David, I have been fascinated with the Succession Aces plot since 1976- See Solomon's Secrets pg. 176 for my current method. Here is a YouTube video of me doing the effect -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiH4tdi4pZU - This is a non-gaff method.
The way I remember the story, there were many phone line that came into the Newspaper’s office (at least 52) so that reporters could file their stories. Peter created a list giving each number the name of a playing card which he remembered. Then when he was out he would ask someone to name a card he would then say ring this number (giving them the number that related to the name of the playing card) and say what card am I thinking of. Back at the office his friend would see which line lite up and when asked the question he would look at the list and name the card. A miracle!
My recollection is that it was The Daily Mirror, but it was in Manchester, so may well have been the Graudian. As I recall Peter worked four shifts, then had eight off.
Back the days before Stonehenge was built I had a three-shift day job(?) and when I was on the10pm-6am slot, Peter would ring me on a fairly regular basis about 1am.
He would talk to folk all over the world and on one ultra-memorable occasion magicked a three-way link between himself, me and Ed Marlo. Knowing both Bob Ostin and Joe Dignam, Peter's other great friend, I thought they were setting me up. But no, it was Marlo. It wasn't much of a conversation: I mostly listened.
Just had an email from Denis Behr saying that Continuum in Spell-Binder is a different move of mine! Similar set up but different idea. In fact, I must admit I don't even remember coming up with that one. If I find another reference, I'll post it here. David
Thanks again David, it is wonderful to read about Peter Kane. I was introduced to Peter along with Bob Ostin by my friend Ray Bradbury, at a Blackpool Convention in the '80's. I was new to magic and seeing Peter doing a twisting the Aces routine I was awestruck. He taught me the Emsley Count that night and I was amazed by the time he took with me. We became good mates. I attended his funeral with Ray and Kevin Fox, a sad day was improved by the Jazz played during and after the service. Once again - thank you.
He was a lovely guy and a genius when it came to card magic. The Card Sessions books are packed with wonderful ideas. He always brought something unique to every card problem. He came along to Cousins Cafe in Liverpool a few times. It was there I'd meet Bob Ostin and Joe Dignam. Apparently Peter had some kind of night shift at a company that enabled him to make 'free' international phone calls to Ed Marlo. This in an era when such long distance magic discussion was unheard of. He was a great link to the work of the US cardicians and, as Shiv has said, very humble and very generous with his knowledge.
I think his night shift work was either for the GPO or a newspaper and yes he used to have telephone conversations with some American magicians. I think Racherbaumer was one as was M.arlo.
Beautiful routine and handling Shiv. Lovely to see. ♥ Paul Gordon
Excellent - well done Shiv and David (and of course Peter Kane!)
Thanks David, glad you liked it.
Thanks David. Good to hear from you.
David, I have been fascinated with the Succession Aces plot since 1976- See Solomon's Secrets pg. 176 for my current method. Here is a YouTube video of me doing the effect -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiH4tdi4pZU - This is a non-gaff method.
David Solomon
Thanks David. I like that. Some very off beat thinking there. Sneaky too.
I seem to remember he worked for the Manchester Guardian. There is also a lovely story of how he used the switch board for a magic trick.
Well, you can't leave us hanging Shiv :-)
The way I remember the story, there were many phone line that came into the Newspaper’s office (at least 52) so that reporters could file their stories. Peter created a list giving each number the name of a playing card which he remembered. Then when he was out he would ask someone to name a card he would then say ring this number (giving them the number that related to the name of the playing card) and say what card am I thinking of. Back at the office his friend would see which line lite up and when asked the question he would look at the list and name the card. A miracle!
Very exciting post, as usual. Thanks:
My recollection is that it was The Daily Mirror, but it was in Manchester, so may well have been the Graudian. As I recall Peter worked four shifts, then had eight off.
Back the days before Stonehenge was built I had a three-shift day job(?) and when I was on the10pm-6am slot, Peter would ring me on a fairly regular basis about 1am.
He would talk to folk all over the world and on one ultra-memorable occasion magicked a three-way link between himself, me and Ed Marlo. Knowing both Bob Ostin and Joe Dignam, Peter's other great friend, I thought they were setting me up. But no, it was Marlo. It wasn't much of a conversation: I mostly listened.
Just had an email from Denis Behr saying that Continuum in Spell-Binder is a different move of mine! Similar set up but different idea. In fact, I must admit I don't even remember coming up with that one. If I find another reference, I'll post it here. David
Thanks again David, it is wonderful to read about Peter Kane. I was introduced to Peter along with Bob Ostin by my friend Ray Bradbury, at a Blackpool Convention in the '80's. I was new to magic and seeing Peter doing a twisting the Aces routine I was awestruck. He taught me the Emsley Count that night and I was amazed by the time he took with me. We became good mates. I attended his funeral with Ray and Kevin Fox, a sad day was improved by the Jazz played during and after the service. Once again - thank you.
He was a lovely guy and a genius when it came to card magic. The Card Sessions books are packed with wonderful ideas. He always brought something unique to every card problem. He came along to Cousins Cafe in Liverpool a few times. It was there I'd meet Bob Ostin and Joe Dignam. Apparently Peter had some kind of night shift at a company that enabled him to make 'free' international phone calls to Ed Marlo. This in an era when such long distance magic discussion was unheard of. He was a great link to the work of the US cardicians and, as Shiv has said, very humble and very generous with his knowledge.
I think his night shift work was either for the GPO or a newspaper and yes he used to have telephone conversations with some American magicians. I think Racherbaumer was one as was M.arlo.
That sounds right. He somehow had access to the switchboard. I'll ask Racherbaumer if he remembers.