Nelson, James (Janel): Janel's Startling Effects ©1941 James Nelson Softcover, stapled manuscript, 5.5x8.5", 20 pages ©1943 Ireland Magic Co., Chicago, IL Softcover, saddle-stitched, 5.5x8.5", 43 pages ©1965 2nd Revised Edition

2nd Revised Edition Image courtesy Magic, Inc.

Comments: Complete details for a Spook Show. Most effects are of the Black Art or "blackout" type for the stage.

Contents (from 2nd Edition book; descriptions added Jan 2024):

2 Who is Janel?
3 Introduction: about spook shows and presentation tips
6 Introductory Remarks: sample introduction
7 The Show: black art presentation
8 - You Will Need
12 - Instruction
13 - Performance: with patter
16 The Spooky Handkerchief: objects come to life in a box on the stage
21 The Phantom Musician: a guitar floats about the stage and plays
25 Walking Away From Shadow: performer walks away from a board and the shadow remains
29 Further Ghost Effects: further black art ideas
29 Fantastic Dragon: glowing dragon appears over heads of spectators and vanishes
32 Appearing Spook: mysterious illuminated ghost face appears and vanishes
35 Floating Soul: face of a dark figure lights and floats and returns
39 Spook Spiders: DIY inexpensive throw-out glowing spiders
40 Spider Webs: spectator's feel eerie web passing over their heads
40 Ghost Balls: another toss-out idea
41 Frozen Worms: DIY eerie worms for your audience
41 Suggested Magic Effects: a few commercial effects listed to add to a spook show
43 Index