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I’ve invented another new effect, this time based on the JFK assassination. As some of you will know, there was the “magic bullet” theory (if you haven’t heard of this term just Google it) and I thought using the aces as the bullets and one of the jack’s as JFK (or Jack as he was known to most) would be quite fitting. Anyway, here’s the basic effect:

The deck is removed from the case and the case shown empty before being placed to one side. You show the deck to be normal and ask the spectator to select one of the Jacks (although any court card could be used) to represent JFK. The spectator then signs or initials their selection (which we’ll refer to as JFK from hereon it).
You explain that the deck will represent the Presidential limo as you replace JFK facedown on top of the pack. The deck is clearly cut, placing JFK in the middle, and the new top 4 cards are pushed off to reveal you have cut to the 4 aces – a flurry of bullets have descended on the limo! The aces are placed on the card case as you spread the deck of cards to reveal JFK has now appeared face up in the centre of the deck punctured by several little bullet holes. The card can be held up to the light to prove the holes are real - it seems as though the assassination attempt has been successful!
Of course, the majority of people believe that the JFK assassination was a conspiracy. Some even believe photographs, film and testimony were altered to prevent the truth from being uncovered. You pick up the 4 aces and place JFK amongst them. These 5 cards are then placed on the deck and cut to the centre. You explain that if it was possible to turn the clock back, JFK would never have got in the limo that day as you spread the deck to reveal the 4 aces stand alone in the centre of the pack – JFK has vanished!
For the finale, you pick up the card box, open it and remove their signed JFK card that has impossibly appeared in the case! There are no bullet holes to be seen and the card can be given to the spec as a souvenir. Who needs a conspiracy when you can use magic?!

What do you think? Worth mentioning that there is absolutely no palming, difficult sleights or bold moves involved. It is almost self working and the reset is 10 seconds. I am still perfecting the script but the above gives you an idea of the routine I am working on.

Any feedback/ideas would be appreciated.

does it have to be actual playing cards? can they not be playing card sized but with names, faces and so on instead? if you're going to use something as emotive as an assassination, you may as well go all out...otherwise the presentation itself doesn't reallly link with the objects you are using...

I'm planning on an AEAAN effect, any Ethiopian at any number...need to work on my handling though...

you could do a TnR'd JFK headshot too...

You could certainly do a great assassination effect with photos using a certain set of instructions...

Ted wrote:You could certainly do a great assassination effect with photos using a certain set of instructions...

Yup, in the 13 steps.

Alright, point taken! But what about the actual effect?

Does it have to be J.F.K?
I know it was 47 years ago, but even today a lot of people ascociate other things with that date.

since your patter mentions "a flurry of bullets " ( one of Mcdonalds least popular ice creams by the way)

Pattering about a firing squad would be more fitting.

Particually as people ascociate the killing of J.F.K, With a lone gunman, and that one fatal shot.

and if you do go down the firing squad route, then you have a deck made up, with Mug Shots.

or the St Valentines masacre.

Another important point... how do you think people (especially in the U.S.) are going to view this routine?

I for one find it rather tasteless... I understand your reasoning behind it, but I think you need to carefully word things and massage the presentation notes so as to be respectful of JFK who was one of the most admired world leaders in history, as well as the feelings many people still have around him.

Taking on the various Conspiracy Theories is a wonderful idea but be cautious and too, I think you really need to look at what Iain has recommended above, about the cards used.

I am rather glad you posted that, as it was kind of what i was getting at.

maybe the jfk card could vanish, and appear in your wallet, on top of a photo of Marilyn Monroe.

Hi Craig,
I take your point, but everything is done in taste, don't worry. I have studied and written papers on JFK so don't think for a second I am 'cashing in'.
And Dale, most people don't think it was a lone gunman or one fatal shot - this is a fact, but not for discussion on this thread!
I am more interested about what you all think of the actual effect here?

MagicBill wrote:And Dale, most people don't think it was a lone gunman or one fatal shot - this is a fact, but not for discussion on this thread!

Most people! Harumble mumble mff

ok, History aside, there are quite a few card effects involving bullet holes appearing in freely selected cards.Some, better than others.

I think over the years I have had at least 3, including a jumbo version (which is a pain to handle.)
They tend to be reasonably straight forward effects , normaly using some r&s and the climax tends to be "the chosen card has the hole in it".

by introducing other elements, cards vanishing, for example, you run the risk of confusing your audience.

you have to work out which climax out of the two, you want them to remember the most most

The apperence of the holes, Or the transposition of the card

they wont remember both.

If it's a Mentalism type deal where it's quite serious...think a lot about what you are really conveying and saying.

If it's Magic, why not have a fun effect where you are like...the man, the government etc and whilst the spectator seemingly selects various cards etc and it seems like they have exposed a major conspiracy, the goverment all prevails as they've all changed to show the "true" story...Could even do a Wild Card style routine