Did Houdini escape from Scrubs?

This photo sold over the weekend in Haversat & Ewing Galleries Auction #45 for $354. The auction description says it came from the Houdini family in the 1990s. On it, we see a notion in Houdini's hand reading: "Wormwood Scrubs Jail entrance London."

Still in operation today, Wormwood Scrubs is located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Houdini did perform at the Hammersmith Palace the week of October 31, 1910. So could this mean he did a jailbreak from Scrubs that week?

I have no record of a jailbreak at this time, and 1910 is a little late for such an escape. Houdini was well into bridge jumps as his preferred outdoor stunt. Scrubs is also not listed among the jails that David De-Val escaped from. De-Val is said to have escaped from all the surviving jails that Houdini escaped from in the UK.

It's still possible Houdini did a jailbreak from Scrubs that was not widely reported. Or maybe the old jailbreaker just found this an impressive-looking building, as it still is today!

Congrats on the winner of this intriguing rarity. And thank you to our friends at Haversat & Ewing for being regular advertisers. Click the image below to see the prices realized on their latest auction.

Related:

• David De-Val reveals 'The Real Secret' of Houdini's cell escapes
• Houdini in Blackpool's new "Showtown" museum
• Did Houdini do a jail escape in 1923? (UPDATE)

The Raymund Fitzsimons play

In the early 1990s a Houdini play ran in the UK called Houdini's Death Defying Mystery written by Raymund Fitzsimons. That name should sound familiar. Fitzsimons also wrote the 1981 Houdini biography, Death and the Magician, which has the distinction of being the only new Houdini biography published in the 1980s. For the longest time I knew nothing about this play, other than that it existed because I had found a poster online (right).

But now John Lovick (aka Handsome Jack) has shared with me an article penned by Fitzsimons himself for a 1992 Magic Circular that finally provided some details. It begins:

Last January I was commissioned by Pocket Theater, Cumbria to write a play about Houdini. Pocket Theater is a small professional touring company, with a national reputation for innovative productions. Their interest has been aroused reading my biography of Houdini, Death and the Magician. 

I had told Karen Gillespie, the artistic director, that I had no wish to dramatize my book. I had in mind an original play, an imaginative interpretation of Houdini's life, in which the natural and supernatural would intermingle. I wanted to write an enchanted play, a magical play about a man of mystery, a man of secrets.

In the play I portray Houdini as the bravest and most conceited man in the world. He is also one of the most ambitious, expecting everyone who loves him – his wife, his mother, his brother – to play their part in helping him become the highest paid entertainer in vaudeville. 

He succeeds in this ambition, and, in doing so, he becomes a legend, a symbol, a myth. Success excites him, but it haunts him too. He is haunted by the fear that his escape techniques could be of supernatural origin.

Houdini was played by Peter Gerald (seen right striking THE pose). Of his lead Fitzsimons says, "I believe Peter was destined to play this role, for an addition to the physical likeness there is a spiritual infinity. In rumpled evening dress or bathing suit, he is the personification of Houdini." Bess was played by Amanda Macdonald.

Pocket Theater was limited to four actors, so some of the performers played multiple roles. Sophy Ackroyd played Houdini's mother and Margery. Fitzsimons says, "The dual personality gives the seduction scene between Margery and Houdini an intriguing psychological twist." David Cole played Margery's spirit guide Walter and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The play was directed by Keiran Gillespie with a score by Scottish composer Glenn Plukett. David De-Val was the escapology consultant.

I don't know how long the production ran. But I do know that it played at the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria in October and November 1992. It also played the Rudolf Steiner Theatre in London in February 1993.

Thanks Handsome Jack!

Related:

• Houdini Plays (full list)
• Houdini A Circus Opera (1977)
• A reader remembers 'Man of Magic'

Guest Blog: A modern day Transport Cell challenge

Today I'm excited to share a UKEA Guest Blog about Tim Houlton's modern day attempt of one of Houdini's most famous challenge escapes: the Transport Prison Van.

by Tim Houlton, Allan Taylor & Chris Gower

So where on earth do you get a Transport cell from I hear you ask? Well, it’s a funny story but the prisoner transport unit was originally sold at a motor auction and purchased by a vehicle recovery company. They bought it for its chassis cab with the intention of converting it into a new recovery truck for their fleet. The prison truck body was then removed and put up for sale on E-Bay. Before the truck was sold the usable electronics had been removed and kept for spares and when they did, the looms were cut through causing further damage. On the positive side the mechanics of the security systems on the truck where intact as were all the internal fixtures.

The Challenge

The concept of a cell escape in terms of my escapology performances isn’t one I had previously considered; I enjoy the audience participation aspect of performance. The idea of adding a cell escape to my range of performances came from Andy Robertson’s Escape from a cell at Peterhead Prison on 31st October 2017 along with David De-Val’s book Cell Escape – The Real Secret presented to me by Rebecca as a thank you for assisting with an escape that she and Allan performed. The prison truck escape idea actually came about during a conversation with Allan Taylor whilst replacing his kitchen floor, we were talking about the Discovery channel series Houdini’s Last Secrets Allan and his Wife Rebecca featured on the show and had been involved in the episode that spoke about the Siberian Cell escape.

So taking this discussion one step further, we knew the many rumours about how Harry had succeeded and defeated the technology of his day but could we do it again in the modern age?

First step was to make this beleaguered prison transport unit actually work and that was quite a project. Getting a Haynes manual for this truck basically isn’t happening, I’ve never seen the inside of one of these trucks and the equipment that remains was largely approaching the end of its life. I started with the wiring that didn’t go anywhere and with the display from the main panel and worked from there. Originally the truck would have had a central panel running down the ceiling down the truck from one end to the other. This panel had the main lighting, Fire detection, CCTV, speakers for the sound system (yes it had a sound system) and some form of indication of the status for the locking systems on the cell doors. The status indicator was critical as the signals from the locks went into it and emerged in another format to communicate with the main panel. So in short I had a puzzle and people who know me will tell you I love a good puzzle. Many hours and days later the systems were in working order and that’s when the real challenge begins on how to defeat this thing. The obvious solution is the escape trap hatches on the roof.

The locking mechanism release involves operating a lever inside the truck body and another one that would have been inside the cab. The lever that would have been inside the cab is badly rusted and seized, even if I could operate both at the same time from inside a cell the one outside cannot be released. The trap hatches and the locking mechanism for them have sensors on them that will trip the alarm system. The cell doors don’t have a hatch so that option isn’t viable. I have a 50mm gap under the door that is a metre away from the main lock on the outside of the cell and the auxiliary lock and both of those mechanisms are also monitored by the alarm. The cell door is in a solid steel structure and the 3 stage locking system goes 40mm into the door in the centre and at the top and bottom. I’m sure you agree it’s an interesting challenge.

The Escape

Saturday 23rd November 2019, a day to remember. After our tour of Hull to view some historical Houdini locations, we all met back at the Hotel and set off in the rain in convoy. The first sight of the Prison Van was when we travelled down a small country road and looked over to a disused gravel pit where the Transport Unit was parked.

The main door was secured with a high security DOM lock and had a three point locking mechanism. On entering the unit there were six cells each one having a triple locking system. Firstly when the door is slammed it is locked like a night latch, turning the key deadlocks the latch and finally another key is used to secure the door top and bottom and also sets the alarm. Needless to say there are no keyholes inside the cell. Each Cell has a hatch in the ceiling used in cases of emergency. These hatches can only be opened using two independent levers.

These levers are located at the front and back of the van and need to be operated at the same time. Tim had rebuilt all the electronics and basically a guard would travel with the prisoners. An alarm would sound if any of the doors were opened or if the escape hatch was opened. Furthermore another alarm unit was wired into the main cab to alert the driver if any problems occurred.

After changing into his ‘Lucky’ shorts, T shirt and heavy motorcycle boots, Tim was checked by our volunteer Police Officer using a metal detector to ensure he did not have hidden tools. Two large D padlocks were locked onto his ankles and were connected by a chain and secured with two Abloy high security padlocks. His wrists were handcuffed with a pair of single linked Chubb Arrest Handcuffs which were double locked. The chain from the legs was then attached to the link in the handcuffs using another Abloy padlock.

Tim was then escorted into the cell and yet another lock secured the chain to the floor. Several of us checked the cell to make sure there were no tools hidden. The Cell Door was then slammed shut and the key turned to deadlock the door. The second key was then used to set the alarm and throw the bolts top and bottom. The outer door was closed, locked and the timer started. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 minutes passed then at 7 mins 40 seconds the panic alarm sounded! Next thing we know the Prisoner Tim was on the roof drinking a bottle of milk completely free from the cell and all his shackles! He took his bow and climbed down with huge applause. The Milk was dedicated to David De-Val who famously escaped from York Prison and was found outside drinking a bottle of Milk.

The main door was opened and the Cell Door was still closed. When the Cell door was opened everything was still in place and the escape hatch secure. Well done Tim, really looking forward to our next UKEA meeting when we might have an idea on how you accomplished this remarkable escape. This is a first in the history of escapes and will go down as one of the great escapes in the 21st century.

You can watch a video of the escape at the De-Val Escapology YouTube Channel.

Related:

• Houdini v the Siberian Transport Cell, Part I: The escape
• Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part II: How did he do it?
• Houdini's Last Secrets episode 3 unlocks the Carette

Houdini's Last Secrets episode 3 unlocks the Carette

The third episode of Houdini's Last Secrets investigates the Siberian Transport Prison Van escape in Moscow in 1903. This is an ideal subject for this type of series, and it was the episode I was most looking forward to.

Unfortunately, the history in this episode is as misleading as its title: "Siberian Prison Conspiracy." It's a jumble of fact, fiction, and speculation, all twisted together in support of the central idea that Houdini was in Russia working as a spy. Yes, we're back to that. This is a heart breaker after the very good episode 2 which stuck to the facts and showed what this series can be.

But if we set the pseudohistory aside, there are aspects of this episode that are very enjoyable, and it may have even helped settle a controversy about the carette escape that has lingered for decades.

Once again, a highlight are several fine interviews with fresh faces. We get to visit Ken Trombly who shares a rare original Russian playbill from his incredible collection. David Saltman talks about Houdini in Russia and offers some speculation about spy work. It's especially nice to see Rebecca Taylor, whose father, David De-Val, repeated many of Houdini's jail breaks. I love how they teased but didn't show her father's all-important "Gimmick X". And master locksmith Steve Sharp provides some interesting insight into lock picking. Getting into the mechanics of lock picking was one of the aspects of this episode I enjoyed the most.

Meanwhile, Steve Wolf at Stunt Ranch reconstructs a carette for Lee Terbosic to attempt an escape. It's exciting to see this legendary vehicle take form, although I would have expected there to have been some debate about the window size, which is key to the escape and a controversial aspect of the famous poster. In fact, there are a several things the show sidesteps to make their theories work, but that's fine.

In the end, Lee attempts the escape, and here's where the show might have provided a service to Houdini history. Houdini himself admitted that he picked the lock on the carette door. But the 1931 book, The Secrets of Houdini, claimed he actually cut through the zinc floor. This dramatic escape method became popular with biographers and appears in many books, although it was always doubted by the best, such as Milbourne Christopher, Ken Silverman, and Pat Culliton.

Now here we get to see the theory put to the test as Lee attempts to cut through the same zinc floor with his smuggled tool. He quickly discovers it's impossible in the allotted time. It would take hours or maybe days to accomplish. So at least this episode puts one myth to rest. Houdini did not cut his way out of the carette.

But how then does Lee escape? Or did he escape? I will leave that for you to discover.

Houdini's Last Secrets airs on the Science Channel and the SciGO app. You can also stream episodes at their website or purchase the series at Amazon and iTunes.

If you're interested in more information on Houdini's Siberian Transport Van escape and other topics touched on in this episode, check out the below links:

Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part I: The escape

Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part II: How did he do it?
Brad Meltzer is peddling the myth that Houdini was a spy

Houdini in 1903
Houdini's Last Secrets - Episode Guide

The curious story of Houdini and Carleete

The 2013 blog Carleete tells the story of escape artist Harry Howes ("Carleete") who is said to have sold Houdini the idea for his famous Water Torture Cell.

The blog is a bit of a tangle of unclear dates and confused interpretations of the "water escape," but the basic story is that in 1911 Carleete toured Britain with an underwater barrel escape similar to Houdini's Milk Can (which Houdini invented in 1908). When Houdini was in Bradford, he paid Carleete to challenge him with his apparatus. When Houdini later introduced his Water Torture Cell, the idea that he had purchased his "water escape" from Carleete was born.

Of course, the USD and Carleete's barrel are hardly similar, but this claim dogged Houdini for years, and even gets a mention in Houdini The Untold Story.

The blog also includes a reprint of a terrific article by David De-Val from the April 1986 Escapism about Houdini's meeting with Carleete as recalled by his son Osmond (pictured above). It contains a wealth of interesting details -- including Houdini introducing himself as Mr. Harry Weiss -- and it offers one of the few eyewitness accounts of Houdini conspiring to set-up a challenge.

So click on over to Carleete and check out the post and David De-Val's must-read "Houdini & Carleete." You can also view a video on YouTube of Carleete's other son, Bayne Howes, telling an entirely different (barrel free) version of events.

Thanks to "Jack" of Houdini & Hardeen for the tip.

Related:

• The Chinese Water Torture Cell
• A Houdini confederate confesses in 1975
• David De-Val reveals 'The Real Secret' of Houdini's cell escapes

Escapology exhibition in East Kilbride, Scotland

A special exhibition devoted to escapology is now on show at the East Kilbride Arts Centre in East Kilbride, Scotland. The exhibition is presented by escape artist Andy Robertson and includes artifacts related to Houdini and escapists such as David De-Val. It also includes the famous "Glasgow photo" of Houdini and his Water Torture Cell.

The exhibition runs through May 28 and admission is free. Below are images from Friday's opening.

The East Kilbride Arts Centre is located at  51 - 53 Old Coach Road, East Kilbride G74 4DU. For more visit the official website.

Thanks to Andy Robertson for the photos.

Related:

• NEW photo of Houdini and his Water Torture Cell unearthed in Scotland
• Our man in Glasgow
• Houdini (Himself) in Glasgow, 1920

David De-Val reveals 'The Real Secret' of Houdini's cell escapes

Here's something very exciting for those who are interested in learning the secrets behind Houdini's amazing feats.

During his career, escapologist and magician David De-Val visited and/or escaped from all of the surviving jail cells in the UK that Houdini escaped from. In doing so, De-Val claimed to have discovered Houdini's secret. In 2000, he recorded his exploits and findings in a privately printed book called Cell Escape - The Real Secret, which is a rare collectible.

Now Allan James Taylor and Rebecca De-Val have released a "new and improved" edition with all the original content from the 2000 edition along with new images and information. The first batch sold out immediately, but more are in stock and can be purchased now from the David De-Val Tribute website store.

For all you Escapologists – David De-Val’s Cell Escape – The Real Secret

“…I extensively researched Houdini’s seemingly supernatural escapes, concentrating for a period on his remarkable jail cell escapes. Many authors have put forward theories. Believe me, none have even come close to the real secret! I personally visited the jail cells in England from which Houdini performed his escapes all those years ago. Their locations were drawn from contemporary newspaper accounts made by the reporters who actually witnessed the stunt being performed. And very detailed they are – most running into many column inches. After four years of almost weekly study, at last I had his closely guarded secret! I set about proving this by duplicating his naked cell escapes at every opportunity…” - David De-Val.

For more on the life and work of David De-Val check out the David De-Val Tribute Site.

Thanks to Allan and Rebecca.

Related:

• Daughter of De-Val
• Wild About David
• Houdini the Jail Breaker

Daughter of De-Val

On Tuesday night I had the great pleasure of meeting Rebecca and Allan Taylor at the Magic Castle during their first visit to Los Angeles. Rebecca is the daughter of master escape artist and magician David De-Val, who escaped from every UK jail cell that Houdini had escaped from still in existence. De-Val believed he discovered the untold secret to Houdini's jail escapes, which he published in the book, Cell Escape-The Real Secret. David De-Val passed away in 2002.

Also in the group were Patrick Culliton, Joe Fox, Cliff Gerstman, and Lisa Cousins (not pictured). Legends all!

You can learn more about David De-Val at the terrific David De-Val Tribute Site.

Related:

• Wild About David
• LINK: The Fenton Lock
• LINK: Close to Houdini

LINK: The Fenton Lock

Here is a must read article at the David De-Val Tribute Site about The Fenton Lock, which is claimed to be a lock that "beat The Great Houdini."

That designation is a touch misleading. Houdini was indeed challenged with The Fenton Lock (twice), but he refused the challenge (twice) because he was not allowed to examine it before hand. This was a standard condition of his when challenged with a non-regulation lock such as this.

Click here or on the headline to have a read at the David De-Val Tribute Site. You can also see video of The Fenton Lock HERE.

Thanks to Allan and Rebecca (below) for the photos and great work on this post.

LINK: Close to Houdini

The David De-Val Tribute Site has reproduced a fascinating article written by De-Val in a 1985 issue of Escapism in which he reports on a visit with Kathleen Owen, the assistant to Houdini's English agent, Harry Day.

Mrs. Owen knew Houdini and relates some truly unique and personal information, including that Houdini carried with him at all times a small polished wooden box containing mementos of his mother ("he would worry if it was out of his sight"), that he "swore occasionally, but not a lot," and that Harry Day did not like Bess.

Click on over and have a read, and also have a browse of some of the other De-Val articles on this excellent tribute site.

Thanks to Andy Robertson.

Wild About David

A terrific new tribute website has been launched devoted to the late David De-Val, www.davidde-val.com. The site covers De-Val's long career as one of the UK's preeminent escape artists, and includes goodies like this:

Click to visit the 'David De-Val Tribute Site'

Moving the Milk Can

Recently Joe Fox lent me a January 1987 issue of ESCAPISM which contains a very good article by David De-Val about Houdini's Milk Can escape. De-Val tells the untold story of how Houdini had his can secretly modified in the middle of the night by a man named Harry "Henry" Robins in a Wolverhampton sheet-metal factory in December 1908. The modifications allowed Houdini to perform the escape faster. "I'll hardly have time to get wet," he is reported to have said when they finished work at 3AM.

One detail the story revealed was that Houdini traveled with the can inside a round wicker basket. David points out that the very basket can been seen in Milbourne Christopher's Houdini A Pictorial Life. All these years of looking at these photos -- and that basket -- and never once did I realized I was looking at Houdini's original Milk Can in transit. I love this kind of thing.

Houdini using a wicker basket to transport the Milk Can makes some practical sense when you consider it probably had to be moved in the high speed of Vaudeville while still wet. However, using a basket also opened up the can to potential damage, and a dented Milk Can could prove to fatal. This was the case in 1930 with a Houdini imitator named "Genesta" who drowned when he failed to escape from a can that had been dropped before his show.

Maybe that's why a later "Houdini Milk Can" -- currently on display as part of the Houdini Art and Magic exhibition (and I suspect is actually Hardeen's 1928 can) -- had a custom made traveling case which survives to this day (below).

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