Bill In Egg

When I was a teenager I bought a 24-page book by Milbourne Christopher for $1.75. On page 22 the author explains a trick called “Bill in Egg”. Christopher describes the effect as “messy but remarkably effective”. I must have had the book for ten years before ever trying the routine. I remember performing it once or twice for friends etc. I don’t know why but the trick sort of drifted out of my awareness. Now that I am trying to build a rigorous and professional level repertoire, this seemed like a natural addition. I didn’t know when I would perform it, but it definitely belonged on my list. Last Monday I decided to purchase a book and a few accessories form Hank Lee’s shop. I also ordered a couple packets of flash bills so I would have them on hand for “Bill in Egg”. By Thursday I still wasn’t sure what to do for Magic Friday. My plan was “PDQ Aces in Case” by Dan Fleshman. (More on that next week). I’ve been working on that effect for several weeks. The problem is I just did two card tricks in a row. I really wanted to do something else. When I got home Thursday evening I was shocked to find Hank’s package on my doorstep. That must have been the fastest delivery ever. Thanks Hank! That settles it. Tomorrow I will perform “Bill in Egg” for my students. Yes it was messy and yes it was effective. But remarkably effective? The performances ranged from fine to great. Most students were amazed and bewildered. But there was a hint of the mundane in the air. I know it was not the trick. It’s a great trick. Are my students getting used to the “impossible”? Is the magic they have been enjoying the past several months becoming ordinary? I doubt that. Maybe it was the fact that I was suffering through a miserable cold and sore throat. My voice sounded like Miss Jane Pittman. I really needed to be home resting in bed, but if I was well enough to be at work, I was well enough to perform. Yes, I suppose my illness could explain the lack of stunned disbelief. But that’s too easy. Although I framed the illusion in the indestructibility of the new money, I probably could have prepared the presentation better. That’s got to be it. Did I fail to create the right expectation? Did I create too mush expectation and spoil the surprise? One thing is for sure, I’m not giving up on the effect. Yes, It was successful and effective. But I want to get more punch out of it. I will analyze the effect and write up a formal script. What a delicate balance it is between eye misdirection, mind misdirection, expectation set up, selling the effect, surprise, revelation and satisfaction of expectancy. And all this must be gracefully and effortlessly carried in a presentation that is irresistible and entertaining. If only audiences knew what was involved in performing good magic. On second thought, it’s probably best that they don’t. At any rate, I am confident that with a little more time and work I can get more power and “remarkable effectiveness” out of “Bill in Egg”. And I intend to do just that.