Dunninger - How'd he do it?

[MentaThought]

I'm a fan of mentalism and the New York-born Joseph Dunninger was probably
the greatest American mentalist of the 1940s. I understand a book on his life
may be in the works and I look forward to being one of the first to buy and
read it if/when it's published. I've read that Kreskin, my favorite mentalist
of all time, modelled his mentalism routine on that of Dunninger.

While listening recently to some very, very rare recordings of live radio
shows Dunninger appeared on in the 1940s I was struck by his frequent "mind
reading" performed without ANY "cold reading"-type questioning whatsoever. In
many instances he correctly stated information (sans the use of billets or any
other writing techniques) which the spectator being dealt with affirmed was
what they were thinking of or in possession of (example: the number on a
theater ticket.)

What's even more intriguing is that during one 1944 performance which I have
a recording of Dunninger claims that he offers a $10,000 payment to anyone who
can prove he uses any confederates etc. in his act. Consider the fact that
$10,000 then (during the WWII years when even the bare necessities of life were
being rationed by the government in the US) would, in today's dollars, probably
be the equivalent of $300,000 (maybe a lurking economist in the newsgroup can
provide a more accurate figure.)

Anyone have any ideas on how Dunninger did his thing? (Sorry, my mentalism
abilities are not as good as I'd like so you'll have to post your reply in the
ng.)

(Incidentally, The Piddingtons, an Australian couple, were another act whose
"mind reading" techniques are apparently still a mystery to many up to the
present day. If anyone wishes to comment on them in this thread that's be fine
too!)

[Mitch Leary]

Post by MentaThought
I'm a fan of mentalism and the New York-born Joseph Dunninger was probably
the greatest American mentalist of the 1940s. I understand a book on his life
may be in the works and I look forward to being one of the first to buy and
read it if/when it's published. I've read that Kreskin, my favorite mentalist
of all time, modelled his mentalism routine on that of Dunninger.
While listening recently to some very, very rare recordings of live radio
shows Dunninger appeared on in the 1940s I was struck by his frequent "mind
reading" performed without ANY "cold reading"-type questioning whatsoever. In
many instances he correctly stated information (sans the use of billets or any
other writing techniques) which the spectator being dealt with affirmed was
what they were thinking of or in possession of (example: the number on a
theater ticket.)
What's even more intriguing is that during one 1944 performance which I have
a recording of Dunninger claims that he offers a $10,000 payment to anyone who
can prove he uses any confederates etc. in his act. Consider the fact that
$10,000 then (during the WWII years when even the bare necessities of life were
being rationed by the government in the US) would, in today's dollars, probably
be the equivalent of $300,000 (maybe a lurking economist in the newsgroup can
provide a more accurate figure.)
Anyone have any ideas on how Dunninger did his thing? (Sorry, my mentalism
abilities are not as good as I'd like so you'll have to post your reply in the
ng.)
(Incidentally, The Piddingtons, an Australian couple, were another act whose
"mind reading" techniques are apparently still a mystery to many up to the
present day. If anyone wishes to comment on them in this thread that's be fine
too!)

He used a mentalist's clipboard to gather information in the lobby before the show.




-Leary-

[Herbert L. Becker]

In my last book on magic, 101 Greatest Magic Secrets, there is an entire
chapter dedicated to how Dunninger did his feats. He was the best and his
greatness only increased when Kreskin came along and copied his act.

Most libraries have my book and if you want to understand the act, check it
out.

Herbert L. Becker

[b p]

hey yeah herb it also has YOUR WAY OF DOING HAND CUFF ESCAPE and your
floaing elepant illusion and lots of cool ideas even mirror
tunnel
PLUS ANDRE KOLE AND COPPERFIELD BACKyou up wow
NEAT to the max ((herb buddy))

Re: Dunninger - How'd he do it?

Group: alt.magic.secrets Date: Fri, Jun 18, 2004, 10:40am (EDT-3) From:
***@hotmail.com (Herbert=A0L.=A0Becker)
In my last book on magic, 101 Greatest Magic Secrets, there is an entire
chapter dedicated to how Dunninger did his feats. He was the best and
his greatness only increased when Kreskin came along and copied his act.
Most libraries have my book and if you want to understand the act, check
it out.
Herbert L. Becker who is very good at what he knows even vanish his
own airplane


http://community.webtv.net/cooltobefat/illusions