Houdini's Rope by Jim Steinmeyer - Trick

HOUDINI’S ROPE
A Modern Classic
Created by Jim Steinmeyer
And produced in conjunction with Mak Magic

An astonishing one-man illusion, Houdini’s Rope fills the stage with action and mystery; it’s the perfect small illusion, a practical effect for almost any show.

Jim Steinmeyer’s popular effect involves a hank of rope — supposedly an artifact from one of Houdini’s famous escapes. “Many people thought that he could actually dematerialize and pass through the rope. It sounds incredible, but I’d like to give you a demonstration.”

The magician stretches the rope across the stage and has it examined by two men from the audience. The spectators hold the ends of the rope as a small upright stand is rolled to the center of the rope. “This is the spot where I’m going to try to pass through the rope.” The magician steps up onto the stand, framed by the wooden uprights. He pauses behind the taut rope, then covers the center of the rope with a square of cloth. Dramatically, he steps forward, until the audience can see that he’s passed completely through Houdini’s Rope!

Houdini’s Rope is not only a perfect “first illusion,” but an entertaining, mystifying routine for experienced illusionists. Mak Magic has developed a beautiful, practical prop for magicians, finished with natural wood and mounted on casters. You’ll marvel at how efficiently it works.

The stand breaks down for packing and is small enough to use on almost any platform or stage, but the effect is large enough to be seen by any audience. The effect comes with Jim Steinmeyer’s presentation from his book, Device and Illusion.