It was 99 years ago today that Houdini gave his final performance at the Garrick Theater in Detroit on October 24, 1926. Here is a review of that show that ran in the Detroit Free Press the following day. The reviewer, Philip N. O'Hara, was unaware of the drama that was unfolding backstage. But it's clear from his review that not all was right that night. A remarkable and, yes, somewhat spooky review in hindsight.
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Houdini was booked for two weeks at the Garrick, but only played this one day. By the time this review appeared, he was at Grace Hospital fighting for his life.
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It wasn't just the reviewer. The audience sensed something was wrong. There are eyewitness accounts of Collins having to stand in and help out on the stage. And that Houdini kept fumbling with his effects.
ReplyDeleteTwas the beginning of the end… 😞 - Abby Martin
Delete"The Show MUST Go On!" Indeed, I understand this motto very well. As Houdini, nothing on this Earth would ever stop us from appearing and performing our magic for a live audience. It is the principle of it "keeping our word" at ALL times. I know as Houdini, it is not the payment for the show per se but rather "pleasing and entertaining our audience." Nothing beats those smiles and that applause. Now, I try my best to emulate his magical ways, his charity for all, his long term friendships with our fellow prestidigitators, elevating our "art," and, being patriotic as well. YES-Magic has indeed opened many doors for me and has brought joy to so many of our youth providing FREE numerous magical effects for my hundreds and hundreds of students since the 1980's. Long live the name of "HOUDINI" but most importantly, his kindness and the many smiles he created during his lifetime.
ReplyDeleteBenjilini
Ran across this interesting website that has a wonderful link to New York Time newspaper articles over a years and of particular interest today are the articles about his death published that last week of his life here it is. When it opens on the homepage look down at the bottom left for the Houdini museum. Click on that and it will show New York Times articles through the years.
ReplyDeleteThanks again John for publishing this poignant article about Houdini today. Dave Edwards
https://www.intervalmagic.com/
That's Tom Intervals' site. One of the OG Houdini websites. Amazing work. Tom actually gifted me his folder of all these articles printed. A wonderful resource, especially as articles now sometimes disappear from newspaper.com, etc.
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