|
|
Nelsoni New user U.S.A. 11 Posts |
A true giant in the field of mentalism, and a contemporary of Houdini and Blackstone, Joseph Dunninger died today in 1975 (born April 28, 1892). He was widely known across America through his performances on radio in the 1940s, of which a small number of recordings have survived and are quite interesting to listen to. There is one video available, titled "Spirit Swindles," of Dunninger exposing some techniques used by crooked spiritualists. He had a strong, commanding performing personna and booming voice. My introduction to Dunninger was through "Dunninger's Encyclopedia of Magic", a disappointing collection of out-of-date tricks, many requiring presentation on stage with trap-doors and the like. My other introduction to Dunninger (though I didn't realize it at the time) was through a young and upcoming mentalist in the 1970s. When I saw this guy performing on afternoon talk shows back then like the Mike Douglas Show, he would sit in his chair with that clip board and doodle, and then slowly call out someone's social security number or street address and boy! How the heck did he do that!?! Of course, I'm talking about The Amazing Kreskin, who largely patterned his Q&A routine after Dunninger's. For more info, Joseph Atmore has written two fine books on Dunninger: "Dunninger's Brain Busters"(2001) and "Dunninger Knows"(2012), as well as put out a DVD in which he performs in character as the man himself, "Joseph Atmore is Dunninger".
|
Woodfield Special user 755 Posts |
Yes, he was quite an influence on Kreskin as well as many other performers.
His Q&A act was more of a reveal of audience information as opposed to answering questions. Woodfield |
Thomas Henry Inner circle Minnesota 1394 Posts |
Hello,
Thanks for the reminder. Dunninger was one of the three greatest influences in my performing life. In 1965, as a lad of 12, I not only saw him perform live, but stood on stage right next to him as part of the audience volunteer committee. It was quite an experience seeing how smoothly and powerfully he was able to control what the audience perceived. And his voice was so unique! This was at the gala public show for the Des Moines IBM convention that year. I ended up joining two years later. Rather interesting is that my mother, as a college student, saw him perform some thirty years before, and that night Dunninger read the thoughts of her boyfriend. I certainly will never forget the man. Thomas Henry |
Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Did he give a lecture (the only public) at that convention or am I getting that confused with another IBM convention in 1972?
|
Thomas Henry Inner circle Minnesota 1394 Posts |
Hi Jerry,
He headlined the public show for the 1965 convention. Since I was also part of that public (not joining the IBM until two years later in 1967) I've no idea what other functions he may have been involved in at the convention. I wish I'd been born two years earlier, for it was Bruno of Holland (who became my mentor in 1967) who was responsible for hiring Dunninger for that convention. There might have been a chance to meet the mentalist then! As it is, though, at least I can say I stood on stage with him as part of his audience committee. Thomas Henry |
Nelsoni New user U.S.A. 11 Posts |
Jerry, Dunninger did give a lecture at the 1965 Des Moines IBM convention. Believe it or not, it was recorded and is available from Lybrary.com. It's a real one-of-a-kind. Imagine if Kreskin ever did such a thing!
|
Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Yes, I have the recording. That is why I had pointed it out.
Just could not recall the date off hand. And of course make others aware of it's existence. It is apparently the ONLY public lecture he did at a magic convention. |
The Supernaturalist Loyal user The City of Lights 202 Posts |
He is my favorite! Vaudeville to radio to television to motion pictures and now on YouTube. I think that covers the last couple of centuries!
|
reese Inner circle of Hell 1332 Posts |
Al Mann was there at his death.
|
rsheytanov New user Dublin, IE 10 Posts |
A truly wonderful human being. A Bulgarian mentalist posess a piece of Dunninger's hair and other belongings of his. They are going to be exposed in a soon to be opened museum in Bulgaria.
A fun fact to keep in mind if you are planning to travel to Eastern Europe anytime soon. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » We lost Dunninger today in 1975 (5 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |