Editor's Note Some might say this rightly belongs on the periodical Jinx Improvement page. However, Arthur Monroe's Voodoo, in Jinx #32, caused so much comment and has been written about so often, that I think this Clever version of the unusual theme will make possible an effect which many couldn't use before. When the effect Voodoo first appeared in the Jinx I went wild over it. But I just couldn't see spending $10.00 on it. (I know of four persons who did. — Ed.) Therefore I evolved another method and explained it in December 1937 TOPS. I was bawled out…
Calling it BANK NITE, Floyd Thayer first released a most excellent idea in an early issue of Genii. As is customary and to be expected with all items of sound effect, improvements and variations began to follow. The method to follow does away with the use of any arbitrary counting to a selection, such as the word "Bingo", etc., and makes of it a more personalized trick with the audience. The variation also tends to impress the watchers that the selection of envelopes is perfectly free and left undeniably to chance alone. Five envelopes are used. This number will be…
An assistant from the audience distributes nine numbered slips of paper, the performer asking each person to write a question or bit of personal data. The written slips are collected in an unprepared envelope by the distributor and sealed. In full view at all times, the envelope is placed before the audience by the performer and another assistant recruited to watch it. The medium is now introduced and seated with her back to the audience, well blindfolded. During this, the envelope and slips are burned by the spectator. A large slate is shown to contain a square divided into nine…
In most ad tests, there is but one way of getting the information, as far as the audience is concerned. In this instance, I've tried to change the effect for each, and at the same time make it very, very easy for the performer. A want ad, or renting ad page is removed from a local paper, a column cut from it, and six or seven people clip out ads. The most practical way of presentation here, is for the performer to clip the strip of ads apart on a saucer, and let people pick out one. Each is handed…
Every once in a while a trick is invented by the discovery of an odd fact before you constantly but not known. This is one of those mysteries and the astute performer will, upon going over the effect and method carefully, see at once the possibilities for a veritable miracle in the working. It can almost be made into a challenge effect and has practically no explanation. Five coins are shown and examined. Four of them are United States nickels and the fifth is a Canadian nickel or five cent piece. They are sealed in borrowed envelopes which the performer…
Ever since magicians started their attempts to pass a thought of card from one spot to another, Dr. Lyons has desired such an effect which would be absolutely impromptu. It appears that he has solved the problem. A member of the audience comes forward and may be seated before a small table. He brings a pack of his own, and two envelopes. He mixes the cards and gives them to the performer, who counts off ten cards and puts them on the table. The spectator is asked to spread them face down, and while the performer's back is turned, to…
Faked envelopes all run along the same basic principles but I think that I have a new variation and also a very practical improvement on the old style. I've never considered such envelopes as sound magic when used to obviously change an article. We know they do, but if an audience sees the Four of Spades go in, and the Ace of Clubs come out, they at once consider the envelope as the medium of exchange and center their interest upon it. However, if a card is freely chosen and sealed without being shown, and later removed to be revealed…
Sealed letter tests have come and gone. They no doubt will still come and go, but in this case we have one which differs enough in effect to make it appear new in the eyes of the sitter. Only one envelope and sheet of note paper is in use at any time and it is presented as a combination of psychometry and automatic writing. The sitter (who doesn't sit in this test) is handed a sheet of note paper and a letter envelope. They write a question about something concerning themselves personally, fold the paper several times, and seal it…
Dear Jinx Reader; I've been using this stunt for several years as a press and publicity effect. I can't claim it for myself as it is a variation of several ways. Offhand I can think of four methods for doing a cut and restored card in envelope. I've never run across anyone using it so will not apologize more for its inclusion here. When I use it, I ask for a business card as it is most effective when using the card of the witness. An ordinary letter size envelope is used and it is held open for the spectator…
This trick, to my mind, is one of the greatest one man psychic effects used to puzzle an audience. It has all of the necessary elements to make a great talk-maker, and a performer with only a bit of showmanship can't help but make a good thing of it. One with a decent amount of that valuable asset will create an astounding impression whenever he presents the test. Last, but far from least, the effect needs very little preparation, and it can succeed under most exacting conditions. In short, we have before us an idea with unlimited scope. Another of…