UNPLEASANT WORLD OF PENN & TELLER, THE {CHRISTOPHER REEVE} (TV)
Summary
One in this British series, hosted by Penn & Teller, featuring the duo's unique blend of magic, stunt humor, and gore. The pair open with what Penn calls the most American of magic tricks -- the bullet-in-the-mouth catch. Due to British gun permit laws, however, he must perform the stunt with a lima bean and a slingshot, with bloody results. Other highlights include the following: a "performance art" piece called "The Domestication of Animals," in which Penn narrates and plays guitar while Teller enacts the history of man's domination of the animal kingdom using animal-shaped balloons; Penn comments on how he and Teller have enraged the British magic establishment with the irreverence and violence of this series (to get them even more upset, the duo perform the "cups and balls" routine with clear plastic cups); Penn shows the audience how to perform a trick in which it looks like they've tied a cherry stem into a knot with their tongue; a robotic version of Teller is rolled out and mutilated; the pair initiate actor Christopher Reeve into the secret world of magic, a rite that requires, among other things, the sacrifice of a live chicken and the denial of Jesus Christ as one's savior.
Details
- NETWORK: Channel 4 (United Kingdom)
- DATE: February 11, 1994 10:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:24:50
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:32552
- GENRE: Comedy/Variety
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy/Variety; International Collection - United Kingdom; Magic and magicians
- SERIES RUN: Channel 4 (United Kingdom) - TV series, 1994
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Alan Marke … Executive Producer
- Peter Orton … Producer, Director
- Heather Hampson … Associate Producer
- Penn Jillette … Writer, Performer
- Teller … Writer , Performer
- Christopher Reeve … Guest
- Penn & Teller