Larry Jennings was one of the most legendary sleight-of-hand virtuosos to ever grace the magic scene. Over his impressive 64 years, he crafted a plethora of classic routines in both card and coin magic. Sure, you may have come across Larry's genius in books, videos, and DVDs, but let’s be honest—the printed word often misses the subtleties of his genius, and let’s not even get started on those awkward video shoots.
In the early '70s, Larry took a detour from the glitz of Los Angeles—where he studied under Dai Vernon—and set up shop in Lake Tahoe, California, trading in magic for plumbing. It was here that he met Louis Falanga, who became both a student and a friend. One day, in the cozy confines of Louis' living room, Larry decided to roll the camera and share 12 of his all-time favorite routines:
Jennings' Chop Cup
Don Alan's Lump of Coal (LJ. Version)
Peripatetic Coins
The Chinese Connection (explanation only)
Cigarette Manipulations
Larry's Linking Ring Routine
Coins Through the Table (with Pop-Up Move)
L.J. Four Coins Across
Coin Through Spectator's Fist
Open Travellers
Nowhere and Everywhere Again
The Visitor
This was pure magic in a casual setting—Larry was completely at ease, just making a fun video for a buddy. Sure, the production quality screams “30-year-old home video”—complete with the soundtrack of someone sizzling bacon in the background—but it’s all part of the charm. The original Beta tape may have had its hiccups, but fear not, it has been digitally cleaned up to make it more palatable.
Back in the day, many of the routines on this tape were unpublished gems. Fast forward a quarter-century, and with Larry gone for a decade, most of those tricks have made it into print, but some of the finer details and nuances got lost along the way. Not to mention that routines like the Linking Rings, Lump of Coal, and Coins Through Table using the Pop-Up Move never saw the light of day in any publication. These routines are shining examples of top-tier close-up magic, and you’d be hard-pressed to find better explanations, especially for the Chop Cup routine.
Having had the pleasure of reliving this video many times over the years, now thanks to Louis Falanga’s generosity, you can dive into this treasure trove of magic too. So, pop the download into your player and take a step back to a time when Jimmy Carter was in the Oval Office, moon landings were a regular occurrence, and Larry Jennings was captivating audiences with his craft. - Richard Kaufman
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