Posts by Richard

I’m with Bernelle Hansen sitting in the back row of the Lamb’s Players Theater, depressed about my five failures in a row.  Steve works his way to the back and takes a seat next to us. He heard about my contest and audition failures and says, “Rick, you have the skills and love cards, but…

Next, I follow after Armando on the Gong Show, who has received first place…for the fourth time, mind you. I performed my multiplying eggs from mouth. But, unlike the first place winner Armando, I am only awarded a second place prize, walking away with a new set of forks, knifes and spoons. This is another…

I’m scheduled to do my audition to become a member of the Magic Castle, which should give me more quality time with the Professor. I start my audition with some fancy fans, springing the cards from one hand to the other. Then I perform a one handed shuffle in each hand, simultaneously.  Now I’m ready…

Each time another magician comes to hang out, Marlo asks me to demonstrate my card act. He asks so many times, I’m beginning to believe he really enjoys my presentation. Marlo confides, “I’m very impressed with your two-card push-off second deal! It is exceptionally deceptive, and simulates the real thing.”  Marlo confesses, “I frequently miss.…

Due to my gradually worsening eyesight I am obsessed with chasing after every first-hand exhibition of card-hustling I can experience. The top card man from the east is Ed Marlo. (Marlo was born on October 10, 1913, and was christened Edward Malkowski, a befitting name for a native Chicagoan from the north side…a man that…

I’m continually goaded and chided by Giorgio and Larry Jennings. Their blunt, denunciating words are often hard for me to take but, little do they know that their verbal abuse serves to spur me onward. Compared to receiving a painful punch from Murphy, their verbal chidings are, ironically, like a congratulatory slap on the back.…

My brain keeps replaying what Vernon said. “I don’t care how fine the brief is. When you deal like that, I know you’re up to something. It’s unnatural looking!”  It was only one line, but it came from The Master himself. So, I begin to analyze every movement of my different deals, and I don’t…

I have the Godfather mobster, Giorgio burning my hands. I want to turn and run when Wagner says, “Richard, show Professor some of your seconds.” Though scared and intimidated, I press on by demonstrating my two card push-off second deal.  Again Giorgio blurts out, “Won’t get the money!”  During the deal, I unknowingly rock my…

“Shuffling with me I have Michael Slaughter, President and CEO of The United States Playing Card Company. Mike share with us how you use Richard’s fingers in testing your pasteboards.” “First, Jon, I have to explain, over the last several decades there have been numerous technological changes to the equipment used in the paper making…

I am nervous as J. C. Wagner and I step through the Magic Castle’s secret sliding bookcase and quietly slip into the Castle’s Library. There are only two people inside, Dai Vernon and, at another table, Tony Giorgio. (Giorgio played Bruno Tattaglia in the classic film, The Godfather. If you are familiar with the film,…

I move the three cards back and forth, now and then flashing the queen, showing how easy it is to follow the lady. “But,” I explain clearly, “if you don’t get the queen, I get the coat for free.”   He agrees, and I throw the three cards and win the coat. I say compassionately, “Tell…

The thought of cutting high card for the coat sends thrills of excitement through my veins! With a passive poker face I say, “Okay. Sure. Why not!” The salesman holds up his open hands, nervously takes a step back and says, replacing his phony smile with his mouth wide open, “Hold it, I’m just kidding!”…