Effect
The Chinese Burning Tapes
Harlan Tarbell · The Tarbell Course, 1926
- Time
- 12 min read + 10 min practice
- Materials
- In the library
- Prerequisites
- None
Take care. Working with these objects and effects is inherently dangerous; anyone who attempts them does so at their own risk. Anybody under 18 is advised to undertake them only with a parent's permission and supervision.
This effect has been very popular in Magic. It adapts itself to Oriental acts and to Occidental as well.
Performer holds two tapes about ten feet long. Assistant lights a match and sets the tapes on fire in the middle. The tapes are burned in two and the two ends are held apart to show them separated. Burned ends are then brought together and opposite ends are held by assistants. Performer fans burning tapes and suddenly they are restored completely.
How it is done
The method, 15 drawings and all it needs, inside the library.
Check back on December 1, 2026 to join the waiting list.