The Astral Shirt

Back in the day . . . like almost 100 years ago, Annemann published a monthly “thing” called The Jinx. It’s loaded with a ton of great info. Some of it is dated of course. But much of it is timeless. Including this piece from issue #6 (March 1935). Though your wardrobe might be slightly different, I think that the idea of being ready at any time to perform this is pretty clever. Enjoy The Astral Shirt in Annemann’s words right out of The Jinx:

This is another one of those feats that will make talk when presented at the proper time. It can be used as a press stunt, in fact, it is probably best as such and it apparently is presented on the spur of the moment. Needless to say, the climax is a complete surprise.

I’ve known the principle for a long time and was at the home of Gordon Peck in Glens Falls, N.Y. when the opportunity arose to put the stunt over. It has always been used as a comedy stunt wherein the performer would have a plant come up and then proceed to take off his shirt without removing his coat. My adaptation turns it into a one man mystery and although rather funny it is at the same time a mystery.

The performer says that he can pass solids through solids and using a piece of rope or cord proceeds to have his wrists tightly and securely tied together. There is no faking about this so be certain that the tie is above reproach and thoroughly done.

Retiring for a few minutes the performer endeavors to remove his coat with his wrists still tied. However, he calls in that he is having a difficult time and doesn’t think he can make it. But, in order not to disappoint his audience he will do the next best thing and remove his shirt. As he finishes this he appears with the shirt over his arm and everything can be rigidly examined.

It takes only a few minutes to prepare for this feat and one can leave the party and return ready to do it at any later time. I have walked around set for a full evening just waiting for the right time to spring it. Take off your coat, vest and shirt.

Now throw the shirt over your shoulders like a cloak and button the collar around your neck and the first button or two down. Now button the cuffs around your wrists. Put on your tie, vest and coat. After all, the only parts of the shirt that can be seen are the collar and cuffs. With everything adjusted you can proceed to be the life of the party until you are ready for the climax.

Now have the wrists tied in front of you. Leave the room but stay within talking distance. First pull tie out enough to take it off over your head. Unbutton the collar and first button or so. Now unbutton the cuffs with your teeth as you only have to get hold at the right spot and pull it off the button.

Now reach over your head to back and bending over pull shirt off back. The sleeves will come out. You can’t do this in one pull but just short pulls will get it all out in a few seconds. Now put tie back over head and pull it up snug. Button coat and vest and you are through.

They can all examine through the night but nothing can be found. It isn’t difficult to work with the hands tied and the performer who tries this out and uses it once in a while as a stunt for reporters or in spot situations will have something people will really remember and talk about whenever they think of the performer.

Note From Jeff:
You can get the entire Jinx Collection (along with tons of other excellent magic) from Lybrary