Description
This clever mechanical slate was created by the prolific British magician, author, and inventor Peter Warlock. It was released by Harry Stanley c. 1956 and then reissued by Supreme Magic c. 1978. This is the original version sold by Harry Stanley and it looks and works perfectly.
There are two phases to the effect: the selection of a four digit number and then the further selection of one of those final digits – all of this is predicted in advance of the actions happening and it looks quite amazing. Hence “Five” Thoughts Ahead 🙂
The weakest part in the original routine as supplied is the selection of the four numbers does not use a gimmicked add-a-number device. Over the years there have been a few devised but one of the very best is the Bogey by Ray Piatt and Larry Becker.
So to do justice to this clever slate you should best combine it with The Bogey – then you have the perfect complement of two devices to produce a truly impressive feat of mentalism. And of course I provide both devices for completeness 🙂
Includes:
- Five Thoughts Ahead Mechanical Slate.
- The Bogey by Ray Piatt and Larry Becker.
- Chalk, Wet-Erase Pen, envelopes, clips.
- Five pages of instructions and ideas.
- Everything you need to perform this out of the box.
Effect: The plot of this effect can be easily followed by the audience and they gasp with amazement at its climax. FIGURES, WORDS , or CARDS may be used.
Three spectators (not stooges) each write a different three figure number on a pad (absolutely no force). A fourth spectator (he is not a stooge) makes the addition. Magician shows a Large Slate, down one side of which is fixed (by means of spring clips), four small envelopes. The person who made the addition calls out the total of the three sets of figures and it is written in chalk in a column down the side of the slate, so that each figure is opposite a the clips. Another spectator (he is not a stooge) is now asked to choose any one of the four numbers on the slate (absolutely no force). A square is visibly chalked around this chosen number.
NOW IT BUILDS UP TO THE GREAT CLIMAX.
The pieces of card are removed, one at a time (the one opposite the chalked square being retained for the time being), and as you do so it is seen that there are figures you had obviously written previously. In each and every case, the figures in both columns coincide … you have successfully predicted them!
BUT what follows is even more FANTASTIC! The fourth piece of card is removed . . and it is seen that not only have you Matched the figure, but there is also a Chalked Square AROUND IT!
THIS CLIMAX IS REALLY STAGGERING. Now as amazing as the routine may seem, it is brought about by mechanical means, thus allowing performer to devote his thoughts and energies to the presentation. The routine allows for plenty of audience participation with lots of action to keep up their interest.
You are not working to one person alone, with the rest of them wondering what it is all about! “Five Thoughts Ahead” is Lively . . Interesting and baffling Modem-day Entertainment.
YOU can duplicate this success in your own show. It is not a “once only effect”, you can work it to the same audience in many different ways with the result being Different Every Time!
Instructions by Peter Warlock include many ideas and suggestions. Complete and ready to work right away. You will be tickled pink by the mechanical ingenuity . . and thrilled with the effect. You can put this in your show right away. Beautifully made Slate (13″ x 10″) wood frame, natural finish.
(Notice: Includes: Printed Instructions, DVD (or similar) Instructions.)
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