Thursday, November 6, 2025

Houdini's curious request

When Houdini died on Halloween 1926, his brother Theo Hardeen inherited his show and came out of retirement. Dash had a healthy career as a "Handcuff King" from 1900 to 1917. He then hung up the handcuffs to help run Houdini's ill-fated film factory. But now he was headed back to the stage. As far as I know, this striking poster was the first touting Hardeen as Houdini's successor. This appears in Ken Trombly's new book The Art of Magic.

Ken Trombly Collection

However, Hardeen's inheritance was not unconditional. Houdini's Will contained a curious stipulation that I rarely see discussed. Hardeen could only inherit the show if his sons were confirmed in the Jewish faith within three months. I recently came across an article in which Hardeen himself explained the reasons behind this.

The Herald Statesman, Nov 16, 1926.

Hardeen appears to have adhered to his late brother's wish, and he began his tour on January 17, 1927, in Bridgeport, CT. He continued to perform as "Houdini Legal Successor" until his own death in 1945.

While none of Hardeen's children or their offspring went into magic, we are fortunate today to have his grandson, George Hardeen, son of Harry Hardeen, looking after the legacy of Houdini and his grandfather. 

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3 comments:

  1. Leo HeviaNovember 7, 2025 at 9:41 AM

    I wonder if it was because Hardeen's wife was not Jewish? Or was she? If she was not, then I can see Houdini's concern. If the mother is Jewish, I believe the children are automatically Jewish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John CoxNovember 7, 2025 at 11:20 AM

      She was not. It's my understand none of the brothers had Jewish wives.

      Delete
    2. Leo HeviaNovember 7, 2025 at 3:31 PM

      That must have been the reason why Houdini wanted his two nephews to keep the faith.

      Delete