Unprepared Trunk Escape
By Louis N. Miller

A large unprepared trunk is examined by a committee. The performer dresses himself in a large robe and pulls a mask over his face. As he does this, he explains that he wants the committee to lock and rope the trunk after he is placed inside. He brings forward a screen which he stands behind the trunk, then he gets in the trunk and the men from the audience proceed to lock and tie it with ropes.

Suddenly the performer comes running down the theatre aisle. The committee opens the trunk. Out steps a lady in evening dress.

Solution: The secret lies in a quick change made when the performer steps behind the screen to bring it forward. The screen stands to the left of the stage as far back as possible and close to the wings. The lady assistant dressed in matching robe and mask is behind it. The instant the performer steps behind the screen. the lady comes forward. In picking up the screen from the front, she brings it close enough to the wings so that the performer will he hidden as he dashes off stage. The screen in then brought to the trunk. The masked figure gets inside the trunk, and quickly removes her robe and mask when the lid is closed. Meanwhile the performer has run to the front of the theatre, where he waits for the logical moment to run down the aisle.

As any trunk will do you can safely offer a reward for anyone who can show that it is prepared in any way. In fact, you can borrow a trunk in each city.