Blaney Ladder Levitation. Texas: Walter “Zany” Blaney, 1990s. A spectator from the audience is laid across a wooden board placed on top of two small step ladders. The ladders are removed, leaving the spectator and the board suspended in midair. Includes all props and in two custom made road cases. Fine. A modern classic one-man illusion devised by Blaney and introduced in the 1960s, the effect was a significant step forward. Based on ideas including Grant’s Super-X levitation and effects devised by Jack Gwynne and John McKinven, Blaney’s improvements fooled many notable performers upon first viewing. When later released to the magic market, the Blaney Ladder Levitation became a staple in the shows of many of the best-known performers in the industry, including David Copperfield and Lance Burton.