Hello all,

I am trying to break into the world of stage magic. I am looking for some less expensive illusion type items. I have been seeing Murder Inc. (head dagger box) and I am wondering if anyone can recommend it or maybe NOT recommend it for a "starter" illusion. From a $$ standpoint it sounds pretty good. Let me know!

Thanks,
Keith

Hello, I own Murder Inc.

The illusion is good, however I did have problems with the Eurkea table base that the head chest was attached to. It was not very stable. So I built my own table, attached this to the top, and put casters on the bottom of the table. The whole thing now stands 6 feet tall and it looks much better this way. You can also perform the illusion without any table, by putting the chest on someones shoulders.

Overall it wasn't a bad purchase. I used this illusion over 50 times last October at a Halloween event. It more then paid for itself. If you are looking for other illusions check out Andrew Mayne's plans and books. He has a bunch of booklets out and the illusions are unique and inexpensive to build. http://www.weirdthings.com . Also check out Gary Darwin's inexpensive illusions books and video.

Once again, Murder Inc. is a fair value.

My friend

Don't do it!!! You are always carrying a lot of illusions with you and you need a lot of space to store them. Stick with the close up!

The illusion is portable and can be easily stored. It is easy to travel with, and fits in the back seat of any car.

Why are you telling him to stick with closeup when he is interested in stage magic and illusions?

Once upon a time I performed Murder inc. Over all it is a good illusion. The design is much more desirable then some other head chests. However if I had it to do over I would obtain Paul Osbourne's plans for Chest of Nefertari, which is the same illusion with a more elaborate design. I believe that it packs flat, but this is more for stage work so it depends how often you perform stage type venues. My other choice would be Abbott's Arrow head chest. Prices on these are excellent. One just sold on Magic Auction for $125.00. These also pack flat.

Ronald R.Romiski

Not that any lay person remembers the shows but some do... they did give away this effect on Fox's Magic Secrets Revealed, and I personally don't find it very effective. I wish I had not sold mine... I would have sold it to you cheap!!

Just my two cents worth!!

It was this first illusion we bought in 1989. We did away with the table and just rested it on the volunteer's shoulders. It is usually effective as you can use a member of the audience. Most have forgotten the exposure but the fact that it's an audience member seems to make it more believable. Ours has been in the show since we bought it and always gets a laugh or a cheer!

I got Murder Inc. last September. I used it in 18 shows for Halloween and have used it in my shows ever since. Overall it is a good illusion. I could think of other illusions that get a better reaction, but it is good for the price. The table base can't support the weight of the box, so I cover the part of the tube that extends out with a little tape. No one ever notices it, and it doesn't slide down.

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Keith