For what it's worth, this dude's claim is that, for a similar trick "teleporting" Elvis back from Germany, Kum used a high-contrast negative image that the audience would focus on, then flipped off the lights to cause a ghost image to appear.
His 'resurrections' were just typical costume and assistant changes from cabinets (coffin in the case noted). He is mentioned several times in material I obtained from magician Wally Jay's personal collection, so sadly dispersed. If I were a billionaire I would crate a fund to purchase such private collections complete and house them at the Magic Castle.
The question of using images of past celebrities was renewed with digital recreations for commercial use.
Pepper's Ghost illusion required considerable equipment, staging, and lighting. Hidden panels in cabinetry were cheaper and more reliable. Flexible and agile assistants were easy to obtain as well.
If you were holding out hope Dean could actually be resurrected so that you could grill him on his sexuality, personality, etc. I fear you will be disappointed. I do have some Gypsy 'psychic' friends who would be honored to take your money to speak one-on-one with him, however. The seance would be more reliable and convincing, however, if you could wait until your book is published so that they can establish a better rapport with his spirit.
I'm certain you would find all your conclusions and speculations would be handily confirmed by him. Venmo and Paypal accepted.
For what it's worth, this dude's claim is that, for a similar trick "teleporting" Elvis back from Germany, Kum used a high-contrast negative image that the audience would focus on, then flipped off the lights to cause a ghost image to appear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yNX4-O-d8s
His 'resurrections' were just typical costume and assistant changes from cabinets (coffin in the case noted). He is mentioned several times in material I obtained from magician Wally Jay's personal collection, so sadly dispersed. If I were a billionaire I would crate a fund to purchase such private collections complete and house them at the Magic Castle.
The question of using images of past celebrities was renewed with digital recreations for commercial use.
How disappointing! Even the Victorians did better than that. I would have used a Pepper's Ghost illusion to be more convincing.
Pepper's Ghost illusion required considerable equipment, staging, and lighting. Hidden panels in cabinetry were cheaper and more reliable. Flexible and agile assistants were easy to obtain as well.
If you were holding out hope Dean could actually be resurrected so that you could grill him on his sexuality, personality, etc. I fear you will be disappointed. I do have some Gypsy 'psychic' friends who would be honored to take your money to speak one-on-one with him, however. The seance would be more reliable and convincing, however, if you could wait until your book is published so that they can establish a better rapport with his spirit.
I'm certain you would find all your conclusions and speculations would be handily confirmed by him. Venmo and Paypal accepted.