Fredrick Turner

Reflections

Performance

  • Mendoza on Practice

    John Mendoza passed away almost six years ago in July 2020. He was 73. He was a master of the cups and balls and released two manuscripts on his handlings. He published books and manuscripts of others including a young unknown magician, Chris Kenner. In 1979, he published Close-Up Presentation – a small hardcover book… Continue reading

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  • Media Notes: Tow

    We’re blessed to have a small, independent movie theater nearby. Last month, we were treated to the latest Jim Jarmusch film, Father, Mother, Sister, Brother. It’s a wonderful anthology film about family relationships, struggles to understand each other, and how little we know about the people closest to us. It’s a great film that deserves… Continue reading

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  • Make Procedure Interesting

    That was a phrase that was once spoken by Max Maven in a lecture I attended years ago. I don’t remember when exactly but it’s always stayed with me. I believe that the full comment was “the secret to mentalism is to make procedure interesting.” It’s not just mentalism but magic too. I reflect on… Continue reading

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  • “Hole In One” Theory

    Since 1947, Abbott’s Magic has offered a parlor effect called “Hole in One.” Background, description, and a whimsical performance video is available on Martin’s Magic Collection. The trick is one of those you don’t see much anymore as a parlor performance with lots of props has gone out of fashion and replaced with material that… Continue reading

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  • Occam’s Razor

    One of the reasons I have decided on my self imposed fast on purchasing magic is that the vast majority of material being produced fits into Sturgeon’s Revelation: “Ninety percent of everything is crud.” Most magic producers and by association, the magic buying public, believe that their audiences are idiots. While some may actually be… Continue reading

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  • Book Notes: Comedy, Character & Control

    This is not my typical magic book to read as I have always struggled with the idea of a comedy magician. (Aside: I also have a struggle with magicians who bill themselves as motivational speakers but that’s best left for another day.) I believe that magic is inherently funny – weird and unusual things happen… Continue reading

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  • Rick Johnsson: Linking Ring Parade June 1975

    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… Continue reading

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