Obedient Orange

Obedient Orange, A variation on the Stop-Go Block.

EFFECT: An unprepared orange (which may be provided by an audience member) is threaded on a ribbon by means of a large needle. The needle is removed from the ribbon and the end of the ribbon knotted.

The orange is now allowed to slide along the ribbon, sliding down rapidly or slowly, even coming to complete stops, at the command of the performer. The orange is always under the complete control of the performer. Finally, the ribbon is pulled from the orange and the orange is tossed out to the audience for examination.

HISTORY: Apparently this trick first appeared in MORE MAGIC by Professor Hoffman but remained in relative obscurity until El Barto worked it up into a feature in the late 20's.

Note: One photo shows this working with an apple; you can use either an orange or an apple or just about any fruit.