Why Houdini's last show was a killer

Today marks the 91st anniversary of Houdini's final performance at the Garrick Theater in Detroit.

Much has been written about Houdini's refusal to go to the hospital and instead take to the stage with a 104 degree temperature and what turned out to be a ruptured appendix. Some chalk it up to a stalwart "the show must go on" attitude. Other condemn him for sheer stubbornness.

But there might have been something else effecting Houdini's decision making that night, something uncovered in 2015, but that has yet to appear in any biography. So on today's anniversary, I'll direct you back to what I think is an important piece of the final days puzzle.

Did a contract clause kill Houdini?

Related:

• Houdini takes the stage for the last time
• Is this the doctor who first diagnosed Houdini?
• LINK: I had a heart attack, but Houdini saved my life