Almost thirty years ago, the “The Two Envelope Test” made
its debut in “The Art of Mentalism.” Popularized in Basom
Jones’s “Magick” as “The White Dwarf,” it soon found its way
into the repertoires of working professionals throughout the
world.
In The Return of the White Dwarf, Bob Cassidy reveals for
the first time unique handlings, logical disconnects and
methods that bring the effect into the 21st Century.
The basic effect (EXACTLY as it appears to the audience):
The mentalist announces an experiment in test conditions
telepathy. A manila pay envelope is handed to a participant,
who is asked to hold it to the light to verify that she
cannot tell what is inside. She signs the envelope across
the face and initials the flap.
The envelope is opened and is revealed to contain a smaller
envelope. The participant verifies that this one is also
opaque. She herself opens it and removes a business card
that has a large black rectangle drawn on the back in black
marker ink. (The rectangle is drawn with a Sharpie or
similar marker and serves to prove beyond any doubt that the
envelope is opaque. In fact, the participant can examine
both envelopes to her heart’s content to verify that both
are IN FACT opaque and unprepared in any way.)
The participant is requested to secretly print the name of
her favorite film within the rectangle. Having done so, she
herself inserts the card, writing side down, into the
smaller envelope which, after she seals it, is inserted into
the larger envelope, which is also sealed. The performer
never touches the card at any time.
She now holds the envelopes between her outstretched palms
and is asked to concentrate on a scene from the film as well
as on the name of one of its stars. The mentalist begins to
describe “impressions” that he is receiving. Picking up a
large pad, he writes something down and hands the pad, face
down, to a nearby spectator for safekeeping. Needless to
say, when the envelopes are opened, and the participant’s
film revealed to the audience, the mentalist is shown to
have correctly revealed her thoughts exactly.
Afterwards, the card and envelopes may be left with the
participant as a souvenir.The method is absolutely
undetectable and is made possible through clever handling
and a powerful logical disconnect that leaves the audience
with no rational explanation for what they have just
witnessed.
The effect works with ANY opaque manila envelopes and may be
performed either close-up or on stage.
The Return of the White Dwarf, in addition to providing a
complete history of the effect, also includes variant
handlings and subtleties that are sure to make even hardened
professionals smile.
As a bonus, the eBook contains variant handlings and updated
methods for Cassidy’s classic “Name/Place” routine, one of
the most powerful remote viewing routines you will ever
perform.
