Magic Tricks

John Archer is a very funny guy and his routine for the Koran Medallion (a.k.a. Room Service) doesn't disappoint. Add to this the fact that the Koran Medallion is difficult to find nowadays and that Penguin's price is slightly less than the one source I found for the Medallion.

I've now performed Collard before a live audience and it was very well received (with appropriate gasps when the selected name was revealed).

There are only two cons. First, the gimmick holder is designed for right-handed people only. If you are a lefty like me, the holder can be awkward and less comfortable. I was fortunate to be able to borrow a 1 3/8 in. flat router bit to modify my holder, but normally these bits sell for more than the entire trick. It is disappointing that the manufacturer, Alakazam in England, doesn't supply the holder with a "slot" on both sides. It wouldn't cost them any extra to do this. I wrote to them about the possibility of making the holder ambidextrous but they didn't have the courtesy to reply.

The only other negative is that the bone design on the flip side of the name tag cannot be seen even from a very close distance. It would be superior if it were colored white. I was able to do this with some white acrylic paint and a fine brush. 'Pity that it isn't supplied that way.

Beyond these two cons, the trick is well worth the price, and plays well. Remember, however, that you will have to supply your own stuffed animal and collar.