Robin will take on the challenge at the UKEA Convention at Shrewsbury Prison in the UK on June 14, 2025. Chris Gower will also give a talk on the rare handcuffs that Houdini owned. You can get more details at the UKEA Convention's Facebook page and buy tickets at De-Val Escapology. Does someone in the UK want to be my eyes and ears to make sure this thing is on the level!?
In all seriousness, I'm thrilled the UKEA and Robin have embraced this idea. The Hodgson challenge was one of Houdini's hardest tests, and I think a lot can be learned from recreating it.
But can he do it?
Related:
From memory Houdini was first handcuffed with several cuffs in front of his body. Then several leg irons were used to cuff him above his elbows behind his back adjoining his elbows tightly.
ReplyDeleteSo even if his hands were free he would not be able to reach the locks of the leg irons that pinioned his arms backward.
Houdini knelt down on his knees and several leg irons were placed upon his ankles and the chain of both were locked to the chain of the leg irons at his elbows.
Am I close?
I believe Harry cut his way out of this escape. Am I close?
DeleteSomething like that. They'll be using a description from the papers that I posted on their FB page.
DeleteWill he be secured in the same manner as Houdini was bound? As brutal and will he have prior knowledge of the manacles which will be used to bind him?
ReplyDeleteThat's the idea. He'll be secured based on a good description in the newspaper at that time. Don't know if Robin will be giving prior knowledge of the manacles, but Houdini didn't have that. The Hodgson manacles were customized. Hodgson also wrapped his manacles in twine and plugged the keyholes. It was not a fair test and extremely brutal. Don't think they will be doing that.
DeleteThe rules went out the window. Which was why Harry pulled out his mini saw.
DeleteHave you got someone in UK to be check that the escape is carried out to your satisfaction?
ReplyDeleteI trust them. This actually is a love match.
DeleteWhat’s a love match? - Abby Martin
DeleteThis was an expression Hodgson used onstage when a doctor recommended the shackles be temporarily removed to allow the circulation to return to Houdini's arms. "This is a contest, not a love match! If you're beaten, give up." I think it's self-explanatory.
DeleteDang! This Hodgson guy was brutal! Poor Harry! - Abby Martin
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