For the first time, the American Masters series profiles a magician: the inimitable Ricky Jay, considered one of the world’s greatest conjurers, capable of creating a profound sense of wonder and disbelief in even the most jaded of audiences. He is also a best-selling author, historian, actor and a leading collector of antiquarian books and artifacts.

Narrated by Dick Cavett, the film weaves together new interviews with Jay, his friends and collaborators, including writer/director David Mamet, and performance footage from his one-man shows and TV appearances, among them a hilarious turn with Steve Martin on Dinah Shore’s 1970s program.