Bill in lemon
Encyclopedia
The bill in lemon is an effect in which a magician requests a currency note from a spectator and makes the note vanish, then proceeding to slice a lemon open to show the note inside.
Because the bill is borrowed and the lemon is an everyday object known to have a solid peel, the effect is one of the most impossible effects in magic to an audience. A related variation of this effect is "card in orange", where a playing card, often signed by a spectator, is shown to have transported inside an orange. An older variation, "The Coin In Orange" is described in Professor Hoffmann's landmark book, Modern Magic (1876.)
(1875-1959), who made it a feature of his vaudeville act during the first half of the twentieth century. Jarrow would borrow as many as three different bills from members of the audience, causing them to later reappear inside of the lemon. Other famous performers of the effect included T. Nelson Downs, Max Malini
, Bob Haskell and Billy McComb
among many others.
Several modern magicians have presented their own versions of the effect, including Bill Malone
, Doc Eason
, and Michael Ammar.
In performance
While several variations of the effect exist, the common element is the presumed transport of a spectator's currency note into the lemon. In many cases the lemon is examined by an audience member before cutting to reveal the bill inside. To identify the note, the magician typically has the spectator sign it, note the serial number, or retain a corner torn from the bill. Many versions of the effect are designed to be presented on stage or as a "stand-up" performance, however some close-up presentations exist.Because the bill is borrowed and the lemon is an everyday object known to have a solid peel, the effect is one of the most impossible effects in magic to an audience. A related variation of this effect is "card in orange", where a playing card, often signed by a spectator, is shown to have transported inside an orange. An older variation, "The Coin In Orange" is described in Professor Hoffmann's landmark book, Modern Magic (1876.)
Famous performers
The origin of the Bill In Lemon effect is credited to Emil JarrowEmil Jarrow
Emil Jarrow was a celebrated sleight of hand magician. He sometimes referred to himself humorously as a "prestidigitator." Jarrow was perhaps best known for creating the “lemon trick,” in which he would procure paper money from an apparently fresh lemon.-Career and performances:Jarrow was born...
(1875-1959), who made it a feature of his vaudeville act during the first half of the twentieth century. Jarrow would borrow as many as three different bills from members of the audience, causing them to later reappear inside of the lemon. Other famous performers of the effect included T. Nelson Downs, Max Malini
Max Malini
Max Malini was a Jewish illusionist who at his peak performed for several US Presidents, had command performances at Buckingham Palace, and received gifts from monarchs across Europe and Asia. Magicians are said to revere him for his skill and bold accomplishments.Malini's performance style was...
, Bob Haskell and Billy McComb
Billy McComb
Billy McComb was a magician and comedian. He was one of the United Kingdom's leading magicians in the 1950s and 1960s, before taking up residence in Los Angeles, California in the 1970s.-Early life:...
among many others.
Several modern magicians have presented their own versions of the effect, including Bill Malone
Bill Malone (magician)
Bill Malone is an American magician who specializes in card magic, close-up magic and bar magic.Malone was raised in Chicago, Illinois and became interested in magic at the age of 17. He is a protege of Ed Marlo and a recipient of the Merlin Award from the International Magicians Society...
, Doc Eason
Doc Eason
William H 'Doc' Eason is an American magician who specializes in bar magic. For 27 years, he was the featured entertainer at John Denver's World Famous Tower Comedy/ Magic Bar in Snowmass Village, CO....
, and Michael Ammar.