The magnetohydrodynamic propulsion system used by Hollywood is an excellent motivator for students to learn some interesting physics relating to magnetic force on electric currents. A simple demonstrator can be inexpensively built and shown in the classroom. The process of optimizing the geometry can also be used to reinforce and/or teach physical principles relating to electric current transmission. In this study several such MHD demonstrators were built, tested, and optimized. The final design was self powered with 9-V batteries and moved at about 0.5 to 1.0 cm/s.