Richard Attenborough's Magic (1978) is an exceptional work of cinema that has so much to offer to the viewer at different levels. It features Anthony Hopkins in the role of a shy ventriloquist named Corky Withers. Corky's act in which he uses a dummy to perform on-stage magic tricks is an instant success. Corky is at height of his fame and probably a single step away from becoming an icon. But, things are not as simple as they appear. Believe it or not, but Corky's dummy Fats has developed a mind of its own! And Corky must learn to control it before it's too late.

Anthony Hopkins, I daresay, delivers the best performance of his life. The role of Hannibal Lecter may have elevated Hopkins to apotheosis but Corky has a sense of vulnerability that makes it appear far more realistic than Lecter. A comparison between Lecter and Corky is inevitable for both the characters lie on the brink of insanity... while the former can control it to a great extent the latter is always at the mercy of his vicious alterego. Magic (1978) is a psychological thriller of the highest quality. And Hopkins' sublime portrayal makes it an experience of a lifetime. Ann-Margret is brilliant in the role of Peggy Ann Snow. Burgess Meredith as Ben Greene virtually steals every scene that he is a part of.

Magic (1978) is indeed magical. And the dream-like combination of two great Englishmen, Richard Attenborough and Anthony Hopkins, makes it possible. A necessary watch!

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The story here is of small time stage magician Corky who is flopping. When he introduces foul-mouthed ventriloquist dummy Fats into his act, however, he takes off. But it seems that there is more to Fats than meets the eye. And when there is competition for Corky's affections...

Michael Redgrave in Dead Of Night is the first time I recall seeing a film about a dummy running the ventriloquist rather than vice versa, and Magic is a rather superior take on the same idea. The crux as far as the audience is concerned, of course, is whether there is something supernatural going on, or whether the vent is nuttier than a sack of almonds.

It doesn't matter, does it? The journey is what is important, and the journey here is great fun.

And Hopkins is superb. There is a scene towards the end where the struggle between Corky and Fats reaches its climax, and we see who is in charge. It is a scene where the performance could see easily go over the top, which would diminish the impact. Hopkins exercises restraint, and produces a sequence which I found terrifying.

Ann-Margaret and Burgess Meredith are both also very good, and credit must go to Richard Attenborough for taut direction in a piece which is not typical of his output.

Watching "Magic" was a frustrating experience for me. I really wanted to love this film, as, after all, who doesn't love a story about an evil ventriloquist dummy?! But the story, while interesting, really went on way, way too long and lost so much potential in the process.

Anthony Hopkins plays Corky, a failed stage magician who has a new lease on life when he incorporates a dummy into his act. Suddenly, his act is very hot and he is standing on the edge of success...when Corky's mental illness rears its ugly head. What's next? Murder and mayhem.

As I mentioned above, the story lost so much when it just seemed to go on and on. A good half hour could have been trimmed from the film and it would have improved it significantly. An interesting idea...but the film could have been better.