DVD Review: Magic Under Fire by Harry Robson

Watch the performance segments of any instructional magic video and it always appears that the crowd is having a great time and enjoying the magic. This, of course, is intentional. Every artist wants to present his or her effects in the best possible light. On the other hand, in the real world, particularly in the corporate markets, crowds can be difficult. On occasion, this has been my experience. This is why Harry Robson’s “Magic Under Fire” DVD is so refreshing.

Robson talks about performing strolling magic under demanding corporate and wedding conditions. This worker with decades of experience is not afraid to show himself in situations where spectators are distracted and even walk away. But this is the reality of performing for adult crowds who may be drunk, or too cool to watch magic or be potentially fooled by it. It’s a pleasure to watch Robson in action.

On this DVD, Robson offers a series of his favorite routines, most of them involving cards. The effects tend to be short and sweet. And compared to the knuckle-busters that one normally finds on most magic instruction DVDs, the effects here are relatively straight-forward and only require rudimentary card sleights. Any working pro or serious magician will immediately understand how every trick is done and probably be able to recreate them without the explanation. Those who want to learn the latest complicated sleights won’t find them here.

To start, Robson explains his favorite card control that involves a keycard. It’s simple and direct and easy to learn and use. The rest of the card effects rely on this control.

“Transposition” is exactly as the name implies. Two spectators each select a card from a deck and return it. After some byplay, the magician shows each spectator their card and places it on their outstretched hand. Unfortunately, the cards that were shown were wrong. However, when the magician turns over the cards in their hands, they are the correct ones. It’s a strong classic card effect and Robson’s version only requires a couple of minutes.

“Card in Hip Wallet” is Robson’s version of the classic effect where a spectator’s chosen card ends up in the magician’s wallet. Robson explains his wallet modification that makes the loading easier. This is excellent advice.

There’s also a good trick, “Put Pocket,” where a spectator’s selected card ends up in the pocket of another spectator’s pants or coat. It’s accomplished much as you would expect and it’s a hoot to watch the video of Robson sneaking around at a party, card in hand, looking for the right mark. Talk about preshow work.

The “Pen Thru Anything Switch” explains Robson’s use of the “pen-through-anything” gimmick. Using the well known device, Robson appears to punch a hole in a bill and then magically repair the tear. The discussion here involves a switch that Robson uses that relies on a disappearing silk that’s accomplished with the usual gimmick.

“Professional Brainwave” is Robson’s use of the famous gimmicked deck. “The Long Card Gag” explains Robson’s use of the well known gag item. Nothing new here. Robson is simply showing how it gets a reaction.

“Think Of A Card” may appeal to card workers. Robson spreads the cards as he looks away. When the spectator indicates that he or she has seen a card, Robson is able to close the deck and bring the card to either the top or bottom of the deck, or appear in his pocket. This effect is something of an unpredictable “jazz” type of effect where the outcome isn’t certain. But it is powerful.

I like “Yesterday's Dream” where a spectator takes the deck and allows someone else to choose a card. At the trick’s strong conclusion, a wallet that’s been held by another spectator is shown to hold the chosen card. This one require’s no palming and no sleight of hand.