Click here or on the headline to read an excerpt at Genii Magic. For the full article, you can subscribe to Genii Magazine.
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Showing posts with label Needles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Needles. Show all posts
Monday, June 15, 2026
LINK: Needling Houdini by Ben Winn
Our friend Ben Winn has written a superb article for the June issue of Genii Magazine about Houdini's clash with the Rigoletto brothers over the Needles trick. It's very well written and researched, as we've come to expect from Ben!
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Deconstructing Houdini '53: Europe's Eclipsing Sensation
It was 48 years ago today that I first saw Houdini on television, and it changed my life! So what better day to continue my scene-by-scene dissection of the movie. Last time Harry beat two challenges in London. Today he takes on the rest of Europe...
Chapter 13: Europe's Eclipsing Sensation
We're just over an hour into Houdini (1953), and Harry has become a sensation. What better way to show this than with a montage! I love a good Houdini movie montage. It's a chance to quickly touch down on some key events and see some cool recreations, and that's what we get here.
The montage begins with a shot of Houdini entering his 26th Week at the Alhambra in London. Oddly, this is being pasted over his "12th Week." Shouldn't it be Week 25? Anyway, it is true Houdini was held over for many weeks at the Alhambra in 1900, eight weeks during his first run and nine weeks at the end of the year. So a lengthy run at the Alhambra is right in sync with real Houdini history.
The next establishing shot is pretty vague, but it looks appropriately Europe-ish. Here we see Harry and Bess doing the Needles. This is a trick Houdini was famous for, so getting a recreation shot is a treat. The Needles is also on the cover of the Kellock book on which Houdini '53 is based, so that makes this extra special. It's worth noting that all the montage scenes, including several that did not make the cut, were filmed on Halloween 1952.
Paris is the next stop. Nothing vague here as we see a shot of the Eiffel Tower. Here Harry and Bess do an arrow through girl effect. This isn't a trick that comports with any known Houdini history, but this one falls into the category of contemporary magic for audiences of the time. In reality, Houdini's card magic won the day during his first Paris engagement. While Houdini's "big game hunter" costume might seem out of character, recall the photos of Houdini in his "ice cream suit" and pith helmet during his travels to Australia and publicity for Terror Island. So a pith-helmeted Houdini...box checked!
A shot of an overnight train takes us to Germany and the Hotel Europea in Berlin. Here we see Houdini is playing the Wintergarten, another real theater from Houdini's first European tour. As the montage ends, we learn that Harry's many letters sent to the enigmatic Herr J. Von Schweger have been returned.
In Chapter Eight I hinted that Von Schweger is rooted in reality. These returned letters should be the tip-off. To my mind, von Schweger is clearly Wiljalba Frikell. Houdini tried to visit the famous German conjurer during his first European tour, and Frikell repeatedly and mysteriously rejected him. The similarities will become even more evident in a few chapters.
We seem to have taken a leap in time as Houdini now shows grey at his temples. This is our first look at the successful and wealthy Houdinis, and Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh slip into these new roles perfectly. They were, after all, a wealthy and famous married couple!
Bess comments that it's his birthday, which Harry doesn't seem to want to celebrate. But then his mother appears as a birthday surprise. Houdini's mother did come to Europe at this time, so we are once again right in line with real Houdini history. I've also always thought this scene of Harry celebrating his mother in a hotel before an admiring crowd is a nod to the famous reception Houdini had for his mother at the Royal Hotel in Budapest.
Here the movie also reinforces Houdini's great love for his mother. "That's my girl," he says at the end of their dance. This echoes the famed "My two sweethearts" photo of Houdini with Mama and Bess in 1907. This is also the first time we hear "The Golden Years," which was offered as a 45 single and as sheet music and will come back later.
Houdini is then encouraged to do a trick. He does an impromptu broom levitation with Bess. This is not a trick the real Houdini ever performed, but it's another contemporary magic piece performed from beginning to end without a cut by the actors, and it's terrific! It's probably my favorite magic trick in the movie and the most effective.
It's worth noting that this hotel sequence is one that would be truncated or cut entirely when the movie was shown on television in the 1970s and 80s. The version I had recorded on Beta tape and watched endlessly went from the montage to the courtroom scene. It was many years before I ever saw this sequence in its entirety.
We end with Houdini being served a summons to appear in a German court for fraud. "I might go to jail," he tells Bess. Of course, this is also rooted in reality, and it's where we will be traveling next.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Origin of Houdini's Needles?
Back in April, I explored the origin of Houdini's Metamorphosis. Now here's a look at what may be the origin of his famous Needles trick. It all goes back to a dime museum in 1893 and a man named Maxey. This one is a Patreon exclusive, so click below and all will be revealed.
Thanks to my patrons for supporting my research and content like this. Not a patron but still want a Needle fix? Check out the links below.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Houdini needles on display at Holy City Magic
An original set of Houdini's Needles are now on display at Howard Blackwell's Holy City Magic Theater in Charleston, South Carolina. The nickel-plated T. Hessin & Co. needles were made in England and are said to be one of only four sets of Houdini needles still in existence.
"From what I have been told, two sets are in museums and the other two, including mine, belong to private collectors," Blackwell told WCBD News 2. "To me, these needles are special because I started performing my version of Houdini’s needles when I was 16 years old, and I now I open most of my shows at Holy City Magic with the needles routine."
Holy City Magic features magic, comedy, and variety shows every weekend. For more information and to buy tickets visit their website.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Houdini's Needles pin down $2,574
A packet of 24 T. Hessin & Co nickel plated Darners Needles that Houdini used in his popular East Indian Needle Trick sold in Haversat & Ewing's latest magic auction for $2,574 (including buyers premium). Below is the auction description.
In this famous trick, Houdini swallows a number of needles along with yards of thread and brings them all up threaded. The needles passed from Bess to Houdini's niece Ruth Kavanaugh. Houdini collector Larry Weeks acquired the packets directly from the family in the 1960's. This fact has been confirmed by Houdini's Great Nephew John Hinson who was also a benefactor of needles given to him by his Aunt Ruth. The lot includes Houdini's needles ONLY.
It's interesting to see that Houdini used nickel plated needles. Possibly because these offered the best reflection on stage? But one wonders if he ever experienced ill effects from having nickel in his mouth so often.
This is the fourth set of Houdini Needles of which I'm aware.
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Souvenir needles
Recently I had an exchange on YouTube with "Brian H" whose grandfather saw Houdini. I love this kind of stuff! This would have been at Keith's Theater the week of December 11, 1916.
I love the detail that Houdini gave his grandfather two needles. This is the first I've ever heard of Houdini handing out his needles as souvenirs, but what a great idea. And, yes, I told Brian H that if he cared to dig those needles out of his father's box, I'd love to share images here on WILD ABOUT HARRY.
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Sunday, July 19, 2020
"His cheek bled considerably"
Here's something I found the other day that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. So I figured I'd share it today and make this a Bloody Sunday.
On May 2, 1908 Houdini accepted an invitation to perform for members of the Boston Press Club at 2 Beacon St. An item in that day's paper reported: "Just what he will do Mr. Houdini refused to state, but he promises to give the newspaper men an exhibition of his skill very different from anything he has yet shown."
This was at the height of Houdini's challenge escape days, so this "different" performance turned out to be a straight magic act. But not everything went right, as reported in the following day's Boston Globe:
Pushing a needle trough his cheek was something Houdini continued to do his entire career. In fact, it's reported he did this for the students at McGill University--including one J. Gordon Whitehead--during his fateful lecture there in October 1926.
Click below for more stories of when things didn't go quite right for Houdini.
Related:
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Marvyn Roy "Mr. Electric" dies at 95
Marvyn Roy, known as "Mr. Electric," died yesterday in Los Angeles at age 95.
Roy and his late wife Carol toured with a highly original magic act using light bulbs. Roy even did a version of Houdini's Needles with small electric lights. I recall seeing "Mr. Electric" on television during the 1970s and '80s. He was very much part of that dawn of the Second Golden Age of Magic. He was also greatly admired by his peers.
You can read Marvyn Roy's full obituary at The Hollywood Reporter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Hollywood-based Dai Vernon Foundation, which supports magicians in need.
Related:
Roy and his late wife Carol toured with a highly original magic act using light bulbs. Roy even did a version of Houdini's Needles with small electric lights. I recall seeing "Mr. Electric" on television during the 1970s and '80s. He was very much part of that dawn of the Second Golden Age of Magic. He was also greatly admired by his peers.
You can read Marvyn Roy's full obituary at The Hollywood Reporter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Hollywood-based Dai Vernon Foundation, which supports magicians in need.
Related:
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Mystifying man in St. Louis
Here's a terrific caricature of Houdini from the St. Louis Star and Times dated December 15, 1914. Once again this shows that, in his own time, Houdini was as identified with his Needles trick as he was with his escapes.
Houdini appeared at the Columbia during the week of December 14-20, 1914. On December 16, he accepted a challenge from the packers of the Famous-Barr Co. to escape packing case built on stage. On the December 18, Stix, Baer & Fuller Dry Good Co. challenged him to escape their own packing case after being searched and having a carpet laid below case on stage to prevent use of traps.
Needless to say, the "mystifying man" escaped both times.
Related:
Houdini appeared at the Columbia during the week of December 14-20, 1914. On December 16, he accepted a challenge from the packers of the Famous-Barr Co. to escape packing case built on stage. On the December 18, Stix, Baer & Fuller Dry Good Co. challenged him to escape their own packing case after being searched and having a carpet laid below case on stage to prevent use of traps.
Needless to say, the "mystifying man" escaped both times.
Related:
Monday, April 30, 2018
The time Houdini swallowed needles...for real
One doesn't think of Houdini's East Indian Needle Trick as one of his more death-defying feats, but it apparently has its dangers. This comes from the November 11, 1940 Chicago Tribune, and is a story I've never heard before.
Based on the description, this appears to have happened during Houdini's 8 week run at Princess Theater in Chicago in early 1926. A bad year for accidents!
Houdini wasn't the only magician to have a mishap with the Needles. In 1946 an amateur magician named Stanley McAuley garnered headlines when he swallowed a needle during his own performance of the trick. It took two operations to retrieve it.
Related:
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Based on the description, this appears to have happened during Houdini's 8 week run at Princess Theater in Chicago in early 1926. A bad year for accidents!
Houdini wasn't the only magician to have a mishap with the Needles. In 1946 an amateur magician named Stanley McAuley garnered headlines when he swallowed a needle during his own performance of the trick. It took two operations to retrieve it.
Related:
Friday, August 11, 2017
Unlocking Houdini's secrets in 1995
On May 24, 1995, NBC aired the one-hour special Houdini: Unlocking His Secrets hosted by Robert Urich. The show featured modern magicians performing Houdini's feats, intercut with biographical information. It's a well-done special with excellent performances and some nice Houdini photos and film footage. And despite the title, no secrets are revealed.
The stage performances were filmed at Ceasers Palace Circus Maximus on April 30, 1995 (tickets were given out free). Host Robert Urich narrates from the "Magic and Movie Hall of Fame" at O'Sheas Casino in Las Vegas. Here one gets a good look at items from the Dixie Dooley collection. Behind Urich for much of time is the Houdini packing case that Dixie famously retrieved from the basement of 278 in 1985.
It what should be a show highlight, Brett Daniels does Houdini's Water Torture Cell. However, the escape is robbed of tension by over production, with backlighting and smoke and various curtains sweeping up and down over the cell. For me, the best presentations of the USD -- Houdini, Henning, Steve Baker -- keep it a serious "test," too dangerous to load up with smoke machines. Raw tension is all the stagecraft required. Likewise, Jonathan Pendragon's "Exploding Coffin of Death" grand finale seems a little overwrought, but it's in line with the "extreme" escapes of the 90s. Apparently cut from the broadcast was Max Maven who demonstrated the tricks of fraudulent mediums. A shame this wasn't included in the home video release.
The film footage is credited as coming from the collection of Manny Weltman "by agreement with Nanette Weltman" (Manny died that year). Another notable name in the credits is Executive Producer Gerald W. Abrams, who would go on to make the Houdini Miniseries with Adrian Brody in 2014. Maybe this is where he first discovered the power of selling Houdini?
Houdini: Unlocking His Secrets was released on VHS by Goodtimes Video in 1996. Without commercials, the show comes in at only 30 minutes. It can can still be purchased at Amazon. Unfortunately, the show never made it to DVD.
Below are links to a few other Houdini television specials from the recent past.
Related:
I recently launched a new standalone page devoted to Houdini documentaries and appearances on investigative and reality TV. Check it out under "Media" in the top menu bar or click HERE.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Houdini arrives in Providence
Here's a nice ad from the Providence Journal dated March 4, 1917, announcing Houdini's appearance 100 years ago this week. This was shared on Twitter by @ThisDayInWWI.
While in Providence, Houdini did a suspended straitjacket escape from the Brownell Building at Exchange Place, a stunt that appears to be referenced here in the illustration.
Related:
While in Providence, Houdini did a suspended straitjacket escape from the Brownell Building at Exchange Place, a stunt that appears to be referenced here in the illustration.
Related:
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Houdini in 1899
This post is now retired. But you can enjoy the story of Houdini in 1899 in Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Guest blog: The Houdini Museum of New York, Part II
Today Neil McNally continues his tour of the remarkable Houdini Museum of New York at Fantasma Magic and his interview with owner Roger Dreyer.
by Neil McNally
Every magic store has its own unique flavor and atmosphere and Fantasma Magic is no exception. There is literally something new to discover around every corner. Whether it’s David Copperfield’s own television special straight jacket or incredibly rare photos of Houdini performing at San Quentin prison, there truly is something for everyone. They even have their own live rabbit to boot.
However, there is one piece in Roger’s collection that stands out from the others as truly one of the most unique and rare pieces of Houdini memorabilia out there: The 1907 Houdini Escape Coffin!
The pedigree of the coffin is impressive and as the museum’s website states:
On Jan. 14, 1907, Houdini answered a challenge from the Boston Athletic Association, which runs the Boston Marathon, to escape from the coffin while manacled during an exhibition in the BBA’s headquarters on Exeter Street.
It took Houdini just 66 minutes to get out of the elaborate case which had been – get this – nailed shut with 6-inch nails!
In fact, when one enters the museum the coffin, along with the Metamorphosis trunk, are clearly the centerpieces of the museum, and Roger’s collection. The coffin is in pristine and polished condition, and you can’t help but have your eyes immediately drawn to this important artifact in the life of Houdini.
Roger’s passion for Houdini and the history of magic is obvious. As we sat down in his office, he went onto elaborate on his thoughts and views of Houdini and how he continues to profoundly influence him today.
What was the start of your initial love of Houdini and when did it begin?
Ray Goulet introduced me to a man named Chester Karkut. Chester Karkut was the most active performer in Connecticut…and best friends of Al Flosso. Anyone who knows the story of Al Flosso and owning Matinka’s and Hornmann's (Magic Shops) which were previously owned by Houdini in 1919. Al Flosso was then picking up all these Houdini pieces and giving them to Chet Karkut Without me being even crazy about Houdini at the time, I slowly but surely was picking up Houdini pieces from Chet Karkut Nothing like visiting a gentleman inside an 8ft by 8ft room with thousands of pieces and where he would have four to five cigarettes lit at once. I just love magic!
What was the first piece that you acquired?
The first piece was a photograph of Houdini performing in San Quentin [in 1915].
(These rarely seen and possibly never published photographs are framed and on display at the museum)
What is the most valuable piece in your collection?
As far as value, which is not why I do this, it’s one of Houdini’s Metamorphosis trunks [pic here]. This was acquired from John Gaughan, who acquired it from Mike O’Dowd, who acquired it from Houdini’s accountant. That may be the most significant piece we have on display. But, my personal pieces are the plum metal hand that Houdini used to expose spiritualists, his wide variety of picks that have the thread wrapped around them, unusual handcuffs, and a lot of his tools…
Do you have a personal favorite out of all of them?
I would say the plum metal hand. I think it’s brilliant how it would go around another person’s hand while it was dark and then being able to convince the people that your hands are still being held onto by the medium.
Of his long career what is your favorite Houdini moment?
I like how an unknown American hardly making it in the U.S. and just getting started had the chutzpah to go over to London and say “I Harry “Handcuff” Houdini, the American Sensation, am now here!” Then he ends up staying at the theaters for three to four years in London before heading back to New York. So, the fact that he could use his unknown to make himself act like he is known…was quite impressive.
How has he influenced your career as a businessman?
Houdini has influenced me tremendously. The Houdini Museum is my passion that I like to share with people. Our business is running Fantasma Magic which is the world’s largest manufacturer of magic sets. The way Houdini would use guerilla marketing and creative ideas that were unheard of to promote something… a lot of that I was influenced by.
How do you think Fantasma stands out from other magic stores and organizations?
We have been told that there is no other magic store in the world like Fantasma. You have the most famous actors, lay people, and a-list New Yorkers hanging out in our Suite 3 with wannabee wizards to the best magic pros in the world. So, we are an actual brick and mortar store…that attracts the largest amount of people into a magic store that are not just tourists….But, we encourage magicians to be able to utilize our stage, to hang out, to film, and to use Fantasma in any way they would like without any charge.
Why do you think close to ninety years after his death Houdini still commands people’s attention?
No one has been able to create the façade that “I challenge you to lock me up anyway you desire and I the Great Houdini will escape!” … The way he marketed his feats and the way he advertised and promoted his show by having these challenges in the town before he even got there was absolutely brilliant. So, the idea that he was able to accomplish things unlike anyone else is one reason why. Houdini himself is a common word. People may not even understand who Houdini is, but to Houdinize, or to Houdini, or escape like Houdini. It’s amazing when kids come in and say “I didn’t even know he was a real person!”
Roger Dreyer thank you very much.
When in town please visit Fantasma Magic and the Houdini Museum of New York at 421 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001.
by Neil McNally
Every magic store has its own unique flavor and atmosphere and Fantasma Magic is no exception. There is literally something new to discover around every corner. Whether it’s David Copperfield’s own television special straight jacket or incredibly rare photos of Houdini performing at San Quentin prison, there truly is something for everyone. They even have their own live rabbit to boot.
However, there is one piece in Roger’s collection that stands out from the others as truly one of the most unique and rare pieces of Houdini memorabilia out there: The 1907 Houdini Escape Coffin!
The pedigree of the coffin is impressive and as the museum’s website states:On Jan. 14, 1907, Houdini answered a challenge from the Boston Athletic Association, which runs the Boston Marathon, to escape from the coffin while manacled during an exhibition in the BBA’s headquarters on Exeter Street.
It took Houdini just 66 minutes to get out of the elaborate case which had been – get this – nailed shut with 6-inch nails!
In fact, when one enters the museum the coffin, along with the Metamorphosis trunk, are clearly the centerpieces of the museum, and Roger’s collection. The coffin is in pristine and polished condition, and you can’t help but have your eyes immediately drawn to this important artifact in the life of Houdini.
Roger’s passion for Houdini and the history of magic is obvious. As we sat down in his office, he went onto elaborate on his thoughts and views of Houdini and how he continues to profoundly influence him today.
What was the start of your initial love of Houdini and when did it begin?
Ray Goulet introduced me to a man named Chester Karkut. Chester Karkut was the most active performer in Connecticut…and best friends of Al Flosso. Anyone who knows the story of Al Flosso and owning Matinka’s and Hornmann's (Magic Shops) which were previously owned by Houdini in 1919. Al Flosso was then picking up all these Houdini pieces and giving them to Chet Karkut Without me being even crazy about Houdini at the time, I slowly but surely was picking up Houdini pieces from Chet Karkut Nothing like visiting a gentleman inside an 8ft by 8ft room with thousands of pieces and where he would have four to five cigarettes lit at once. I just love magic!
What was the first piece that you acquired?
The first piece was a photograph of Houdini performing in San Quentin [in 1915].
(These rarely seen and possibly never published photographs are framed and on display at the museum)
What is the most valuable piece in your collection?
As far as value, which is not why I do this, it’s one of Houdini’s Metamorphosis trunks [pic here]. This was acquired from John Gaughan, who acquired it from Mike O’Dowd, who acquired it from Houdini’s accountant. That may be the most significant piece we have on display. But, my personal pieces are the plum metal hand that Houdini used to expose spiritualists, his wide variety of picks that have the thread wrapped around them, unusual handcuffs, and a lot of his tools…
Do you have a personal favorite out of all of them?
I would say the plum metal hand. I think it’s brilliant how it would go around another person’s hand while it was dark and then being able to convince the people that your hands are still being held onto by the medium.
Of his long career what is your favorite Houdini moment?
I like how an unknown American hardly making it in the U.S. and just getting started had the chutzpah to go over to London and say “I Harry “Handcuff” Houdini, the American Sensation, am now here!” Then he ends up staying at the theaters for three to four years in London before heading back to New York. So, the fact that he could use his unknown to make himself act like he is known…was quite impressive.
How has he influenced your career as a businessman?
Houdini has influenced me tremendously. The Houdini Museum is my passion that I like to share with people. Our business is running Fantasma Magic which is the world’s largest manufacturer of magic sets. The way Houdini would use guerilla marketing and creative ideas that were unheard of to promote something… a lot of that I was influenced by.
We have been told that there is no other magic store in the world like Fantasma. You have the most famous actors, lay people, and a-list New Yorkers hanging out in our Suite 3 with wannabee wizards to the best magic pros in the world. So, we are an actual brick and mortar store…that attracts the largest amount of people into a magic store that are not just tourists….But, we encourage magicians to be able to utilize our stage, to hang out, to film, and to use Fantasma in any way they would like without any charge.
Why do you think close to ninety years after his death Houdini still commands people’s attention?
No one has been able to create the façade that “I challenge you to lock me up anyway you desire and I the Great Houdini will escape!” … The way he marketed his feats and the way he advertised and promoted his show by having these challenges in the town before he even got there was absolutely brilliant. So, the idea that he was able to accomplish things unlike anyone else is one reason why. Houdini himself is a common word. People may not even understand who Houdini is, but to Houdinize, or to Houdini, or escape like Houdini. It’s amazing when kids come in and say “I didn’t even know he was a real person!”
Roger Dreyer thank you very much.
When in town please visit Fantasma Magic and the Houdini Museum of New York at 421 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
USD, Needles, and a future co-star?
This ad from a 1915 Rhode Island newspaper not only nicely features Houdini's Needles and the Water Torture Cell, but there's something else here that escaped my notice until now. Can you spot it?
Notice the name of Jane Connolly, "The Dainty Comedianne", just below Houdini. I'm wondering if this is Jane Connelly, Houdini's co-star in The Man From Beyond? As I noted in my Leading Ladies profile, Connelly and her husband were vaudeville performers, and it's likely Houdini's friendship with the Connellys was behind the casting. (Mr. Connelly was also in The Man From Beyond.)
Of course, the name on this ad is spelled Connolly, not Connelly, so this could be a completely different Jane. But misspellings in newspaper ads are not unheard of, even for the most famous of headliners:
Notice the name of Jane Connolly, "The Dainty Comedianne", just below Houdini. I'm wondering if this is Jane Connelly, Houdini's co-star in The Man From Beyond? As I noted in my Leading Ladies profile, Connelly and her husband were vaudeville performers, and it's likely Houdini's friendship with the Connellys was behind the casting. (Mr. Connelly was also in The Man From Beyond.)
Of course, the name on this ad is spelled Connolly, not Connelly, so this could be a completely different Jane. But misspellings in newspaper ads are not unheard of, even for the most famous of headliners:
UPDATE: I'm now certain this is Jane Connelly from The Man From Beyond. "A Strong Cup of Tea" was written by her husband Erwin who also appeared in the cast. But this wasn't the first time Houdini and the Connellys shared a bill. I will have more about that in an upcoming post.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Potter & Potter Houdiniana auction results
Potter & Potter held their remarkable auction of "Houdiniana" today, and the results did not disappoint. It was a wild ride with some lots soaring to new highs while others offered up surprise bargains.
As I've already reported, the most publicized lot, the unpublished manuscript for The Cancer of Superstition, sold for $28,000 (all prices noted here are before 23% buyer's premium). A collection of letters from Houdini's manager, Martin Beck, which I considered to be the most historically significant item in the entire auction, went for $26,000. A Houdini scrapbook sold for $43,000 in what I believe was the highest price realized. Houdini scrapbooks have certainly become hot auction items lately!
The Castle Lock display case featured in the 1953 Houdini biopic starring Tony Curtis locked up $27,000. (It sold for $22,000 in the 2014 Pat Croce auction.) A Houdini lock pick brought $3,200 while a ball and chain, authenticated by Dunninger, went for $8,000. A pair of black McKenzie Mitts grabbed $5,500.
A set of Houdini's Needles, complete with box, fetched $18,000. Twenty-six minutes of film footage, including film of Houdini's funeral and some missing footage from The Master Mystery, brought in $4,000. A 1904 "Caught" and "Flown" Christmas card sold for $3,200 while a colorful 1908 Christmas card sold for $3,000.
Photos sold fast and furious and ran the gamut of prices. An original photo of Houdini and Ching Ling Foo sold for what I thought was a low $300 (estimate was $400 – $500), while an 8x10 from The Grim Game sold for a surprisingly high $1,500 (estimate $600 – $800). Grim Game stills in general seemed to fetch premium prices. A pic of Houdini and the Roosevelt grandchildren (his toughest audience) sold for $750. A street scene of Houdini shooting a movie sold for $1,900.
But the image I thought was the photo of the auction -- and the one I most wanted for myself -- was the infamous "frenemies" shot of Houdini and Margery at Lime Street. I bowed out and let it go at $1,300 (and will probably kick myself forever).
A postcard showing Houdini's historic Australian flight flew away with an impressive $3,200 (estimate $1,000 – $1,200). Another postcard showing Hardeen and his two "prize winning" pups brought $400 (another one I'll kick myself over). A wonderful pen and ink cartoon from 1905 drew $2,600.
The best bargains seemed to be books. A copy of Handcuff Secrets in very good condition sold for $375. A near fine copy of Magical Rope Ties and Escapes went for a low $250, and The Right Way To Do Wrong for $175. The pitchbook Houdini: His Life and Work in Prose and Picture by Hardeen sold for only $60.
Surprisingly, posters came in at the lower end of their auction estimates. The famous "Houdini for President" lithograph featured on the auction catalog cover sold for $12,000 (estimate $12,000 – $18,000). A King of Cards sold for $9,500, below the estimate of $12,000 – $15,00. In a 2014 Potter & Potter auction a King of Cards sold for $17,000. Finally, a sensational original lobby display and transport case was a steal, IMO, at $7,000 (estimate $7,000 – $9,000).
If you log into Live Auctioneers you can see all the auction results.
Congrats to Potter & Potter and all the buyers and sellers in what was yet another historic and exciting Houdini auction.
UPDATE: These two lots came late in the auction so I missed them yesterday. An unusual signed photo of Bess and Julia Sawyer in French costumes and wigs sold for $2,400. A Robert-Houdin glass column mystery clock brought a whopping $42,000!
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As I've already reported, the most publicized lot, the unpublished manuscript for The Cancer of Superstition, sold for $28,000 (all prices noted here are before 23% buyer's premium). A collection of letters from Houdini's manager, Martin Beck, which I considered to be the most historically significant item in the entire auction, went for $26,000. A Houdini scrapbook sold for $43,000 in what I believe was the highest price realized. Houdini scrapbooks have certainly become hot auction items lately!
The Castle Lock display case featured in the 1953 Houdini biopic starring Tony Curtis locked up $27,000. (It sold for $22,000 in the 2014 Pat Croce auction.) A Houdini lock pick brought $3,200 while a ball and chain, authenticated by Dunninger, went for $8,000. A pair of black McKenzie Mitts grabbed $5,500.
Martin Beck correspondence - $26,000.
Houdini scrapbook - $43,000.
Castle Lock display case - $27,000.
Houdini's Needles - $18,000.
A set of Houdini's Needles, complete with box, fetched $18,000. Twenty-six minutes of film footage, including film of Houdini's funeral and some missing footage from The Master Mystery, brought in $4,000. A 1904 "Caught" and "Flown" Christmas card sold for $3,200 while a colorful 1908 Christmas card sold for $3,000.
But the image I thought was the photo of the auction -- and the one I most wanted for myself -- was the infamous "frenemies" shot of Houdini and Margery at Lime Street. I bowed out and let it go at $1,300 (and will probably kick myself forever).
Houdini and Ching Ling Foo - $300. Houdini and Margery - $1,300.
Street shoot - $1,900.
A postcard showing Houdini's historic Australian flight flew away with an impressive $3,200 (estimate $1,000 – $1,200). Another postcard showing Hardeen and his two "prize winning" pups brought $400 (another one I'll kick myself over). A wonderful pen and ink cartoon from 1905 drew $2,600.
The best bargains seemed to be books. A copy of Handcuff Secrets in very good condition sold for $375. A near fine copy of Magical Rope Ties and Escapes went for a low $250, and The Right Way To Do Wrong for $175. The pitchbook Houdini: His Life and Work in Prose and Picture by Hardeen sold for only $60.
Surprisingly, posters came in at the lower end of their auction estimates. The famous "Houdini for President" lithograph featured on the auction catalog cover sold for $12,000 (estimate $12,000 – $18,000). A King of Cards sold for $9,500, below the estimate of $12,000 – $15,00. In a 2014 Potter & Potter auction a King of Cards sold for $17,000. Finally, a sensational original lobby display and transport case was a steal, IMO, at $7,000 (estimate $7,000 – $9,000).
Houdini lobby display and case - $7,000.
Poster fragment - $650.
Congrats to Potter & Potter and all the buyers and sellers in what was yet another historic and exciting Houdini auction.
UPDATE: These two lots came late in the auction so I missed them yesterday. An unusual signed photo of Bess and Julia Sawyer in French costumes and wigs sold for $2,400. A Robert-Houdin glass column mystery clock brought a whopping $42,000!
Bessie and Julia - $2,400. Robert-Houdin clock - $42,000.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Duffy Hudson brings Houdini to life in South Pasadena
Last night I had the pleasure of attending Duffy Hudson's one man performance as Houdini at the annual meeting of the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library in beautiful South Pasadena (where Houdini once visited the Huntington Library). It was a terrific show. His hour plus performance was extremely well researched and structured, delivering equal amounts of magic, drama, and information about Houdini's life in a unique way. Duffy clearly gave it his all and received standing ovation for his efforts.
Hudson is an actor who specializes in one man shows (he also does Einstein, Edgar Allen Poe and George Burns), so all his "recollections" where infused with dramatic flair. His description of the torturous Hodgson challenge was a standout for me. He pantomimed the entire ordeal; his vivid depiction of how Houdini was thrust up in shackles by the strong man would have made Patrick Culliton proud (Pat's the great authority on the Hodgson challenge). By the time he bounded free, it was as if I was there in Blackburn applauding Houdini's escape.
Hudson also brought to life the Mirror Challenge (including liberating himself from his coat while cuffed), the Buried Alive, and his ordeal being trapped under the ice of a frozen river. Yes, this last one is a fiction, but Houdini himself would tell this story, so you can't really fault him for including it. And I was impressed that he located the escape in Pittsburg, as Houdini would tell it, instead of Detroit as established in Kellock (and Curtis). This told me Duffy knew his subject and really took pains to be Houdini that night.
Duffy also performed magic as part of the show. He teased out a terrific card trick and did the Needles as part of his finale. At one point he invited the whole audience to hold their breath as long as he, Houdini (3 minutes). Incredibly, one man in the audience did it!
Missing from the evening were mentions of Houdini's aviation and movie careers. Also, being Houdini, he couldn't necessarily recount his the details of his own death. But nothing felt lacking. There were many young people in the audience, and unless their parents explained to them the nature of the show, it's amusing to think how may will carry forward a memory of once "seeing Houdini."
I learned about this show last minute, so I felt lucky to have attended, and was happy to come away with one of the show posters the library was handing out. I didn't get great photos, but there was a photographer there from South Pasadena Now, so maybe some better images will show up online.
Here's hoping we will be seeing more of Duffy Hudson as Houdini.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016
Houdini tours Texas
It was a 100 years ago this week that Houdini embarked on his first tour of Texas in 1916. The reason it took Houdini this long to appear in the Lone Star State was probably because Texas was not part of the Keith-Orpheum vaudeville circuit, on which Houdini was a headliner. Texas vaudeville was controlled by Karl Hoblitzelle and his Interstate Amusement Company. Hoblitzelle's theaters were called "Majestic." It was not typical for Houdini to appear on another circuit, but Texas was not a typical state!
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| Karl Hoblitzelle's Majestic Theaters. |
Houdini then traveled to Dallas where on January 18 he performed a suspended straitjacket escape from the Dallas Morning News building at Commerce and Lamar. Later in the week, he faced a punishment suit challenge from Sheriff W. K. Reynolds.
Next came Houston. Houdini performed at the local Majestic (called the New Majestic) and on January 25 he again performed a suspended straitjacket escape from the Houston Chronicle building. This time he was raised to a height of 100 feet, twice as high as in Dallas and Fort Worth. While the papers praised his Water Torture Cell and challenge escapes (one from a sea bag nailed to the stage), there was one criticism. Houdini's popular Needles trick had recently been performed in Texas by two other magicians, and the papers noted:
He introduces the well known needle trick which has been worn thread bare this season on this circuit and trailing so close in the wake of Long Tack Sam this feature should be eliminated, as it cheapens the work of the great artist.
On the Majestic circuit it was customary for acts to perform a "Free Cabaret" on Thursday nights. At these shows, Houdini performed magic and also exposed tricks. (One wonders if these might have been spiritualistic in nature.) One of the tricks Houdini performed was the Jesse James Hanging Trick.
Houdini also gave a talk about his life to newsboys at the Emma R. Home and Club. His advice: "Be true to yourself, honor your parents and hew the line."
Note the mention of the Free Cabaret.
Houdini's next stop was in San Antonio where he played a Majestic Theater that only held 300. Perhaps this smaller theater could not accommodate the Water Torture Cell, for the papers did not mention the famous escape. They instead reported that Houdini freed himself from a straitjacket and accepted challenges.
On an unusually chilly day, Houdini performed a suspended straitjacket escape from The Express building at the corner of Navarro and Crocket before 12,000 spectators, the largest crowd of his Texas tour. The Express did an especially good job of infusing the stunt with a sense of life and death danger:
There are two veins in Houdini's forehead, one in each temple and which feed the blood to the brain. Should one burst under the tremendous strain of dangling head down so many feet in the air and so many minutes, Houdini would become a helpless paralytic beyond aid of medical science. A slow, certain death would be his position.
Houdini's final stop was the state capitol of Austin. Houdini played a newly opened Majestic Theater, which still stands today as the Paramount. (The theater recently featured a Houdini hologram.) On February 10, he escaped from a straitjacket suspended from the fifth floor of the Littlefield Building at 6th and Congress. That same day he faced challenges at matinee and evening performances. During his Austin engagement, Houdini stayed at the famous Driskill Hotel.
Houdini's Majestic is today the Paramount.
The Paramount still celebrates Houdini's appearance.
The Driskill where Houdini stayed in 1916.
So popular and plentiful were Houdini's Austin challenges that his engagement was extended. Because the rest of the company had moved on to Arkansas, the Majestic's bill was filled out with movies during his extended run. Houdini did turn down a challenge to escape from the Travis County Jail, saying that jail breaking for him was "old stuff."
Houdini's final challenge came from students at the University of Texas in Austin who nailed him inside a packing crate. Today the University is home to the Harry Ransom Center which houses one of the largest and most important Houdini archives in the world.
Of his time in Texas, Houdini told a reporter:
"I am glad to have come to Texas. It has been a revelation and a tonic. I like your atmosphere and I like your people. There is a broad civilization down here which seems to be characteristic of the State. That greater things will follow down here goes without saying. They will come just as surely as death and taxes."
Houdini would tour Texas again in October-November of 1923. His made his final visit with his anti-spiritualism lecture for one week in October 1924.
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