1989 Show & Tell Lecture by Mike Bornstein

This is a 2-hour video, ripped from a VHS tape, of a lecture given by Mike Bornstein in 1989.

Bornstein was a very popular nightclub performer in the 1940s where he presented a manipulative act using the stage name “Kolma.” He is best known as the inventor of many routines using paper money. In addition to being a manufacturer, creator, lecture and performer he was an active supporter of both IBM and SAM organizations in New York City where he was the first person to welcome and befriend new members and guests — many of which now consider him their mentor. His most popular creation was the “Floating Dollar Bill.”

This lecture tape seems to be exceedingly rare. I was able to find only one very brief mention in over 40 pages of Internet search results that this was ever even offered to the magic community at one time.

The lecture is jam-packed with tons of magic ideas with cards, coins, paper money & more. Bornstein loved gimmicks & gadgets, and this lecture reflects that. Most of the gimmicks he describes are easily made, though he doesn’t always provide a lot of detail. He does give you enough of an idea that if you play around with things you’ll be able to figure it out for yourself. (For example, he does a “throwaway” bit near the beginning of the lecture with what later became known as his “Zoom Zoom Deck” and mentions that the “trick” can be purchased in any hardware store. Several of his best effects with paper money which rely on gimmicks are also explained.)

Bornstein also was a competent sleight-of-handster, and there are a number of effects based on those approaches, too.

Bornstein had a strong Bronx accent & can be a little hard to understand at times, even if English is your native language – but don’t let that deter you: there’s huge amount of great magic on this video.

Usual provisions apply about the quality of this rip: it likely could be better, but given my lack of knowledge, you get what you get. Audio level is very loud, so be sure to turn it down if you don’t wanna fry your ears.

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