Ricky Jay is a world-renowned magician, author, historian, and actor (often a mischievous presence in the films of David Mamet and Paul Thomas Anderson), and a performer who regularly wows even the most jaded audience. Detective Practice traces Jay's accomplishments and influences, from his apprenticeship at age 4 with his grandfather, to now-forgotten legends like Al Flosso, Slydini, Cardini, and his primary mentors Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller. Featuring rare footage from his 1970s television appearances (playing 3-Card Monte with Steve Martin on The Dinah Shore Show) and told in Jay's inimitable voice, this is a remarkable journey into the secret world of magic. and the small circle of eccentrics who are his perpetual devotees.