Credit for the basic effect goes to Milbourne Christopher. His Forgetful Freddie has become a classic effect with children entertainers, inspiring several models and clones. This model is yet another version of this effect, with a presentation theme for audiences not familiar with absent minded schoolboys!

The Performer displays a large cut out figure of a Clown, holding a balloon. He explains that Clowns are always changing their face, and sometimes, when they are changing them, they even loose them! Performer now removes the clown’s head, and places it in a handkerchief (the “dressing room”) to change the clown’s face. However when he tries to retrieve the face from the “dressing room”, it has completely vanished. After a search, (opening out the handkerchief, shaking it, and displaying both sides), he wonders what he should do.

Inspiration strikes, and the balloon from the Clown’s hand is removed, and replaced in lieu of the head. Efforts are made with sketch or marker pens or grease pencil and lipstick to make the balloon head look respectable, but to no avail. The only recourse seems to be a bit of real magic!

The audience is taught the magic spell, then encouraged to shout it out aloud and all together. After one or two attempts, they get it right, and the balloon bursts, and the clown’s head is back in place. We supply the complete apparatus ready to use including a Devil Handkerchief.

The cut out clown just plugs in to the base.

To see an animation of the effect, enlarge the picture.