Jeff McBride won a "Fool Us" for his RainMaker (ungimmicked water bowls that keep refilling.)

After the performance, Penn said there was nothing gimmicked.. and that it was Jeff's own piece/performance, there was nothing to "bust".

I've watched Penn's comments to other magicians, and he can cleverly/secretly indicate (to the performer) that he knows the method, w/o exposing it.

Is that what Penn was really doing (and subtly applauding McBride's artistry), or did Penn really not know how McBride did this routine?

just curious;
John

You can watch Tom Mullica perform this on YouTube years ago, then re-watch McBride's version, there are differences that makes one wonder.

Wasn't the original effect called "More Water"? I think Jeff does it as well as anyone I've seen but I was amazed that P&T either didn't know the work on it or were just being nice.

That's my thinking. For Penn to be able to say that "nothing is gimmicked", implies he knows the method
and for Penn to say something like "there is nothing to bust", and "it is your own piece of magic"
hints at the simplicity of the method (McBride basically did what it appeared to be), and acknowledges the skill with which McBride performed it.

I was just curious to hear others thoughts on it.

John

I told Jeff that this effect is more amazing when you know the method.

I think Penn was saying that because he knew the method and that nothing was gimmicked that he was "fooled" in the sense that the illusion of the bowls refilling was achieved and very well done.

McBride tipped the secret at one of his lectures years ago, but I don't think the magicians in the room cared enough for it. Im sure Penn and Teller know the workings.

Jeff is doing a beautifull ungimmicked act. Funny that if you are ordering the same effect on a magic shop they will send you gimmicked balls...This is much more magic the way jeff does it!

+1

Poor theatrical choice. Yes I said it. When performer has big jelly belly, it's plausible he could be taking-in the water, then spitting it out. and second; some people know of "water spouting", thus effect is further diminished.

Also, the ungimmicked bowls looked thick enough to be gimmicked. Thus, "less" effect.

McBride. Getting a "pass" by P&T. Shame.

Have to agree. I don't care enough about it to even wonder how he did it. I like McBride a lot, but this effect is just boring, sorry.