This is one of those effects that can be built into feature proportions due to the many possibilities for spectacular presentation. It is strictly a one man stunt and needs practically no apparatus or preparation. I say again, and make it emphatic, that the secret is subtle and never suspected by the audience because it takes place right before their very eyes and in a natural manner.
On the platform, stage or front of the room is a blackboard facing the audience. Chalk and eraser are at hand. The performer states that he will attempt a most difficult test of telepathy and will need the assistance of three people from his audience. They come forward and stand near the blackboard. Follow this in your mind and you will realize the effect of the set up on the audience.
The performer takes a heavy piece of silk or a handkerchief and says that he will be blindfolded and will be led to a corner of the stage. Each one of the committee is then to write on the blackboard. One is to write a number of three figures, one is to write a word of not less than seven letters, and the last is to draw some geometrical diagram that may come to his mind. The performer states that in this way, he has covered all ways of expressing oneself in writing, figures, letters and lines.
The performer is now blindfolded and led to the corner of the stage. The committee is then asked to draw the picture, and write the figures and word. When they have finished and so stated, the performer asks the audience to remember what the committee is thinking of. Never tell them to remember what is on the blackboard.
The performer now tells them to erase the blackboard well, and to lead him to it and give him the piece of chalk. Taking chalk, the performer, still blindfolded, makes a few marks and finally writes the number as best he can. This is followed by the correct word and finally the picture. This is the point where the performer can make or break the effect.
I know that this must sound difficult but it is far from being so. In the first place, although the performer stands as per diagrammed with his back turned towards the committee, the blindfold is faked in your favorite way, as long as the performer can see straight ahead. I sincerely advise the old folded handkerchief as the best.
It is simple and looks like just what it is – a handkerchief. I never did like the tricky looking blindfolds that are obviously made up for that purpose. Use something ordinary looking and something always on hand.
Have it folded over and over from opposite corners until the rolls meet at the center. Now fold and put into the pocket. Use a large size man’s handkerchief. When it is on you can see through the one thickness and that is the point.
Stand in your corner and direct the proceedings up to the point where you ask the audience to remember what the committee is thinking of. Then, waving his hand back towards the blackboard, the performer says, “Now gentlemen, erase the blackboard and leave it clean so that there is no trace of what you may have placed there.” And as this gesture is made, you swing half around and in a flash you have the information you need!
You swing right back into position but for a split second you have gestured as you talked and did what any natural person would and therefore I’ll guarantee that no natural person will ever see it. Besides, they are used to you being turned away from the blackboard and they know you are blindfolded. And last of all, they don’t know yet exactly what you are going to do.
Now the committee comes over to you and leads you to the blackboard. I advise that you close your eyes the moment you have seen what you want to see and don’t open them again for any reason.
You don’t need them anymore and you will act perfectly natural when you are led back and when you do your writing.
Just write as best you can.
You will be legible enough and the greatest actor in the world would have a hard time faking this part.
However, if you keep your eyes closed you can’t help but do it right.
I know this effect is good. If I have convinced you, you’ll have one of the best and most practical tricks in a long time. If I haven’t convinced you, it will only be a matter of time until you see someone do it and then realize the effect upon the audience.