, presented by Jeff ATKINS.I still have a video of it.
He had purchased it , I THINK from the Great Carmo estate, restored it lovingly and presented it on special occasions. It was sold in the Jeff Atkins sale after his decease. Reported in Abra and I think the British Ring mag, The Budget.

Pics were published in Supreme's mag. The Magigram, possibly the Jeff Atkins Issue.

Allen,
Thank you so much for remembering that. I wasn't sure if it Was Jeff Atkins or not, and wether it was on the Paul Daniels show or the show that was on BBC2 on monday nights in 78-79'. I don't recall the namet though.

I would love to see that Levitation again....

Matt

And finally, thanks to Youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqxmXzO6g04&NR=1

Matt

Thanks for the link. I loved the hoop moves!

John Gaughn built that levitation for Doug. John has in his collection an antique version of the rig. The rig alone ( not counting the lifting element) was over $15,000 I believe.
Contact John for more information.

Somewhat late, but can anybody confirm whether Carl Hertz invented and/or patented this illusion?

I'm not sure I'm a fan of this effect.
Seems to obvious.

Taylor