Below is one of the only ads that references Houdini's death, referring to him as "the late Houdini." I found another ad that calls the film as "His Last Great Creation." Apart from these, ads largely ignored the fact that the film's famous star was now deceased.
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| Evening Advertiser, April 1, 1927. |
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| Evening Post, Feb 17, 1927. |
Houdini had planned to tour the UK in 1927, presumably with his "3 Shows in One." It's possible he negotiated the release of The Man From Beyond for 1927 in anticipation of his return to the country after a six-year absence. When he last played the UK in 1920, The Grim Game was just coming out in cinemas.
I've often thought about how audiences perceived this last appearance of Houdini in the UK, where he was so well-known and popular. Seeing The Man From Beyond must have been a somewhat melancholic experience. And, considering the story is of a man returning from the dead, a little spooky!
But very Houdini.
Wow! Didn't know that! Doyle must have seen it here in the U.S. Where did Houdini’s share of the British box office money go? Did they cut Bess a check?
ReplyDeleteYeah, Doyle saw in America. Good question about the money. It probably went to Ernst and the estate.
DeleteOr maybe HH sold the UK distribution rights for a flat fee. He probably made the deal while still alive. Or maybe Ernst made it after he died as a way to help with estate expenses? Hmmm. I don't know. Something to learn.
DeleteIt can go either way. As you pointed out, he was planning on returning in 1927 with his 3 in One and possibly negotiated Beyond's release to coincide with his tour. The film would have been great advertising for his show.
DeleteOr...having learned the vagaries of the movie business, the hard way, he cut a flat fee and got his money early.