One of the most maligned magic effects has to be the Baffling Bra or simply, the bra trick. Fortunately it seems to have faded from popularity as it’s terribly inappropriate.
If you’re unfamiliar, two silk handkerchiefs are tied together and placed into the top of an unsuspecting woman. Sometimes a third handkerchief is shown and vanished. The two handkerchiefs are pulled out and a bra is hanging between them – much to the chagrin of the woman. Definitely inappropriate.
I will admit that I performed a version in the late 70’s that my girlfriend at the time helped modify. Using two of her bras, she made a three cup unit and replaced the one included. As I write this, I’m shocked that she helped and that I actually performed it.
Recently listening to a podcast from Steve Valentine that discussed the career of Ricky Dunn, the name Howard Brooks was mentioned. Howard was a good friend of Ricky’s as well as having his own success on stage, screen and magic. He was friends with Vernon, Himber, Flosso, Ballantine, Thompson and the Marshall’s. But unfortunately, like many, he’s been forgotten.
Howard is credited with developing two tricks. One was the gag item, the tape measure watch. The performer would show her wrist watch, pull on a tape measure embedded inside and say, “how long have I been here?” A clever groaner. I haven’t seen one of these in many years.
The other is the bra trick. I don’t believe he intended for it to be performed the way it evolved as his performance was, like the tape measure watch, a quick visual gag. In the 1930’s Howard was performing in a Broadway revue. During the final bows, Howard, a comedian, and one of the showgirls walked downstage for their bows. The director wanted a fast effect at that moment so Howard invented the Baffling Bra.
It was a fast comical and a little risqué moment at the close of the show. It wasn’t as it evolved as an unfunny, embarrassing trick.
It does make me wonder if the origin of the ding-dong was something entirely different? No, I seriously doubt it too.
