"Card on the Ceiling," of course, is a bar magic staple and York's version, according to his account, is the method that the best known bar magicians such as Bob Sheets are now using. It's indeed a visual and entertaining effect that's worth the price of this DVD.
The Card Ceiling
From Doc Eason to Johnny Ace Palmer to Bob Sheets "Card on the Ceiling" is a fantastic and memorable effect. A signed card is lost in the deck which is then wrapped in rubberbands and a borrowed dollar bill.As the magician tosses the deck towards the ceiling, a helper throws a thumb tack. The banded deck falls down but the card remains impaled with the bill on the ceiling. This is not only a fantastic effect, it's a money-maker for bar magicians.
Unmentionables and a Ringer
The oddly titled "If They're Wet, It's an Inside Job" is York's version of a "hat tear." In this case, two sheets of contrasting tissue paper are torn and then restored to form a pair of women's underwear that York says belongs to an audience member. York then reaches into the "shorts" to produce some sexually suggestive items.The second impressive effect on this DVD is York's "The Ring in the World." A borrowed finger ring is destroyed in a cleaning device and turns up inside a small globe that's been sitting on the bar the entire time. This routine resembles David Rothâ's routine with coins that's explained in his "Expert Coin Magic" book. Apparently, York and Roth worked together on their respective routines when they discovered that they were both working with the same prop.
While "The Ring in the World" is a great effect, finding the necessary props will be a challenge. Since this video was originally shot during the Clinton Administration, this task may be even more difficult now.
A Hard Time for Lucille
"Lucille" is York's version of Martin Lewis' "Sidewalk Shuffle." It's a "find the ace" trick where spectators can't find a single ace among four jumbo cards and at the end, three of the cards somehow turn into aces. Here, York tells a rather unpleasant story of a spurned lady that he is not interested in and uses the gambling routine to make her go away. York performs the basic phases of the original Lewis routine with some modifications of his own.The DVD offers two packet card tricks: "Mr. Lucky" and "Come to Casey's," where York shows a series of cards that ultimately change to spell messages such as the bar's name. These are commercial effects that play well.
Transpo
As the name implies, "Copper/Silver Transposition" is a standard, well known effect where a silver coin that's held tightly by a spectator in her hand switches places with a copper coin held by the magician. Finally, York offers an explanation of his "Bill in Cigarette" effect with no performance segment.This DVD is worthwhile just for "Card on the Ceiling" and offers some commercial effects for bar workers. As in the other York DVDs, the humor is for grown-ups and not appropriate for all performing situations.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
MSRP: (US) $29.95
York also offers all three volumes in a single set that retails for $79.99.
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
