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by **Artfuldodger** » Nov 13th, '10, 03:31

Does any one still do this, where four people lift another person from a chair using just there finger? Or is it so old that every one knows the theory behind it thus not enternaining any more.
I have never seen a pro magician do it not even Blaine after he introduced his levitation illusion. Just wondering as its very effective and very stunning for the participants involved.

by **Craig Browning** » Nov 13th, '10, 03:39

I'm confident you'll find those that still do this bit but when it comes to the issue of "being effective"... well, that's entirely up to you as the performer; the only "poor" effects you'll ever find are those that aren't presented properly. I've gone out and spent some serious cash on more than a few "simple tricks" after having them blow my mind when presented by a noted "artist" such as Doug Henning, in one case. He did a brilliant marked coin routine that used the 50 cent coin slide gimmick you'll find in most magic kits sold in the 60's & 70's... he just used said device in a way that was more creative and novel. You can do the same thing with this old chestnut. :wink:

by **phillipnorthfield** » Nov 13th, '10, 13:21

One finger!!

Jesus that would be impressive! I thought it was two, in the palms together fingers out position?

by **Vanderbelt** » Nov 13th, '10, 15:37

I actually did this quite impromptu at a psychic house party gig just over a week ago.

The ladies in question were quite obsessed with the concept of suggestion, one recalling a heavy and light box routine she'd seen on tv not so long ago (I assume it was Brown's, he presented it as suggestion iirc).

Not having a heavy and light box (at all, let alone with me) I suggested we try it with a person and it went down a treat. Had the guest not mentioned the heavy and light box I doubt I'd have remembered this effect but I'm glad she did. As you rightly say, it's sometimes viewed as a bit 'dated' and well known in terms of method but in light of this I'll be performing it again in informal gigs, it's one to have a lot of fun with.

by **Craig Browning** » Nov 13th, '10, 15:45

Understand, this kind of "stunt" is closely related to the psychology behind Table Tipping or Pendulum work. In fact, if you start off with a Pendulum and/or basic Muscle Reading (anything involving Ideomotor action) you will find it both, psychologically and physically easier to move into this type of "Levitation" as well as the Table Tipping exercise.

by **Vanderbelt** » Nov 13th, '10, 19:52

Craig Browning wrote:Understand, this kind of "stunt" is closely related to the psychology behind Table Tipping or Pendulum work. In fact, if you start off with a Pendulum and/or basic Muscle Reading (anything involving Ideomotor action) you will find it both, psychologically and physically easier to move into this type of "Levitation" as well as the Table Tipping exercise.

Interestingly enough, this was done shortly after some glass moving. My 'psychic parties' generally consist of an opening 'talk' about the guest's opinions on the definition of 'psychic', followed by some effects as both demonstrations and what I call 'psychic party games' - things like group drawing dups and recently Voodini's excellent Psychic Cluedo. Then we move into some glass moving and another chat before personal readings. It was during this chat that the concept of suggestion was brought up.

by **Artfuldodger** » Nov 13th, '10, 21:22

I did learnt and did this twenty four years ago. The person who demonstrated it never gave a before hand receptive speech or made suggestions of any kind, it was simply place your hands over the head of the seated, which was done in a specific order, when you feel your hands getting warm get into position and lift. Great stuff I was completely impressed as were the others.
Philip you are correct, having made my post I realised I had failed to mention two fingers palms together which is how it is known. That said it can be done with one finger, depending on how well you understand physical laws relating to magnetism, removal, heat ect ect.
I have just found this site of recent, have since posted 2 topics and its really nice to read the comments.

by **Allen Tipton** » Nov 15th, '10, 11:56

Some years back I bought a small--6 page booklet entitled, 'Resistance Secrets'. from the Tommy Cooper Magic Shop, Blackpool. I would imaginge this was by Derek Lever.
It contains all the know how for:
1. Holding a broom handle whilst standing on one foot & challenging anyone to
push you off balance.
2. Preventing the strongest man lifting you off the floor.
3. Placing the tips of your fingers together and no one can oull them apart.
4. Performer has a broom handle beteen his palms and no one can oush it down
to the floor.
5.The Abnormal Lift. The lift by 4 people using only one finger each.

Many of these stunts were used, professionally,by Annie Abbott(see the biog) The Georgia Magnet and other 'Lady & Gentlemen Magnets', in the early part of the 20th. century.

The Lift but with 5 people using one finger each & 6 other stunts ( 5 different to the above) are explained, with illsutratiins in that strange and fascinating book--Dunninger's Complete Encyclopedia of Magic, pages 52.53.
The Dunninger 288 page book filled with hundreds of tricks etc. ; some will work ,some are like Will Goldstons iffy ones--but with brilliant illustrations, I bought in 1970.
It is still available on line. I bought a reprint copy, mint condition, last week, for a young Portuguese magician, at £14:41 ( £4 of which was postage)

Much of the stuff appeared in his Popular Magic booklets years ago.

Allen Tipton

by **spooneythegoon** » Nov 15th, '10, 19:51

Allen Tipton wrote:1. Holding a broom handle whilst standing on one foot & challenging anyone to
push you off balance.
2. Preventing the strongest man lifting you off the floor.
3. Placing the tips of your fingers together and no one can oull them apart.
4. Performer has a broom handle beteen his palms and no one can oush it down
to the floor.

Is there anywhere where these 4 can still be learned?

by **Mandrake** » Nov 15th, '10, 20:05

If it's still in print, http://www.taurusmagic.net/stagemagic.html

RESISTANCE SECRETS

SERIES OF FOUR, PLUS BONUS EFFECT.
The presentation of a series of scientific baffling effects that appear contrary to all NATURAL LAWS. Deemed impossible by those who have never witnessed the phenomena; regarded unreal by those who have seen it. The effect is that of a strange mental influence exerted over the strongest, weakening them at will. Un-describable, yet real!
(1) Man or woman stands on one foot and places across outstretched hands and challenges any number (yes, any number) of men, women and children to push against this broom - and push her off her balance. Nor does she employ any great physical energy in successfully resisting this superior force, a mere girl combating the combined effort of 20 or more men.
(2) Performer states that strongest man cannot lift her against her will, and a trial proves assertion. However, when she so “wills,” the lifting is easy. A tremendous sensation and the feature attraction of many shows the world over. The “Non-Liftable Girl” is the greatest of Resistance Secrets.
(3) Performer places the tips of the two forefingers together, holding same about
six inches in front of the chin, requesting any spectator to grasp the wrists and pull the fingers (which merely touch each other) apart. As utterly simple as it may seem, this is impossible without the performer’s consent. A “vest pocket” edition and extremely effective.
(4) Performer places palms against broom handle of ordinary broom held in vertical position and requests any spectator to push the broom down so the lower end touches the floor. This Is found impossible to do, as they cannot move it down one inch, yet the performer simply supports it with open palms.
The above resistance effects can be accomplished by anyone possessing the true secret. Absolutely no apparatus is employed in this super-sensation. May be per formed without previous experience, only a few minutes practice required. Excellent for a feature attraction, ballyhoo and high-class entertainment. Untold possibilities when presented as “Mental Force”, “Mind Over Matter,” “Hypnotism,” etc.
Complete methods, manuscript form, the five effects
FREE! To anyone that purchases the above series of four Resistance Secrets, we will send FREE of extra charge the amazing effect described
below.
THE ABNORMAL LIFT
A puzzling experiment, to which no intelligent solution has ever been offered. Two persons insert one finger under knee, other under arm pit of some party seated and lift them several inches clear of the chair they are sitting on. As good as it sounds and fine in conjunction with Resistance Secrets.

PRICE £8.00 PLUS £1.00 POST AND PACKING

Site was last updated in September this year.

by **Craig Browning** » Nov 16th, '10, 20:43

I do believe this is one of the bits Hilford covers in his VHS tape on Levitations... check with Steven's Magic, I think they carry all the old FLORA stuff. :wink:

by **Vanderbelt** » Nov 16th, '10, 20:44

Craig Browning wrote:I do believe this is one of the bits Hilford covers in his VHS tape on Levitations... check with Steven's Magic, I think they carry all the old FLORA stuff.

The abnormal lift is also covered by Richard Osterlind, EMM (Vol 3 iirc)

by **Robbie** » Nov 17th, '10, 14:00

spooneythegoon wrote:
Allen Tipton wrote:1. Holding a broom handle whilst standing on one foot & challenging anyone to push you off balance.
2. Preventing the strongest man lifting you off the floor.
3. Placing the tips of your fingers together and no one can pull them apart.
4. Performer has a broom handle beteen his palms and no one can push it down to the floor.

Is there anywhere where these 4 can still be learned?

I've seen them all here and there, but can't remember anywhere definite. Old books of party games and tricks, that sort of thing.

(By the way, I do have an enormous book of "that sort of thing". If I can find it, I'll have a look in there for you.)

by **Craig Browning** » Dec 9th, '10, 14:54

I just found something you might like for this challenge

http://www.mreenterprises.co.uk/viewproduct.php?id=28

Be careful, Eddie's magic shop can be dangerous for we addicts. :twisted:

by **Dominic Rougier** » Dec 9th, '10, 17:41

spooneythegoon wrote:
Allen Tipton wrote:1. Holding a broom handle whilst standing on one foot & challenging anyone to
push you off balance.
2. Preventing the strongest man lifting you off the floor.
3. Placing the tips of your fingers together and no one can oull them apart.
4. Performer has a broom handle beteen his palms and no one can oush it down
to the floor.

Is there anywhere where these 4 can still be learned?

Ormond McGill wrote about all of these - good luck hunting down some of his work though.

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