“Hocus Pocus” Cut and Restored Rope

In a book on legerdemain, “Hocus Pocus, Junior,” published in London in 1634, was described a cut and restored tape trick which gained favor with early day magicians. Three figures were used to illustrate the effect. The principle was not only applicable to tape but also soft rope and cord. I have found that by using soft clothesline, the trick was well received on the stage.

I will teach it with the various moves I use myself and with the necessary illustrations.

Effect

Two ends of a soft clothesline are knotted together. Hands slip into loop of rope and stretch it out, with knot at top, to show rope freely. Rope is formed into a double loop and a spectator cuts through both ropes with scissors. Another cut through ropes removes the knot. The two

Knees of rope are shown and two of the ends are tied together in a double One end of rope is given to a spectator to hold and other end is given to another spectator.

Passing hand over knot, performer causes knot to disappear leaving rope in one piece, fully restored.