I am writing my own Mind Reading Vent routine and am interested in seeing other routines along the same line.

Can anyone briefly explain the Chico the Mindreader puppet routine? If appropriate, I will consider purchasing the DVD (I believe it is on Bill Abbott's DVD, on Kid shows?).

Are there any other Mindreading vent routines out there in the public domain, for consideration and adaptation?

Please suggests links, sources, etc.

Many thanks.

Joanthan

I'm not familiar with Chico, although I have heard it mentioned.

Whenever I think of a mind-reading figure, I remember Jay Johnson & Bob on Soap. I believe there is a clip of that scene on Youtube. Very funny bit.

If you want serious mind reading, there is a book by William Andersen called "Mental Magic with a Ventriloquist Figure" published by Maher (now DummyWorks). Comedy-wise, I'd think the old paper bag over the figure's head (with a hole so it can see) would play well depending on the script.

Tom
http://www.ComedyVentriloquist.com

I don't think the Chico routine is really mind reading. He tries to find a letter (alphabet) card that has been selected, but fails in a comical way. Then there's a revelation of the letter at the end. I guess that could be considered a prediction, but not necessarily mind reading....Very funny routine. Pick up the special edition DVD. You won't be disappointed.

Ken

I second the book "Mental Magic with a Ventriloquist Figure" by Andersen. I have that and found it very useful.

Ony Carcamo

The Chico routine is for a glove puppet rather than a vent puppet.

Thanks guys!

All great advice and info.

Please continue to post more info and sugggestions on this particualr subject.

Jonathan

Ony and Tom,

I do not find a book wiht the title: "Mental Magic with a Ventriloquist Figure"
on the http://www.dummyworks.com site.

I "do" find a book with a similar title/subject called:
"Mental Magic for Vents", by Anderson...

I am guessing that this is the exact same book with a modified title... is that right?

http://www.dummyworks.com/combining%20ma......uism.htm

Please confirm.

Jonathan

Sounds the same - 35 effects. Most of the tricks are standard mentalism, found in many beginner magic books - nothing ground breaking, but useful. For the price it is worth reading.
Tom
http://www.ComedyVentriloquist.com

Found the clip of Jay Johnson & Bob - very funny!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DwDbd4jQpkA

Thanks Tom.

Very funny clip! Very similar to what I was looking for.

Keep them coming!

Jonathan

Edger Bergan had a routine,, Charlie had a turbin on and would look into a crystal ball ect.Famous photo of this was on covers of magic magizes ect.I think one was Genii in the 50's

Doug

Fantastic info. Thanks Blake.

Hope others are finding the info posted here as valuable as I am.

...don't stop now --keep 'em coming!

Jonathan

Jonathan,
Sounds it's the same book we were talking about.

ONY

David Pendleton has a similar routine with his McElroy figure

I have tried several mind reading tricks with my figure.
Such as Grey Elephant in Denmark, calendar mind reading and think a certain number.

But I still looking for other tricks, because I don't satisfied yet.

Hi Wanlu.

...and David Pendleton's routine with McElroy can be found where?

Jonathan

The routine Wanlu mentioned is on David's DVD - you can purchase the DVD from him at:
http://www.anythingcantalk.com/

Tom
http://www.ComedyVentriloquist.com

Yup...I have that DVD

It's very entertaining... don't hesitate to get one.

I also enjoyed watching the DVD's of Jeff Dunham, David Strassman and of course Bill DeMar


Wanlu

Wanlu - thanks for mentioning Strassman. I just remembered he also does a "psychic" bit with Chuck Wood on his "Chuck You Tour" DVD. He blindfolds Chuck who then answers questions from the audience. Not really mentalism, but great comedy. The bit where he puts on Chuck's blindfold is extremely funny.

Tom

Great info fellow Café members... don't stop now --keep those VentMental routines and the names of the performers that perform them coming.

Many thanks.

Jonathan