A NEW TORN CIGARETTE PAPER WRINKLE Versions of the torn and restored cigarette paper with duplicate waxed to thumb nail were deceptive close-up methods. For a small audience and under more stringent conditions, try this. Wax rolled duplicate to front or ball of the thumb instead, this portion of thumb being kept downward while presenting. Thumb should be dry and free from perspiration. For best results, apply wax, either diachylon or magician's wax, after slightly warming. In presenting, after tearing and rolling the first sheet, remove the duplicate roll, squeeze the two together, and show them as one between the…
A number of coins are collected in a borrowed hat which the wizard places on the table crown down. Announcing the date of a coin, the performer puts his hand into the hat, and brings forth a coin which he immediately passes for inspection. It bears the date he named ! He repeats with the others. One advantage of this method is that no extra coin is used, and another is the fact that the spectators may note the dates on their own coins before dropping them into the hat. Thus each may claim his coin immediately after its date…
If ever there was an impromptu mental novelty, this should be it. I took the basic working from an idea of Montreal's Charles Peet about two years ago, and it has served me quite well. Borrow a derby or soft hat. Say that you'll show a test of clairvoyance and telepathy combined. Ask for the loan of seven or eight one dollar bills. However, before starting to collect them, step up to one volunteer and ask him to write his name in pencil on his bill to identify it later as his. Ask him to fold it over and over…
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…
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…
This is a clean and simple method for an effective living and dead test. At the finish all material used may be left behind as there is nothing wrong to find. Use five or six blank cards and a drug envelope. Four people write the names of living persons and the fifth writes the name of someone dead. The performer has them collected by someone and mixed. Taking them with the writing sides down, the performer also mixes them a little more and puts the entire packet into the envelope. Holding the envelope to his head, the performer slowly and…