tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47327215534188785472024-03-18T18:37:43.618-07:00WILD ABOUT HARRYWhere Houdini LivesJohn Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.comBlogger5550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-3019290972323540782024-03-17T09:13:00.000-07:002024-03-18T12:09:17.038-07:00Houdini in Blackpool's new "Showtown" museumThe door from a jail cell that Houdini escaped from in 1905 is on display at the new Showtown museum in Blackpool, England. What a fantastic artifact! Blackpool native and magician Karl Bartoni shares photos from a special preview he attended last week.Below is an account of Houdini's Blackpool jail escape on June 12, 1905.Lancashire Evening Post, June 12, 1905.The museum also has exhibits John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-88211988828714691342024-03-16T08:02:00.000-07:002024-03-16T08:31:41.100-07:00Houdini spoke one year ago todayIt was one year ago today that Mike Caveney, Dr. Michael Khanchalian, and I heard the voice of Harry Houdini coming from wax cylinders that have not been played since 1970. What an incredible experience. I still can't believe I was a part of it. Click the image below to relive the adventure.Below are some follow-up posts related to the Houdini wax cylinders.Related:Episode 146: A Voice from John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-18538646601362894832024-03-14T10:56:00.000-07:002024-03-14T10:59:15.250-07:00Discovering Houdini's "O.D. stunt" at last!Here's one I've been chasing for a long time. In Houdini's 1916 diary, he records an "O.D. stunt" (outdoor stunt) during his engagement in Toledo that year. Unfortunately, he provided no other details. I suspected it was a suspended straitjacket escape, but I've never been able to confirm it or nail down an exact date. But now, thanks to a recent upload of Toledo Blade newspapers, the "O.D. stuntJohn Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-85914739540651626782024-03-13T08:25:00.000-07:002024-03-13T08:25:40.519-07:00"That's an awful river."I've shared on my Patreon a vivid account of Houdini's handcuffed leap into the Mississippi River on November 17, 1907. There are details here that I've not read before. Dive in by clicking below. I recently updated my Bridge jumps page to list all of Houdini's known jumps. Thanks to my patrons for supporting this work.
Related:
LINK: Mississippi MagicHoudini's Denver dives
Houdini'sJohn Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-15997627339368854352024-03-12T06:43:00.000-07:002024-03-12T06:43:07.822-07:00Houdini Museum launches new websiteOur friends Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz have launched an all-new website for their famous Houdini Museum Tour & Magic Show in Scranton, PA. It's very well done and worth a visit. Just click below to go.I had the pleasure of visiting the museum last year, and I loved it. It's a unique and special place run by a pair of magic legends. Not to be missed!
Related:
Ambassador's Tour
Scranton John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-19418642566803688262024-03-10T08:18:00.000-07:002024-03-11T17:13:25.662-07:00Magic Castle announces a New Houdini SéanceThe Magic Castle in Hollywood, home of the Academy of Magical Arts, will soon debut a New Houdini Séance Experience. Below is the news sent to members via the AMAs Flash Paper newsletter.March 24 is Harry Houdini’s Birthday& the Premiere of the New Houdini Séance Experience!
The Houdini séance at The Magic Castle® debuted 55 years ago in 1969, with people experiencing a re-enactment of John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-1155563383161830512024-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:01:05.986-08:00Shadow of Houdini with Sher'ril & SamanthaHere's another event celebrating Houdini's 150th birthday this month. Sher'ril & Samantha, Escape Artists Extraordinaire, present Shadow of Houdini on Saturday, March 23, at Rock House Coffee Company & Event Center in Hohenwald, Tennessee.For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Shadow of Houdini page at Eventbrite.If you know of any other John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-4021843181768744692024-03-07T06:11:00.000-08:002024-03-07T06:58:35.043-08:00Magic & Mind Games LIVE: A Tribute to HoudiniThis month sees a few special events celebrating Houdini's 150th birthday. One of these is Magic & Mind Games LIVE: A Tribute to Houdini, on Saturday, March 23, at Old Oak Inn Bed and Breakfast in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Magic & Mind Games LIVE: A Tribute to Houdini page at Eventbrite. Related:Houdini's John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-299164355852664052024-03-05T07:41:00.000-08:002024-03-07T11:52:51.566-08:00Deconstructing Houdini '53: Judgment in GermanyContinuing my scene-by-scene dissection of the 1953 biopic HOUDINI starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Last time we saw Houdini reach the heights of fame in Europe. But German law wants to bring him back down...Chapter 14: Judgment in GermanyThe next scene in Houdini (1953) is a highlight that furthers Houdini's legend and continues the story of his early European adventures. But did it John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-27136377802914117422024-03-03T07:34:00.000-08:002024-03-03T11:18:39.615-08:00Watch Young Harry Houdini (1987)Disney's Young Harry Houdini (1987) is one of the harder Houdini movies to see. But here it is in its entirety on YouTube. The quality could be better, but if you've never seen it, this gets the job done!Young Harry Houdini first aired on March 15, 1987, as part of the Disney Sunday Movie on ABC.Related:Young Harry Houdini (1987)Young Harry Houdini screening at The Magic Castle, May 26Watch John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-39431335336569476792024-02-29T07:54:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:12:14.511-08:00Leap Day DashWhile we know Hardeen was born on March 4, 1876, in Budapest, like his famous brother, he later claimed Appleton as his birthplace and changed his birthdate. The date Dash chose was February 29 (Leap Day), showing he had a sense of humor about all this. As it only happens once every four years, let's celebrate Hardeen's "birthday" today with some dashing posters.Below is one of my all-time John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-8354629032724252282024-02-28T11:38:00.000-08:002024-02-28T11:45:54.493-08:00Holmes & Houdini Issue 2The dynamic duo of Holmes & Houdini are back in issue 2 of this three-part series from Zenescope written by Honor Vincent with artwork by Oliver Borges. Girls get it done...again!The die has been cast, the game is afoot, and this thrilling journey has begun to unfold! Spencer Holmes and Erica Houdini’s lives would never have crossed-paths or so they thought. But when a plot that involvesJohn Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-83499644166450044272024-02-27T07:08:00.000-08:002024-02-27T07:10:35.046-08:00Jasper Blakeley presents CHARLATANAward-winning magician Jasper Blakeley presents a Houdini-themed magic and mentalism show at The Small Space in Wales beginning March 1, 2024. Details below.Enjoy a full 90 minute show of astounding magic and laughs from World-Class Magician and entertainer Jasper Blakeley. 'CHARLATAN' is Jasper's most ambitious show to date and centres around the history of the con artist world of John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-81974604837027086322024-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:002024-02-25T15:02:11.597-08:00Sunset HarryOur friend Dean Carnegie recently shared this image on his Instagram. Yes, I know I just did a post about how A.I. can't get Houdini right. But in this case it did, and offers us a glimpse at what could have been. It's kinda moving, actually. View this post on Instagram A post shared by carnegiemagic (@carnegiemagic)
Related:
Houdini agedWhat if Houdini didn't die in 1926?
John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-79435399890900482582024-02-23T08:21:00.000-08:002024-02-23T08:41:58.110-08:00Talking Houdini on The Macabre World PodcastThis week, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Raquel Digati on The Macabre World Podcast. "Rocky" had some great questions and we covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time. You can listen at the Dark Art Studio, Spotify, Amazon Music, or via your favorite podcatcher.Follow The Macabre World Podcast on Facebook and Instagram.Thank you, Rocky!
Related:
Episode 146: A Voice John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-28694094763068139762024-02-21T08:07:00.000-08:002024-02-22T07:12:28.545-08:00Houdini, the Magician's Code, and the Talking Tea Kettle scandal revisitedRecently, magician Murray Sawchuck has been posting magic exposure videos on his social media. Scott Wells posted an interview with Murray in which he defends his actions. Scott also posted an interview with David Sandy, Bill Smith, and Mark Holstein explaining why magicians should protect magic secrets. I thought this was a good time to update this post from 2012 about when Houdini found himselfJohn Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-81694214925065138512024-02-19T18:17:00.000-08:002024-02-23T16:05:03.429-08:00Reviews and pics from 'Houdini's Greatest Escape'Houdini's Greatest Escape, the new play from New Old Friends in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, is currently touring the UK through June 30, 2024. It offers a humorous take on Houdini's story. Below are links to some reviews.What's Good To DoFairy Powered ProductionsRobbie's Backstage BantsWest End Best FriendBroadway WorldWinchester Today(If you've reviewed this play, please John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-67844641756977228162024-02-18T07:55:00.000-08:002024-02-18T11:08:54.754-08:00Houdini's war on fake mediums began 100 years ago todayToday marks the 100th anniversary of the start of Houdini's first lecture tour exposing the practices of fake spirit mediums. The tour kicked off at the Plaza Theatre in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 1924. The only reason I know this is thanks to a program in the Harry Ransom Center that Houdini himself annotated as being "very rare."Houdini's first tour ran for five weeks. He John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-57700504239686839672024-02-16T16:30:00.000-08:002024-02-20T18:35:36.550-08:00The next, next stopWhat would Houdini's life have been like had he lived beyond Halloween 1926? We can only speculate. But we do have a good idea of what his November would have looked like. Houdini had planned to play his "3 Shows in One" for two weeks at the Garrick Theater in Detroit. His second week would have commenced on Halloween. He would then have traveled to Cleveland and the Hanna Theater for a one-week.John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-60323558713739357372024-02-14T08:17:00.000-08:002024-02-14T09:38:35.048-08:00Did Houdini repeat the Mirror Challenge?
The Mirror Handcuffs Challenge is the gift that keeps giving. There are still many mysteries and unanswered questions about this seminal escape during the height of Houdini's Handcuff King days. While the current hot topic is the Tatler cuffs, I recently stumbled on a new curiosity in the December 1947 The Linking Ring.Below is an excerpt from the article "Royal Aquarium & Egyptian Hall" by John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-18700589903504242882024-02-12T07:26:00.000-08:002024-02-12T09:30:51.468-08:00Houdini still popular on Pawn StarsI fear Pawn Stars has long past its prime, and Murray seems to phone this one in (in more ways than one). But the market for Houdini collectibles remains hotter than ever, so they have my attention.Related:Houdini's Unmasking on Pawn StarsExperts appraise Pawn StarsHoudini straitjacket still looking for a buyerJohn Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-26567043485293153212024-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:002024-02-11T07:48:22.219-08:00LINK: William Lindsay Gresham, The Inklings, and Magic: An Interview with Diego DomingoOur good friend Diego Domingo is interviewed at Fellowship and Fairydust about William Lindsay Gresham, author of the 1959 biography Houdini: The Man Who Walked Through Walls. Diego is a Gresham expert and top-flight magic historian, as you will see. Click the headline or the image below to have a read.If you want to keep up with Diego's research, join his William Lindsay Gresham group on John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-43125014196115855492024-02-09T16:09:00.000-08:002024-02-09T16:26:29.329-08:00See 'Ragtime' in Fort WayneThis is a good month for Houdini in the theater. Here's a nice poster showcasing Lincoln Everetts as Houdini in the popular musical Ragtime at the University Saint Francis Performing Arts Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.The play opens tonight and will run every weekend, Friday through Sunday, until February 18. You can purchase tickets and get more information HERE. Can you believe I've John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-61888478944746144932024-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:002024-02-08T10:18:54.382-08:00'Instructions for a Seance' in Fort WorthSorry for the late notice, but a Houdini-themed play is currently running at the Amphibian Stage in Fort Worth, Texas, through February 11, 2024. Details below.INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SÉANCE By Katie Bender Directed By Lily WolffA DIY SÉANCE TO SUMMON HARRY HOUDINI
“I literally just googled ‘instructions for a séance’. I took the night off, escaped the kid’s bedtime, to try this here with John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732721553418878547.post-55610600077495643172024-02-08T07:08:00.000-08:002024-02-08T07:17:56.708-08:00'Houdini's Greatest Escape' begins UK tourAward-winning theatre company New Old Friends, in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, presents HOUDINI'S GREATEST ESCAPE, which opens at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford today and tours the UK through June 30, 2024.
Harry Houdini is the world's greatest entertainer. Just as his death-defying escapology stunts have him, and his wife Bess, on the cusp of a career-defining John Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04391313393222271260noreply@blogger.com0