Of all the single or group reading methods that have been invented and created, I think none have been as practically simple as the window frame idea. I've always thought that it was mine but after eleven years I'm not so sure. I made my first note of it on January 12, 1924 and thought of it while reading about an alcohol envelope feke on page 92 of Alexander's Dr. Q book. I handled a lot of correspondence then and passed it around. Later it was advertised in The Sphinx. Howard Albright used it in his Super-Psychic Mental book, and…
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…
In many instances a performer wants to present a two person effect of mentalism, but is prevented from doing so because of intricate codes and methods of communication requiring rehearsal. In this instance we learn of a truly simple way by which the medium (or party of the second part) is able to receive the desired information right in front of those witnessing the test. No practice is necessary on the part of the medium, and so it becomes an ideal 'stunt' for those whose wives decline with vehemence to 'learn all that stuff'. For illustration of the communication principle…
One of the most novel effects that has come to my attention is that which follows. True, it is a principle which is neither new nor original, but the application makes it something that will be of interest whenever shown, and allows of not a little histrionic byplay. Mr Robson has long been noted for his ghost stories and horror tales under green lights and such so this emanation from an imaginative brain is excusable. Certainly the variation will be remembered above other forms of the principle. You have six small cards like those illustrated and on which are printed…
I know many people who don't care for an effect like that which is to follow in the wake of these lament but nevertheless there are a few who will make use of it in their spare time. When Mr Cole showed it to me I thought it rather cute and different in several ways from the usual run of such stunts. I find it nice to do when I have the back of an envelope that is without notes and upon which the lenient victim can make his notations as well as calculations. The person in question is asked…
Good publicity stunts for newspaper men and offices are not easy to find. This not only fills that need but is also good for impromptu use anywhere at any time. Tearing a piece from any handy newspaper, the performer has his witness look it over and encircle any word thereon with a pencil line. The paper is folded and the spectator is asked to concentrate upon the word. The performer tears the piece of paper into bits openly, drops them into an ashtray and sets fire to them. As soon as the paper is burned he reveals the chosen word…
So many have asked me for something along mental lines that can be done practically impromptu and yet has the appearance of genuine mind reading without cards, etc., that I am disclosing a secret that I have been using for a long, long time, in fact, since October 1929 it being so dated in my notebook. I know this may sound difficult or rather long winded, but if you follow the routine with the material at hand, you will grasp the principle very quickly and have no difficulty. All that is needed is a thumb tip and seven or eight…
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…
EFFECT A spectator draws a card while the deck is being held by the performer behind his back. The selection is perfectly free and the deck consists of but 52 cards. However, the performer states that the drawn card shall not be replaced. The spectator is to keep the card he has selected and the performer will reveal its 'identity in a most unusual manner'. So saying, the magician holds the remainder of the deck behind his back and drawing out one card throws it face down on the table. This is repeated with a second card. Explaining that it…
By that title one might think I was kidding about this but there have been so many fanciful titles applied to such effects that I couldn't resist the urge to write the above. This method and presentation has been a great favorite of mine for homes and spots where it could be presented in an apparently impromptu fashion.Many times one is out for an evening and the opportunity arises when a book may be glanced at, either from the table or bookcase. At the same time one is alone quite often for a few minutes when such a test may…