Torn Restored
Hi Simon,
I'm interested in the Torn & Restored card effect. I've seen a couple different versions of this. How many are there?
Dear Card Worker,
I could easily take up several columns going over the numerous Torn and Restored card effects that are around. So instead of trying to list them all I'll give you the ones I've played with as well as some of the better ones I've witnessed in performance. If you can't find one that you like from this list then you may as well stop looking. All are very good indeed.
The very first Torn and Restored card I played with was the Paul Harris effect "Ultimate Rip-Off" first published in "Super Magic" (Chuck Martinez, 1977.) This version is almost unique in that uses just a single playing card. It was later re-published in "The Art of Astonishment" volume one (Paul Harris and Mike Maxwell, 1996) where an additional bluff restoration of the final corner was also included.
One of my very favorite Torn and Restored cards is the Karroll "Fox Karate Card." This stunning version can be seen on Tom Mullica's early teaching video released by Stevens Magic. It is one that I use as a feature piece during my close up sets and I really can't give it a higher recommendation than that.
It would be remiss not to mention my own "Granama" in "Son of Simon Says" that, although very simple in operation, gives a great reason for tearing up the card without them having any thought of it going back together. This way the restoration comes as a huge surprise!
Perhaps the most popular of them all; certainly the one that has spawned more variations than any other; is the Guy Hollingworth effect "The Reformation." Here a signed playing card is torn into four pieces and restored one piece at a time.
It's roots lie in the J.C. Wager version ("The Magic of JC Wagner" video) but Guy has taken it to new heights - it is visually stunning. This is not easy to do but is well worth the effort. It can be found in "Drawing Room Deceptions" by Guy himself. He also released a limited edition video of the effect but this is much tougher to track down. Perhaps the most notable version of Guy's effect is "The Reparation" by John Lovick (marketed separately.) It can also be found in David Regal's fine book "Close-Up and Personal" (Hermetic Press, 1999.) John has taken some of the 'work' out of Guy's version making it easier to do. It would be up to you to decide if the pay off is worth it.
Most card workers have played with Torn and Restored cards at some time or other and so you'll find many more in print with some notably good ones from Father Cyprian Murray in his lecture notes.
I hope this list helps you on your quest to find the one that is best for you!
Best, Simon
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