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Campbell's Cube-Off
Reviewed by Tom Johnston
The best magic is the miracle that just happens with no apparent help from
the magician - other than saying, "Abracadabra!" That kind of miracle leaves the
spectator declaring, "I can't believe my eyes!"
Such a miracle is Campbell's Cube-Off - the cleanest, utterly impossible
penetration I have ever encountered with perfectly natural handling and not a
false move anywhere. Repeat it again and again and still leave them baffled -
magicians and laymen alike.
Here is what happens: A spectator pushes a multi-coloured wooden block into a
rectangular tube which is closed at one end. The block is solid, apart from a
small diameter hole through which a wand can be passed. Large round holes near
the entrance of the tube allow the block to be seen clearly as it is inserted.
The tube is turned upside-down and the block drops to the closed end where it is
still clearly visible through two large holes in the sides of the tube. The
spectator passes a wand through the small hole in the block and holds each end
of the wand. The highly visible block is clearly imprisoned.
The tube is then allowed to swing around the wand until it is upright with the
open end at the bottom. Another spectator is invited to place her palm-up hand
under the tube. The magician says the magic word, she gently taps the mouth of
the tube with her open palm and the block drops visibly into her hand ready for
examination.
The original helper is left holding the wand, which he can also examine to his
hearts content. The tube is now removed from the wand and shown to be empty. By
now their eyes, and every other pair in the audience, are as large and round as
the holes that permitted them to watch every detail of an impossibility taking
place ... under their very noses.
This is the stuff of which real magic - and magical reputations! - are made. A
hard trick to follow - but a breathtaking finish to any close-up or cabaret act.
Very highly recommended.
Enquiries to:
James Cook, 21 Haig Avenue, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 2JE.
Telephone 01592 652876
© Tom Johnston, June 2005