Spelling Bee by Louis Paul Productions, Irv Cook

There have been many versions of the Spelling Bee effect dating at least as far back as 1891 and Robert Houdin. Denis Behr on his magnificent Conjuring Archive lists quite a few but there are many more references I could find when performing a search. However, I was unable to find a version that uses the same method as  Irv Cook, though there certainly could be.  The method itself is not new but the application in this way could be.  Irv created his version of Spelling Bee in the 1980’s and it was always a great method for the effect.  The problem for me was the routine was over all too quickly. When Louis Paul used his talents to create this beautiful version I knew the routine had to deliver more.

Louis has done an incredible job with his version.  Everything about it is flawless.  In the instructions he mentioned how the word TEACHER could be rewritten as CHEATER which was the inspiration for my routine below.

When you have such a beautiful and expensive prop it is a shame for it to be over too quickly.  Hopefully you will like my routine and upcoming Speed Demo.

Louis you have done a really amazing job here and I’m pleased to add this prop to my Lump In The Throat category 🙂

Effect: Here is my extended routine for Louis’ magnificent creation:

• You start with a full deck show all the cards to be different and have the spectator select somewhere and the next seven cards are dealt out.
• You turn around the frame and show the cards and say “Here we have 7 randomly selected cards … or are they? Maybe you think I had them arranged in the deck.  So let’s make sure they are completely under your control.”  Here you turn the stand around and remove the cards and have them select where each card goes.
• Now you turn around the frame and show it spells the word TEACHER and how it matches your prediction.
• Now you turn the board around and then rearrange them to the word CHEATER and say “Now some of you might think I had to cheat to get the letters, but rearranging the letters is not cheating.” As you say the last part you turn the board around and they see the word CHEATER.
• The cards are removed one by one showing that the frame is empty.
• The Frame is turned back to the performer who arranges the cards again.
• And the performer says”Cheating would be if all the letters changed” and as you turn it around you end with the word with blanks either side MAGIC: “Or would it be Magic?”

(Dealer Description): Finally, a beautiful, well-made prop, using poker size cards to present the Irv Cook classic of magic, “Spelling Bee” is now available.

An elevated wooden card holder made from Brazilian Rosewood and Natural Walnut, that contains seven random letters, is shown to the audience. The whole prop is turned around to show the audience that each card slot has a number in front of it. The cards are removed and handed out to a spectator to shuffle.

The face down cards are now handed back to the magician, one at a time, and placed into the card holder at whatever number the spectator chooses.

After all the cards have been returned, the board is turned around. A predetermined word is written on the board. This word can be a magic word, a birthday child’s name, the name of the organization or company that you are doing the show for, a prediction, etc.

The base of the prop opens up so you can store the card holder inside with the cards in place and ready to perform for your next show.

The up-right supports fold flat for packing. Solid brass, hand turned knobs hold the card holder securely in place. The feet are solid brass, and the storage area is felt lined to protect the hand-rubbed oil & wax finish.

Each “Spelling Bee” will include a set of printed instructions, a deck of Alphabet Cards and a deck of Blank Cards, along with several routines to get you started.

Each “Spelling Bee” prop will be numbered along with a brass, “Louis Paul Productions” company badge to make this a truly collectable prop.

To help protect “Spelling Bee” between shows, we offer an optional, vinyl covered, foam lined storage case.

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