For those who are unaware, the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ monthly publication has a trick section that features the work of one or more magicians. The Parade as it’s called has been a part of the magazine since close to its inception. A number of prominent magicians have contributed over the years and some multiple times.
In June 1975, the Parade featured the work of Rick Johnsson. I’m guessing it’s what led to his thirteen year run of his column, Come a Little Closer. I believe this is next in his bibliography. The Parade consisted of twelve effects – all within the reach of the average IBM member.
These are a few of my favorites:
- Flim! Flam! Flum! As Rick described, this is a Nudist deck (AKA Mental Photography Deck) routine that doesn’t look like Don Allen’s routine. Rick performed this handling the time I saw him perform in 1980.
- Nag-Nag-Nag A premise for a movable hole effect that works well for the married performer. It’s a great use for the Andrus linking pin gimmick that has nothing to do with linking pins.
- Chucka-Luck A dice and card effect that utilizes the chestnut, the Sure Shot Die Box.
- Philo-Skink A selection changes color a few times that’s perfect to introduce your favorite ambitious card routine.
- A Wrap in the Mouth As Rick wrote “A freely selected and signed card appears in the wonders worker’s oral cavity in a tasteful manner and under impossible conditions.”
- Chop Cone Al Wheatley’s creation using a tailor’s thread spool. I’ve always wanted to make this but never found a source for the spool.
There’s a few more routines in the Parade but as I mentioned, these are my top picks.
