Does anyone have any info on this Illusion? I havent seen it done in a while. I have veiwed the Mark Wilson performance. I have also seen Scott Alexander perform it. Has anyone done this and if so how was the reaction I am pretty sure I know the workings of this by veiwing the Wilson performance.

Denny Haney from Baltimore, MD is the master. Scott used to work for Denny, so I assume that's where he learned it.

I saw the Spencers perform it a number of years ago. It was very impressive and received a strong response from the audience.
The downside is the time involved in lacing it up, etc. however, using audience members to assist in the action helps move the time along as well as adds to the mystery.

Billy Bishop and Ann use to do this also.You might try to get a hold of a book written about him by his son Glen or try to look up Glen Bishop. Good Luck

I agree with Pepka nobody does it any better than Denny.

I performed the illusion for about 5 years. I made a full act of it, with a presentation built around an attempt to outdo Houdini on the 50th anniversary of his death. (Cheeky, I know, but it made for a dramatic presentation.) I even had the box "built" by audience members prior to the start of the show and, when possible, put the box on display for the rest of the audience to examine afterwards.

I performed the illusion in all sorts of venues: on a proscenium stage; surrounded in the middle of a hotel ballroom; on the gymnasium floor of a minimum-security prison; and even in a 13,000+ seat indoor stadium. At the risk of appearing immodest, the audience reaction was always exceptionally strong. I chalk that up at least 50% to the illusion itself--it's that good.

The first time I performed it was in October, 1976. I was part of a local IBM show, and also on the bill was Andre Kole. I closed the first act and Andre was the entire second act. During the intermission, as my assistant and I were striking the props, Andre came up to us and said that our performance of the illusion was one of the best he had ever seen. I was only 20 years old and Andre was one of my magic idols (and he still is), so needless to say I was on cloud nine for weeks.

Heck, my memory of that moment 32 year later still puts a smile on my face.

Thanks so much for all the information, and by the way Donal, I just sent you a message. Again thanks so much guys.

Denny did teach it to me.
I think he might have one for sale at his shop.

-Scott