Bob Cassidy – The Messing Effect

Wolf Messing (1899-1974) is renowned as one of the greatest mind readers in history. Originally from Poland, he relocated to Russia just before World War II. His emigration was prompted by a performance where he predicted Germany’s defeat and Hitler’s demise if Poland was invaded. Hitler, a firm believer in the paranormal, placed a bounty of 200,000 marks on Messing’s head due to his extraordinary abilities. After the war, Messing continued to perform and is rumored to have been an advisor to Josef Stalin. Notable figures who reportedly tested his skills include Stalin, Mohandas Gandhi, Sigmund Freud, and Albert Einstein.

This ebook showcases Bob Cassidy’s remarkable techniques for replicating seemingly impossible effects using straightforward methods and mentalism strategies. It also offers fascinating historical insights and Bob’s commentary, especially valuable for those unfamiliar with Wolf Messing. The core of this work focuses on Bob’s interpretations of Messing’s “Stage Demonstration” and “Passing the Guards.”

Messing’s “Stage Demonstration” involves audience members writing down a series of tasks for the performer. These notes are folded and handed to a committee that selects one slip. Although the performer never sees the note, he mentally receives the instructions and executes them on stage. A typical sequence might include:

1. Approach the man in aisle seat of row 3.
2. Take his glasses and wear them.
3. Bring him to the stage and retrieve his handkerchief from his jacket.
4. Clean his glasses and return them to him.

You’ll discover Bob’s method, which requires no gimmicks, accomplices, or elaborate tricks. It is elegantly constructed and hinges on a single, subtle action.

Messing’s “Passing the Guards” seems almost mythical. The premise is that Messing is locked in a room with only one door and no windows, with guards stationed outside to prevent his escape. Yet, he manages to exit the room unnoticed.

It sounds impossible, right? However, Bob provides a practical solution that resembles a stunt rather than a typical effect. This method has been successfully executed by Bob himself. It’s advisable to perform this only once, as it requires a friend or assistant and considerable preparation. The beauty of this technique lies in its flexibility; you can abort the stunt right up until the final moments if necessary. If it doesn’t work the first time, you can adjust and try again until everything aligns perfectly. When performed for the right audience, you can achieve legendary status. The ability to leave a room undetected after being seen moments before is a feat that seems to require supernatural abilities — or does it?

1st edition 2004; 44 pages.Word count: 16,091, equivalent to 64 standard pages of text.