pages: latestmagicbeing00hoff.pdf, 212
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latestmagicbeing00hoff.pdf | 212 | 196 LATEST MAGIC by the introduction, among the "properties" used, of some object professedly essential to the trick, but as a matter of fact having no real concern with the effect produced. The audience take for granted that it must have something to do with the effect, or it would not be used, and are thereby led away the more effectually from the actual explana- tion. Numerous illustrations of the use of this device will be found in the foregoing pages. If, in the case of a given trick, the performer is absolutely at a loss to produce a satisfactory fable to introduce it, he may evade the difficulty by stating that he is about to produce an effect for which he cannot himself account, and inviting the assistance of his audience in doing SO. The second function of patter is the calling of the attention of the audience to matters which you desire them to take note of, and to give oppor- tunity to do SO. There is small credit to be gained by changing the ace of clubs into the ace of hearts, or making a given article pass invisibly from one spot to another, unless the spectators have been first made to realise the original state of things, and they must be allowed sufficient time to do SO. I have more than once seen an otherwise brilliant show spoilt by being rushed through at railroad speed. The mind of the spectator had not been allowed time to receive clear impressions. The company in such a case disperses with a conscious- ness of having had a rapid succession of surprises, |