Based on a commercial trick of U.F. Grant's (but no longer
being manufactured) called “Safari,” the Lion Tamer
changes the theme of that trick from a Tiger into a Lion and adds
some new twists. You can use your computer to print out a large
photo (included) for decorating the front of this prop, or you
can do your own artwork. You can also change the animal being
used, as I did, or turn it into a monster of any type you wish.
That's the advantage of being able to "do-it-yourself!"
The traditional routine involves showing a set of wicked
looking "teeth" on a hardboard plaque mounted just
behind the head (which has a hole cut out through the mouth). A
brave spectator who is to act as the Lion Tamer is brought
forward. The teeth are raised above the head so that the
spectator can insert his wrist from the back, and thus his hand
comes out of the front of the Lion's mouth.
On the count of Three, the teeth come crashing down on the
spectator's wrist, and the Lion's head is then removed to show
that the "teeth" have actually penetrated his wrist
painlessly. It's a hand chopper without a blade, and more of a
penetration effect mystery since the audience sees the entire
"blade" at the end.
Because the theme is now a Lion, you can reference a circus
Lion Tamer putting his head into the mouth of a live lion, so
your volunteer will practice just putting his hand in the mouth
of one while he is learning. You can also reference The Lion
King, or the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz, awarding the
volunteer medals of bravery (or band-aids) after his experience,
and so on. I'll leave the presentations up to you and just give
you the information you need to make this wonderful kid's show
prop.
This prop requires more than just hardboard and duct tape.
You will also need wooden molding to make the frames, wire nails,
carpenter's glue, and a hammer. You may award yourself a medal
for bravery if you manage not to smash your thumbs while pounding
nails.
HDDTB1-06 $5.00
Buy all 10 articles of Book 1 of Jim
Gerrish's
"The Hardboard and Duct tape Magic Show" $40.00
