Where do the Ducks Go? Alhambra: Owen Magic Supreme, 1950s. A custom-made model of the classic Okito/LeRoy/Nixon effect in which live waterfowl, removed from a large wooden cage on one side of the stage, are placed into an oblong box. Moments later, the box is disassembled piece-by-piece, showing that the birds have vanished without a trace. Even the table on which the box rests is folded down to show the birds are gone. Then, one (or possibly two) of the ducks reappear from a wicker basket previously shown empty.
The props are comprised of the large, brightly lacquered holding cage with hinged doors at the top and a low table on which it rests (24 x 20 x 36” overall, inclusive of table); the break-apart box with unusual hinged back panel and metal load chamber for the vanish, and two folding tables on which the box sits; a small gimmicked rolling table painted in classic Owen blue-red-gold lacquer to help conceal the load chamber once the box is disassembled; the gimmicked basket and a round metal tray; and the original metal packing trunk painted with the Daniel & Co. logo and block number “14,” the interior of the lid bearing handwritten packing instructions by John Daniel, the former owner of Owen Magic, and the performer who used these props.
All elements in good but used working condition, with the black velvet covering and elastic bands on the low “receiving” table used to conceal the load chamber in need of replacement. Third party transportation required.
These props are unlike any version of the classic duck vanish advertised by Owen or Thayer (including the smaller versions advertised as Where do the Doves Go? and Where do the Rats Go?), yet nearly every element included is clearly the work of that famous California magic-making company. The basket is likely a unique Owen-made prop, and incorporates a clever black art element and locking load chamber operated from the base, with its interior decorated in Owen’s trademark gold lacquer. The table on which the holding cage rests includes a secret retractable perch, and an extra hinged/collapsible table is included so that the break-apart box may be set at two different heights. Most interestingly, the box itself has been recovered in red plush accented with gold braid and gold elements nearly identical to the decoration used on a Throne Chair illusion performed by Orson Welles on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, which was also formerly in the John Daniel collection. Daniel and Welles worked together for many years to develop routines and illusions for Welles’ television performances. The Duck Vanish was an effect featured by Welles in his famous Mercury Wonder Show, staged as a USO-type show for American soldiers during WWII.