Lee Earle

268 Pages·2003·6.74 MB·English

by  Lee Earle

M.I.N.D.
Mentalism In New Directions
Two Decades of Creativity & Innovation
by
Lee Earle
Mentalism In New Directions
M.I.N.D.
Mentalism In New Directions
by
Lee Earle
First Impressions
On Second Thought
Mélange à Trois
Early Earle
Out Of SYZYGY
Sun Signs
SuperScript
Pieces Of My Mind
Copyright © 2003 Lee Earle
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
permission of SYZYGY Press
Printed and Bound in the United States of America
Typesetting by Macintosh
Layout by PageMaker 7.0
i
Mentalism In New Directions
ii
Mentalism In New Directions
Introduction by Larry Becker
To say that I know Lee Earle is to say I’ve known one of the world’s foremost human
roller coasters. Our relationship has been a dizzying journey of ups and downs, probably
because we’re both slightly mercurial. If you want a more concise perspective of Lee Earle
through the eyes of the very erudite Dr. Juris (AKA Robert Bluemle) see pages 221-223 in
this prodigious tome.
I met Lee at Tony Andruzzi’s Invocational in Chicago. He introduced himself and I
remember remarking about his misfortune at having to follow, as a last-minute fill-in act
on the evening show, a blockbuster debut performance by Tim Conover. Lee’s opening
remark that night was something to the effect,’“I wouldn’t give this spot to a leopard.”
When April and I had relocated and settled into our new Arizona lifestyle in the quaint
town of Carefree, I got to know Lee much better, through our participation in Bob
Bluemle’s Six and One Half mentalism think tank.
When I decided to publish my fourth book, Stunners, Lee offered to shoulder the
responsibility for the layout, typography, design, and graphics, a chore that lasted well
over three grueling months. It was during that time that I really began to appreciate Lee’s
endless talents and skills, as well as his insatiable appetite for doughnuts. For months I
showed up at the Earle’s door each morning carrying a box of the tasty little confections. I
wanted to make sure Lee’s blood sugar level didn’t drop too low. In retrospect, I will be the
first to admit that “Stunners” would have been far from stunning had it not been for my
friend’s editorial and design capabilities. He truly deserves a healthy slice of the
Milbourne Christopher Foundation literary award I received in 1993.
Following the publication of Stunners, I asked Lee if he would like to do a lecture tour
with me. I felt that Lee deserved a wider audience for his remarkable insights into the
creation and performance of mentalism. The tour was entitled the Mental Magic Super
Symposium - a series of day long seminars in what seemed to be an endless stream of
cities throughout the United States and Canada. It was a veritable tag team match. Lee
and I were truly the “odd couple” of mentalism. And we played the differences to the hilt.
Siskel and Ebert, Abbott and Costello, Martin and Lewis; take your pick. We had a ball.
During my solo lectures throughout the world, relating some of the hysterical moments
that occurred during our tour has garnered some of the biggest laughs I’ve ever received.
In short, Lee Earle became more than an associate; Lee became my friend for life.
Lee is one of the most knowledgeable, creative, and prolific individuals I have ever met.
It has been a very rewarding experience to see how he has grown and matured over the
years we’ve known one another. We work so well together, we often refer to ourselves as
the two one-legged men. When you see the “M” in the logo he designed for our new venture
and partnership, Mentalism Unlimited, you’ll understand the metaphor. If either of us
topples, we’ll both fall over.
For some time I have urged Lee to publish a book containing his significant
contributions to the art of mentalism. He has finally relented and you are about to
experience his remarkable wit, wisdom, and his wonders of mentalism for yourself.
I already know that Lee Earle is well on his way to becoming one of the giants in our
field of endeavor. I’m confident you’ll heartily agree with my assessment once you’ve
devoured the gems that abound in this classic of mentalism.
iii
Mentalism In New Directions
iv
Mentalism In New Directions
Overview
Page 5 • 1-2-3 Trilogy - Itself an anthology of Lee Earle’s numerically named series:
Page 8 • First Impressions
A book which focuses on impression clipboards and their use in Mentalism. It
covers handling, routines, and some of the psychological approaches which
are helpful in using this utilitarian prop.
Page 28 • On Second Thought
This publication contains several routines which, in retrospect, illustrate the
evolution of Contemporary Mentalism as a concept. Readers will recognize
the genesis of Lee’s trademark Center Tear technique and Headline
Prediction as well as a routine (Lip Service) which later became a complete
book - Sun Signs.
Page 52 • Mélange à Trois
Literally, ‘a collection of three’ platform routines - all of which utilize some
interesting psychological twists. In addition, all three performance pieces
depend on pre-show work - that marvelous concept which allows the
performer to do the sneaky stuff before the performance and then relax
during the show, knowing the outcome is secure.
Page 77 • Early Earle
Over the years Lee released this book’s contents as separate manuscripts or in lectures
and videotapes. There’s even one commercial item fully explained plus a routine which
was presented in lecture by the late Bascom Jones and never before published.
Page 121 • Out Of SYZYGY
Sixteen complete routines, all but one exactly as they were originally published over
several years in SYZYGY - The Journal of Contemporary Mentalism. The one which is
different has been updated with a new premise which is very timely for today’s audiences.
Page 163 • Sun Signs
This concept was first offered as a commercial product. Now, with the ubiquity of desktop
computers and high-resolution inkjet printers, it’s possible for almost everyone to
reproduce their own personalized props for a killer Mentalism routine.
1
Mentalism In New Directions
Page 191 • SuperScript
My evolution of a Question & Answer act which was originally a high-dollar commercial
release. SuperScript allows the performer to do an outstanding Q & A routine with a solid
premise and justification for the necessary dirty work.
Page 215 • Pieces Of My Mind
Originally written as monthly columns for the Society of American Magicians’ M-U-M
magazine. After that magazine dedicated an issue to Lee (with the same cover photo as on
‘Pieces Of My Mind’), the material was collected into one volume and the effects section
from that special issue was folded in as well.
Bonus QuickTime interview on CD-ROM
For both Macintosh and Windows, it contains a QuickTime slideshow presentation
featuring an audio interview of Lee Earle - conducted by the esteemed Dr. Juris - with a
collection of Lee Earle’s promotional photos.
2
Mentalism In New Directions
M.I.N.D.
Mentalism In New Directions
3
Mentalism In New Directions
4