A 75-year-old card sharp teaches Penn Jillette the trick that took 40 years to perfect.
Penn and Teller hired Johnny Thompson to consult on their magic show as soon as the duo began their career and Johnny has been with them ever since. "Gambler's Ballad" follows Penn and Johnny's progress as Thompson teaches Penn his signature card act. Numerous well known figures from the magic world reminisce and wax philosophic about the unparalleled knowledge and profound influence Johnny Thompson has had on their own careers as well as the history and current state of the art of magic.
Acting
Johnny Thompson's effortless charm steals every scene.
Direction
Emery Emery lets the magic speak without overproducing.
Director
Emery Emery
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Johnny Thompson performed under the name 'The Great Tomsoni' for decades, a character so distinct many magicians didn't realize he and Johnny were the same person.
This documentary captures one of the last living links to vaudeville-era magic—Thompson learned from performers who started in the 1920s.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
