Glorpy
Glorpy, sometimes known as the Haunted Handkerchief, is a close-up magic trick normally performed for children. This effect is also used in demonstrations of spirit writing when shown in a seance or mentalism context. Simple versions have been performed for years. A modern version by Bill Madden and Bernie Trueblood was created circa 1960 and declared the "Trick of the Millennium" by Genii, the conjurer's magazine.[1]
Effect
A silk pocket handkerchief is laid down on a table and folded. At the prompting of the magician, the handkerchief appears to twitch or move, and with further prompting and concentration on the part of the audience, an object appears to rise from the center of the handkerchief and then move around at the whim of the audience.
Description
Classic versions of the trick are performed using a spoon and fork. The fork is initially held unseen by the magician, who introduces the trick and produces a handkerchief. The handkerchief is folded in half to form a rectangle and laid on the table. Using sleight of hand, the fork is placed on the table under the handkerchief at the same time, with the tines facing upward. The magician then produces a spoon, which is inserted into the handkerchief so it lays between the folds of the handkerchief, positioned so it is over the fork. Performing a flourish with both hands over the handkerchief, the magician presses down on the tines of the fork with his thumb, causing it to lever and force the spoon upward.[2]
The improved version replaces the fork with a prepared metal wire, typically cut from a wire coat hanger, and requires a handkerchief with a hem around the outside edge. The wire is prepared by bending the very end to 90 degrees, forming a long L-shape. A small hole is cut into the corner of the handkerchief and the wire inserted, straight end first. When the wire is fully inserted, some fishing about is needed to get the bent end to turn the corner so it is trapped in the corner of the hem.[1] The trick then proceeds as normal, but repeatedly folds the handkerchief so the bent tip ends up in a known location, often an edge. Pressing on the bent corner causes the opposite end to rise up.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Richard Kaufman, "Knack Magic Tricks", Rowman & Littlefield, 2010, pp. 140-142.
- ^ Karl Fulves, "Self-Working Handkerchief Magic: 61 Foolproof Tricks", Courier Corporation, 1988, pp. 120-124.
External links
- Magic School Lesson 11 demonstrates how to make a Glory handkerchief.
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