GRANTS

Super Magical Secrets

PUBLISHED BY
U. F. GRANT
PITTSFIELD. MASS.
 INTRODUCTION
As an introdaction to this little book on Magical prob-
lems and effects by U.F. Grants I would like to mention
that the author is a well known magician, and having a
creative brain, he is able to originate magical problems of
a practical nature, and the reader may be assured that each
effect has been tried and found perfect. Again the effects
have been performed befor a select few who have offered
suggestions and improvements and in this way the reader is
assured of a roal practical workable magical effect.

Max. Holden.
 F O R E V*7 R D

In offering these original secrets to brother Magicians

I can truthly say that I have used all except the two Illas-
ions, and every one has proven to be really worth while and
effective. The Hindoo Rope & Rising Card and Peirls Of
Persia, are two novel little mystarys of which I am proud.
Do not fail to give them a t]y F.nd be convinced of their en-
tertainment value. Also I h \e tried to make my explana-
tions clear, yet not lengthy, ani hope this method meets
with your approval.

U. F. Grant

^0«33P2
 .

m GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS

MECCA

Magician picks up a deck of cirds and removes about

a dozen, which are fanned out. He reaches behind the fan
and produces a cigarette, which is placed on top of a giant
size card. This is continued untill five have made their ap-
pearance and been placed on top of large card. Next, atter-
tion is called to a hank, which is shown on both sides and
the four comers gathered tc-gather, forming a bag. In this
the five smoking cigs. are dropped one at a time. Then hrnl-
ia suddenly shaken out and the ciga.ettes hava vanishei.
 ^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

Make five fake cigarettes of fibre or tin tubing Pnd

piint them white. At one end of each glue a small piece
of gray felt to represent ashes, and where felt joins tubing
glue a nariow band of bright red tinfoil. This will glow
under the action of the footlights, giving a perfect imitation
of a burning cig. Dip felt tip in hydrochloric acid (C.P.) and
then, if placed in tha fames of strong ammonia (C.P.) smoke
will curl up from cig. and the deception will be complete.
For the production, make a tin case the size of a pack
of cards, leaving the f. ont side open. Paint the edges white.
End on the back glue a card, back out. Next, glue a piece
of tin to the back of a card and attach a weak spring that
will just hold card flush with the opening when it is droppad
in case. On another tin backed card, solder a spiral spring
in which to clip the cigi -ettes. Put this in case, forcing
down other fake card, plaie several unprepared cards on
top, and slip all into a regi.lar card case. Then by removing
pick and fanning out a few ca^ds, you can produce the cigs.
from the back of fan, while sp ing backed card closes open-
ing in fake pack.
To p.oducd the smol :e, cigs. may be dropped in a glass
which has been swabbed insiae with ammonia, or may be
clipped on the back of a gisnt card over a small tin trough
containing ammonia.
For the vanish, sew two hr^nks together, leaving one
CO ner open. Than, when you bring the corners together,
drop the cigs be'-ween the h'^nks, after which open out and
sho.v both sides empty.
^ GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^
HINDOO ROPE AND RISING CARD.

Effect: Magician calls attention to a picture frame

containing a street scene of India, with a Hindoo standing
over a basket.
While everyone is watching intently, a real rope is seen
to emerge from the basket and slowly rise up into the sky.
Following this, a previously selected card is seen to peek
over the edge of the basket, then slowly wiggle and climb
to the top of the rope; the effect being as if the picture
suddenly comes to life.
s GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS

Secret: Procure a picture frame about 20 in. wide and

30 in. high, and cut out a piece of cardboard to fit. Paint
the cardboard dead black and then, with white paint, out-
line the scene shown in the sketch. Near the bottom of
the picture attach a small wicker basket with a flat back,
such as sold in any department store, and divide it into two
vertical compartments, front and rear.
Next, cut a piece of soft, pliable rope such as ordinary
cotton clothes line. Tie a black thread to one end and a
small weignt to the other. Coil the rope in the rear com-
partment and run thread up front of picture, and through
a pinhole near the top.
In the front compartment place a playing card on the
back of which are glued two cardboard channels as shown
in sketch. These will make the card follow the rope when
it is pulled up by a thread running through another hole at

the top close to the first one.

When ready to work, assistant pulls thread attached to
rope. Being coiled in the basket, the rope comes out with
a very mysterious zig-zag motion, and when the knot reach-
es the pinhole the weight straightens out the rope. Then
assistant pulls the other thread so that the card just peeks
over the edge of the basket, pauses a moment, and then
continues slowly to the upper end of the rope.
Note : If you work alone, the threads may be pulled by
two weights operating in sand cylinders attached to the
rear of tne picture.
^^ GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

GRANT'S SUPER ROPE TRICK.

Effect: Performer calls attention to a length of rope,

the ends of which he ties together, forming a loop. Then
a spectator is allowed to cut the rope right in the center
of the loop.
The two cut ends are held wide apart and shown to be
actually separated, with the knot now in the middle of the
rope.
Then, by simply passing his hands over the two ends,
performer restores the rope to it's original condition and
immediately throws it out for examination.
^^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECkETS ^
Secret: Take any convenient length of soft, pliable
rope and tie an extra small piece around one end, as shown
in sketch 1— A. Then coil up the rope and lay it behind
some object on table.
When ready to present trick, pick up end with the ex-
tra piece, concealing this in the hand. Then grasp free end
with other hand and hold out for inspection. IBring the
two ends together and tie, forming a loop. In the act of
showing the rope to be apparently solid, slide hand contain-
mg extra piece down to bottom, carrying piece with it.
Now grasp rope at top with other hand, covering reil
tied ends as in sketch 2— B. Then place end A also in up-
per hand. This hand now conceals both the real and the
fake tied ends, as shown in sketch 3.
Next pick up the shears, at same time dropping end A
into view, and the audience will naturally think this is the
two tied ends of rope. See sketch 4. Now requst a specta-
tor to cut both sides of loop near the hand, still holding as
in sketch 4 with the real knots concealed. After being cut
place the small piece with the real concealed knot in pocket.
Now hold the cut ends wide apart. Next untie the extra
piece A and hold rope ani loop as in sketch 5.
In restoring the rope, either cut away extra piece or
slip it off, and same is left in pocket while after a ring to
pass over the rope. Now show rope as one piece and throw
out for examination.
The simplicity of this effect, makes it really worth while
and effective.
^^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS -i^^

FEARLS OF PERSIA.

Effect A decorated box is displ yed and the cove lift-

:
•

ed revealing a beautiful string of pearls. These are remove I

and the box shown empty. Next a paper cone is shown
empty an i the string of pearls is dropped in same, then
Magician matters a few migic words, cone is opened, an I
in place of the pearls out drc^js a precty rose. Now i pon
opening the box, the pearls are once more discovered ! epos-
ing in sanre, just as they were at start of the experiment, in
til making a very beautiful and appealing trick.
<-^ GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

Secret Procure a shallow box about seven inches square

:

and two inches deep. The cover should be hinged and the
outside painted with a fancy design. Cut a piece of thin
cardboard that will fit snugly in the bottom, and cover
this with black velvet. On the velvet, glue a small piece
of wood as shown in sketch, and slip all into bottom of box.
Next, get two strings of pearls and on the ends of one
string fasten two bent pins. Stick these in the cardboard
near the front corners and fold up pearls next to the front
ledge of box. Spread other string out as shown in sketch,
close cover and you are ready to present trick.
Pick up box, tip forward and open the cover, displaying
one string of pearls while the other is still concealed from
horizontal view by the front ledge of box.
Remove visible string and, without calling attention to
it, show box empty and close cover. While showing string
just removed, drop box to side with other hand, tipping it
backward. This will cause concealed string to fall over the
tapered piece of wood in same position occupied by first
string. Then lay box on table.
Now vanish the pearls and produce the rose with the
familiar double paper cone effect.
Finally, pick up box, tip forward to cause pearls to fall
into position, and open cover, revealing the vanished pearls
apparently restored. Remove pearls and pass out box for
examination.
—^. GRANT'S SUFER MAGICAL SECRETS »^

MAGIC HAND AND MYSTIC RINGS.

Effect: Magi calls attention to a spirit hand. On each

finger is a plain silver band ring.
The four rings are removed from the fingers, and hand
iscovered with a silk.
Now the four rings are vanished.
Upon uncoveiing the hand, the rings are discovered on
the fingers once more.
^^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

Secret: Procure a wooden, paper mache or plaster

hand, and four silver rings that will fit snugly over the
fingers. Paint four imitation rings on the back half of
fingers, that is, half way around so that when palm of hand
is facing audience, rings will not show. Slip the four sil-
ver rings over fingers, covering painted ones.
Pick up hand, show it all around, and then lay it back
en table with palm facing audience. Remove rings, pick
up hand and cover with a silk, and then replace it on table
with back facing audience.
Now vanish the rings, flip the silk off the hand, and the
lings have apparently reappeared on the fingers.
A variation of the above, which I have found just as
effective, is papei' bands instead of silver rings, and half
bands glued on backs of fingers.
Although the performer will, no doubt, have his own
pet method of vanishing the rings I am giving my own
variation, which has proved very satisfactory. Have a
card selected and returned to the pack. Remove the rings
and drop them in a mirror glass, covering with a silk. Show
rings restored on fingers and then from the glass, instead of
the rings, produce a silk hank in the center of which is a
picture of the selected card.
^ GRANT^S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^
GRANT'S SUPER DIE BOX

Effect: Performer calls attention to a large die box,

which can be passed for examination. A die is placed in
bame and the doors closed. After the usual sucker gag, all
doors are opened and box shown empty. Then die is pro-
duced from a hat.
This die is once more placed in box and caused to van-
ish, only to make it's reappearance from the hat.
Now box is shown absolutely empty, and then doors
ciosed. With a mystic pass, the doors are opened and a
large production follows, such as live stock, silks or any-
thing that will go in the box.
 ^
—^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS .^—

Secret: Box is unprepared, and similar to the usual die

box, except that front doors are hinged at bottom instead of
sides. This is necessary, due to the reflection principle in-
volved.
Two of the dies are tin fakes, four siiei instead of six.
A mirror is placed in each at a forty-five degree angle, as
shown in sketch. Behind each mirror may be placed a load
of silks, live stock in a bag or whatever performer desires.
At start of trick, a hat containing one of fake dies is on

table. Other fake die is on table, and the solid one on sei-
vante at rear.
Now fake die taken from table and placed in box as
is

shown doors are opened and box appears emp-

in sketch. All
ty, as inside of die is same color as inside of box, and mir-
ror inside of die reflects bottom of die, bottom door and
hinges; giving the illusion that you are seeing back of box,
lop door and hinges.
Now other fake die is removed from hat, and, while
showing same, solid one is loaded in hat from servante.
Fake die is then placed in empty side of box, caused to
vanish, and then solid one dumped out of hat.
Box is once more shown empty, and then all doors
closed. Top doors are nov^r opane 1, and the articles produced.

Note: The writer wishes to take this opportunity to

state that hewas the fiist to use mirrors in a die b()x,
changing lemons to bananas, and completely baffling some
of the foremost magicians of the country at their last annual
N.C.A. convention in New York City some years ago.
s GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS

A BEDTIME STORY

There is really nothmg new about the little stunt

where you draw a picture of a square pig, then by erasing
two of the lines and adding two more you cause the pig
to look round. With this little addition, where the head
changes it's position in a mysterious manner, the effect is
suitable for a magical program.
 Effect: Performer states he will illusrtrate a bedtime
?tory. To do so, he makes use of a slate and says;
"Once upon a time, a small boy brought his slate home
from school and askei his father to draw a picture of a pig.
The father proceeded to do so and here's the result."
Magician draws the picture of a pig, as shown in fig.l.
"The boy said, 'Why father, that doesn't look like a
pig, it's square. Can't you make it look round?' The fath-
e:-, being a migician, said, 'Sare, LOOK!' And, sure
enoigh, the pig looked around."
When magi ian says "LOOK", the head of pig flies to
position shown in fig. 2.

Secret To accomplish this effect, cut out a triangular

:

piece of cardboard slightly larger then the pigs head. Paint

this black, so it will not show up against the slate, and at-
tach it to the slate with black cloth hinges. On the back
side of this flap, oatline the pig's head in white. theFrom
point of the flap run a black thread across the front of the
slate, through a small hole at other end, and tie it to a small
button at the back. In drawing the pig, draw the head on
the blank side of the flap as in fig. 1. When ready for the
head to turn, pull the thread causing flap to turn over
and apparently making the head turn around.
^ GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

SAMBO THE HUMAN HEN

A New Method Of Presenting Eggs From The Mouth.

Real Novelty Comedy Mystery.

Effect: Attention is called to a large piece of card-

board on which is the picture of a colored boy, with a bright
green tie hanging from his neck. Sambo's tie is pulled and
to everybody's suprise he opens his mouth revealing an egg.
Cardboard is turned around and shown to be absolutely flat
without any possible space for concealing eggs. Still, every
time Sambo's tie is pulled a fresh egg makes it's appearance.

5AMBa
THE HOMAvN HtN
—^' GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS -^

Sambo The Hamsn Hen

Secret : The picture

is painted on a piece of cardboard;

the tie is and sho ild be of a bright color. Running f.om

real
tie is a thread which goes up behind picture and thra same
at top of held and down to the tongue, which is hin ^e i, to
lepresent an e^g. The IllusiDn isp3rfect,as it looks just
as if tongue rolls back into mouth as egg appears. This pic-
ture is on a staniard behind a taile. MagiciBn stands between
table and pict ire. On servante at back of table is a supply
of eggs. While left hand is pulling tie the
right palms an e ^g from servante. When
fake egg makes its appearance right hand
goes in front of mouth and flips tongue -^
back to original position, then right hani
comes away expjsing palme egg, which was apparently re-
i

moved from mojith. Same is layed on table and the above

moves continued until supply on sei'vante are exhausted.
 ^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^
MAH JONG MYSTERY STICKS

A full twenty minute act can bs p/esented by the aid

of three small sticks. They are exactly alike ani can be
paf.^ed out for examination.

Effect : Assistant may be in another room or have

back turned to performer, who sends him dates on coins,
months of birth, ages, full description of spectators, etc.,
by the aid of these three sticks only. An/one may deliver
the sticks from performer to assistant
^^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS p^

Secret: The three httle sticks should be made exactly

ahke, pointed at one end and with a fancy design on one
side as shown in sketch. If the assistant is to work blind-
folded, the design should be inlaid so that the position of
the sticks can be determined by the sense of touch.
Each of the sticks may then be placed in the four
positions shown and it is the way they are stacked or ar-
ranged, one on the other, that conveys the idea from per*
former to assistant, sixty four different combinations being
possible.

Straight numerical values may be assigned to the sticks

as follows:

Stick 1. Stick 2. Stick 3.

Position 1.
^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^
Performer ?nd assistant should agree beforehand upon
4, certain routine, so that no code will be required to tell
what is to be described. For example:
First three items, Ages.
]^ext two items. Months.
Next two items, Dates on coins.

Next item, Sum of column of figures.

Last item, Full description of person.

To prevent the spectator who delivers the sticks to the

assistant from accidentally disarranging their order, he
should be asked, to form his hani into a fist, and the sticks
inserted with the counting sides toward his finger tips.

,
CODE for AGES.
This will cover ages from 10 to 50. The four positions
of the first stick signify, respectively, that the age falls
within the 10s, 20s, 30s or 40s. The position of the second
stick signifies. that the second figure is 1, 2 or 3; 4, 5 or 6; 7,
8 or 9; or zero. The first three positions of the third stick
will signify which one of the three applies, and the fourth
position will signify 50.
A few examples are given in the table below.
Age
'^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

CODE for MONTHS.

This requires only two of the sticks, but all three are
used to avoid suspicion. The positions of the first stick cov-
er four groups of three months each, and the position of
the second determines which month of the three applies.
In the following table, each month is followed by two
figures representing the positions of the two sticks.
January 1,1. April 2,1. July 3,1. October 4,1.
February 1,2. May 2,2. August 3,2. November 4,2
March 1,3. June 2,3. September 3,3. December 4,3.

CODE for DATES on COINS.

This covers 1890 to the present. The position of the

first stick covers the 18903, 1900s, 1910s, or the 1920s; and
the other two sticks are used exactly as in the age code to
determine the last figure. Tha forty years previous to 1890
may be covered by pushing the sticks down in the spectators
hand but as these dates are seldom encountered, it is better
to put this use of the sticks to a better purpose, as shown
below.

CODE for ITEMS to be DESCRIBED.

This should be arranged by the performer to suit his
own requirements; and consists of pushing any one, any
two, or all three of the sticks down in spectator's fist.
Nine combinations of this vertical position are possible
which may be used for an item code, doing away with the
necessity of prearranging the list, as recommended for
beginners above.
<^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS «^

CODE for DESCRIBING a PERSON.

First Stick. Second Stick (if man).

1. Man, light eyes. 1. Light hair, light tie.

2. Man, dark eyes. 2. Light hair, dark tie.

3. Woman, light eyes. 3. Dark hair, light tie.

4. Woman, dark eyes. 4. Dark hair, dark tie.

Second Stick (if woman). Third stick.

1. Light hair, bobbed. L Light clothes, light shoes.

2. Light hair, long. 2. Light clothes, dark shoe^.
3. Dark hair, bobbed. 3. Dark clothes, light shoes.

4. Dark hair, long. 4. Dark clothes, dark shoes.

Suppose the assistant receives the sticks in the positions

2, 1and 3. He will dramatically relate, " I get the picture
of a man with blue eyes, light hair ard a lather flashy tie.
He seems to be wearing quite a dark suit and brown
shoes." Then he goes on with something pleasing about
the man's disposition, good fortune in store etc.
In case any doubts exist about the sticks of Mah Jong
being practical, the writer wishes to state that he has used
them with great success at various functions and the stud-
ent may feel assured that, if he diligenLly applies the
principles explained to gradually increase the scope of their
usefulness, he will soon find himself in possession of a code
system which, for entertainment value and baffling possi-
bilities, is second to none.
 -^. GRANT'S SUPER MACICAL SECRETS .'^^

SUPER PREDICTION

This will prove very effective if worked in a mind read-

ing act wherein Medium on stage describes arcticles handed
to performer in audience.

Effect: After Medium describes several arcticles that —

have been handed to performer, he states he is going to put
her to a very severe test, that is have her describe the next
arcticle that will be handed to him, with-out even he know —
ing what it is. Medium writes a prediction on slip of paper
and spectator holds same Then performer has anothei- per-
.

son hand him any object, what-ever it happens to be, upon

looking on slip of paper held by spectator it is found the Me-
dium correctly pedicted same.

Secret: Before performance, performer and Medium agree

on a certain object, something that some-one is bound to —
hand you. For example we will say a watch. Performer go-
es thru audience and Medium describes many arcticles. Magi
watches for some-one at his side, or nearby, with a watch
to hand him. Then say's, (Folks I am now going to put the
lady to a test. That is, lady will predict what you will hand
me. Medium writes on slip (A Watch). Magi immediatly,—
but in an unconcerned way, turns to man with watch, then
holds out his hand and sr.y's, ( Have you something? ) natur-
^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS p-»

?lly this spectator being caught off his guard will hand you
the article he formally had on his mind, namely the watch.
And success is yours.
A variation: Instead of agreeing on a certain article
before the performance, it is possible for performer to watch
for any object
ready to be handed to him. Then, by code,
send Medium name of article to be predicted.

VANISHING DIE AND APPEARING GIRL

^ GRANTS SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^
VANISHING DIE AND APPEARING GIRL.
Effect :A giant size die is displayed on a platform ele-
vated above stage. Platform is swung around showing di3
on all sides. Wood panels are placed around same,making a
giant die box, with four doors similar to the familiar box.
The four doors are closed, followed by the usual sucker gag
of first showing one side then the other, the tipping being
emitted. Finally, all dcors are opened and box shown empty.
Once more doors are closed, and at the report of a revolve:
one of the top doors flies open and out jumps a girl.
Secret This Illusion works on the same principle as
:

the super die box, described in early part of this book. The
die is hollow and four sided instead of six, with a mirror
running from front top to bottom rear of die, at a forty
five degree angle. Girl is behind the mirror. Also a roll
curtain runs from top back of die across top and down t«)

front bottom where it is hooked, making it possible to

show all sides. Die is left so front or curtain side is fac-
ing audience. Now the panels are pat in place, making a
giant die box, and as soon as doors are closed, girl releases cur-
tain. When doors are opened again,box appears empty, due
to rafle:;tion of mirror.
 ^ GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS

DP. JEYKELL AND MR. HYDE.

Effect: Performer states that by the aid of Magic ani

scientific principles he will reproduce the famous Dr. Jey-
kell and Mr. Hyde scene. He steps to table which contains
several test tubes and a decanter of water. By pouring the
clear water in the tubes changes to different colors. Sud-
it

denly he drinks some. Then, slowly changes to Mr. Hyde in full

view of the audience, with long hair, twisted fingers, large
teeth etc. In all, a very weird specticle. Then suddenly he
changes bat k to his former self. All this is done in panto-
mine, with appropriate music furnished by the orchestra.

%*t« fc<^<3e

STAije.

'^
&"
h-.:
 S GRANT'S SUPER MAGICAL SECRETS ^^

Secret: The principle of the "Pepper" illusion has been

dT-essed up to produce this new and
entertaining effect.
A sheet of plate glass is placed diagonally in front of
the main setting so that a duplicate setting at the side
may be reflected in it's place, although it appears to the
auaience that the first setting remains in view. This is
accomplished with the aid of rheostats, gradually dimming
the lights that illuminate one setting while turning up those
that illuminate the other.
The layout, as shown in the diagram on opposite page,
consists of a small curtained opening at the rear of the
fctage with stairs and elevated floor ala Kellar's Blue Room.
After the openirg speech, the performer, attired as Dr.
Jeykell, enters through the small door at the back left hand
corner and performs the familiar wine and water routine.
In the meantime, the assistant, disguised as Mr. hyde, has
placed himself in a marked position at the left so thsft his
reflectedimage will coincide exactly with the position oc-
cupied by the performer. Then the exchange is made by
switching the lights as stated above.
For another variation where the exchange is not made
visibly, a production cabinet may be used. Performer steps
in and draws curtain which immediately flies open, disclos-
ing Mr. Hyde, whom
the audience believe to be the perform-
er in another disguise. Curtain is drawn and opened again
and cabinet is empty, while the performer, who has made
his getawy to the rear of the theatre, comes running down
the aisle.
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
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