Curtained Cabinet without a Base

Illusion Main Category
Long Description

Designer: Guy Jarrett

The Curtained Cabinet without a Base was the first illusion Jarrett ever built, Jarrett likely constructing it in 1908 during his San Francisco sideshow days according to The Complete Jarrett.

The curtained cabinet was actually a pipe frame on castors with tight curtains around the sides and top only. The front had a window shade that could be moved up or down. The curtain bottoms were all several feet off the floor. The illusion is shown empty and the front shade is drawn. When it is let up, an assistant is shown to be lying across two iron stands. The assistant is lowered and the cabinet is revolved as it is removed showing there was no place to hide, the bottom being visible the entire time and the roof only being 1 inch thick.