Submitted by Jamy Ian Swiss on Thu, 05/18/2017 - 21:22

ALBERT GOSHMAN—Returns!

As I was writing Take Two #29 just now, a friend drew to my attention an ironic oversight of sorts concerning last week’s installment about Albert Goshman—namely that I had overlooked one of the very best video records we have of Albert, right here at Magicana, of an appearance he made on Magic Palace in the 1970s. There are two such pieces here in the Magicana video archives, and they are so far superior to the clips I posted last week, that I’m going to do an added installment of Take Two here so that they aren’t overlooked.

This first clip is outstanding. You saw versions of the opening material last week, but don’t let that put you off. Here, Albert is truly sharp, showing the fluidity and timing of both word and action. The magic is effortless and amazing; the man is delightful in his playful interactions with his assistants. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone handle sponge balls with a touch like this, both in his manner, and his technical execution—he manages to make these props truly magical, which is a rarity. Similarly, the classic routine, “Chink-a-Chink,” is made into an engaging mystery in his hands (and he would usually have the music—and the final gong note—playing on his portable cassette player).

So, once more, please—and really, expand the browser to the maximum, turn up the volume, set your phone aside, and experience the magic of Albert Goshman!

Albert Goshman Returns

And here’s a bonus, two of Albert’s signature routines: First, his handling of the Benson Bowl, as mentioned in last week’s entry. And another trademark routine: A Little Purse.