History was made from September 2-6, 1982, in a filming studio in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, where the life and magic of Dai Vernon were captured for all eternity (no pressure, right?). Inspired by the legendary Bill Larsen, this monumental project was helmed by Videonics, under the watchful eye of Hans Zahn. The filming was co-hosted by the likes of Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet, and Steve Freeman—quite the magic dream team.
L & L Publishing has now taken this original footage, given it a digital facelift, and released it on 8 shiny DVDs. Not only do we get to see and hear the Professor in action, but our great-grandchildren (and theirs, no less) will also be schooled in the fine art of magic by the ultimate grandmaster himself.
Here’s the juicy bit:
- The format is like a jam session where Vernon chats about his tricks, moves, and routines, all while holding court (and probably cracking a few jokes).
- Every move, technique, and routine discussed is performed by Vernon or one of his co-hosts, complete with all the explanations you could need (and then some).
- About half the material is from the published record; the other half was fresh off the press (or camera, rather).
- Vernon spills the beans on nifty new techniques for his classics, including some sparkling improvements that even the Stars of Magic effects weren’t privy to.
- Famous routines like the Coins in Champagne Glass and the Fred Kaps Coins and Silk (yes, that one) are disclosed for your viewing pleasure.
- And let’s not forget the juicy insights into Erdnase techniques—Vernon’s passion project for a lifetime that forms a significant chunk of the content.
The whole point of these videos was to capture Vernon live so future magicians can soak it all in (as if he was right there in your living room, minus the dodgy snacks).
No self-respecting magician should let these DVDs slip through their fingers. Dai Vernon was the Dean of modern magic, and he’s got a treasure trove of wisdom to share on these tapes. AND now with the magic of DVD, you get: Superior Picture Quality, Dolby Digital Sound, Interactive Menus that whisk you straight to every trick & explanation with just a click (no more fumbling about), and it’s Multi-Region for all you globe-trotters out there!
Volume 16
Gary Ouellet Intro
Cutting Silhouettes
The Harlequin Act
How Vernon Met Frances Rockefeller King
Magician Spies on Vernon
J. K. L. M.
Dr. Daley's Notebook
The Book, "Our Magic"
Cardini
The Frogman
Cardini's Talking Act
Cardini's Tails
Al Baker
The History of Silhouettes
Colorado Springs
World's Fair
Vernon Cuts a Silhouette
Twenty Dollar Gold Piece
Volume 17
Gary Ouellet Intro
King of Koins
The Gimmick
Emil Jarrow
Jarrow Plays London
Closing of his Act
Partner in his Act
Warren Keane
Malini Block of Ice
Fred Keating Canary Story
Paul Rosini
Herbert Brooks
The Manner In Which Tricks are Presented
Larry Grey Follows Hobos
High School Dance
Lance Burton at the Body Shop
Garrick Spencer / Academy of Magic
Allen Kennedy Center Deal
Teaching John Scarne the Center Deal
Vernon Takes Ted to See Allen Kennedy
Mrs. Vernon Meets Mexican Joe
The Greek Gambler
The Hold-Up Story
Jack Benny Joke
Dr. Ross
Meeting Dan Cummings at Restaurant
Takes the Touch of a Billiard Player
Frank Tobey / Vernon Sees Faro Shuffle for the First Time
One Arm MacDonald - The Diamond Ring
$100 Ace Trick
Davis the Miracle Man
