Illusion Library

Effect

The Sword Box

Harlan Tarbell · The Tarbell Course, 1926

Time
5 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.

A box is shown mounted on four turned legs with castors. The top lid is raised and front door opened. Girl assistant steps into the box and then sits down in it.

The lid is pulled down. The girl practically fills the box. The front door is closed and attention called to a number of holes on each side of the box. A bunch of swords are shown and run through the box apparently penetrating the girl. The swords are run through the box at every possible angle. Even a spear is run down through a hole in the center of the top and bottom of box.

Finally the swords and spear are removed. The door and lid are opened and the girl steps from box unharmed.

How it is done

The method, 7 drawings and all it needs, inside the library.

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