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| Image from Houdini The Key |
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Sunday, October 11, 2026
Centenary countdown: The accident in Albany
It was 100 years ago that Houdini had his accident while performing The Water Torture Cell at the Capitol Theater in Albany, New York. Below are links to past posts that tell the story.
Friday, October 9, 2026
'Houdini: Back From The Dead' coming October 14
On October 14, FOX Nation will debut Houdini: Back from the Dead, from Red Rock Films. I have been quietly working as a consultant on this project for the past year. This 3-part series tells Houdini’s story in a way that is unlike anything that has come before. It falls somewhere between being a documentary and a biopic. The history is precise, and the living images of Houdini are haunting. This is one people are going to talk about. The full press release is below.
FOX NATION SET TO PREMIERE “HOUDINI: BACK FROM THE DEAD,” MARKING PLATFORM’S FIRST FULL-LENGTH PROJECT CREATED ENTIRELY WITH AI-GENERATED IMAGERYThree-Part Series Premieres Ahead of Halloween and 100th Anniversary of Harry Houdini’s Death
NEW YORK – October 8, 2026 – FOX Nation will premiere the new three-part series Houdini: Back from the Dead on Wednesday, October 14, announced Lauren Petterson, president of the platform. Marking FOX Nation’s first full-length, multi-episode production to rely entirely on AI-generated imagery, the series uses groundbreaking technology to bring the extraordinary life, daring feats and enduring legacy of Harry Houdini back to life, allowing the legendary magician to sit down and tell his own story. A trailer can be found here.
In commenting on the series, Petterson said, “FOX Nation is breaking new creative ground by using emerging technology to bring one of history’s most fascinating figures to life for a modern audience. We’re proud to showcase a new form of historical storytelling that allows viewers to experience Houdini’s remarkable life in his own words, while re maining rooted in extensive research and historical accuracy.”
Premiering ahead of the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death on October 31, 1926, the series imagines the legendary magician performing one final impossible feat: returning from the dead to narrate his own story. Viewers will see Houdini step onto the set of a modern documentary interview, answering questions about his life, career, relationships, and greatest acts. His wife Bess, his mother, brother, friends, reporters, and business associates are also brought to life, speaking through words pulled from diaries, books, correspondence, and historical writings.
To achieve the series’ visual authenticity, the production licensed archival footage and more than 400 historic photographs, which served as source imagery for a team of AI artists. Actors portrayed the principal characters to capture authentic movement, cadence, and performance, while AI technology transformed their appearances to resemble their historical counterparts. The series’ scripts were written entirely by humans, with all historical claims supported by archival research and expert review.
Across three episodes, Houdini: Back from the Dead explores little-known chapters of the magician’s life, including a childhood accident in which he was shot in the hand; his relationship with his mother; a staged rivalry with his brother; his brief ambition to abandon the stage after becoming a pioneering aviator; his fascination with death and near-fatal attempt to escape from a grave; his complicated marriage to Bess; his relationship with author Charmian London; and his crusade against fraudulent spiritualist mediums that resulted in threats against his life.
Houdini: Back from the Dead is produced for FOX Nation by Red Rock Films. Red Rock Films specializes in responsible AI production and works with partners across the production process, including emerging creative technologies, workflow development, rights and clearances.
FOX Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the FOX News Channel experience with a members-only destination for its most passionate and loyal super fans. Launched in 2018, FOX Nation is available at foxnation.com and via app for iOS devices, Android devices, FOX One, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Android TV, Roku, Xbox One, FuboTV, Vizio TVs, and Samsung TVs, as well as DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Comcast Xfinity, Cox Contour, The Roku Channel, DISH and SLING.
Check out the trailer below. And watch for the series to debut on FOX Nation October 14.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
'Inescapable' on CBC Radio, October 12
Cora Parago explores Houdini through the lens of loss and grief in Inescapable on CBC Radio on October 12, 2026. I love seeing our good friend Colleen Bak, author of Pins and Needles: Love Letters to a Dead Magician, on the contributor lineup.
The Great Houdinis turns 50
I thought the best way to mark this anniversary was to link back to all the posts I've done on The Great Houdinis over the lifetime of this blog. And I know what I'll be watching tonight!
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| Syracuse Herald Journal, Oct. 8, 1976. |
Want more? I've shared an extra on my Patreon that nicely captures the time below.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2026
The Linking Ring honors Houdini on October cover
This month's The Linking Ring, the official magazine of the IBM (International Brotherhood of Magicians), has a beautiful portrait of Houdini on its October cover. That's what we like to see! Inside is a terrific article by editor Samuel Patrick Smith on "Houdini's Obsession" (his collections).
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This somewhat makes up for Genii's cover snub this month. MUM, you're up!
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Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Escaping Obscurity reviewed by David Byron
David Byron has reviewed Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897–1899 on his recently revived blog, Baroque Potion. This is the review of my dreams! I just wish I could have characterized the diary and its importance in the book as eloquently as David does in his review. Sample below.
Ehrich Weiss did not keep this travel diary because he was already important, a person whose deeds merited chronicling, someone whose salad days should be documented for posterity and biographers. No, it’s just that printers like The Detroit Free Press routinely manufactured and sold these double-season showbiz diaries, and Houdini bought one and used it to track his bookings because that’s just what itinerant entertainers did, and he wanted to be a pro. Besides, promos from the printer itself insisted that such a date book was “indispensable to theatrical folk.” Precisely because it’s completely free of pretense and hype, this diary offers a vivid, uncontrived look at the genuine daily grind of the Not-Yet-Great Houdini.
I'm currently sold out of the book at my own store, but you can still buy Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897–1899 from Mike Caveney's Magic Words.
Thank you, David!
Monday, October 5, 2026
Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice - The Murder Box Edition
I predicted that Dr. Larrian Gillespie's Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice would be "the spiciest Houdini book of the year," and that has certainly proven to be the case! But for those who like it hot, Larrian is serving up a new dish: The Murder Box Edition.
I will let you discover for yourself what this special edition contains. Just click the image below to begin the investigation.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
My Houdini window card turns 100
The original Houdini window card that hangs in my office turns 100 today. As you can see on the card header, it was on October 4, 1926, that Houdini opened at the Providence Opera House in Providence, Rhode Island. This was part of his second "3 Shows in One" tour. This engagement is generally seen as the beginning of a series of unfortunate events that would culminate in Houdini's death on Halloween.
This is the only original piece of Houdini poster advertising that I own. I was lucky enough to acquire it from a rare discovery of Houdini window cards in Warwick, Rhode Island, back in 2021. Some of you might remember that wild adventure. I went all-in on restoration and framing, and I think it turned out beautiful.
You know, it's funny. I will spend days at David Copperfield's museum, surrounded by gloriously illustrated Houdini posters that fill entire walls. David has this window card. He has several! Yet, when I come home and see this hanging on my wall, I still think it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Happy birthday window card! Now let the journey to Halloween commence.
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Thursday, October 1, 2026
A rundown of October Houdini events 🎃
October 2
The Magic of Houdini with Kent Cummins (Georgetown, TX)
Harry Houdini pulls off his greatest trick of all...still being the most famous magician of all time, even 100 years after his death. Join us for an event with Kent Cummins, a local magician, as we explore THE MAGIC OF HOUDINI.
October 2, 3, 30 & 31
The Houdini Experiment (Lake Geneva, WI)
One hundred years after Harry Houdini’s death, Joe Diamond returns to Wisconsin’s haunted Maxwell Mansion for a once-in-a-century Halloween event.
October 4
Duffy Hudson as Houdini (Montezuma, IA)
Come watch the Houdini magic come alive at the Montezuma Public Library at 2 p.m.
October 5–26
Magic from Beyond: A Houdini Séance and Other Mystical Wonders (Los Altos, CA)
Just in time for Halloween, join award-winning magician and mentalist David Martinez for an intimate, 10-person journey to a world beyond the veil and a séance to reach Houdini himself.
October 8
A Tribute to Houdini at the Icehouse (Bethlehem, PA)
A Tribute to Houdini produced in association with The Allentown Society of Magicians.
October 14
Harry Houdini: Secrets of the World's Greatest Escape Artist (Elkridge, MD)
Join Rob Niccolini, President of the Central Maryland Chapter of the Society of American Magicians, for a fascinating look at Houdini's amazing life, tragic death, and enduring legacy.
October 15
Join seance medium, mindreader, and mentalist Anthony Blake for an evening exploring the life, mysteries and final challenge of Harry Houdini. Then, in the darkness, Anthony Blake will conduct a Houdini Séance of his own.
October 17
Houdini 100: An Evening of Spirit Explorations with The Austin Séance (San Antonio, TX)
Join the Austin Séance at historic Villa Finale for an evening that blurs the line between history and the supernatural.
October 19-31
Houdini Halloween Tribute décor at The Magic Castle (Hollywood, CA)
Every year the world-famous Magic Castle celebrates the Halloween season with a different theme. This year the theme is Houdini! Special Houdini events and lectures to be announced.
October 23
Houdini's Legacy: Calgary's Masters of Magic (Calgary, Alberta)
Calgary's finest magicians gather to mark the centenary of Houdini's death; an evening of sleight of hand, illusion and impossible escapes staged in his honor. The night builds to its climax with Dayle Krall, "The Houdini Girl," performing the Water Cell Escape.
October 23-31
Experience Theatre Project proudly presents a horrifying immersive event that can only be described as a new kind of haunted house.
October 24
Houdini's Centenary Tribute (Online event)
Former SAM National President Tom Gentile will host a six-hour Houdini celebration on Zoom. Details to be announced.
October 24
Halloween Magic Show at Omaha's Historic 40th Street Theater, marking its 10th annual year and the 100th anniversary of Houdini.
October 26
Verso University: Celebrating Harry Houdini and the History of Magic with Chris Lengyel (Westport, CT)
Chris Lengyel will bring Houdini’s remarkable story to life, tracing his rise from struggling performer to international sensation and exploring the skill, ingenuity, and showmanship that made him one of the most famous entertainers of all time.
October 26
Houdini Halloween 100 at Hippodrome Casino (London, England)
A century on, we commemorate his extraordinary life, and death, with this never-to-be-seen-again live biopic, written and presented by lifelong fan Paul Zenon, featuring signature Houdini effects and stunts, performed by a cast of very special guests.
October 27
The Palace Theatre comes alive with magic as we celebrate the life and extraordinary legacy of Harry Houdini. Expect escapes, illusions, mysteries, close-up magic, strolling performers, and plenty of surprises as we honor the man whose legend has endured for a century.
October 28–31
Houdini Speaks To The Living in Austin (Round Rock, TX)
On the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death, come spend time inside the Hidden Room, hearing the actual words of Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini as they struggle with the question: Can the dead speak???
October 29
Fifty Years of Escapes, Ephemera, and Houdini Lore: Preserving a Rhode Island Connection (Woonsocket, RI)
To mark this historic centennial, the Museum of Work & Culture is partnering with professional magician and entertainer Lon Cerel for a special public presentation. For the first time in 50 years, Cerel’s collection of vault-secured, museum-grade archive of manacles, stage-used apparatus, rare correspondence, and ephemeral artifacts belonging to Harry Houdini will be on public display.
October 29
Madam Lola's Presents: Houdini Halloween 100 (Brighton, England)
What better place to stage this unique event than a former Victorian mausoleum; now a dedicated circus cabaret space, in the town where Houdini made appearances at the height of his incredible career.
October 29–31
HOUDINI 100 (Columbia Heights, MN)
One Hundred Years after the passing of The World's Greatest Escape Artist, Professor Barnaby Gaff, Master of Occult Science, will attempt what no medium, magician, or mystic has ever accomplished: to summon the spirit of Harry Houdini before a living audience!
October 29-31
HOUDINI100™ The Grand Houdini Centenarium (Budapest, Hungary)
A Houdini mega-event celebrating Houdini in his birthplace of Budapest. Organized by David Merlini of The House of Houdini.
October 30
Alex Ramon Magic Show and Houdini Tribute (Santa Cruz, CA)
Marking 100 years since the death of the legendary Harry Houdini, this special performance is sure to leave audiences of all ages amazed.
October 30
Petaluma’s Houdini Séance: The Centennial Gathering (Petaluma, CA)
Join us on the eve of the centennial of Houdini’s death—for an unforgettable evening of history, magic, mystery, and perhaps a message or two from beyond.
October 30
Houdini: A Magician’s Journey (Reading, PA)
Blending historical storytelling and theatrical magic, magician Joel Delgado invites the audience to experience the world Houdini challenged while exploring an enduring question: How do you know what you believe is true?
October 30
Out of the Box: A Tribute to Houdini (Windsor, Canada)
Nuvo Entertainment presents 'Out of the Box', an extraordinary tribute to the legendary magician Harry Houdini.
October 31
100 Anos de Houdini (Valencia, Spain)
To commemorate the centenary of Houdini's disappearance, we have created an experience designed for all audiences that brings us closer to the secrets of the greatest escape artist in history.
October 31
Houdini Day + screening Houdini (1953) (Amsterdam, Holland)
A screening of the classic Paramount biopic at the Jewish Museum in Amsterdam. Part of the ongoing exhibition about Jewish magicians of the Golden Age.
October 31
Center for Inquiry presents Houdini’s Centennial Seance (Amherst, NY)
Join us for a family-friendly day of magic, mystery, history, and skepticism as we explore Houdini’s fascination with spiritualism and his determined efforts to expose fraudulent mediums and psychics.
October 31
Houdini Séance at Sidehow Gallery (Chicago, IL)
Jacob Mayfield will welcome you with the story of Houdini's remarkable life and lasting legacy. All while you enjoy hors d'oeuvres and your choice of prosecco or a non-alcoholic refreshment. It will be an elegant evening of history, intrigue, and communication with the beyond.
October 31
Strange Bird Immersive invites you beyond the veil for Death Defying, an immersive party on the 100th anniversary of Houdini's death. Journey further into the world of The Man From Beyond as the spirits of Harry and Bess disclose their secrets, jazz fills the air once more, and not all séances go unanswered.
October 31
Houdini 100: Magic & Mystery (Detroit, MI)
The Detroit Historical Museum presents a day-long celebration of Houdini with performers and lectures exploring Houdini’s 19 appearances in the Motor City, his rise to international fame, and the final days that forever linked his story to Detroit.
October 31
Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction (Hollywood, CA)
Potter & Potter Auctions will hold a special sale of Houdini memorabilia from the collection of Kevin Connolly at The Magic Castle in Hollywood.
October 31
The Houdini Séance (Frederick, MD)
Step beyond the veil for a spine-chilling evening of mystery, history, and the supernatural. Hosted inside the ultra-intimate Frederick Magic Theater & Lounge, The Houdini Séance invites you to take a seat at the table for an authentic re-creation of the legendary dark séances of the 1920s.
October 31
Grey Dwyer presents Harry Houdini (Mendon, MA)
Join magician and storyteller Greg Dwyer for an unforgettable evening celebrating the life, legends, and lasting legacy of the world's greatest escape artist, Harry Houdini, on the 100th anniversary of his death.
October 31
Houdini 100: The Centennial Celebration (Amarillo, TX)
The Amarillo Magic Co. invites you to join us for a once-in-a-century theatrical tribute presented at the exact hour of Houdini's passing.
October 31
Houdini in Riverside: A Century of Secrets Unlocked (Riverside, CA)
Join us for an all ages one night only special event filled with local Riverside lore that celebrates the connection to the famous Houdini.
October 31
Houdini Halloween Magic Show and Curator Talk (Salem, MA)
Anton Andresen, the Official Magician of Salem, Massachusetts, will present a selection of mysteries inspired by Houdini's extraordinary life and legendary career. George Schwartz will offer a short historical introduction about Houdini's connections to PEM and Salem.
October 31
Following the notes of the first Houdini Séance hosted by Bob Lund in 1978, there will be an invited circle of distinguished guests gathered around Houdini’s milk can escape in hopes of a visit from his spirit.
October 31
The 100-Year Houdini Séance at 278 (New York, NY)
For the first time in over 50 years, Houdini's former home in New York will be the site of three exclusive séances with 13 lucky attendees. Will Houdini come home? (This is the event I will be attending.)
November 3
Houdini: 100 years behind the veil (Cape Town, South Africa)
The Cape Magicians Circle presents a special centenary tribute evening to celebrate magic's greatest legend 100 years after his death.
If you don't see your event on the list, feel free to send it my way. If you can format it like the listings above, that would be great.
See you soon.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Dr. Larrian Gillespie absolves J. Gordon Whitehead
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It's Larrian's contention, as laid out in her book, that Houdini died from a bowel obstruction, and not from the effects of a ruptured appendix, as history had long recorded.
"I just felt this injustice had to be corrected," she said. "Since I knew and could prove he didn't kill Houdini, I was the one who had to be responsible."
Larrian was accompanied to the cemetery by George Hardeen, Houdini’s great-nephew, J. Gordon Whitehead’s nephew D. Whitehead, Canadian escape artist Dean Gunnarson, and magician Marc Trudel, the first recipient of the Michel Cailloux Grand Prix de Magie.
Whitehead's grave is located in the Complexe Funéraire des Trembles Cemetery in the Pointe-aux-Trembles borough of Montréal, Quebec, Canada. It had previously been unmarked.
Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice is available at Houdini True Crime. International buyers should use Cipher House Books. Larrian has released a new "Murder Box Edition" that includes updated images and information.
Top photo © 2026 Healthy Life Publications Inc. All rights reserved. For licensing, contact Larrian Gillespie.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Abracadabra: Mysteries from Houdini to Hans Klok
Abracadabra: Mysteries from Houdini to Hans Klok runs through March 29, 2027. As part of the programming, the museum will host a "Houdini Day" and screen Houdini (1953) on Halloween. You can get more details and buy tickets HERE.
Want more? I've shared more opening day images, provided by Bruce Averbook, on my Patreon below.
Monday, September 28, 2026
Escaping Obscurity Deluxe Edition No. 68 at auction
These 150 slipcase editions sold out within 48 hours, making them the fastest-selling Deluxe Edition in Mike Caveney's Magic Words history. Each book includes a print of an 1894 advert for The Houdinis made from an original printing plate in the Conjuring Arts Research Center. It's also signed by all four book contributors and comes in a very nicely designed slipcase. Click the images below to view the lot.
Haversat & Ewing's Auction #54 will be held October 2-3, 2026.
If you want to learn how we created the Deluxe Edition, I shared the full story in three parts on my Patreon.
Update: Sold for $324.50, including buyer's premium.
LINK: Catch Me or I Go Houdini: Elaborate escapes kept prestidigitation pro bound to KC
Here's an excellent article in The Pitch about the recent Kansas City Houdini events by River Louraine, a sharp young writer. Click the headline or the image below to read.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Bond break
As a long-time fan of 007, I've been especially drawn to the Bond books, both the originals by Ian Fleming and the many continuation novels that have followed. I've read them all. (John Gardner, who penned 13 Bond novels, was a magic buff and a member of the Houdini Historical Center.)
In 2005, Ian Fleming Publications launched the Young Bond series with well-known comedian Charlie Higson writing the first five books. I LOVED them. Higson absolutely nailed every aspect of Bond and produced some of the best continuation novels of them all, even though they were about James Bond as a schoolboy. I was so into them I launched a blog devoted to the series and came to know Charlie personally. He used to quip, "When I want to know what's going on in my life, I check your website."
When Charlie went off to do other projects, IFP started using different established authors to write one-off books. I enjoyed those too. But I always felt that it was a huge missed opportunity not to have Charlie Higson write a proper adult James Bond novel. Then IFP started creating spin-off novels (the wacky adventures of Q!), which I passed on. I like straight-ahead classic Bond. In fact, I folded my James Bond blog, The Book Bond, earlier this year.
But then my dream came true. IFP announced the first of two new James Bond novels by the great Charlie Higson. Yesterday KING ZERO arrived, and I'm ready to dive back into the world of 007, at least for a weekend.
If you're interested, KING ZERO is out now in the UK. The U.S. edition will be released in November.
Pop quiz: Can anyone tell me the connection between James Bond, Houdini, and London's Leicester Square? First correct answer in the comments wins you a special James Bond/Houdini prize.
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