First Season (1985-1986)
Supervising Producers Joshua Brand     John Falsey
Production Executives Kathleen Kennedy     Frank Marshall   Produced by David E. Vogel
Developed by Steven Spielberg     Joshua Brand     John Falsey
Associate Producers Stephen Semel     Steve Starky    Skip Lusk 

Mr. Magic  

The Date is
November 17, 1985

Sid Caesar portrays a frustrated magician, long out of his prime.  Or is he?

Summary

Lou Bundles is a magician whose slight of hand has slid out of hand. His routine regularly culminates in the audience laughing at him. When he is cut from the act he demands to be restored and the owner reluctantly agrees. Concerned for the upcoming evenings performance, Lou decides to get a deck of cards from the magic store and buys an ancient deck that is kept behind glass. That evening, when he steps into the spotlight, his act is as always and just when he is to be laughed off the stage, the deck of cards magically flies all around the audience doing aerial maneuvers. The audience response is tremendous and Lou is actually given a better spot in the magic show line-up. He returns with his flying cards and is once again a hit. That evening he accidentally rips one of the cards in a fit of rage. Now, he peacefully resigns himself that he should retire. He uses his final stage time to thank the audience for all the love he has gotten and tells them there will be no magic tonight. As he walks offstage, the deck of cards fly on stage and spell out "Good Bye" in mid-air.

Commentary

This impressive piece stars Sid Caesar as Lou Bundles. His understanding of the character is wonderful and Petrie does a great job of letting Sid go. This is one of the few episodes that actually tugs at you emotionally.

How Amazing?
Magic

This Episode is available
on VHS video in the Amazing Store.

Cast and Crew Information

starring Sid Caeser      Leo Rossi
Teleplay
Joshua Brand      John Falsey
Directed by Donald Petrie
Director of Photography John McPherson
Music by Bruce Broughton

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