I seen him do this exact performance at a much later time in a different TH-cam video. People like this guy and George Carlin are amazing. They have a craft and they perfect it. I never knew who Ricky Jay was until this morning. Literally past midnight. Didn't know he died either. Rip man. You were one of the greats
It is to Doug Henning's great credit that he introduced such a great performer. It shows he had no fear of being overshadowed by an up-and-comer. Doug Henning had a reputation for generosity.
1976 was about the time I became seriously interested in magic. Seeing Doug, Ricky and Michael really takes me back. RIP to all three. They were all excellent in their art and craft.
15 years later he did every one of these tricks at The Old Vic for his David Mamet directed RICKY JAY AND 52 ASSISTANTS. I must say, they're exciting to see over and over. If you have time, look up that show on TH-cam... it's brilliant! (Just like this performance! )
Ricky Jay was a true master showman and perfectionist. Even in his younger age seen here, his card moves were still more refined and flawless than what someone decades his superior could manage. I don't think you'll find any other who could do the "pop-out" move he does with the queens so instantaneous - compare to David Copperfield's "Grandfather's Aces" for instance.
His tricks were always great but the biggest difference for me was that his 70's patter was so incredibly annoying. From the 80's onward he was much better at it.
First time I've seen this footage. My mum would have swooned over Michael Landon for sure; she adored him. I digress. Seeing Ricky though, as a quite handsome rock god of magic, was indeed something else. I've only ever seen that 4 queens routine on the 52 Assistants Special that he did from that grainy footage, so this more youthful and energetic version was a real treat. Is it me or did Ricky become a little morose as he got older? To be honest, that's what would have drawn me to him. He never lost his artifice as he grew older. I believe he is up there with the greats of sleights of hand. RIP Ricky, The Raconteur Of Magic.
I remember watching this on TV as a kid. Doug was from my city of Hamilton , Ontario and we were excited for him to gain so much notoriety. This show was a typical 70s style variety style show. I remember enjoying the heck out of it. Ricky Jay went on to become a legend.... Doug got weird into the TM stuff and tried to get a political party elected full of flying yogis.
Yea Doug got a bit metaphysical. At one point didn’t he say something along the lines that he believed certain types of magic could be real and achieved? Of course he didn’t define that but it was quite a statement
I like seeing this as a kind of prototype for the act he does in 52 Assistants. 52 Assistants adds more drama and the moments of queens disappearing have much more impact. Here, he kind of breezes through it a little too fast and the audience seems unsure of what has happened, impressive as it is. In 52 he had so mastered his patter and pacing that every moment feels like a minor miracle.
This was exceptionally cool. The card s turning all the beautiful antique toys from his collection had Me laughing, the boomerang card being cut had me aaaahhhhhiiiiiing, and the Four Queens had Me huh?ing. An Absolute Master
Love these old clips of him with long hair. I was 6 when this aired. I can remember seeing specials w Doug henning but probably saw this one. I can't remember Ricky
one fascinating thing about this trick is that every version of him doing it that I've seen, from this early 1976, through late night talk shows, and the HBO released version of 52 Assistants, the other 12 cards are always between 6 and 10, usually 6, 9, and 10. That he's always controlled the deck so that at the end of the 2nd Queens routine he's cut specifically that range of card numbers to the top every single time. dang...
In the first minute was that Little House actor Michael Landon co-hosting with Doug Henning?? My Dad and I saw Doug perform when I was a kid. It was beyond magical!
He was also in Boogie Nights in ‘97 also and Magnolia in ‘99, along with The Prestige in 2006 where he played the magician Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden (Christian Bale) work for during the drowning incident and was also a consultant on the film!
The first 30 seconds of this video immediately remind me of Penn Jillette in one of Penn & Teller’s SNL acts saying, “Doug, it’s 1986, get a haircut!” Haha! The era of the most entertaining magicians.
Anyone able to help explain his show from season 2 of SNL? I tried finding a clip online but couldn't. Just wondering if anyone had seen it and could explain it. I'm wondering if his final trick was just guessing most people answer "seven".
Ricky Jay must have had good taste in music (from his earliest days at McCabes, I assume) because he always mentions The Meters. He was a master of his craft as are The Meters.
Sad to learn that Ricky Jay the man, the myth has passed away today of natural cause, he was 72.. He was the card magician guy that fooled everyone including fellow magicians. RIP Jay.
DID HE TAKE ON AN APPRENTICE? the two elderly men who taught him- these were all well guarded tricks. I don't know if Ricky took them with him when he left
I noticed the move with the four queens too. It's the only time after he counts out the three cards that he returns them to his other hand briefly before putting them down. He does it here just a split second slower than in the Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants special. I never noticed it in the 52 Assistants special. That was the only part I figured out, clueless how he did the rest.
This is like going to your favorite old professor's office and seeing a picture of him from during his undergrad hippie period.
This video is pure 1970s moment! The suits, hairdos! Glitter! Absolutely Superb!
I seen him do this exact performance at a much later time in a different TH-cam video.
People like this guy and George Carlin are amazing. They have a craft and they perfect it. I never knew who Ricky Jay was until this morning. Literally past midnight. Didn't know he died either. Rip man. You were one of the greats
It is to Doug Henning's great credit that he introduced such a great performer. It shows he had no fear of being overshadowed by an up-and-comer. Doug Henning had a reputation for generosity.
RIP Ricky Jay. What a totally class act. Awesome roles in House of Games, The Heist, and Spanish Prisoner too.
Don't forget his best work...Deadwood!!!
The Ranger, The Cook, and A Hole in the Sky. He was great there too!
👍😂
Never seen him that young.
RIP
1976 was about the time I became seriously interested in magic. Seeing Doug, Ricky and Michael really takes me back. RIP to all three. They were all excellent in their art and craft.
He is just as good at telling the story as he is at the magic….such a rare act and will never be duplicated
I duplicated it buddy.
Ricky had such dexterous sleight-of-hand... And was a great character actor!
That man had glorious hair!
He's like a pro-wrestler merged with his manager
A man before his time, before our time! With jokes from books that were rotting to dust before he was born. What a devoted character
He had quite the vocabulary, didn't he?
15 years later he did every one of these tricks at The Old Vic for his David Mamet directed RICKY JAY AND 52 ASSISTANTS. I must say, they're exciting to see over and over. If you have time, look up that show on TH-cam... it's brilliant! (Just like this performance! )
I just watched that one and it's incredible to see the similarities and changes. RIP.
Ricky Jay was a true master showman and perfectionist. Even in his younger age seen here, his card moves were still more refined and flawless than what someone decades his superior could manage. I don't think you'll find any other who could do the "pop-out" move he does with the queens so instantaneous - compare to David Copperfield's "Grandfather's Aces" for instance.
paurusam nrisu
His tricks were always great but the biggest difference for me was that his 70's patter was so incredibly annoying. From the 80's onward he was much better at it.
I knew he was good, but holy smokes. RIP, magic man.
First time I've seen this footage. My mum would have swooned over Michael Landon for sure; she adored him. I digress.
Seeing Ricky though, as a quite handsome rock god of magic, was indeed something else. I've only ever seen that 4 queens routine on the 52 Assistants Special that he did from that grainy footage, so this more youthful and energetic version was a real treat. Is it me or did Ricky become a little morose as he got older? To be honest, that's what would have drawn me to him.
He never lost his artifice as he grew older. I believe he is up there with the greats of sleights of hand. RIP Ricky, The Raconteur Of Magic.
My personal favourite magician of all time.
I just wish he wrote more of his material 😔
The genius of Ricky Jay. RIP. You were one of the greatest of all time.
Ahwww RIP all three, Doug Henning, Michael Landon, Ricky Jay! Loved all of them.
This appearance made him famous, a master magician. RIP.
I remember watching this on TV as a kid. Doug was from my city of Hamilton , Ontario and we were excited for him to gain so much notoriety. This show was a typical 70s style variety style show. I remember enjoying the heck out of it. Ricky Jay went on to become a legend.... Doug got weird into the TM stuff and tried to get a political party elected full of flying yogis.
I thought I recognized him as the Flying Yogi guy! Thank you for confirming that for me.
Yea Doug got a bit metaphysical. At one point didn’t he say something along the lines that he believed certain types of magic could be real and achieved? Of course he didn’t define that but it was quite a statement
RIP Ricky Jay. I just realized Doug Henning and Michael Landon are gone too. All too soon.
I became a Ricky Jay fans after seeing him in "House of Games". seeing him so young is wonderful!
This guy was awesome, hilarious act.
I was 12 when I saw this originally in 1976. Never forgot it because I knew how truly incredible it was. I also bought his book Cards as Weapons.
I like seeing this as a kind of prototype for the act he does in 52 Assistants. 52 Assistants adds more drama and the moments of queens disappearing have much more impact. Here, he kind of breezes through it a little too fast and the audience seems unsure of what has happened, impressive as it is. In 52 he had so mastered his patter and pacing that every moment feels like a minor miracle.
This was exceptionally cool. The card s turning all the beautiful antique toys from his collection had Me laughing, the boomerang card being cut had me aaaahhhhhiiiiiing, and the Four Queens had Me huh?ing.
An Absolute Master
Pure mastery. Magnificent!
I must have seen that trick with the queens at least 30 times and i still have only the vaguest idea of how it is done. That is rare and i love it.
Me either andI always think I can spot something, but alas, NO! I shall therefore remain forever, perplexed.
RIP one of the greatest classic magicians in the 80s
Love these old clips of him with long hair. I was 6 when this aired. I can remember seeing specials w Doug henning but probably saw this one. I can't remember Ricky
His routine literally did not change for decades however it is always a joy to watch
Whether it be in 76 up until the 2000’s
one fascinating thing about this trick is that every version of him doing it that I've seen, from this early 1976, through late night talk shows, and the HBO released version of 52 Assistants, the other 12 cards are always between 6 and 10, usually 6, 9, and 10. That he's always controlled the deck so that at the end of the 2nd Queens routine he's cut specifically that range of card numbers to the top every single time. dang...
love watching Ricky, such a performer, so funny and very clever
In the first minute was that Little House actor Michael Landon co-hosting with Doug Henning?? My Dad and I saw Doug perform when I was a kid. It was beyond magical!
Yes, it was.
R.I.P. Ricky Jay; One of the Worlds Greatest Magicians.
Never knew what kind of stuff he did in his early days. Awesome!
So strange to see Ricky Jay younger than me. RIP.
The Greatest...We all miss you Ricky
RIP
This guy is great. It's a shame I only knew him as an Actor from Tomorrow never dies up until recently. Brilliant man.
He was also in Boogie Nights in ‘97 also and Magnolia in ‘99, along with The Prestige in 2006 where he played the magician Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden (Christian Bale) work for during the drowning incident and was also a consultant on the film!
The first 30 seconds of this video immediately remind me of Penn Jillette in one of Penn & Teller’s SNL acts saying, “Doug, it’s 1986, get a haircut!” Haha! The era of the most entertaining magicians.
I love that it is the same patter as in the HBO special doing the same trick
Ricky Jay is a goddamn genius
Master magician. RIP, Mr. Jay.
This is almost word for word as the Mamet directed 52 Assistants show
Thanks for the upload
Great actor too. Artist.
god the 70s were fuckin wild man
My goodness his voice changed SO MUCH.
His vebiage didn't change even by a word for two decades.
brilliant
Anyone able to help explain his show from season 2 of SNL? I tried finding a clip online but couldn't. Just wondering if anyone had seen it and could explain it. I'm wondering if his final trick was just guessing most people answer "seven".
Woa. Thanks to TH-cam I now know he used at least one joke for 26 years. I won't hold that against such a great man.
haha - love the hair
dead today. I hope he lives forever. Maybe he can.
Doug and Ricky both left us too soon. I wish it wasn't so.
I heard he used the patter used in the great Erdnase book. RIP ricky Jay
I wish he would have made Michael Landon's glasses disappear.
He was a fine magician, and I imagine was quite the raconteur.
Ricky Jay must have had good taste in music (from his earliest days at McCabes, I assume) because he always mentions The Meters. He was a master of his craft as are The Meters.
his boots are epic
He must have been a little short, those heels are over 2 inches!!
If you're attacked by a band of animals or an animal band FIRE!!
Those shoes...
How does he do the last trick?
Ricky sporting some real high heels😊
when I did this trick the last face up Queen was in a 4some with the 3 Kings
I've done ricky jay's 4 ace routine many times. it does blow the brain!
Sad to learn that Ricky Jay the man, the myth has passed away today of natural cause, he was 72.. He was the card magician guy that fooled everyone including fellow magicians. RIP Jay.
This performance must have been a jinx. RIP Ricky. RIP Doug. RIP Michael. 😞
Rip Ricky Jay
Ricky is a very talented entertainer, I like the way he makes the cards pop out. Great skill!
Magic.RIP.
I never realized how tiny Doug Henning was...
DID HE TAKE ON AN APPRENTICE? the two elderly men who taught him- these were all well guarded tricks. I don't know if Ricky took them with him when he left
You can tell it's the 70's
just a little...!
What gives it away? Lol
Guau michael landon
Didn't recognize Michael Landon. Had not seen him wearing glasses before.
Good to see Michael Landon
Was that sonny bono
Those shoes.
"Gentleman watch the felt"
The Heist
R I P Gentlemen
Does homie have a lighasaber on his side
Gamer Nexus got good on cards
Anyone notice at the end the creepy guy in the audience reaching out and touching the hair of the girl in front of him?
Yes I totally did and it is definitley just that. It is incredible I couldn't even believe it.
At 7:44 Exactly.
He’s a reaper, he just took her soul. RIP
Probably his daughter. He's just straightening her hair.
It looks like his kid
The act didn't change, save for the addition of a watermelon, for thirty years.
Jim Rummy joke went down like a brick,lol
Doug Henning is dressed up like a cheerleader
This act was a little too classy for the setting
i figured it out...the 4 queen trick
I noticed the move with the four queens too. It's the only time after he counts out the three cards that he returns them to his other hand briefly before putting them down. He does it here just a split second slower than in the Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants special. I never noticed it in the 52 Assistants special. That was the only part I figured out, clueless how he did the rest.
The disappearing queens was probably done with two-faced cards.
How?
H
He didn't really improve over his career.
He was just farking good from the beginning.
Why is he wearing heels though?
it was 1976
The whole story and patter is cringy nowadays but his skill is off the charts
Cringy? No it isn't. Idiot.
Why is he wearing Cher's hair as a wig?
Why does that chick have moustache?