• 18
    watchers
  • 111
    plays
  • 97
    collected
  • 2004-10-15T23:00:00Z on BBC Two
  • 1h
  • 6h (6 episodes)
  • United Kingdom
  • Documentary
This show will trace the development of entertainment magic throughout the world, from its earliest roots in religious ritual and tribal shamanism to today's international stars of stage and screen. Gives a definitive guide to the history of performance magic from Ancient Egypt to 21st century Las Vegas, and why it has played such an important role in our social and cultural history.

6 episodes

Series Premiere

2004-10-15T23:00:00Z

1x01 Mind Magic

Series Premiere

1x01 Mind Magic

  • 2004-10-15T23:00:00Z1h

This edition traces the history of mentalism, from the oracle of Delphi through the age of Spiritualism to today's psychological trickster, Derren Brown.

2004-10-22T23:00:00Z

1x02 Levitation

1x02 Levitation

  • 2004-10-22T23:00:00Z1h

This edition traces the story of how magicians learnt to defy gravity, creating the spectacular levitations that became the centrepieces of the great stage shows of the golden age of magic, including the legendary Indian rope trick.

2004-10-29T23:00:00Z

1x03 Close Up Magic

1x03 Close Up Magic

  • 2004-10-29T23:00:00Z1h

This edition tells the story of sleight-of-hand magic, looking at close-up performers such Cardini, a card manipulator who learnt his skills in the WWI trenches. And Paul Daniels re-enacts great magic tricks of the legendary Max Malini.

2004-11-06T00:00:00Z

1x04 Disappearances

1x04 Disappearances

  • 2004-11-06T00:00:00Z1h

This edition features some of the most impressive 'grand illusions' ever achieved and culminates in an effect never before seen on television, as American magician Franz Harary attempts his biggest ever disappearance, London's Tower Bridge.

2004-11-13T00:00:00Z

1x05 Dangerous Magic

1x05 Dangerous Magic

  • 2004-11-13T00:00:00Z1h

This edition looks at dangerous stunts including those performed by the master of escapology, Harry Houdini, as well as the one trick that not even he would attempt - the Bullet Catch.

"Nobody wants a man to fall to his death but they want to be there when it happens."
-Houdini

2004-11-20T00:00:00Z

1x06 Violent Magic

1x06 Violent Magic

  • 2004-11-20T00:00:00Z1h

This edition shows how magicians have always been drawn to illusions which feature the power of death and restoration - from fake decapitations in Elizabethan mystery plays to modern performers like the Amazing Johnathan.

Loading...