In this episode, Jay browses Issue #6 of The Jinx (1934–1941), the legendary newsletter for magicians and mentalists. This issue is heavy on Theodore Annemann, with contributions from Russell T. Wise and a peek at the editorial page.

Effects Covered

[0:00] Intro Jay introduces the show and the episode's focus: Issue #6 of The Jinx.

[0:45] Impromptu Frame Ups — Theodore Annemann Annemann explores using "instant stooges" — audience members who don't know they're confederates until the moment they're needed. Includes a card-calling effect, a watch-setting routine, and slate work. Jay notes the term "frame up" seems to have died out by the mid-1900s.

[2:48] The Astral Shirt — Theodore Annemann A classic gag elevated into a solid piece of close-up theater. With hands tied and never leaving sight for long, the performer removes his shirt while still wearing his jacket, tie, and vest — all examinable. Annemann's framing: solid through solid.

[4:25] The Card That Isn't — Russell T. Wise A two-card transposition using a force, a double lift, and a short card. Jay recommends making the two cards visually distinct for clarity — and makes a convincing case for why.

[6:00] Two Mind Reading Publicity Effects — Theodore Annemann The first mention of what we'd now call a center tear in The Jinx — though it isn't named as such. Includes a newspaper-chunk variation and a living-and-dead presentation using burned slips.

[7:55] Editorial Annemann name-drops Dai Vernon, Count Orloff, Russell Swan, Tommy Martin, and others. He floats the idea of publishing twice a month (spoiler: he goes weekly instead, starting at Issue #61), and closes with a short essay arguing that effect is supreme over method.

[8:17] Outro Links and a preview of Issue #7 — featuring Orville Wayne Meyer's "A Practical Card Code."

Links

• Read every article in every issue: jinxnavigator.com
• Full details on all effects: Issue #6 at jinxnavigator.com

Next episode: Issue #7 — featuring Orville Wayne Meyer's "A Practical Card Code."