talkmagic.co.uk

(Ye Olde) Spirit Key and Golden Key – Magic Makers Inc
Trick Type: Key(s) (what did you expect – a Rhinoceros?!)
Prices: Spirit Key: £6.99 Golden Key: £22.95 (February 2003)
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Examinable: Yes - eventually
Angles: Table/Surrounded
Reset: 30 seconds
Instructions: 5/5

I like to run these two together as the first effect isn’t brilliant and can be done with any old similar style key but moving on to the second effect as though it were the same routine gives a double effect. Both keys from this supplier are of the same design and standard so are interchangeable without anyone noticing.

Effect: Magician introduces an old fashioned key and waffles on about it being infused with the spirit of Houdini and is the one used by him to undo his shackles etc. This isn’t too convincing as the key is obviously brand new, bright and shiny so I prefer to say very little – I just mention that fake mediums use these sort of props in their routines and ask everyone to watch as the so-called spirits gather etc. Adopting the two fingers and one thumb ‘grip’ the key rotates at will. Frankly, not a convincing effect and I hand it to the spectators to show it’s nothing special and they can have a go if they like – usually one of them will manage it and there will be the odd derisory comment. Take back the key, go to put it away and switch to the Golden Key and say something like, ‘Even though the key is nothing special and you’ve all seen it close up, the thing I can’t get over is…’ and then proceed to rotate the teeth round the shaft, then up the shaft to the final position and hand it out for examination showing the teeth are now firmly welded in the ‘wrong’ place.

Review:
Since the first part is a bit of a throw away effect where the specs get to handle it, the second effect is even stronger as they get to handle it again – how did they miss this the first time round?

Props are reasonable, the ‘golden’ plating is a bit cheap but makes the items attractive. The two together are a bit pricey but, in the right hands and with a reasonable amount of practice, can have a jaw dropper ending.

7/10

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Paul Stevens']

Well thank you Paul, that was an absolutely fantastic review of this effect.

Not being a "professional" Magician myself, I always tend to favour more spontaneous "hey, you know some tricks... show us some magic" type of effects and so this fairly traditional effect doesn't appeal. Having said this, for anyone who does have an interest in this type of effect, your review will prove to be very useful.

BTW, don't be too put off if you don't receive many comments following your review... I know we get a lot more “lurkers” than people actually posting!

Thanks again... Tony

Cheers for that Tony - I can see by the (lack of) frequency of messages that there can be a fair time interval before a response is posted - if at all! Not a problem for me, I just hope the reviews are useful.

Whilst I have no gripe with any of the websites selling magical miracles, sometimes, no doubt due to time and space restrictions, the descriptions leave a lot to be desired and a real goodie could be overlooked - or a real disappointment could be bought by mistake! Also it's good to know if other props or techniques are required to complete the miracle. I bought a nice packet trick before Christmas and saw the dreaded words, 'Simply perform an Elmsley count....' with no indication of what it was or how to do it - I told you I was a novice! However, having just received NFW! the routine is in there but takes a bit of understanding from purely written instructions and this is the sort of thing I thought others may appreciate knowing before parting with their hard earned cash. Anyway, it's all relative and what suits me won't necessarily suit the next guy.

On which topic, I'm currently working on my list of favourite (and otherwise) magicians and will post it shortly. I have a feeling there may be one or two who disagree with me so it's been nice knowing you!


Paul

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Paul Stevens']

i have recently aquired both props and have to agree with the review its a good combo of effects with just one main problem with the spirit key.

having used a silver version of this key for many years now i can say that the golden key as its ment to look like the golden key just dosnt have the needed power to do the job, so i wopuld recomend getting a silver version first and then if you want the gold version for the switch you will have had enough experience to handle the new one.

best comparason its like driveing a fararie and then going to a lada

Thanks for renewing this thread (Paul Stevens was, and still is, me and I can't believe it was written only last February - seems like years ago!).

I see the onset of schizophrenia here, I hope you keep your alter ego with the silly name all locked up inside Mandrake!

OK, you asked for it:

I used to think I was Schizophrenic but I'm in two minds about it now.

(sorry - again)

Just thinking back to the dark days of the original posting, it was under the old Forum style and, when it was really busy, I think there were about 2 postings a week - one from me and one from Nick! Compare that to the state of play these days - postings from all over the civilised world (and Scotland*) and it's certainly different 12 months on. Mind you I love those old postings which are described as 'Anonymously posted by... ' and then it tells you who posted!

(*OK Mog, MOM etc - go for the jugular - I deserve it!)

my doctor said i was a paronoid Schizophrenic, well he didnt say that but we new he was thinking it .

yes i agree i was in there somewhere too.