Michael Bentine and his paranormal history

cappsie · 16th August 2011, 01:35 AM

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, but not new to James Randi and his debunkings.

I recently read Michael Bentine's Through the Door Marked Summer. In it he describes some interesting, personal attributes as well as a student allegedly unleashing some kind of nasty spirit.

I wanted to know if there was any substances to his claims.

I have searched this forum and there are no references to Michael Bentine whatsoever.

I would appreciate any and all input on your thoughts regarding him and his family past and history etc.

Thanks
Adam

Professor Yaffle · 16th August 2011, 01:41 AM

I didn't know anything about Michael Bentine other than remembering Potty Time. But it is interesting that he was interested in parapsychology as well as science in general.

Quote:

His interests included parapsychology. This was as a result of his and his family's extensive research into the paranormal which resulted in his writing The Door Marked Summer and The Doors of the Mind. He was, for the final years of his life, president of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena.
Bentine was also interested in science. On 14 December 1977, he appeared with Arthur C. Clarke on Patrick Moore's BBC The Sky At Night programme. The broadcast was entitled Suns, Spaceships and Bug-Eyed Monsters - a light-hearted but refreshing look at how science fiction had become science fact, as well as how ideas of space travel had become reality through the 20th century. Bentine appeared in a subsequent broadcast on a similar theme with Patrick Moore in 1980. Following the death of Arthur C. Clarke, BBC Sky At Night magazine released a copy of the 1977 archive programme on the cover of their May 2008 edition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bentine

SezMe · 16th August 2011, 01:48 AM

This snippet from Yaffle's quote is funny:

Quote:

He was, for the final years of his life, president of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena. Bentine was also interested in science.

Kinda says it all, I think.

Welcome cappsie, AKA, Adam.

cappsie · 16th August 2011, 02:13 AM

Admittedly I didn't spend too long looking for this information, but:

The chairman of the Club asked whether I could see into the future, and I was pleased to report that I was not that unfortunate…‘Michael Bentine’ he informed me, ‘once gave a talk to us and said he had mistakenly been given an injection of a pure culture of typhoid.’ (Another man died immediately but Bentine was left in a coma for six weeks. When he regained consciousness his eyesight was ruined, leaving him myopic for the rest of his life) ‘…after which he knew when people were going to die as he ‘saw’ a skull superimposed over them …including his own son. Although I share in Bentine’s ability to see pictures (called ‘clairvoyancy) and also the fact that, like him, I was brought back from the brink of death after what is known as a ‘near death experience’, I could never imagine the fear that Bentine must have felt when he saw the skull superimposed over his very own son, who was soon to die in a plane crash. What a terrible legacy to have to bear. It is a little ironic that he was left with myopia, as this is the physical manifestation of extreme short sightedness, and yet the effect of his near-death experience was the psychic manifestation of long sightedness of a terrifying sort, resulting in these morbid glimpses of the future.

I have the links but cannot post due to the 15 min limit posts

Also:
In his autobiography, The Long Banana Skin, Bentine claimed whilst in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War he had visions through which he was able to tell whether his comrades would live or die. If he saw a skull super-imposed over their faces, he then knew they would not return from their next mission. Not the kind of talent to win friends and influence people, but certainly one to impress others with in later years, as he did when he recounted such tales on chat shows.

But is there any evidence that suggests he was always right?

Adam.

Alice Shortcake · 16th August 2011, 03:43 AM

The problem is that these are anecdotes and the war ended 66 years ago. I don't really know what evidence you expect anyone to find.

Mojo · 16th August 2011, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by cappsie

But is there any evidence that suggests he was always right?

Is there any evidence that suggests he was ever right? Telling stories on chat shows years after the event doesn't count.

quarky · 16th August 2011, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by cappsie

Admittedly I didn't spend too long looking for this information, but:

The chairman of the Club asked whether I could see into the future, and I was pleased to report that I was not that unfortunate…‘Michael Bentine’ he informed me, ‘once gave a talk to us and said he had mistakenly been given an injection of a pure culture of typhoid.’ (Another man died immediately but Bentine was left in a coma for six weeks. When he regained consciousness his eyesight was ruined, leaving him myopic for the rest of his life) ‘…after which he knew when people were going to die as he ‘saw’ a skull superimposed over them …including his own son. Although I share in Bentine’s ability to see pictures (called ‘clairvoyancy) and also the fact that, like him, I was brought back from the brink of death after what is known as a ‘near death experience’, I could never imagine the fear that Bentine must have felt when he saw the skull superimposed over his very own son, who was soon to die in a plane crash. What a terrible legacy to have to bear. It is a little ironic that he was left with myopia, as this is the physical manifestation of extreme short sightedness, and yet the effect of his near-death experience was the psychic manifestation of long sightedness of a terrifying sort, resulting in these morbid glimpses of the future.

I have the links but cannot post due to the 15 min limit posts

Also:
In his autobiography, The Long Banana Skin, Bentine claimed whilst in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War he had visions through which he was able to tell whether his comrades would live or die. If he saw a skull super-imposed over their faces, he then knew they would not return from their next mission. Not the kind of talent to win friends and influence people, but certainly one to impress others with in later years, as he did when he recounted such tales on chat shows.

But is there any evidence that suggests he was always right?

Adam.

Admitting that you're clairvoyant around here is like telling people in a pick-up bar that you have venereal disease.

Welcome to the forum.

wardenclyffe · 16th August 2011, 09:30 PM

I think cappsie was quoting someone else who was talking about Bentine and then admitting that he was clairvoyant as well. I don't think it was cappsie admitting the he, himself, was clairvoyant. If I misinterpreted that, please let us know cappsie.

It will certainly alter the conversation.

Ward

Matty · 16th August 2011, 09:54 PM

I loved Michael Bentine's Potty Time as a kid and it's fantastic that it's gradually being released on DVD - I don't care if he believed in a load of old bollocks, he's still a hero of my childhood!

Jeff Corey · 16th August 2011, 10:05 PM

"Admitting that you're clairvoyant around here is like telling people in a pick-up bar that you have venereal disease."
I knew you were gonna say that.

Where's the frakin clap emoticon?

Shadow the Poodle · 16th August 2011, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff Corey

"Admitting that you're clairvoyant around here is like telling people in a pick-up bar that you have venereal disease."
I knew you were gonna say that.

Where's the frakin clap emoticon?

I see what you did there.

cappsie · 21st October 2018, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by wardenclyffe

I think cappsie was quoting someone else who was talking about Bentine and then admitting that he was clairvoyant as well. I don't think it was cappsie admitting the he, himself, was clairvoyant. If I misinterpreted that, please let us know cappsie.

It will certainly alter the conversation.

Ward

Hi wardenclyffe,

Better late than never. Yes, you are/were right. I didn't mean to claim I was clairvoyant but that Bentine claimed to have some clairvoyant-type 'gift'.

Best,
A.

fagin · 21st October 2018, 03:10 PM

Seven years? You type even slower than me.

P.J. Denyer · 21st October 2018, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by cappsie

I have the links but cannot post due to the 15 min limit posts

Welcome!

Post the links but replace the full stops with " dot " and someone will fix and post them for you. Maybe me if I'm still awake!

But-:

Wolrab · 21st October 2018, 03:53 PM

Like those links will be valid in 2025.

JohnG · 26th October 2018, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by cappsie

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, but not new to James Randi and his debunkings.

I recently read Michael Bentine's Through the Door Marked Summer. In it he describes some interesting, personal attributes as well as a student allegedly unleashing some kind of nasty spirit.

I wanted to know if there was any substances to his claims.

I have searched this forum and there are no references to Michael Bentine whatsoever.

I would appreciate any and all input on your thoughts regarding him and his family past and history etc.

Thanks
Adam

It's all in the mind, you know...

EHocking · 26th October 2018, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by JohnG

It's all in the mind, you know...

You silly twisted boy, you.

cappsie · 23rd December 2019, 08:20 AM

Boy but this is a long-running thread. Best I can assume is Bentine's were anecdotes at best.

I've yet to see any 'powers' actually be proven under scientific testing.

A.

16th August 2011, 01:35 AM	#1
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7	Michael Bentine and his paranormal history Hi all, I'm new to this forum, but not new to James Randi and his debunkings. I recently read Michael Bentine's Through the Door Marked Summer. In it he describes some interesting, personal attributes as well as a student allegedly unleashing some kind of nasty spirit. I wanted to know if there was any substances to his claims. I have searched this forum and there are no references to Michael Bentine whatsoever. I would appreciate any and all input on your thoughts regarding him and his family past and history etc. Thanks Adam
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7

16th August 2011, 01:41 AM	#2
Professor Yaffle Butterbeans and Breadcrumbs Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Emily's shop Posts: 17,613	I didn't know anything about Michael Bentine other than remembering Potty Time. But it is interesting that he was interested in parapsychology as well as science in general. Quote: His interests included parapsychology. This was as a result of his and his family's extensive research into the paranormal which resulted in his writing The Door Marked Summer and The Doors of the Mind. He was, for the final years of his life, president of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena. Bentine was also interested in science. On 14 December 1977, he appeared with Arthur C. Clarke on Patrick Moore's BBC The Sky At Night programme. The broadcast was entitled Suns, Spaceships and Bug-Eyed Monsters - a light-hearted but refreshing look at how science fiction had become science fact, as well as how ideas of space travel had become reality through the 20th century. Bentine appeared in a subsequent broadcast on a similar theme with Patrick Moore in 1980. Following the death of Arthur C. Clarke, BBC Sky At Night magazine released a copy of the 1977 archive programme on the cover of their May 2008 edition. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bentine
	__________________ Sponsor me please! http://www.justgiving.com/Catherine-Kiernan http://www.justgiving.com/Catherine-Kiernan1 My blog

16th August 2011, 02:13 AM	#4
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7	The skull mystery Admittedly I didn't spend too long looking for this information, but: The chairman of the Club asked whether I could see into the future, and I was pleased to report that I was not that unfortunate…‘Michael Bentine’ he informed me, ‘once gave a talk to us and said he had mistakenly been given an injection of a pure culture of typhoid.’ (Another man died immediately but Bentine was left in a coma for six weeks. When he regained consciousness his eyesight was ruined, leaving him myopic for the rest of his life) ‘…after which he knew when people were going to die as he ‘saw’ a skull superimposed over them …including his own son. Although I share in Bentine’s ability to see pictures (called ‘clairvoyancy) and also the fact that, like him, I was brought back from the brink of death after what is known as a ‘near death experience’, I could never imagine the fear that Bentine must have felt when he saw the skull superimposed over his very own son, who was soon to die in a plane crash. What a terrible legacy to have to bear. It is a little ironic that he was left with myopia, as this is the physical manifestation of extreme short sightedness, and yet the effect of his near-death experience was the psychic manifestation of long sightedness of a terrifying sort, resulting in these morbid glimpses of the future. I have the links but cannot post due to the 15 min limit posts Also: In his autobiography, The Long Banana Skin, Bentine claimed whilst in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War he had visions through which he was able to tell whether his comrades would live or die. If he saw a skull super-imposed over their faces, he then knew they would not return from their next mission. Not the kind of talent to win friends and influence people, but certainly one to impress others with in later years, as he did when he recounted such tales on chat shows. But is there any evidence that suggests he was always right? Adam.
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7

16th August 2011, 03:43 AM	#5
Alice Shortcake Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,134	The problem is that these are anecdotes and the war ended 66 years ago. I don't really know what evidence you expect anyone to find.
	__________________ Proud member of the Debunkly Skerricks Pack

16th August 2011, 08:26 AM	#6
Mojo Mostly harmless Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Nor Flanden Posts: 33,557	Originally Posted by cappsie But is there any evidence that suggests he was always right? Is there any evidence that suggests he was ever right? Telling stories on chat shows years after the event doesn't count.
	__________________ "You got to use your brain." - McKinley Morganfield "The poor mystic homeopaths feel like petted house-cats thrown at high flood on the breaking ice." - Leon Trotsky

16th August 2011, 01:48 AM	#3
SezMe post-pre-born Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 24,823	This snippet from Yaffle's quote is funny: Quote: He was, for the final years of his life, president of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena. Bentine was also interested in science. Kinda says it all, I think. Welcome cappsie, AKA, Adam.

16th August 2011, 09:02 PM	#7
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,121	Originally Posted by cappsie Admittedly I didn't spend too long looking for this information, but: The chairman of the Club asked whether I could see into the future, and I was pleased to report that I was not that unfortunate…‘Michael Bentine’ he informed me, ‘once gave a talk to us and said he had mistakenly been given an injection of a pure culture of typhoid.’ (Another man died immediately but Bentine was left in a coma for six weeks. When he regained consciousness his eyesight was ruined, leaving him myopic for the rest of his life) ‘…after which he knew when people were going to die as he ‘saw’ a skull superimposed over them …including his own son. Although I share in Bentine’s ability to see pictures (called ‘clairvoyancy) and also the fact that, like him, I was brought back from the brink of death after what is known as a ‘near death experience’, I could never imagine the fear that Bentine must have felt when he saw the skull superimposed over his very own son, who was soon to die in a plane crash. What a terrible legacy to have to bear. It is a little ironic that he was left with myopia, as this is the physical manifestation of extreme short sightedness, and yet the effect of his near-death experience was the psychic manifestation of long sightedness of a terrifying sort, resulting in these morbid glimpses of the future. I have the links but cannot post due to the 15 min limit posts Also: In his autobiography, The Long Banana Skin, Bentine claimed whilst in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War he had visions through which he was able to tell whether his comrades would live or die. If he saw a skull super-imposed over their faces, he then knew they would not return from their next mission. Not the kind of talent to win friends and influence people, but certainly one to impress others with in later years, as he did when he recounted such tales on chat shows. But is there any evidence that suggests he was always right? Adam. Admitting that you're clairvoyant around here is like telling people in a pick-up bar that you have venereal disease. Welcome to the forum.
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,121

16th August 2011, 09:30 PM	#8
wardenclyffe Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,292	I think cappsie was quoting someone else who was talking about Bentine and then admitting that he was clairvoyant as well. I don't think it was cappsie admitting the he, himself, was clairvoyant. If I misinterpreted that, please let us know cappsie. It will certainly alter the conversation. Ward
	__________________ ~~Na eth'er aa, ammre' en ank'aar'eith, d'emner'aa-, asd'reng'aather, em'n'err-aae...~ - Alenara Al'Kher'aat, aged 347

16th August 2011, 09:54 PM	#9
Matty Student Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 35	I loved Michael Bentine's Potty Time as a kid and it's fantastic that it's gradually being released on DVD - I don't care if he believed in a load of old bollocks, he's still a hero of my childhood!
Matty Student Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 35

16th August 2011, 10:05 PM	#10
Jeff Corey New York Skeptic Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 13,714	"Admitting that you're clairvoyant around here is like telling people in a pick-up bar that you have venereal disease." I knew you were gonna say that. Where's the frakin clap emoticon?

16th August 2011, 11:01 PM	#11
Shadow the Poodle Scholar Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 103	Originally Posted by Jeff Corey "Admitting that you're clairvoyant around here is like telling people in a pick-up bar that you have venereal disease." I knew you were gonna say that. Where's the frakin clap emoticon? I see what you did there.
Shadow the Poodle Scholar Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 103

21st October 2018, 03:01 PM	#12
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7	Originally Posted by wardenclyffe I think cappsie was quoting someone else who was talking about Bentine and then admitting that he was clairvoyant as well. I don't think it was cappsie admitting the he, himself, was clairvoyant. If I misinterpreted that, please let us know cappsie. It will certainly alter the conversation. Ward Hi wardenclyffe, Better late than never. Yes, you are/were right. I didn't mean to claim I was clairvoyant but that Bentine claimed to have some clairvoyant-type 'gift'. Best, A.
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7

21st October 2018, 03:10 PM	#13
fagin Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: As far away from casebro as possible. Posts: 7,070	Seven years? You type even slower than me.
	__________________ There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

21st October 2018, 03:35 PM	#14
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,716	Originally Posted by cappsie I have the links but cannot post due to the 15 min limit posts Welcome! Post the links but replace the full stops with " dot " and someone will fix and post them for you. Maybe me if I'm still awake! But-: I'm willing to bet that there won't be convincing evidence of his psychic powers
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,716	__________________ "I know my brain cannot tell me what to think." - Scorpion "Nebulous means Nebulous" - Adam Hills

21st October 2018, 03:53 PM	#15
Wolrab Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,747	Like those links will be valid in 2025.
Wolrab Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,747	__________________ "Such reports are usually based on the sighting of something the sighters cannot explain and that they (or someone else on their behalf) explain as representing an interstellar spaceship-often by saying "But what else can it be?" as though thier own ignorance is a decisive factor." Isaac Asimov

26th October 2018, 09:10 PM	#16
JohnG Pedantic Bore Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Abandon All Hope Posts: 6,808	Originally Posted by cappsie Hi all, I'm new to this forum, but not new to James Randi and his debunkings. I recently read Michael Bentine's Through the Door Marked Summer. In it he describes some interesting, personal attributes as well as a student allegedly unleashing some kind of nasty spirit. I wanted to know if there was any substances to his claims. I have searched this forum and there are no references to Michael Bentine whatsoever. I would appreciate any and all input on your thoughts regarding him and his family past and history etc. Thanks Adam It's all in the mind, you know...
	__________________ Do not weep. Do not wax indignant. Understand. - Baruch Spinoza You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant. - Harlan Ellison

26th October 2018, 09:16 PM	#17
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,438	Originally Posted by JohnG It's all in the mind, you know... You silly twisted boy, you.
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,438	__________________ "A closed mouth gathers no feet" "Ignorance is a renewable resource" P.J.O'Rourke "It's all god's handiwork, there's little quality control applied", Fox26 reporter on Texas granite You can't make up anything anymore. The world itself is a satire. All you're doing is recording it. Art Buchwald

23rd December 2019, 08:20 AM	#18
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7	Sadly nothing new Boy but this is a long-running thread. Best I can assume is Bentine's were anecdotes at best. I've yet to see any 'powers' actually be proven under scientific testing. A.
cappsie New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 7