History was made September 2-6, 1982 in a filming studio in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, as the life and magic of Dai Vernon was permanently recorded for future generations. Inspired by Bill Larsen, the project was undertaken by Videonics, owned and operated by Hans Zahn. The co-hosts of the filming project were Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet and Steve Freeman.
L & L Publishing has now taken this original footage, digitally re-mastered it and released it on 8 downloads. Not only can we learn by actually seeing and hearing the Professor at work, but our great grandchildren and their great grandchildren will be taught that most elusive of crafts by the grandest master of them all.
Some of the important points to be considered are:
* The format is that of a jam session, with Vernon discussing his tricks, moves and routines, and generally holding court. * All the moves, techniques, routines, tips and handlings discussed are actually performed by Vernon or one of the co-hosts, along with a complete explanation. * Roughly half of the subjects covered relate to the published record; half the material was new and disclosed for the first time (at the time of the video shoot). * Many times, Vernon teaches important new techniques on the Vernon classics, including improvements, or previously undisclosed handlings, even as regards the famous Stars of Magic effects. * Some world famous routines, such as the Coins in Champagne Glass or the Fred Kaps Coins and Silk (invented by Vernon and taught to Kaps) are publicly revealed. * Important revelations about the Erdnase techniques, which Vernon has spent a lifetime studying, form a major part of the material.
The idea behind these videos was to capture Vernon live so future magicians can experience him.
No magician should miss these videos. Dai Vernon was the Dean of modern magic and he shares great things on these tapes.
Volume 9 Gary Ouellet Intro The Berg Move Explanation of Berg Move Story of the Trick That Fooled Houdini Explanation of the Trick That Fooled Houdini Vernon Tells Horwitz Story Vernon Explains the Boat Trick Vernon Performs Three Card Monte for Live Audience Explanation of Three Card Monte Preparing the Cards Bent Corner Tips on the Hype Move Sucker Ploy Explanation of Hype Move The Torn Card The Broad Worker's Story The Double Flash Removing the Bent Corner Bobby Fischer Story
Volume 10 Gary Ouellet Intro The Vernon Cone and Ball Routine Basic Move for Cone & Ball The Ball and Silk Hand to Hand Ball Transfer Vernon on the Dye Tube / Color Changing Silks Loading the Silk Palming the Tube Start of Routine Steal of the Tube Routine Taught from Behind The Chopstick Double Lift Valuable Tip from Erdnase (Double Lift) The Overhand Shuffle Technique The Pinky Count The Greek Break Bottom to Top Transfer Vernon's Simple Double Peek Control Triple and Multiple Peek Handling The Fan Force
