The Art of Magic

When the Lovin' Spoonful asked "Do You Believe in Magic?" back in 1965, I--all of 9-years-old--would have answered, without hesitation--"yes, absolutely." Last year I saw Lance Burton, considered by many to be the greatest practicing magician, perform in Las Vegas, and I can now answer the Spoonful's question from the perspective of a more worldly-wise adult: "yes, absolutely." Burton, who makes not parakeets but geese appear out of nowhere, is one of the featured magicians in this combination historical overview and present-day survey of the men (mostly) who--besides politicians--make their living fooling most of the people most of the time. Houdini, Siegfried and Roy, Dante, James Randi, Harry Blackstone, Max Maven, all of the great masters of sleight of hand are examined here in an engaging documentary which works best when it sticks to history and performance and sags when it ventures onto philosophical turf (Consider the following quote: "Magic, alone among the theatrical performing arts, asks a question: what does all this mean?" I would submit that, say, the play Equus, poses more ontological questions than, for instance, pretending to saw a woman in half.) Seeing great magicians on the little screen can't remotely compete with the thrill of a live performance, still The Art of Magic--if you ignore the pseudo-intellectual grasping after larger significance--offers decent entertainment, a smattering of history, and a good reason to make plans to visit Las Vegas to see the real thing. A strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)