Catalina 'Terror Island' screening a magical event

On Saturday, May 19, Houdini's Terror Island screened with live musical accompaniment inside the historic Art Deco Casino Theater on Catalina Island, where the movie was filmed 98 years ago. The event was a triumph! The movie played beautifully before a large crowd who gave the musicians a standing ovation (or was that for Harry?). The event was put on by the Catalina Island Museum in conjunction with Catalina's 31st Annual Silent Film Benefit, which ranks as one of the longest running celebrations of silent film in the world.

The day kicked off inside the historic 1929 Catalina Island Casino with a special brunch for members of the Patrons Society. As a lender and advisor to the museum's current Houdini: Terror on the Magic Isle exhibition, I was invited along with fellow lenders Joe Notaro, Mark Willoughby, and friends Joe Fox and Lisa Cousins (Houdini nuts all!). As I didn't have to do any speaking at this event, I was able to enjoy a few mimosas! A great way to start what would be a full day.

After brunch we settled into the stunning 1,184 seat auditorium to enjoy a special magic pre-show by Jim Bentley. Jim, as we all know, has a long career playing Houdini in stage and television. I was disappointed that he did not perform in character, which I believe was the expectation and certainly would have fit the event. But he did do a straitjacket escape on stage, which was a treat to see in the time capsule that is the Avalon Casino.

The doors were then opened to the public and a large crowd filled the auditorium. This happened to also be the weekend of the Art Deco Society's Annual Ball, so some people came dressed in period clothes. One gentleman wore a pith helmet! Houdini nut Stacey Zimmerman, who had traveled from Florida for the event, arrived in a vintage Harry Harper-like mohair sweater, which everyone instantly recognized and was the hit of the day!

Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of the Catalina Island Museum, opened with a speech, thanking all the attendees and contributors and provided some nice background on the movie. She then introduced award-winning composer and sound designer, Michael Mortilla, who in-turn introduced his accompanists: Nicloe Garcia, Frank Macchina, and John Krovoza. These are highly accomplished musicians who would perform some real magic on the movie. You can read more about them in the below pages from the very nice 36-page event program.

Click to enlarge.

I had been sitting near the front for Jim's show, but I decided to relocate to the back of the auditorium for the movie. I like to watch the audience watching a Houdini movie. The lights went down with a star-field effect arching over the huge domed ceiling (very art deco!), and from the darkness Houdini returned to Catalina Island.

Now, I've seen Terror Island with audiences both large and small on several occasions, and it plays...okay. It's not a sure fire winner like The Grim Game, but it's also not a slog like The Man From Beyond. But with the beautifully performed and perfectly timed live score, Terror Island came to life as I've never experienced before. The audience seemed entirely involved; they laughed and gasped in all the right places, and when the movie ended, they gave the musicians a standing ovation. I couldn't help but think this was the celebratory premiere event that the movie never had in 1920. It was truly magical. Congratulations to everyone who made the event such a success.

But that wasn't the end of our day's adventure. After the screening, we went to see the nearby ruins of the Hotel St. Catherine, where Houdini stayed when he filmed Terror Island in November 1919. We also took photos overlooking the rocky shoreline where Houdini famously was "buffeted about like a cork" in the high surf as he tried to rescue a crippled camera boat. The dramatic episode is well chronicled in the museum's Terror Island exhibition, which is where we all headed next.

Stacey Zimmerman...or Harry Harper?

After we spent a good hour in the exhibit (which I covered here), and another hour sitting talking Houdini in the open air patio, Julie Perlin Lee brought us into the museum's work rooms to share with us two new Houdini discoveries, both having to do with the above mentioned rescue incident.

First up, assistant curator Jessica Zumberge played us an audio excerpt from a 1976 interview with Stephen "Squirrel" D'Arcy, who manned the rescue boat that succeeded where Houdini had failed. D'Arcy remembered Houdini, director James Cruze, assistant director Vernon Keys, and the making of the movie on the island. But neither he nor the interviewer (Chuck Liddell) could recall the name of the film! It's a remarkable piece of recorded Catalina-Houdini history.

Julie then showed a recently discovered scrapbook belonging to the other rescuer, Tinch Moricich. Inside was a newspaper clipping from the Los Angeles Examiner, which up until now only existed as a poor quality xerox in Pat Culliton's The Tao of Houdini. But here at last was the original with a very clear photo of Houdini in the rocks. I believe an effort is going to be made to add both these finds to the exhibition.

Another surprise is that the museum now has on-site the new Houdini pinball machine. It's currently set up in the lobby and is very popular! There were a pack of kids playing it the entire time we were there. But as it was now after hours, Julie removed the glass so we could hand trigger the movie modes with hopes seeing the Terror Island features. This proved to not be so easy! But eventually we were able to view the movie clips (and more) and we all enjoyed taking turns playing the game itself. It's a blast!

Somehow the entire day had escaped without time to visit the sites of the Terror Island crew hotels and the Strand Theater, so that will have to wait for the next trip. As the sun set and people in period dress made their way to the Art Deco Ball, we boarded the boat back to Long Beach with the memory and music of Terror Island playing in our heads. It was another magical day on the Magic Isle.

Check out the Catalina Island Museum website or Facebook for details about the ongoing Houdini: Terror on the Magic Isle exhibition and their upcoming magic-related events, such as a screening of Houdini (1953) on June 1st and Death Defying Acts later this summer.

Thanks to Stacey Zimmerman for the use of two of his photos. Also check out Joe Notaro's report on the event at Harry Houdini Circumstantial Evidence.

Related:

• See 'Terror Island' on Terror Island next Saturday
• Houdini is back on 'Terror Island' starting TODAY
• Discovering Terror Island
• American Pinball unveils 'Houdini' in Texas

See 'Terror Island' on Terror Island next Saturday

Next Saturday, May 19, you'll have the unique opportunity to see Houdini's 1920 movie Terror Island on Terror Island itself (aka Catalina Island).

The Catalina Island Museum in conjunction with the 31st Annual Silent Film Benefit will screen Terror Island in Avalon's historic Art Deco Casino with live orchestral accompaniment by award-winning composer and sound designer, Michael Mortilla & The Accompanists. The screening is at 1:00 pm and tickets can be purchased HERE.

There will also be special pre-screening Magic Show with magician and noted Houdini impersonator Jim Bentley. Jim will be doing several signature Houdini feats, including a straitjacket escape. The pre-show is for museum members only, but memberships will be available at the door.

As a bonus, the Art Deco Society will be holding their annual ball that night, so expect to see the island swarming with people in period dress -- just like the days when Houdini was there! And, of course, Houdini: Terror on the Magic Isle, an exhibition devoted entirely to Houdini's 1920 movie, is currently on show at the Catalina Island Museum and is a must see.

Catalina Island can be reached using the Catalina Express, which runs boats to and from the island all day long. I'll be attending the May 19 events along with a pack of fellow Houdini nuts. Hope to see you there!

UPDATE: This won't be the first time Terror Island has screened on Catalina. As you will learn in the museum's exhibition, Terror Island played at Catalina's Strand Theater during its initial release in 1920. Last weekend Joe Notaro found the location of The Strand. Check out Joe's report HERE.

Related:

• Houdini is back on 'Terror Island' starting TODAY
• Discovering Terror Island
• White Shadows in the South Seas (1919)

The Greatest: Houdini (1999)

If the 1970s was a boom time for Houdini books, then the 1990s was the heyday of Houdini documentaries. This was largely due to the proliferation of cable channels and the success of A&E's "Biography" series (which did a Houdini episode in 1994). Soon every history and entertainment channel had a similar  weekly documentary series, and a Houdini episode was de rigueur.

One of those Houdini documentaries appeared on TLC's short-lived series The Greatest. Produced by Whatabout Me Entertainment, the 60 minute doc aired on August 5, 1999. It includes interviews Ken Silverman, Penn & Teller, Patrick Culliton, Dorothy Young, Joe Fox and The Pendragons. Jim Bentley, who also co-produced, plays Houdini in several well done dramatizations.

It's a good documentary with some great Houdini footage and Bentley's reenactments make it a standout. On the downside, it gives us the acid-on-dress version of the Houdinis courtship, exposes the Milk Can, and makes no mention of Houdini's movie career.

The Greatest: Houdini was never released on VHS or DVD, and is one of the few '90s docs that has not yet found its way onto YouTube. So I've taken the liberty of uploading my own recording of the original 1999 broadcast. YouTube monetized it for music copyright holders (so you will see pop-up ads), but it looks like they are letting it remain, so I'm happy to share it here. Enjoy.

You can see more videos like this at the WILD ABOUT HARRY YouTube Channel.

Related:

• Houdini on Mysteries & Scandals
• Houdini one of 1000 Ways To Die
• Watch Houdini Never Died

Jim Bentley as Houdini at The Golden Spur, August 14-16

The great Jim Bentley will be reprising his role as Houdini at the famous Golden Spur restaurant in Glendora on August 14th, 15th, and 16th. Jim has played Houdini on stage and on TV numerous times, so it's a special treat to see him once again putting the period tux.

Jim is playing Houdini as part of a full evening dinner show. Tickets are $65 (Italian buffet included) and are available by calling 626-963-9302. The room only seats 60, so grab your tickets soon.

Says Jim, "Would love for my friends and family to come and support! Hope to see you there!"

Established in 1918, The Golden Spur is located off of 1223 E Route 66 in Glendora, CA.

Related:

• The Great Houdini reappears as an eBook
• An excellent Trick
• Houdini one of 1000 Ways To Die

Jim Bentley selling Houdini handcuff collection

Jim Bentley channeling Houdini.

Jim Bentley, a true legend of the Houdini world (he had played Houdini on stage and on TV numerous times), is selling his amazing collection of Houdini handcuffs and locks. The collection including working replicas of Houdini's Mirror Handcuff, the French Letter Cuff, and the Russian Manacle. These were made by master locksmith Ian McColl for the 1998 TNT biopic Houdini. The collection also includes genuine handcuffs from Houdini's time, and an assortment of antique locks and restraints.

The entire collection is housed in two cases which are themselves beautiful replicas the Houdini display cases made for the 1953 Houdini movie, and now part of the David Copperfield Collection. Jim also has letters and material related to the creation of the Houdini cuffs for the TNT movie, along with other Houdini related movie material.

Below are photos of the cases as they were recently displayed at the Malibu Playhouse during the run of Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter.

Johnathon Schaech models the McColl/Bentley cuffs in Houdini (1998).

Jim would like to keep the collection together if he can. This is a very rare chance to own an amazing collection of handcuffs, and also a good way to help out Jim and his lovely wife Suzanne at a time when they could use some assistance.

If you are interested, email Jim at jbmagic123@gmail.com.

REVIEW: Flim Flam is for real

Houdini and Margery share a Master Mystery moment.
(Photo: Brian McCarthy)

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter at the Malibu Playhouse in Malibu, California. Maybe I'm still under the influence of the champagne reception, but I think Flim Flam could very well be the best Houdini play I've yet seen. Not only is there a steady stream of insider references to excite the Houdini buff, but it's also a beautifully layered story of three couples struggling with their marriages amid fame and a world tumbling toward spiritualism as the answer to all things. Flim-flam indeed.

From the moment the play begins, it is clear everyone involved in the production has done their homework, and this play is here to celebrate Houdini, not bury him. During his introduction on opening night, playwright Gene Franklin Smith said, "The more you study Houdini, the more you discover that you don't know anything about him." We all know how true that is!

But it's clear that Smith has the fever, as he peppers the play with historical Houdini Easter-eggs. We hear Harry order Farmers Chop Suey; Bess gets stuck in the sub trunk (I missed her real-life line: "So this is how you try to kill me!"); there is a mention of Bess's niece, Julia, and a rub-down with Zam-Buk; the name Quentin Locke is heard (suggesting Houdini might have pre-visited Margery in disguise?); wax "ectoplasmic" hands are used to comedic effect; and Act 2 opens with a terrific silent movie vignette of Houdini and Margery being harassed by Dr. Crandon as The Automaton. This last bit I especially loved, and to coin a Houdini expression, it was here I fell back and proclaimed Gene Franklin Smith "master."

Rick D. Wasserman as Houdini.
(Photo: Brian McCarthy)

Rick D. Wasserman is excellent as Houdini. He resists the familiar urge to play the escape king as an overly theatrical egotist, and instead gives us a much more accurate and very human Harry. Here we get a hardworking, showbiz savvy Houdini; a tactician and professional who is, nevertheless, wracked in pain and looking for a less strenuous way to evolve his career. His Houdini is quick witted and disarming with an easy smile, but still dominates any room he's in, despite more than a few jokes made about his height. It's always interesting to observe how an actor deals with Houdini's still mysterious voice, and here Wasserman creates a voice that has a touch of a New York accent, but also contains many elements of Harry's mixed heritage and experience. We even get to hear Wasserman sing "Rosabel" in a fine singing voice. Yes, Houdini sings in Flim Flam. Hello, money's worth!

Bess is a very important character in this play and she's magnificently played by the talented Melissa Kite. Bess is in her full "Champagne Coquette" mode here, and while drinking makes her quick tempered and unstable at times, she is still Houdini's rock of stability and frequently the only "sober" person in the room when it comes to calling out fakery. Kite as Bess is charming and witty and holds her own with Wasserman's Harry. They feel like a real couple. But the "spirits" Bess has turned to are far more insidious than those being channeled by Margery and Lady Doyle on behalf of their husbands, so the Bess of Flim Flam is also tragic. Again, feels true.

Margery channels the spirits.
(Photo: Brian McCarthy)

Sabra Malkinson as Mina Crandon a.k.a. "Margery" is sexy, strong, charismatic, and even a little frightening. Her stage time is limited, but she dominates when present -- a force as formidable as Houdini himself, as it should be. Malkinson nicely channels Walter in her strong stage voice using genuine Walter dialogue, and her costuming (and lack thereof) beautifully reflects her complex marital situation -- she's both free and captive. Her Margery admits to using trickery at times, yet she produces phenomena that is unexplainable -- the same mantra as Harry Houdini. The play ends with a wonderful "what if" by having Bess visit Margery as a last ditch effort to contact her beloved Harry. It's an electric idea, but you'll have to see the play to find out what happens.

Cameron Mitchell, Jr. brings us a thoroughly oily Dr. Leroi Crandon, Margery's controling husband. Crandon is stiff and old-world by intent, and his open anti-Semitism brings an instant tension to his scenes with Houdini. As with all the women in the play, Margery is in a state of reaction to her husband's ego and will. But there is a very funny moment when Crandon has to correct his wife on the pronunciation of his own name -- showing that while he controls Margery as any wealthy husband would at the time, he doesn't have her respect or even full attention. Love it.

Peter Van Norden as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is spot on. There is a moment, beautifully staged and performed, in which Doyle explains how spiritualism allowed him to talk to his dead son, and in a flash we understand and forgive the naiveté of the creator of Sherlock Holmes. This is a man who finds comfort in spiritualism from the worst pain possible, even at the cost of his reputation. There is also a nicely staged scene at the beach in which Houdini and Doyle discuss the idea of suicide as "an answer." One wonders of they might have really had such a conversation.

Sir Arthur and Lady Doyle conjure Mama Weiss.
(Photo: Brian McCarthy)

Top-billed Gigi Bermingham as Lady Doyle is commanding and her scenes with Bess are particularly well done, and she also wears some beautiful period clothing. In Flim Flam we get to see the infamous Automatic Writing session in Atlantic City, and Bermingham eerily rolls her eyes into her head so that they flutter white. Of all the tricksters in this play, Lady Doyle seems to be the most insidious faker, but her motivations are the hardest for me to fathom. Of course, this was also true in real life (was Lady Doyle insane?), so all this all feels correct.

Flim Flam is an entertainment, not a history lesson, so there are moments of poetic license. We see Margery (successfully?) channel Mama Weiss, which certainly never happened in life. But this serves the story well and Sabra Malkinson's Mama's voice is as effective as her Walter. Perhaps the largest leap is when Harry lands on the idea of doing a spiritualist exposure act -- and does so as a broadly comedic routine with Bess as his partner. Not really accurate (his spiritualist lecture and act was deadly serious), but this was actually an inspired way to present this. Not only did it provide an entertaining and lively moment for the audience in a play that has a lot of talk about death, but it nicely reunited "The Great Houdinis" on stage and very efficiently motivates Conan Doyle's rage over Houdini's (comedic) ridicule of his deepest beliefs. Again, great work by Gene Franklin Smith here.

"The Great Houdinis" reunite to parody a seance.
(Photo: Brian McCarthy)

The magic was supervised by our friend Jim Bentley (who has himself played Houdini on-stage on several times), and in the course of the evening we get to see a straitjacket escape, Metamorphosis, the Spirit Cabinet, and a scarf through the neck (very skillfully performed by Wasserman). Also high marks go to the beautiful and historically accurate costumes by Claire Livingston, impressive stage design by Erin Walley, sound design by Greg Chun, and, of course, the magnificent direction by Thomas James O'Leary that pulls all this great work together. You get much more production value in Flim Flam than in many plays of this size.

My only disappointment of the evening? Where the heck was the magic world!? While the play was sold out, the only familiar face I saw was Jim Bentley. Listen up people; one of the best Houdini plays that's every been produced is happening right now (through Aug 3) at the Malibu Playhouse which, by the way, is a beautiful venue with the ocean right across the street. So pull your noses out of your Erdnase and get on over to the Malibu Playhouse and spend some time with the Houdinis (AMA members get a discount). This is a very special play and a terrific experience, and that's no flim-flam!

Cast and crew after Friday's premiere.

Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter plays through August 3, 2014 at Malibu Playhouse located at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265. Tickets may be purchased through the box office, online at malibuplayhouse.org or by calling 323-960-7711.

For more information visit the Malibu Playhouse website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Production photos by Brain McCarthy. For more on Brain's work visit McCarthy Photo Studios.

Flim Flamming last night in Malibu

The new play by Gene Franklin Smith, Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter, had its "Red Carpet Gala" opening at the Malibu Playhouse last night. The sold out event was a big success and the play itself was terrific! I'm hoping to get my review up by Monday, but in the meantime, enjoys these pics from last night.

Houdini here!

Jim Bentley entertains some early arrivals.

Cast and crew. Bravo!

With Bess (Melissa Kite) and Margery (Sabra Malkinson).

With Houdini himself (Rick D. Wasserman).

Jim Bentley's lock collection on display.

Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter is written by Gene Franklin Smith and directed Thomas James O'Leary. The cast includes Rick D. Wasserman as Houdini, Melissa Kite as Bess, Sabra Malkinson as Margery, Cameron Mitchell Jr as Dr. Leroi Crandon, Peter Van Norden as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Gigi Bermingham as Lady Jean Conan Doyle.

Tickets may be purchased through the box office, online at malibuplayhouse.org or by calling 323-960-7711. Malibu Playhouse is located at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.

For more information visit the Malibu Playhouse website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

UPDATE: REVIEW: Flim Flam is for real.

Rick D. Wasserman is Houdini

Here's a sensational photo of actor Rick D. Wasserman in full costume and makeup as Houdini in the new Malibu Playhouse production, Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter. This photo is by Brian McCarthy and is one of several posted to the Malibu Playhouse Facebook page. I love this!

(Photo: Brian McCarthy)

Wasserman, who says he's been reading every book and watching every documentary he can on Houdini (as well as working on his sleight of hand with technical advisor Jim Bentley), recently shared his thoughts about Houdini on his blog, Conjuring Harry. Says Rick:

"What makes him so fascinating? Why is he so adored? How did he reach the heights? I believe he was compelled to. Driven. He was obsessed with perfection, attention, respect, and notoriety. He was noted as being a uncontrollable egotist, focused only on ensuring his name went down in history much as it has. Perhaps it was being a child among four brothers that he developed this hunger for attention, and this drive was powerful even from a young age. Druglike, the more attention he received, the more he needed. He was further compelled to become the most well-known something by a need to prove himself an intellectual despite little formal education, a need to make-up for the shame he may have felt when his Rabbi father was dismissed from his job, a need to make sure his mother would never want for anything according to his father’s dying wish, and a need to prove to the world he was the best among the thousands of imitators. This is a key to playing Houdini."

Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter is written by Gene Franklin Smith and directed Thomas James O'Leary. The play is set to debut at the Malibu Playhouse on June 20 with an "Opening Night Gala". The play will then run through August 3rd. (I have a ticket for opening night and will be reviewing it here on WAH.)

Other cast includes Melissa Kite as Bess, Sabra Malkinson as Mina Crandon (aka Margery), Cameron Mitchell Jr as Dr. Leroi Crandon, Peter Van Norden as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Gigi Bermingham as Lady Jean Conan Doyle.

Tickets may be purchased through the box office, online at malibuplayhouse.org or by calling 323-960-7711. There will be previews on June 18th and 19th. Malibu Playhouse is located at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.

For more information visit the Malibu Playhouse website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Tickets on sale for 'Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter'

Tickets are now on sale for Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter, a new play by Gene Franklin Smith set to debut at the Malibu Playhouse in Malibu, CA on June 20, 2014.

The cast features Rick D. Wasserman as Houdini, Melissa Kite as Bess, Sabra Malkinson as Mina Crandon (aka Margery), Cameron Mitchell Jr as Dr. Leroi Crandon, Peter Van Norden as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Gigi Bermingham as Lady Jean Conan Doyle. Jim Bentley is the magic coordinator.

Director Thomas James O'Leary says, "I find this play intriguing on many levels - Houdini's attachment to debunking spiritualists juxtaposed with his attachment to his mother after she died is such a rich paradox explored throughout the play. I'm fascinated by the relationship between Houdini and his close friend Arthur Conan Doyle who fervently believed in the hereafter, and the relationships between those two iconic figures and their powerful wives. With this incredible cast, we get to explore many levels along the spectrum of truth, and why it matters so much to those who seek for it."

Tickets are $30 for Fridays, $34 for Saturday nights and Sunday matinees, and may be purchased through the box office, online at malibuplayhouse.org or by calling 323-960-7711. There will be previews on June 18th and 19th for $20. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. Malibu Playhouse is located at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 (near Zuma Beach, between Kanan-Dume Road and Morning View Drive, near Heathercliff Road).

Rick Wasserman (Houdini), Melissa Kite (Bess), Sabra
Malkinson (Margery), Peter Van Norden (Conan Doyle).

For more information, and to read Rick Wasserman's "Conjuring Harry Blog", visit the Malibu Playhouse website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

With thanks to Broadway World.

The Great Houdini reappears as an eBook

In 1999 The Great Houdini by Alan London played a limited run at The Stella Adler Theater in Hollywood. The London Theater Works production starred Jim Bentley as Houdini and Kim Lores as Bess. I was fortunate enough to see this play and I enjoyed it very much. I especially enjoyed seeing Jim perform the Milk Can -- the only time I've seen the Milk Can performed live (it's pretty harrowing).

Now you can discover (or rediscover) The Great Houdini as an eBook available on Amazon. Here's the description:

THE GREAT HOUDINI
A Play in Two Acts

The newspaper headlines are being barked, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Houdini dies! Death ends career of the King of Magic". At least that's what the headlines read. What they didn't tell you is that on this very day, the Eve of Halloween, as his body is being prepared for his final resting place, the irate spirit of Houdini wanders the stage of his last performance before his untimely death. He's not expecting much - after all he's dead. But a scruffy young runaway he encounters is not. The lad is evading a thug he swindled while performing a con. Houdini's last challenge is to unlock the young boys imagination and set him on the straight and narrow. He must do this in order for him to be united with his dearly departed mother, which for years he had attempted to do by attending séances. However, the boy has other ideas. Houdini takes the boy through his struggles from early childhood, to performance in seedy vaudeville shows, to meeting and performing tricks and escape with his wife, and finally leading up to his final performance. The boy finally learns from his mentor, thus allowing Houdini to be united with his mother. The boy turns out to be another prominent figure that is only divulged at the end (Orson Welles).

Purchase The Great Houdini eBook on Amazon.

Speaking of The Great Houdini, check out the blog A Note From Paul Gross about the making of the props for this production.

Houdini aquarium revealed on Tanked

Photo by Hocus Pocus Focus. Used by permission of the AMA / Magic Castle.

The Magic Castle's new Houdini Water Torture Cell aquarium was revealed last night on Animal Planet's Tanked. The aquarium sits in the Inner Circle and was made by request of AMA President Neil Patrick Harris for the Magic Castle's 50th Anniversary celebrations next year.

The hour long episode chronicled the process of designing and building the 240 gallon aquarium, along with a lot of "reality" show complications, such as the tank springing a leak and threatening to flood the William Larsen Sr. Memorial Library. The episode gave a very nice look inside the Castle.

While they didn't show what the designers used as a photographic reference, the tank is a pretty respectable reproduction of Houdini's real Water Torture Cell. The stocks in particular evoke the real cell, with the front hand grips, properly shaped hinges, and lifting ringlets. I just wish they would have completely framed the glass with riveted "brass" strips instead of leaving it with just two on each side. There even appears to be space for two horizontal strips top and bottom. But that's me being picky.

The Houdini mannequin inside was created by Quantum Creation FX, who worked from a Houdini portrait photo. The vintage style straitjacket the mannequin is wearing was acquired from Houdini's Magic Shop in Las Vegas.

In the show, reproduction Houdini posters flank each side of the tank. But as you can see in the photo above -- which the Magic Castle has given me special permission to post -- original Alexander and Will Rock/Thurston Show posters have replaced the Houdini sheets, which I actually think looks much better. Also notice the addition of a nice handcuff display case in the corner. While this wasn't part of the show, it was added to the Inner Circle along with the tank and is a pretty cool addition in itself. The cuffs come from the collection of Jim Bentley and include reproductions of the French Letter cuff, the Russian manacle, and the Mirror handcuffs.

For those of you who are more interested in what's inside the aquarium, the idea was to fill the tank with "dangerous" fish, including: Sabertooth Barracuda (monster fish from the Amazon with huge teeth); Redtail Barracuda (called "Dogfish" because of their canine-like teeth); Spotted Metynnis (relatives of the piranha); Blue Eye Pleco (extremely rare fish from Columbia that can eat and digest wood); and an Asian Swamp Eel (known to be good escape artists who can survive out of water for several hours).

Neil Patrick Harris was very happy with the final result and gave AMA memberships to hosts Wayde King and Brett Raymer on the spot. He predicted that the Houdini aquarium would become a new "destination" inside the Castle for members and visitors. "I can't believe no one has thought of this idea before," he enthused.

However, someone did think of this before -- Houdini! In his original presentation of the escape, Houdini portrayed it as an aquarium. In a playlet called Challenged or Houdini Upside Down (which Houdini performed only once to copyright his new effect), a "multimillionaire sportsman" named Tim Connor eyeballs his clubhouse aquarium and concocts the idea of locking Houdini inside it upside down.

It's kind of ironic that after 100 years the Water Torture Cell has returned to its original purpose as a private clubhouse aquarium.

The real thing. Kevin Connolly Collection.

This Friday marks the 100th Anniversary of Houdini's first performance of the Water Torture Cell on September 21, 1912. Watch for a special look back the history of cell right here on WILD ABOUT HARRY.

UPDATE: Houdini has escaped!

UPDATE (6/9/15): The Magic Castle bids goodbye to the Houdini aquarium.

Steinmeyer's The Card Trick published in August issue of Genii

The August 2011 issue of Genii Magazine contains a real treat for all Houdini buffs. This latest issue includes a short article by Jim Steinmeyer, Houdini and Margery in the Spotlight, in which he talks about his one-act Houdini play, The Card Trick. But the real treat is that Jim and Genii have included the full text of play with photos. Great stuff!

The Card Trick starred Jim Bentley as Houdini and Jeanine Anderson as Margery the Medium. It was performed for a limited time at The Magic Castle in May 2011. Click here for my review.

An excellent Trick

On Thursday, May 26, I had the pleasure of attending the debut of Jim Steinmeyer's one act play, The Card Trick, at The Magic Castle. The play features Jim Bentley as Houdini and Jeanine Anderson as Mina Crandon a.k.a. Margery the Medium.

The play is fiction based on fact -- an imagining of what could have happened between Houdini and Margery during their 25 minute private meeting while Margery was being investigated by the Scientific American. Houdini was on the committee, and it was his work that ultimately led to Margery being denied the prize for genuine mediumship. But before the verdict was handed down, Houdini and Margery had an off-the-record conversation where, it's almost certain, Margery attempted to bribe him. This is pretty much what happens during The Card Trick, but the way in which the two joust using dueling card tricks is very clever and entertaining. (Note to Hollywood: this is how to do Houdini fiction.)

I've seen Jim Bentley perform as Houdini several times, including his excellent stageplay in 1999. When he stepped out on stage in his full Houdini makeup, there was a familiar thrill of recognition, almost as if Houdini himself had made a reappearance. There are no escapes in the play, but Houdini's own card trick is a beautifully engineered stage illusion (based on Pepper's Ghost?) performed in full light on the stage of Peller Theater and a real show stopper.

Jeanine Anderson (who currently has a recurring role on Glee) makes a dynamite Margery, who really holds the upper hand throughout the play. While helping herself to her private stock of "Bursky's Gin" (an inside joke), she keeps Houdini flustered with her open flirtations and ability to manipulate him by tweaking his insecurities about his lack of education (and Jewish ethnicity) among the Scientific American committee. At one point Houdini offers to buy her card trick before she concludes it when he fears it might actually stump him. I won't spoil the outcome, but Margery's trick is also a show stopper in a different way.

Due to popular demand, The Card Trick was repeated at 9:30 and then again at 10:15. Each performance benefited the Dai Vernon fund. Luminaries such as Patrick Culliton, Joe Fox, Jonathan Pendragon, and Lisa Cousins were on hand. Jim Steinmeyer spoke briefly after each performance, and all the attendees I spoke with had nothing but good things to say about the play.

The Card Trick was also presented free of charge on Friday and Saturday night (I was able to catch the Saturday show as well) with the talented and funny Derek Hughes performing before and after the play. It will be performed one last time on June 3 for the Skirball Center's special A Day at the Magic Castle event.

I did notice on Saturday that the play was being taped, so perhaps it will be available for AMA members to view in The Magic Castle's William W. Larsen, Sr. Memorial Library? Let's hope so, because Jim Steinmeyer's The Card Trick is too good to disappear.

UPDATE: Steinmeyer's The Card Trick published in August issue of Genii.

Second performance of The Card Trick added to May 26 debut

The Magic Castle has added a second performance of The Card Trick, a one act play written by Jim Steinmeyer and featuring Jim Bentley as Houdini, on its debut evening of May 26 at 9:30pm.

The play also stars Jeanine Anderson as Margery the Medium and Derek Hughes "adding something special to the mix." It will be performed in the Peller Theater with Jim Steinmeyer on hand to introduce the play.

As with the now sold out 8:00 show, this 9:30 performance is open to AMA members with a suggested donation of $25. All proceeds from this performance will benefit the Dai Vernon Fund. Details on how to reserve a seat can be found in the latest member's newsletter or member section of the Magic Castle website.

Jim Steinmeyer's The Card Trick at The Magic Castle, May 26

On May 26 The Magic Castle presents a special performance of The Card Trick, a one act play written by Jim Steinmeyer and featuring Jim Bentley as Houdini.

The play also stars Jeanine Anderson as Margery the Medium and Derek Hughes "adding something special to the mix." It will be performed in the Peller Theater at 8PM. Jim Steinmeyer will be on hand to introduce the play. In addition, Jim Bentley will perform period tricks and escapes as Houdini.

The performance is open to AMA members with a suggested donation of $25. All proceeds from this performance will benefit the Dai Vernon Fund. Details on how to reserve a seat can be found in the latest member's newsletter or member section of the Magic Castle website. Seating is limited.

The Card Trick will also be performed on June 3 for those lucky enough to have grabbed a spot on the Skirball Center's special A Day At The Magic Castle event. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a ticket to the Skirball event, but I have reserved a seat for the May 26 performance. This should be interesting indeed!

UPDATE: A second performance on May 26 has been added at 9:30pm.

Houdini in Hollywood: A Day at The Magic Castle

As part of their special programing for the Houdini:Art and Magic exhibition, the Skirball Cultural Center presents a Houdini-themed day at The Magic Castle on June 3 from 11am to 2:30pm.

Activities for the day will include:

• Illustrated lecture on Houdini’s years in Los Angeles by celebrated Houdini expert Patrick Culliton.
• Catered lunch in one of the Castle’s private dining rooms.
• Tour of the Castle, including a visit to the historic Houdini Séance Room.
• Performance of The Card Trick, a one-act play by illusion designer and inventor Jim Steinmeyer and performed by entertainer and magician Jim Bentley. The characters of Harry Houdini, the arch skeptic, and Margery the Medium, the arch fraud, collide, trade secrets, plot espionage, and finally reach their own conclusions about fate, luck, and how what we choose to believe shapes us.
• Performance of some of Houdini’s most intriguing escape acts by Jim Bentley.

Attendees will also receive passes for free admission to Houdini: Art and Magic and the major companion exhibition, Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age.

Tickets are $65 ($55 for Skirball members) and can be purchased via the Skirball Center's official website.

UPDATE: It appears this event is already SOLD OUT.

Houdini in The Card Trick

At last night's monthly Magician Member Meet-up at The Magic Castle, host Mark Nelson announced something that definitely piqued my interest. In celebration of the upcoming Houdini and Jewish Magicians exhibitions at the Skirball Center, The Magic Castle will present a short play written by Jim Steinmeyer and featuring the always terrific Jim Bentley as Houdini called, The Card Trick. Details were scant, but from what I gathered, this will be a one time performance open to AMA members and held in the new Peller Theater.

I will keep my ear to the ground and hopefully have more info soon. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: Details here.

Skirball announces special Houdini programs with Culliton, Kalush

The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles has released full details on their Houdini Art and Magic and Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age exhibitions, set to run April 28 through September 4, 2011. They've also announced several special Houdini-themed programs in May, June, and July:

• LECTURE: “The Secret Life of Houdini,” by William Kalush, director of The Conjuring Arts Research Center and author of The Secret Life of Houdini. (Sunday, July 24, 2:00 p.m.)

• EXCURSION: A visit to L.A.’s famed Magic Castle, including an illustrated lecture on Houdini’s experiences in Hollywood by Houdini expert Patrick Culliton, a tour of the Houdini séance room, a performance by Jim Bentley, an accomplished magician and escape artist who performs in the style of Houdini, plus a catered lunch. (Friday, June 3, 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)

• FILM: Free matinees of films about Harry Houdini and the influence of magic in Western society, namely Houdini (1953) (Tuesday, May 3, 1:30 p.m.); Ragtime (1981) (Tuesday, May 10, 1:30 p.m.); FairyTale: A True Story (1997) (Tuesday, June 7, 1:30 p.m.); and The Great Houdini (1976) (Tuesday, June 14, 1:30 p.m.).

• FILM: Double-feature screening of two serials starring Harry Houdini: Terror Island (1920) and Haldane of the Secret Service (1923). (Sunday, July 10, 2:00 p.m.)

• LATE-NIGHT EVENT: Magic-inspired evening featuring live music, a DJ, magicians, film screening of the Houdini serial Master Mystery, poetry readings, and gallery tours. Performers TBA. (Friday, July 8, 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.)

These are just the major Houdini related events. Other magic themed events include programs with Marvyn Roy (“Mr. Electric”), Mike Caveney, Max Maven, and Joshua Jay.

PRESS RELEASE: Houdini Art and Magic
PRESS RELEASE: Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age

Houdini one of 1000 Ways To Die

This originally aired in October, but I only just now caught a repeat on Spike TV. 1000 Ways To Die showcases silly, stupid, or gross (ideally all three) ways people have died or accidentally killed themselves.

In this 6th episode of Season 3 (The End is Weird), along with the vomit fetishist who choked on someone's else hotdog and the basketball played who accidentally hung himself by his bling, was Houdini!

They drastically abbreviated the story and spun it to be that Houdini's belief in his own invincibility was his undoing (kinda true), but it was a nicely produced segment featuring the great Jim Bentley as Houdini. In it he performs a straitjacket and roped chair escape and, yes, reenacts the infamous dressing room punch.

Okay, maybe not the most dignified of tributes, but at least Houdini's death had the best ranking of the entire show (#14). Harry wouldn't have it any other way.