Here's a rundown of posts by category that appeared on WILD ABOUT HARRY this month.
Most Viewed Post
Hollywood home of Bess and Edward Saint for sale
Houdini History
This is C. Dundas Slater
The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye – the unmade Houdini biopic of 1976
Forty years ago in New Jersey
Houdini's forgotten agent: Jenie Jacobs
The Houdinis and the Doyles...take an Uber?
Climb aboard the Frisia
Houdini in 1907
Houdini's Fort Worth street feats
Events
Magic Collectors' Corner #8 - Houdini Special
Cox & Caveney Behind the Bookcase rematch!
Magic Collectors' Corner goes inside the Houdini Museum of New York
Art
Houdini returning to business
Metamorphosis sculpture reappears in Appleton
Video
Fantasma Magic presents The Eyes Of Houdini
Mystifier File
Mystifier, Summer 2002
Mystifier, Fall 2002
Links
LINK: TR vs. Houdini (History Vs. podcast)
HOUDINI on The Jewish Lives Podcast
Locking down Houdini in Kansas
10th Anniversary
10th Anniversary: Houdini re-haunts Six Flags
Misc.
May 2020 in review
Richard Sherry promises "astounding news" about the Canadian Mystery Cell
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- Houdini His Life Story (1928)
- Houdini The Man Who Walked Through Walls (1959)
- Houdini The Untold Story (1969)
- The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdini (1993)
- Houdini!!! The Career of Ehrich Weiss (1996)
- The Secret Life of Houdini (2006)
- The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini (2012)
- The Witch of Lime Street (2015)
- The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini (2019)
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
Metamorphosis sculpture reappears in Appleton
I just received some wonderful news from our friend Tom Boldt in Appleton, Wisconsin. This morning the City of Appleton re-installed Richard C. Wolter's "Metamorphosis" sculpture after a 9-year absence. The sculpture now sits on a pedestrian trail along the Fox River near the site Houdini claimed to have almost drowned as a child.
"Metamorphosis" was donated to the city in 1985 by Boldt Development Corp. (yes, as in Tom Boldt). It stood in the center of Houdini Plaza until 2010, when it was removed because the base was deteriorating. Houdini Plaza underwent a major renovation in 2013 with a new centerpiece. A Houdini bust was added in 2015.
I've always loved this sculpture and I'm thrilled to know it is once again on view in Houdini's hometown.
Thank you Tom for this tribute, and the great news today!
Related:
"Metamorphosis" was donated to the city in 1985 by Boldt Development Corp. (yes, as in Tom Boldt). It stood in the center of Houdini Plaza until 2010, when it was removed because the base was deteriorating. Houdini Plaza underwent a major renovation in 2013 with a new centerpiece. A Houdini bust was added in 2015.
I've always loved this sculpture and I'm thrilled to know it is once again on view in Houdini's hometown.
Thank you Tom for this tribute, and the great news today!
Related:
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Houdini's Fort Worth street feats
Here are some great photos of Houdini's suspended straitjacket escape from the Star-Telegram Building in Fort Worth on January 13, 1916. This was the first stop of his first tour of Texas. The initial images show Houdni testing the scaffolding in front of the newspaper's headquarters at 815 Throckmorton along with his police challengers. The paper asked, "Will Texas prove his Waterloo?"
I'm always excited to find images of Houdini's suspended straitjacket escapes from this era. Most photos and film footage are from 1923-24 when big cities looked more like...big cities. But in 1915-16 many cities still looked like towns with older buildings that give it all a different flavor. (Houdini repeated the stunt in Fort Worth in 1923.)
Today the site of the original Star-Telegram Building is a parking lot. But the paper survives with offices just one block over on 8th Street.
This wasn't the only outdoor stunt Houdini is said to have performed in Fort Worth during this 1916 engagement. An account of a somewhat bizarre second feat appears in the 1973 book, Locklear: The Man Who Walked On Wings by Art Ronnie. This is a biography of Ormer Locklear, a Texas daredevil who would later become a famous wing-walker in Hollywood. Below is an edited excerpt:
It's a great story. I think my favorite part is learning Houdini wore white Spaulding track shorts as underwear. However, I've never been able to corroborate it. I cannot find any photos or a single newspaper account. It does appear in a several Houdini books (Cartlidge, Silverman, Kalush), but their source is the Locklear book, which, as far as I can tell, is the only source for this second Fort Worth street feat.
So did it really happen? Or is it a Texas-sized Houdini myth? Ormer looks like he knows, but he's not talking!
Related:
The successful escape was witnessed by some 4000 Texans who packed the intersection of Throckmorton and 8th Street as seen below.
Click to enlarge. |
I'm always excited to find images of Houdini's suspended straitjacket escapes from this era. Most photos and film footage are from 1923-24 when big cities looked more like...big cities. But in 1915-16 many cities still looked like towns with older buildings that give it all a different flavor. (Houdini repeated the stunt in Fort Worth in 1923.)
Today the site of the original Star-Telegram Building is a parking lot. But the paper survives with offices just one block over on 8th Street.
This wasn't the only outdoor stunt Houdini is said to have performed in Fort Worth during this 1916 engagement. An account of a somewhat bizarre second feat appears in the 1973 book, Locklear: The Man Who Walked On Wings by Art Ronnie. This is a biography of Ormer Locklear, a Texas daredevil who would later become a famous wing-walker in Hollywood. Below is an edited excerpt:
One block from the Majestic was the Trav Daniel Sporting Goods store, where James, Ormer's younger brother, was working as a clerk. One day, to the delight of the clerks and customers, the magician came in to buy a pair of white Spaulding track shorts. "They're pretty good for underwear," he explained to James, standing behind the counter in awe of the illusionist. Finally able to talk, James blurted out that he enjoyed Houdini's act at the theater. He had also seen Houdini free himself from a strait-jacket while hanging upside down from the scaffold swung from the top of the Star-Telegram Building. Susceptible to flattery, Houdini talked about his act to his young admirer. During their conversation, James mentioned his brother's trick motorcycle riding. Houdini was amazed. A plan to use Ormer's daring to his advantage was already forming in his inventive mind and he asked to meet the "crazy fellow who would ride a trick motorcycle." Houdini liked the man he met. Satisfied, Houdini made the unusual suggestion that Ormer drag him, fettered, behind his motorcycle down Fort Worth's Main Street. "The publicity will be good for me and my act," Houdini said in his rough way. Only after Houdini's assurance that he would take certain precautions against injury did Ormer agree to go through with the stunt.
Houdini chose Main Street for his demonstration because it was the first "paved" street in Fort Worth. A series of wooden blocks, or round stumps, has been recessed into the street to protect the hooves of horses from injury. To protect himself, he wore a thick quilted overall. A hood to shield his head gave him the appearance of an Eskimo. Eager volunteers, attracted to the scene by the gathering crowd, tied his hands behind his back. A length of rope from Ormer's motorcycle was then attached to Houdini. The starting signal was given and with one last apprehensive glance behind him, Ormer reluctantly gave the gas to his cycle. Moving ever so slowly at first and then assured that his "passenger" wasn't being hurt by the jouncing about, Ormer gradually increased speed. But before he could attain real momentum, and much to his relief, it was all over. Houdini was free from his bonds and then from the rope attached to the motorcycle. The publicity paid off. The rest of his stand in Fort Worth, Houdini played to a packed house.
It's a great story. I think my favorite part is learning Houdini wore white Spaulding track shorts as underwear. However, I've never been able to corroborate it. I cannot find any photos or a single newspaper account. It does appear in a several Houdini books (Cartlidge, Silverman, Kalush), but their source is the Locklear book, which, as far as I can tell, is the only source for this second Fort Worth street feat.
So did it really happen? Or is it a Texas-sized Houdini myth? Ormer looks like he knows, but he's not talking!
Ormer Locklear - the man who dragged Houdini? |
Related:
Friday, June 26, 2020
Magic Collectors' Corner goes inside the Houdini Museum of New York
This Sunday, June 28, the Magic Collectors' Corner weekly ZOOM conference (#11) will again be Houdini-themed. The highlight will be a tour of the recently reopened Houdini Museum of New York by owner Roger Dreyer himself.
Magic Collectors' Corner Live Event #11
Meeting ID: 869 8962 9592
Password: Dante
IMPORTANT NOTE: The ZOOM event is limited to the first 100 participants, but a LIVE simulcast can be viewed on the Magic Collectors Corner Facebook Group. Join it now so you'll be assured you can watch the program.
Related:
"I look forward to sharing the Houdini Museum of New York with you all this Sunday. Not just Houdini, but Copperfield, Blackstone, Henning, and even a rubber chicken!" -Roger Dreyer
Magic Collectors' Corner Live Event #11
Meeting ID: 869 8962 9592
Password: Dante
IMPORTANT NOTE: The ZOOM event is limited to the first 100 participants, but a LIVE simulcast can be viewed on the Magic Collectors Corner Facebook Group. Join it now so you'll be assured you can watch the program.
Related:
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Locking down Houdini in Kansas
Don Creekmore, a lifelong resident of Kansas with a particular interest in the history of the Wichita area, is writing a book about Houdini in the Sunflower State. Don has launched a very well done website showcasing his research and asking for help in locating Houdini in Kansas. I love specialized work like this, and Don's site has me dazzled, especially all the new info he's uncovered on the California Concert Company. Have a look:
Related:
"Like many youngsters, Harry Houdini was almost a mythical figure in magic and history to me. How could someone bigger than life have any notable connection to Kansas? As my interest in his life, feats and mythology grew I stumbled upon a piece of faded fragile paper that would set in motion my desire to learn about Houdini's connection to the state & people of Kansas. As fate would have it, I would get married to my high school sweetheart in the Wichita Orpheum theater where Houdini performed in 1923.
So what was the faded piece of paper that started everything? As they say, you will have to wait for the book....." -Don Creekmore
Related:
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Houdini in 1907
The year 1907 saw Houdini touring free of his handcuff act and image. Exotic challenges now replaced the cuffs and spectacular bridge jumps supplanted jail breaks as his new headline grabbing stunt. It was a year in which he raised his profile and his price and became an undisputed star of American vaudeville, which in itself was booming under a new monopoly that embraced him.
This post is now retired.
But you will still be able to enjoy the story of Houdini in 1907 with the publication of my upcoming book.
Related:
Monday, June 22, 2020
HOUDINI on The Jewish Lives Podcast
The Jewish Lives Podcast is a monthly show hosted by Stanford Storytelling Project veteran Alessandra Wollner. Each episode includes an interview with an acclaimed Jewish Lives author, in this case Adam Begley, author of Houdini: The Elusive American.
On August 12th Adam Begley will be in conversation with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove as part of the Jewish Lives Summer with Park Avenue Synagogue series. You can get more information and register HERE.
You can purchase Houdini: The Elusive American at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Related:
On August 12th Adam Begley will be in conversation with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove as part of the Jewish Lives Summer with Park Avenue Synagogue series. You can get more information and register HERE.
You can purchase Houdini: The Elusive American at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Related:
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Mystifier, Fall 2002
Continuing my issue by issue look back at the Mystifier, the newsletter of the Houdini Historical Center that ran from 1991-2003.
The Fall 2002 Mystifier celebrates the coming of the U.S. Postal Service's First Class Houdini stamp. This was a personal triumph for the HHC and Sidney Radner who had lobbied long and hard for this recognition. The newsletter contains photos and a report from the HHCs own dedication ceremony on July 5. For the occasion, Wisconsin-based escape artist Mike Schroeder performed a suspended straitjacket escape.
The newsletter continues with news of a second big event; the unveiling of John Gaughan's restored Water Torture Cell. The cell was displayed at the Center for Jewish History in New York from July 3 to August 5. The newsletter includes a photo of John with the USD, which for many was probably their first look at the restoration. It also has a Q&A with John. Below is a sampling:
The newsletter continues with the sad news of the death of Ronald J. Hilgert, HHC member and author of Houdini Comes to America (1996). The museum shop announces new items related to the Houdini stamp, such a first day covers and pins. Recent donors are listed along with the staff of the HHC, which we now see is headed by Executive Director Terry Bergen who will prove controversial.
In his regular "Backstage" column, Sid (sporting a new column photo) talks about the HHC stamp event and the restored Water Torture Cell. He expresses disappointment that he was not invited to the official unveiling of the stamp in New York City. That ceremony featured David Copperfield (in a suit matching the one we see Houdini wearing in the stamp image) and Marie Blood. But Sid deems the Appleton ceremony as being the "much more impressive stamp dedication" and points out that it was covered by four TV stations.
Finally, it's worth pointing out that this issue introduces a few stylistic changes. No longer are the Contents listed on the cover. The font size is also increased (actually, the font sizes and styles are wildly inconsistent). This would also prove to be the last Mystifier printed in two colors.
The newsletter continues with news of a second big event; the unveiling of John Gaughan's restored Water Torture Cell. The cell was displayed at the Center for Jewish History in New York from July 3 to August 5. The newsletter includes a photo of John with the USD, which for many was probably their first look at the restoration. It also has a Q&A with John. Below is a sampling:
Mystifier: Did you understand the mechanism in the Water Torture Cell before you began?
JG: I had reworked the Water Torture Cell in 1991. If I had not had that opportunity, it would have been impossible to restore the Water Torture Cell at all. I needed to be familiar with the whole piece since it was so totally destroyed in the fire. There were only fragments remaining of the original piece.
Mystifier: What was the most difficult part of the project?
JG: To be faithful to the original design. Not to cut corners but to use exact materials and methods of the original. The restoration used rare Honduras mahogany with a ribbon pattern, just as in the original. I used lap joints in the construction, as in the original to allow for the expansion and contraction that would occur when it was filled with water.
The newsletter continues with the sad news of the death of Ronald J. Hilgert, HHC member and author of Houdini Comes to America (1996). The museum shop announces new items related to the Houdini stamp, such a first day covers and pins. Recent donors are listed along with the staff of the HHC, which we now see is headed by Executive Director Terry Bergen who will prove controversial.
In his regular "Backstage" column, Sid (sporting a new column photo) talks about the HHC stamp event and the restored Water Torture Cell. He expresses disappointment that he was not invited to the official unveiling of the stamp in New York City. That ceremony featured David Copperfield (in a suit matching the one we see Houdini wearing in the stamp image) and Marie Blood. But Sid deems the Appleton ceremony as being the "much more impressive stamp dedication" and points out that it was covered by four TV stations.
Finally, it's worth pointing out that this issue introduces a few stylistic changes. No longer are the Contents listed on the cover. The font size is also increased (actually, the font sizes and styles are wildly inconsistent). This would also prove to be the last Mystifier printed in two colors.
Mystifier
Volume 12, Number 3
Fall 2002
6 pages
Contents:
U.S, Postal Service Recognizes Houdini!
The Water Torture Cell is Reborn!
R.I.P. Ronald J. Hilgert
Museum Shop News
The Water Torture Cell is Reborn!
R.I.P. Ronald J. Hilgert
Museum Shop News
Backstage with Sid Radner
Related:
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Houdini Comes Alive June 25
David London in conjunction with the Jewish museums of Maryland and Milwaukee will present a special Live Stream of his popular Houdini talk and performance on June 25.
Click here for more information and to register.
Related:
JMM Squared - Houdini Comes Alive
On Thursday, June 25th at 7:30 pm EST the Jewish Museum of Maryland in partnership with Jewish Museum Milwaukee presents 'Houdini Comes Alive.' Join us for this magical performance with magician David London as he takes us back in time to truly discover the world's first superstar.
JMMSquared: The Jewish Museum of Maryland and the Jewish Museum of Milwaukee come together to present a unique pairing of programs, only made possible by our current challenging situation. This pair of programs celebrates the ways in which we have been able to successfully work together to bring to both Baltimore and Milwaukee some of our most popular exhibits of recent years including Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini and Stitching History from the Holocaust.
Click here for more information and to register.
Related:
Friday, June 19, 2020
Climb aboard the Frisia
Here's a cutaway model of the German steamship SS Frisia that resides in the Smithsonian. What's this have to do with Houdini? Well, it was the Frisia that the Weiss family boarded in Hamburg 142 years ago today bound for America. It was the first ocean voyage for the 4-year-old Ehrich Weiss.
Built in 1872 by Caird & Co. in Scotland, the Frisia (originally launched as the Alsatia) was part of the Hamburg-American Line. It had room for 820 passengers and could make the Atlantic crossing in about 12 days. Frisia was one of the last iron steamships of its era. Following its run as an immigrant ship, Frisia was sold to Italian owners who converted it into a coal carrier. In 1902, the ship, then known as the Arno, was scrapped in Italy.
Related:
Built in 1872 by Caird & Co. in Scotland, the Frisia (originally launched as the Alsatia) was part of the Hamburg-American Line. It had room for 820 passengers and could make the Atlantic crossing in about 12 days. Frisia was one of the last iron steamships of its era. Following its run as an immigrant ship, Frisia was sold to Italian owners who converted it into a coal carrier. In 1902, the ship, then known as the Arno, was scrapped in Italy.
You can see many more photos of the SS Frisia model at the Smithsonian's American History website.
For more information about the Weiss family immigration check out Houdini Comes To America by Ronald J. Hilgert and Houdini: Escape into Legend, The Early Years: 1862–1900 by Manny Weltman.
Related:
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The Houdinis and the Doyles...take an Uber?
On this 98th anniversary of the infamous Atlantic City seance, here's a photo of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lady Doyle, Bess and Houdini that I've not seen before. This was shared as the October 2015 "Treasure of the Month" at the Conan Doyle Collection website.
I don't really know anything more about this image, other than it looks a little tight in that back seat. Someone can't sit up with the poor driver?
Soon I'll be sharing a "ghostly" Houdini-Doyle curiosity from the Fred Pittella collection. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: I'm going to make a guess that this is Denver, Colorado in May 1923. I believe the sign on the building behind them may read The Mile High Photo Co., which was a Denver business. At this time Houdini was performing at the Orpheum and Doyle was lecturing at the Ogden Theater.
Related:
Click to enlarge. |
I don't really know anything more about this image, other than it looks a little tight in that back seat. Someone can't sit up with the poor driver?
Soon I'll be sharing a "ghostly" Houdini-Doyle curiosity from the Fred Pittella collection. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: I'm going to make a guess that this is Denver, Colorado in May 1923. I believe the sign on the building behind them may read The Mile High Photo Co., which was a Denver business. At this time Houdini was performing at the Orpheum and Doyle was lecturing at the Ogden Theater.
Related:
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
LINK: TR vs. Houdini (History Vs. podcast)
This is a very well done telling of the famous story of Houdini fooling President Theodore Roosevelt aboard the Imperator in June 1914. Click the headline to have a listen at the History Vs. podcast at Mental Floss.
Related:
Related:
Monday, June 15, 2020
Houdini's forgotten agent: Jenie Jacobs
We all know about Martin Beck's involvement in managing Houdini's early career. We also know about Harry Day who booked Houdini on his UK tours. But I recently discovered there was another agent in Houdini's life: Jenie Jacobs.
Jacobs has an interesting story herself. She grew up in a Syracuse orphanage and was "cast adrift" at age 13. She came to New York and worked her way through law school at New York University while learning stenography at night. She then entered the agency business and in time distinguished herself as one of only two female booking agents in the business (the other was in Russia). She lived with her life-long partner Pauline Cook of the vaudeville sharp-shooting team "Cook and Clinton." The two later formed their own agency.
It not clear exactly when Jacobs first entered Houdini's orbit, but to hear her tell it, it was early in his career. In a syndicated 1922 profile ("A Creator of Footlight Careers") she claimed to be responsible for Houdini's high salary. Her story doesn't quite comport with known facts, but you gotta love her last line, as I'm sure Houdini did.
It's more likely Jacobs represented Houdini after his return to the U.S. in 1905. She definitely represented Hardeen when he returned in 1907. Her name is featured prominently on Hardeen's trade advertisements, referring to her as "Miss Jenie Jacobs, The Hustling Agent." She also represented Houdini's boyhood friend and one-time Houdini Brother Joe Hayman. Joe played Vaudeville with Mildred Franklin as "Hayman and Franklin." Another familiar client was Dr. Walford Bodie, "The Famous Bloodless Surgeon and Electric Wizard."
Jacobs relationship with Houdini appears to have soured, and in 1908 she sued the magician for $2,250 in commissions owed.
It may be a testament to her skills of persuasion that she was able to reconcile with Houdini a few years later and once again act as his agent.*
It speaks well of Houdini and Hardeen that in this male dominated age they entrusted their careers to a woman (and an apparent gay woman at that). But it's clear Jacobs had no problems asserting herself in a "mans world." She offered this advice to women:
In 1921 Jacobs launched a successful career as a theatrical producer, clocking several hits on Broadway. She also sued the all-powerful United Booking Office (UBO) for "oppression and discrimination." She continued to represent top talent, including Jack Benny, and soon branched into radio. In the 1930s she became closely affiliated with the RKO circuit. It's possible she may have again booked Hardeen at this time.
Jenie Jacobs died of cancer on February 21, 1933 at age 55. She is buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.
Related:
Jacobs has an interesting story herself. She grew up in a Syracuse orphanage and was "cast adrift" at age 13. She came to New York and worked her way through law school at New York University while learning stenography at night. She then entered the agency business and in time distinguished herself as one of only two female booking agents in the business (the other was in Russia). She lived with her life-long partner Pauline Cook of the vaudeville sharp-shooting team "Cook and Clinton." The two later formed their own agency.
It not clear exactly when Jacobs first entered Houdini's orbit, but to hear her tell it, it was early in his career. In a syndicated 1922 profile ("A Creator of Footlight Careers") she claimed to be responsible for Houdini's high salary. Her story doesn't quite comport with known facts, but you gotta love her last line, as I'm sure Houdini did.
It's more likely Jacobs represented Houdini after his return to the U.S. in 1905. She definitely represented Hardeen when he returned in 1907. Her name is featured prominently on Hardeen's trade advertisements, referring to her as "Miss Jenie Jacobs, The Hustling Agent." She also represented Houdini's boyhood friend and one-time Houdini Brother Joe Hayman. Joe played Vaudeville with Mildred Franklin as "Hayman and Franklin." Another familiar client was Dr. Walford Bodie, "The Famous Bloodless Surgeon and Electric Wizard."
Jacobs relationship with Houdini appears to have soured, and in 1908 she sued the magician for $2,250 in commissions owed.
Variety, Aug. 22, 1908 |
It may be a testament to her skills of persuasion that she was able to reconcile with Houdini a few years later and once again act as his agent.*
Variety, April 13, 1912 |
It speaks well of Houdini and Hardeen that in this male dominated age they entrusted their careers to a woman (and an apparent gay woman at that). But it's clear Jacobs had no problems asserting herself in a "mans world." She offered this advice to women:
"[This] is the particular warning I would like to hold up to women: not to let their own timidity and men's boldness bluff them into feeling that they are unable to carry on business on their own account. We must bluff a little too and keep awake."
In 1921 Jacobs launched a successful career as a theatrical producer, clocking several hits on Broadway. She also sued the all-powerful United Booking Office (UBO) for "oppression and discrimination." She continued to represent top talent, including Jack Benny, and soon branched into radio. In the 1930s she became closely affiliated with the RKO circuit. It's possible she may have again booked Hardeen at this time.
Jenie Jacobs died of cancer on February 21, 1933 at age 55. She is buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.
* UPDATE: I've since learned that Houdini and Jacobs settled their lawsuit for $1.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Fantasma Magic presents The Eyes Of Houdini
Here's some Sunday fun from the Fantasma Magic YouTube channel. Prepare to be amazed (if only temporarily).
Fantasma is home to the Houdini Museum of New York. They are currently closed due to Covid-19, but you can have a look inside their Houdini museum via the links below.
Related:
Fantasma is home to the Houdini Museum of New York. They are currently closed due to Covid-19, but you can have a look inside their Houdini museum via the links below.
Related:
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Forty years ago in New Jersey
Today marks 40 years since the contents of 278 were auctioned off at a New Jersey estate sale that was the stuff of dreams for those lucky enough to have attended. Revisit my post from 2011 about...
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Friday, June 12, 2020
Houdini returning to business
Yesterday while taking a walk before my "Behind the Bookcase" with Mike Caveney (which went well enough that there's talk of a Part 3!), I noticed that some stores in my neighborhood have reopened after being shut down for Covid-19. I haven't walked into a "non-essential" business for months, so I slipped on my mask and went inside the eclectic Mystic Museum on Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. Here's the first thing I saw. Perfect.
This original oil painting was done by Robert Heckman for a special exhibition on spiritualism. If interested, visit or contact the good folks at the Mystic Museum. They've open!
Other Houdini related reopenings are the Catalina Island Museum, the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, and the McCord Museum in Montreal. The House of Houdini in Budapest is also preparing to reopen soon.
Related:
Other Houdini related reopenings are the Catalina Island Museum, the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, and the McCord Museum in Montreal. The House of Houdini in Budapest is also preparing to reopen soon.
Related:
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye – the unmade Houdini biopic of 1976
It's not generally known that when Melville Shavelson was preparing his 1976 TV biopic The Great Houdinis for ABC, a rival Houdini movie was in the works at NBC called The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye. Produced by Paramount and Playboy Productions, the aim was to air the film in October to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Houdini's death. Of course, this was also the proposed air date for the ABC film.
When asked about the coincidence of two Houdini projects, Edward L. Rissien, executive VP of Playboy Productions said, "There are many instances where a personality lends itself to two different treatments. We are proceeding as announced for NBC."
Patrick Culliton, who worked as a technical advisor on the NBC project, says two names producer Bill McCutchen mentioned for the role of Houdini were Robert Blake and Charles Bronson. Bronson was a big movie star so that was probably wishful thinking. But Robert Blake was a real possibility and a good choice. Blake was the star of the hit TV show Baretta at this time. Actress Joan Hackett was mentioned as a possible Bess. While no casting was finalized, production was announced to begin March 15, 1976.
A copy of the screenplay by Jean Holloway resides at the The William H. Larsen Sr. Memorial Library at The Magic Castle. What's most striking is how close this script follows the Harold Kellock book, Houdini His Life Story. It's almost as though Holloway had the book opened in front of her and transcribed it beat for beat. But this means The Heart is Quicker Than The Eye would have been the most accurate of all the Houdini biopics. Hardeen, Martin Beck, Margery, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle all feature in the film. And while Houdini does break his ankle in the Water Torture Cell, he does not die in it. In fact, his death is for the first time depicted accurately.
But somehow all this doesn't make for a better movie. The script is plodding, repetitive, and strangely dull. "I suffered through a treatment and three drafts of Jean Holloway's script as a research man," says Patrick. "I hated them all."
One original aspect Holloway introduces is the suggestion that Bess possesses true powers of extra sensory perception that she does not fully understand. But she is able to foretell events and successfully warn her husband off danger (when he'll listen). This is pretty interesting and I love the irony that Bess is the Houdini with the true powers. But it isn't developed far beyond the first act, and Bess's role in the film is largely to be a worried wife.
A fun detail is when Houdini is examined by a doctor for a burst blood vessel in his kidney (a regular source of pain for him in this script as it was in real life). The doctor's name is Larsen. Is this a nod to the famous Larsen magic family of Magic Castle fame? Could they have even considered having Bill Larsen Jr. play the role? Remember Bill was in Houdini (1953) as the S.A.M. head chopping magician, so this would have been a fun nod to this first Houdini biopic.
So what happened to The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye? Despite Playboy's assurance that they were moving ahead, it appears the announcement of The Great Houdinis was enough to give the network cold feet. Says Patrick, "At that time, a decision to go with our Houdini movie took NBC a year, the decision for ABC to go with Mel Shavelson's project seemed to have been made in a week. Bill McCutchen was trying to save his project, but, it was over. We'd been scooped."
Patrick went on to work on The Great Houdinis, and even appears in the film as Franz Kukol.
The novelization for The Great Houdinis says it is a co-production with Playboy, so it's possible some kind of agreement was worked out between the networks and production companies. Whatever the case, The Heart Is Quicker Than The Eye was shelved and ABC's The Great Houdinis was the sole Houdini film to take to the airways that anniversary year.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Cox & Caveney Behind the Bookcase rematch!
Just a heads up that Mike Caveney and I will be back at it this Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 PM (PST) for Part 2 of "Behind the Bookcase: Eternally Houdini."
Behind the Bookcase is available to all AMA Members via the AMA Facebook Group. Episodes are then archived and available on the Magic Castle website. So if you're a member of the AMA, hope to see you Thursday!
Related:
Related:
Monday, June 8, 2020
Hollywood home of Bess and Edward Saint for sale
The house at 1616 N Curson where Bess Houdini and Edward Saint lived at the time of the Final Houdini Seance is for sale. The beautiful craftsman-style home was built in 1918 and last changed hands in 2017.
It appears the house went on the market right at the start of the Covid-19 lockdowns, so that might account for it still being unsold. Or maybe it's the $2,395,000 price-tag. Yikes!
You can check out the listing, which includes many photos of the house inside and out, on Zillow.
It appears the house went on the market right at the start of the Covid-19 lockdowns, so that might account for it still being unsold. Or maybe it's the $2,395,000 price-tag. Yikes!
You can check out the listing, which includes many photos of the house inside and out, on Zillow.
UPDATE: Looks like the house sold on October 20, 2020 for $2,240,000.
Related:
Related:
Saturday, June 6, 2020
This is C. Dundas Slater
Here's a rare photo of Charles Dundas Slater from the November 10, 1900 issue of The Era. Slater was the man who famously booked the shipwrecked Houdini into his Alhambra Theater in London in July 1900. The rest, as they say, is history.
A photo of Slater in 1911 appears in Patrick Culliton's Houdini The Key. But I've never seen an image of him at the time he gave Houdini his big break, so this is exciting. This photo accompanied a profile of Slater in The Era ("A Chat With Charles Dundas Slater") which praises him as "one of the most popular managers." The article also mentions Houdini who was due to return to the Alhambra after a successful tour of Germany. Slater is quoted as saying:
But Slater is probably most remembered for allegedly offering the young Houdini a bet that if he could free himself from Scotland Yard manacles he would book him at the Alhambra. The bet played out at the famous police headquarters with none other than Superintendent William Melville cuffing Houdini's arms around a pillar. Below is an illustration of that scene from The Great Houdini: Magician Extraordinary by Beryl Williams and Samuel Epstein. I'm presuming Slater is the man with his arms behind his back, which turns out to be a pretty good likeness!
Related:
A photo of Slater in 1911 appears in Patrick Culliton's Houdini The Key. But I've never seen an image of him at the time he gave Houdini his big break, so this is exciting. This photo accompanied a profile of Slater in The Era ("A Chat With Charles Dundas Slater") which praises him as "one of the most popular managers." The article also mentions Houdini who was due to return to the Alhambra after a successful tour of Germany. Slater is quoted as saying:
"Houdini is coming back to us with practically a new show, and will do his business in a more convincing way. He will dispense with the cabinet, and will do all his tricks with a small table."
But Slater is probably most remembered for allegedly offering the young Houdini a bet that if he could free himself from Scotland Yard manacles he would book him at the Alhambra. The bet played out at the famous police headquarters with none other than Superintendent William Melville cuffing Houdini's arms around a pillar. Below is an illustration of that scene from The Great Houdini: Magician Extraordinary by Beryl Williams and Samuel Epstein. I'm presuming Slater is the man with his arms behind his back, which turns out to be a pretty good likeness!
For the record, I don't believe the story of the all-or-nothing bet, nor the fanciful version of events at Scotland Yard. But that's a topic I tackled HERE.
Slater was also portrayed on film by actor Clive Revill in The Great Houdinis (1976). Below is the Slater scene from the ABC biopic, which is a terrific bit of Houdini fiction in itself.
According to Wikipedia, C. Dundas Slater remained manager of Alhambra until 1907 (he had joined in 1898). He then managed the London Coliseum until ill health and failing eyesight affected his ability to work and he was dismissed on June 29, 1912.
On July 8, 1912, Slater ordered a taxi to drive him to Charing Cross Hospital. Whilst on the journey he shot himself in the head with a revolver.
On July 8, 1912, Slater ordered a taxi to drive him to Charing Cross Hospital. Whilst on the journey he shot himself in the head with a revolver.
The Bendigo Advertiser, July 13, 1912. |
Friday, June 5, 2020
10th Anniversary: Houdini re-haunts Six Flags
Ten years ago today I reported on the reopening of "Houdini’s Great Escape" at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. The popular ride is set inside an imaginative version of 278 and had been non operational for two years.
TEN YEAR UPDATE Happily, "Houdini’s Great Escape" is still in operation at Six Flags Great Adventure, although the park itself is temporarily closed due to Covid-19. There is also a "Houdini's Great Escape" at Six Flags New England set inside a haunted Opera House. I love that Houdini lives in these popular attractions and I wonder how many children get their first exposure to the Houdini story this way.
Related:
TEN YEAR UPDATE Happily, "Houdini’s Great Escape" is still in operation at Six Flags Great Adventure, although the park itself is temporarily closed due to Covid-19. There is also a "Houdini's Great Escape" at Six Flags New England set inside a haunted Opera House. I love that Houdini lives in these popular attractions and I wonder how many children get their first exposure to the Houdini story this way.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Houdini to the minute
Here's a clipping from the January 15, 1923 St. Louis Post Dispatch that is unlike any other Vaudeville advertisements I've encountered while working on my Chronology. Most ads are in the style of playbills that list the performers by importance. Houdini, of course, tops the bill. But this ad shows the acts as they actually appeared during the course of the twice daily shows.
I love this for the insight it provides. Here we can see Houdini took the stage at exactly 3:19 PM (matinee) and 9:19 PM (evening). It also shows us Houdini's act was exactly 25 minutes in length, matching the Morgan Dances as the longest acts on the bill. Houdini's act on this tour featured the Needles and the Water Torture Cell, although sometimes a challenge would be performed instead of the USD.
Here's a bit of extra trivia about this particular engagement. On the evening of January 17th, St. Louis Mayor Henry Kiel went on stage as part of Houdini's committee.
Okay, back to work...
I love this for the insight it provides. Here we can see Houdini took the stage at exactly 3:19 PM (matinee) and 9:19 PM (evening). It also shows us Houdini's act was exactly 25 minutes in length, matching the Morgan Dances as the longest acts on the bill. Houdini's act on this tour featured the Needles and the Water Torture Cell, although sometimes a challenge would be performed instead of the USD.
Here's a bit of extra trivia about this particular engagement. On the evening of January 17th, St. Louis Mayor Henry Kiel went on stage as part of Houdini's committee.
Okay, back to work...
Magic Collectors' Corner #8 - Houdini Special
To keep us entertained during the Covid-19 lockdown, producer David Sandy has launched a weekly ZOOM conference called Magic Collectors Corner. Every Sunday David invites the top magic collectors from around the world to showcase their treasures. This Sunday's conference (#8) will be Houdini-themed! I will be joining David along with other collectors who will unlock their best Harry.
For more details about the Magic Collectors' Corner and to stream the conferences check out their Facebook Group.
Related:
Hey Folks! This Sunday night's Magic Collectors' Corner will be off-the-charts!
We're going to have our eighth online gathering of magic collectors and history enthusiasts this Sunday night (June 7, 2020). It'll be held on the ZOOM platform. Start time is 5:00pm Pacific, 6:00pm Mountain, 7:00pm Central, and 8:00pm Eastern.
We have another great line-up of presenters and discussions! Our feature will be HOUDINI... and our guest presenters will blow you away with things you may not have known about the King of Handcuffs! In addition, we'll have great games, contests, and special features, including Ask Adele, What Is It?, and much more!
Here's the ZOOM information:
Topic: Magic Collectors' Corner Live Event #8
ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 838 9075 9052
Password: Dante
For more details about the Magic Collectors' Corner and to stream the conferences check out their Facebook Group.
Related:
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Richard Sherry promises "astounding news" about the Canadian Mystery Cell
Richard Sherry, who in February revealed himself as the owner of what we've come to call the "Canadian Mystery Cell", shared the following on his Facebook page last week.
Related:
Click to enlarge. |
Everything I know about this cell I shared in my original post about its discovery, so I'm as much in dark as anyone at this point. But I'm thrilled the son is talking, and I look forward to some facts about this unusual magic artifact.
UPDATE: Richard and Dayle have written a two-part guest blog showing the cell in detail (Part 1) and sharing their discoveries and theories (Part 2).
Related:
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Mystifier, Summer 2002
Continuing my issue by issue look back at the Mystifier, the newsletter of the Houdini Historical Center that ran from 1991-2003.
The Summer 2002 Mystifier features a lengthy profile of Bess aka "Madame Houdini" by HHC curator Kimberly Louagie. It contains mostly known information, but a gem is the reproduction in full of a letter Bess wrote to Hardeen on April 21, 1911. Letters written by Bess during Houdini's lifetime are uncommon, so this is something special. It's written to Dash in secret after Harry and his brother appear to have had a fight. I'm taking the liberty of reproducing it here:
Following the Bess piece is a plea to "Friends of Houdini" for donations to the HHC by Executive Director JoEllen Wollangk. There are also details of a special party on July 5, 2002 to celebrate the upcoming Houdini stamp.
Page five contains another rare treat. It's a facsimile reproduction of an Oath of Secrecy signed by Houdini assistant John Boyd on May 7, 1913. I admit John Boyd is a new name to me.
Sid Radner's photo is omitted from his "Backstage" column this time. Sid discusses the above oath and how oaths such as these are why one doesn't read exposures from Houdini's assistants. Sid again claims all published accounts of how Houdini did his Water Torture Cell are incorrect. He then says something very intriguing regarding the Mirror handcuffs:
What exaclty did Sid know???
Sid finishes by saying he has been in touch with a newly discovered member of the Houdini family and that he will reveal more in a future Mystifier. (Sid sure loved to withhold, didn't he?)
The newsletter ends with the special announcement that the recently restored Water Torture Cell will be unveiled at the American Jewish Historical Society of New York. There's also a reproduction of Josolyne's illustration of Houdini's Walking Through a Brick Wall from Weird Wonders for Wizards (1925), which is a correction to the last issue which mistakenly used Gibson's illustration from Houdini's Escapes and Magic.
The Summer 2002 Mystifier features a lengthy profile of Bess aka "Madame Houdini" by HHC curator Kimberly Louagie. It contains mostly known information, but a gem is the reproduction in full of a letter Bess wrote to Hardeen on April 21, 1911. Letters written by Bess during Houdini's lifetime are uncommon, so this is something special. It's written to Dash in secret after Harry and his brother appear to have had a fight. I'm taking the liberty of reproducing it here:
My dear Bro. Dash,
Just heard that you were not coming over here, and the reason why. Now Dash, please do come over and if Harry does not pay the difference I will. Harry does not know I'm writing this. Now I want to tell you why he is sore. You know we are playing all the towns that you played, and of course there are plenty of guys always ready to tell H. about your challenges and what you did, and H. told me you had promised not to do challenges etc. Of course he is sore now, but I am sure if he sees you he'll forget all about it. Harry is working to death, he looks so old, he's quite gray and I am afraid he is over doing it all. Now please Dash come over. I'm looking forward with pleasure of seeing Elsie and Baby Harry, but I hope you will come with them, and I am ready to help to keep my word about paying the difference (you know I have a bank account). Please let me know at once if you come.
I am as ever your loving sister Bess.
Following the Bess piece is a plea to "Friends of Houdini" for donations to the HHC by Executive Director JoEllen Wollangk. There are also details of a special party on July 5, 2002 to celebrate the upcoming Houdini stamp.
Page five contains another rare treat. It's a facsimile reproduction of an Oath of Secrecy signed by Houdini assistant John Boyd on May 7, 1913. I admit John Boyd is a new name to me.
Sid Radner's photo is omitted from his "Backstage" column this time. Sid discusses the above oath and how oaths such as these are why one doesn't read exposures from Houdini's assistants. Sid again claims all published accounts of how Houdini did his Water Torture Cell are incorrect. He then says something very intriguing regarding the Mirror handcuffs:
At the present time the secret of the London Daily Illustrated Mirror Handcuff escape is still unknown to the public. I know the answer but I am not convinced that revealing the secret serves any good purpose.
What exaclty did Sid know???
Sid finishes by saying he has been in touch with a newly discovered member of the Houdini family and that he will reveal more in a future Mystifier. (Sid sure loved to withhold, didn't he?)
The newsletter ends with the special announcement that the recently restored Water Torture Cell will be unveiled at the American Jewish Historical Society of New York. There's also a reproduction of Josolyne's illustration of Houdini's Walking Through a Brick Wall from Weird Wonders for Wizards (1925), which is a correction to the last issue which mistakenly used Gibson's illustration from Houdini's Escapes and Magic.
Mystifier
Volume 12, Number 2
Summer 2002
6 pages
Contents:
Madame Houdini
Houdini Stamp Event
We need your help!
Houdini Stamp Event
We need your help!
Backstage with Sid Radner
Related:
Monday, June 1, 2020
May 2020 in review
Here's a rundown of posts by category that appeared on WILD ABOUT HARRY last month.
Most Viewed Post
The 'Houdini House Pen' gets it write
Houdini History
Houdini's Westlake leap
Houdini did not approve this message
The Siberian Transport Prison Cell escape
"Houdini's School Days"
Houdini meets DeMille
At last! Evidence of Houdini's near fatal buried alive surfaces
Houdini's Madison straitjacket escape then and now
Listen to The New School's 1977 Houdini Seance
When Douglas Geoffrey became Hardeen Jr.
The hidden meaning of Houdini's iconic suit
Books
Choosing Houdini
New Italian edition of Gibson's Houdini on Magic
Arthur Moses reprints the first Houdini & Holmes adventure
Movies
Houdini (1953) on Talking Pictures TV
Days of Thrills and Harry Houdini
Theater
Watch ETHER: The Strange Afterlife of Harry Houdini & Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Auctions
Master Mystery episode 10 poster sells for $24,570
Art
Bess Houdini by Medusa Dollmaker
Events
Instagram Live event with Katherine Factor
Talking Houdini with the AMA this Thursday
Mystifier File
Mystifier, Spring 2002
Links
LINK: The Man From Beyond in Farmington
LINK: The escape artist
10th Anniversary
10th Anniversary: Those Vanishing Elephant photos
Deaths
R.I.P. Roy Horn
Rapper who went by "Houdini" is killed in Toronto
Misc.
April 2020 in review
Most Viewed Post
The 'Houdini House Pen' gets it write
Houdini History
Houdini's Westlake leap
Houdini did not approve this message
The Siberian Transport Prison Cell escape
"Houdini's School Days"
Houdini meets DeMille
At last! Evidence of Houdini's near fatal buried alive surfaces
Houdini's Madison straitjacket escape then and now
Listen to The New School's 1977 Houdini Seance
When Douglas Geoffrey became Hardeen Jr.
The hidden meaning of Houdini's iconic suit
Books
Choosing Houdini
New Italian edition of Gibson's Houdini on Magic
Arthur Moses reprints the first Houdini & Holmes adventure
Movies
Houdini (1953) on Talking Pictures TV
Days of Thrills and Harry Houdini
Theater
Watch ETHER: The Strange Afterlife of Harry Houdini & Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Auctions
Master Mystery episode 10 poster sells for $24,570
Art
Bess Houdini by Medusa Dollmaker
Events
Instagram Live event with Katherine Factor
Talking Houdini with the AMA this Thursday
Mystifier, Spring 2002
Links
LINK: The Man From Beyond in Farmington
LINK: The escape artist
10th Anniversary
10th Anniversary: Those Vanishing Elephant photos
Deaths
R.I.P. Roy Horn
Rapper who went by "Houdini" is killed in Toronto
Misc.
April 2020 in review
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