Jack-in-the-box

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For other uses, see Jack-in-the-Box (disambiguation).

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A jack-in-the-box is a children's toy that outwardly consists of a box with a crank. When the crank is turned, it plays out a melody, often Pop Goes the Weasel. At the end of the tune, the lid pops open and a figure of some sort, usually a clown, pops out of the box.

[edit] Origin of Toy

One theory as to the origin of the jack-in-the-box is that it comes from the 13th century English prelate Sir John Schorne who is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it. It is believed in folklore that he once cast the devil into a boot to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire. Another theory offered by investigative reporter Pete Patterson paints a much darker past in an article found here. According to him The original Jacks weren't actually clowns, but instead runaway slaves ("Jacks" in slang.) The first Jack in a box was actually a live captured runaway slave in a wooden box. Often times children playing where they shouldn't, would jam sharpened wooden sticks though the knotholes of the boxes. In reaction the "Jack" inside would yelp, and often times bust though the top of the box. John Schorne, inspired by his childhood antics, began hand crafting and selling Jack in The Boxes. The simple music box would cranked and POP out came a crudely crafted black man on a spring. The idea quickly took off as one of the first novelty gifts. The black man in the box was gradually fazed into a clown.

[edit] Influence on Culture

The Jack-in-the-Box toy has had a widespread effect on culture:

The toy gave its name to the fast food restaurant chain Jack in the Box, which features a mascot named "Jack" who resembles a toy clown from a jack-in-the-box. [1]
The toy was part of the inspiration for the character Jack-in-the-Box, from the Astro City comic book series.
The toy frequently appears in horror movies. A certain tension lies in knowing that when the tune ends, something pops out – and in horror movies it's usually more sinister than a toy clown. In the preview for Child's Play 2, a jack-in-the-box is seen moving on its own and just before it pops out, Chucky stomps on it, proclaiming, "Sorry Jack, Chucky's back!"
A jack-in-the-box named "Charlie-in-the-box" serves as the sentry to the Island of Misfit Toys in the Christmas movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
A deranged-looking jack-in-the-box named "Mad Jack" is a boss character in the Nintendo 64 game Donkey Kong 64. He serves as the guardian of Frantic Factory - a grimy, noisy and extremely-hazardous toy-making facility.
In the Bullfrog computer game Dungeon Keeper 2, the Jack-in-the-box Trap appears to be a harmless object but, upon being touched, will pursue and lethally frighten enemy imps.
In the video game American McGee's Alice the protagonist Alice can use the Jack-bomb weapon which is essentially an explosive Jack-in-the-box that can be thrown at enemies.
The Hand-in-the-box in Sid's room from a Disney/Pixar film Toy Story.
A Jack-in-the-Box, known simply as Jack, is also the protagonist of the children's book The Plucker, written and illustrated by the science-fiction and fantasy artist Gerald Brom.
In Spyro the Dragon, the Dreamweavers boss is named Jacque and throws boxes at his enemies, which is an obvious connection to the childrens toy.
The rap duo Insane Clown Posse have released an album entitled the Riddlebox, whose cover resembles an evil jack in the box.