WHAT IT IS One of the most impressive feats in the magician’s canon
WHY YOU WON’T DO IT All the preparation in the world cannot ensure your safety
It is one of the most spectacular and dangerous tricks in the illusionist’s armoury, in which the intrepid performer apparently uses his hand or mouth to pluck from mid-air a bullet fired from a gun. Done properly, there should be no risk to anyone involved – but be warned, accidents do happen …
The first accounts of this very old trick date back to the early 17th century. Over the centuries, it is said to have accounted for more than a dozen magicians taking their final curtain call – including the celebrated Original Chinese Conjurer Chung Ling Soo (real name William Ellsworth Robinson), killed in 1918 when a gun misfired during a show at London’s Wood Green Empire. So this is really not a suitable situation for just ‘giving it a go’ and hoping that everything works out. Train with an expert, learn his or her secrets, and don’t attempt the trick itself until you know success is guaranteed. Even then, wear bullet-proof clothing in case of accidents.
The trick should run as follows:
• The magician asks a member of the audience to inspect the firearm and nstructs them to mark a bullet with their initials.
• An assistant then loads the bullet into the gun in front of the audience.
• The magician stands on one side of the stage, the assistant on the other. The assistant aims and fires the gun.
• Many performers place a sheet of glass between themselves and the gun so that the audience can see the glass smash as the bullet passes through it.
• The magician collapses to the floor as if the bullet has struck them. (Hopefully, he or she will be acting by this point …)
• Finally, they stagger to their feet and reveal the bullet safely ensconced in one hand or clenched between the teeth, much to the audience’s relief.
So how is it done? The secret is to use a wax bullet. Once the original (non-wax) bullet has been marked by an audience member, switch it over by sleight of hand. Secrete it in your hand or mouth while the assistant loads the wax bullet. When this is fired, it should be robust enough to break the glass, but won’t do you any permanent damage even if it does strike you.
Just make sure your team knows exactly which are the real bullets and which are the duds – and be careful not to upset your assistant, since you’re literally putting your life in his or her hands!