In the expose sold to magicians, all of the patter and actions were contained so that supposedly the reader could try to become a replica of Dunninger. Nobody would believe he would possibly reveal the workings of his bread-and-butter question-and-answer act. Who would be so bold as to divulge his own method? Dunninger! To prove it is not, I am disclosing the system herewith.” “Many dealers in magical equipment are charging exorbitant prices for this effect, claiming it as the method employed by me in my performance on the Keith circuit.
It was accompanied by three drawings demonstrating the sleight involved. In November of 1927, he wrote about a method that could be used to obtain the written-on billets containing questions from the audience. Dunninger took a similar offensive position when his Question and Answer mind-reading act was being exposed.ĭuring the 1920s Dunninger wrote a monthly column for Science and invention magazine. He of course had another key ring within his set of Rings or used a stooge to examine the key ring. He boldly showed the audience the key ring, said he didn't use it, and then went on to perform his routine. When the linking rings method was publicly exposed, Dunninger did not drop the effect from his act. Dunninger soon went on to the ultimate offensive. The Act was also being exposed to the public. Others prior to McKnight marketed Dunninger's act as well. James McKnight sold for a mere $2 the “mind-reading act complete start to finish as done by Dunninger.” Soon, individuals began selling the Dunninger Mind-reading Act. Success was coming rapidly to Dunninger during the 1930s and 1940s and a number of magicians were not only interested in the methods employed by Dunninger but they were also jealous of Dunninger's success. As described by Holden, this was the standard act format Dunninger used in non-broadcast venues. This latter effect emerges as one of Dunninger's first Brain Busters. He answers questions written down and retained by the audience and closes the show by predicting the name to be chosen from a phone book.
After opening with some card effects, the linking rings, and the Egg bag, Dunninger begins the thought reading portion of his program. Holden details a 1934 act Dunninger performed at a dinner for the American Can Association.
Most well-read magicians are familiar with Max Holden's Programmes of Famous Magicians. It was during his radio and television broadcasts that the brain-busters became an integral part of the Dunninger Act. There are many misconceptions regarding his act because the format of the act did vary depending on whether it was performed live or whether it was being broadcast over the radio or television waves. He toured nationwide on the preeminent Keith Vaudeville Circuit, performed at private parties for such dignitaries as the Prince of Wales, Doris Duke, and businessman Charles Schwab, started his own radio and television shows, and was a guest celebrity on many variety shows. Though initially famous for his magic, Dunninger certainly made a bigger name for himself with his thought reading act.
#MENTALISM J LINE EFFECT FULL#
First, he was well-known for his magic, then his full evening illusion shows, and finally for his thought reading program. What is important is how audiences saw the effect and the impact it had on them.Īsk any magician if he recognize the name Dunninger and more than likely he will pipe up with “Yes! He's the guy who wrote that encyclopedia of magic.” Yes, his name is associated with Dunninger’s Complete Encyclopedia of Magic but there was so much more to Dunninger than just that one book.ĭuring the first half of the 20th century, Dunninger was a highly sought-after performer. The mayor names a card and when the card on the floor is turned over, it matches. One particular newspaper article described Dunninger as placing a single card face down on the floor of a city mayor's office. In addition to his commanding persona and his astonishing mental feats, what was impressive also was how, week after week, under the pressure of a broadcast schedule, unique effects could be invented and performed. But considering Dunninger’s life, more than likely the bold methods would be Prime. In many cases, there may be, in fact, multiple methods of accomplishing each effect. No one knows exactly all the methods Dunninger used to perform his Brainbusters. Dunninger called the effects he performed over radio and television brain Busters.
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