Magic Video - Worlds Greatest Magic - Professors Nightmare (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Discover the Enduring Magic of Professor's Nightmare
Unravel the secrets behind one of magic's most beloved rope effects with 'Worlds Greatest Magic - Professor's Nightmare.' Originating in the mid-Fifties by Bob Carver and later famously dubbed by Gene Gordon, this captivating illusion transforms three visibly different lengths of rope into identical sizes, leaving audiences spellbound. This digital download isn't just a lesson; it's a deep dive into the nuances of a true magic classic, revealing pure sleight-of-hand methods that have captivated judges and audiences for decades.
Six Masters, Six Unique Interpretations
This exclusive collection brings together six distinguished performers, each presenting their unique, masterful take on Professor's Nightmare. Kick things off with the hilarious Michael Finney, who shares invaluable performance and comedy tips, honed over years on countless stages, making the routine both more accessible and impactful. Dan Fleshman offers a superb walk-around version, perfect for any strolling magician seeking to add a powerful, intimate effect to their repertoire. Witness the legendary Bob Read's performance, a masterclass in making a well-known trick uniquely your own, while Al Schneider unveils a close-up rendition that brings profound mystery to the table. Marc DeSouza presents 'Full Circle,' a sophisticated stage routine choreographed to music, starting and ending with a single length of rope. Finally, Dan Tong provides a routine that begins with one rope, progresses through the classic Professor's Nightmare sequence, and culminates in a completely restored length—an ideal approach for working larger tables or walk-around settings.
A Classic You Can't Afford to Miss
Many performers mistakenly relegate Professor's Nightmare to a simple 'stock trick,' but this digital download proves otherwise. As Michael Finney eloquently states, 'Don't be embarrassed to do it. It's a great trick. The layman loves it...and you'll like it!' This download provides the expertise and varied perspectives needed to elevate this timeless effect, ensuring it shines brightly in your act. Learn from the best and transform three ropes into a moment of pure, inexplicable magic that your audience will remember.
Original Specs
In the mid-Fifties, Bob Carver created a sensation with a rope effect he created based on ideas from Hen Fetsch. In fact, before he could be awarded the IBM Originality Trophy in 1957, he had to expose his creation's pure sleight-of-hand method to the judges. Later dubbed Professor's Nightmare by Gene Gordon, the effect of three completely examinable ropes of differing lengths magically becoming the same size has become a classic of magic.
You'll meet six different performers, all with their own singular takes on this wonderful effect. Funnyman Michael Finney starts off with his version, honed by years of exposition on countless comedy club stages and he shares many performance tips that make the routine both easier and stronger. Dan Fleshman follows with a great walk-around version that would fit quite nicely into the repertoire of any strolling performer. The great Bob Read's performance is an object lesson in how to take a well-known effect and make it truly your own while Al Schneider's version brings the mystery of this effect to the close-up table. Marc DeSouza is next with a stage routine choreographed to music that features a synthesis of ideas that begin and end with a single length of rope. Finally, Dan Tong also begins with a single piece of rope, continues through the Professor's Nightmare sequence, and ends with a completely restored length, a perfect routine for working a large table while strolling.
Many have relegated the Professor's Nightmare to a stock trick but this is a mistake. As Michael Finney so aptly says, "Don't be embarrassed to do it. It's a great trick. The layman loves it...and you'll like it!"
- Professor's Nightmare - Michael Finney
- Professor's Nightmare - Dan Fleshman
- Professor's Nightmare - Bob Read (performance only)
- Professor's Nightmare - Al Schneider
- Full Circle - Marc DeSouza
- Ropes - Dan Tong
