History was made from September 2-6, 1982, in a nondescript filming studio in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. There, the life and magic of Dai Vernon were captured for all eternity (no pressure, right?). This brainwave was thanks to Bill Larsen and brought to life by Videonics, helmed by the ever-dedicated Hans Zahn. Co-hosts for this monumental endeavour included Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet, and Steve Freeman, who probably had the time of their lives.
L & L Publishing have gone and spruced up this original footage, giving it a digital facelift and releasing it as 8 downloads. Now, not only can we watch and listen to the Professor in action, but our great-grandchildren and their great-grandchildren will be getting their magic lessons from the best of the best. How’s that for a legacy?
Here’s what you need to know:
* Think of it as a laid-back jam session where Vernon chats about his tricks, moves, and routines (a proper masterclass in casual).
* Every move, technique, routine, tip, and handling is demonstrated by Vernon or one of the co-hosts, along with a full explanation (because who doesn’t love a good explanation?).
* About half the topics dive into the published record; the other half were fresh off the press and revealed for the very first time (at the time, obviously).
* Vernon doesn’t just teach; he refines his classics, offering up improvements and previously hidden handlings, even for those iconic Stars of Magic effects.
* Some absolute show-stoppers, like the Coins in Champagne Glass and the Fred Kaps Coins and Silk (a little gem he invented and passed on to Kaps), are finally let out of the bag.
* Major insights into the Erdnase techniques, which Vernon has devoted a lifetime to studying, are also a big part of the offering.
The whole point of these videos? To capture Vernon live so that future magicians can experience his brilliance in the flesh (well, sort of).
No magician worth their salt should overlook these videos. Dai Vernon was the Dean of modern magic, and he’s got some seriously great stuff to share on these tapes!
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
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