Magic (Blu-ray) (1978)

Editor's Note A troubled nightclub performer is intimidated by his all-too-human dummy. The almost demonic puppet has an increasingly profound effect on the lives of the individuals with whom it comes into contact.

	Ed Lauter
	Ann-Margret
	Anthony Hopkins
	Burgess Meredith
	William Goldman - Screenwriter
	Richard Attenborough - Director

A screen adaptation of William Goldman's chilling novel of a ventriloquist's dummy that takes over his master's life.| Ventriloquist Corky Fats finally gets the chance to make it big when his agent offers him a lucrative television deal. But Corky turns him down. Choosing instead to return to his boyhood home in the Catskills. There he is reunited with his childhood sweetheart, and meets her jealous husband. But things take a wicked turn when Corky's demonic dummy gets into the act. Soon its hard to tell who's the puppet and who's pulling the strings. Variety
"...[An] absorbing character study....An extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins....Attenborough, who is noted for his work with actors, again displays a flair for eliciting strong performances..." 11/01/1978

New York Times
"[T]here is some first-rate scenery chewing going on, particularly from Burgess Meredith..." 03/21/2006 p.E4

Entertainment Weekly
"[Hopkins'] dextrous timing and Richard Attenborough's crafty direction make us wonder if the sleight of hand is something more ghoulish..." -- Grade: B 04/28/2006 p.123

Total Film
3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he film succeeds as a haunting character study thanks to Hopkins' uncompromising lead." 09/01/2006 p.119

Ultimate DVD
5 stars out of 5 -- "A gorgeously-shot film with Hopkins rising to a marvellous pitch of insanity by the end." 09/01/2006 p.211