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 Series: Genii and Houdini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Series: Genii and Houdini. 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!
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Houdini makes the cover of Genii's 1000th issue
I'm already preempting my "Week of Weird" because we do have some breaking Houdini news today. After a decade's absence, Houdini once again graces the cover of Genii magazine for the March 2022 issue. This is actually Genii's 1000th issue, so how perfect to have Harry back out front. (His first appearance was on issue No. 2 in October 1936.)
The article inside is an excellent and lengthy look at the new Houdini Seance at the Magic Castle written by Jonathan Levit with Jim Steinmeyer and Benjamin Schrader. Not only does the article tell the behind the scenes story of the seance's creation, but it also includes a nice history of the famous Final Houdini Seance of 1936 (featuring Mark Willoughby's rare photos), and Jim Steinmeyer has some elegant and insightful thoughts on Houdini and his everlasting legacy. Overall this makes for a terrific Houdini issue in the Genii tradition.
Oh, and there's a pic inside from our recent Houdini Nuts preview seance in which you can see Patrick Cullition, Jessica Jane Peterson, and myself. I like to think the image captures three generations of succeeding Edward Saints. What a treat and an honor!
You can subscribe to Genii magazine and Genii Online at the official website. You can also buy Genii in magic shops. This is one to get. Let's show the new editor, Dustin Stinett, that putting Houdini's mug on the cover moves some units!
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Genii & Hardeen: August 1942
Here's an update to my Genii & Houdini series from 2012. Back then I was on the fence about including this issue as it's a Hardeen cover without much mention of Houdini inside. Also, I didn't have a copy. But I do now, so what the heck. We love Dash, and this was his first Genii cover, so...
The issue includes a nice snappy profile of Hardeen's life and career, culminating with his current run on Broadway in the Olsen and Johnson hit show, Hellzapoppin.
It is notable that Hardeen is the legal successor today. And I think, when Hardeen is playing Broadway that if Houdini could look down and talk, he'd say–– "Nice going, brother, nice going."
A nice quote from Bess also appears at the end of Gerrie Larsen's Magical's column. She's following in the footsteps of her Harry, pushing War Bonds in this new time of need.
Click here for a list of all the Genii-Houdini cover issues. We were overdue for a new cover in 2012, so I would say we are now WAY overdue!
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Genii & Houdini: January 2011
In January 2011 Genii produced their last Houdini cover (so far), and it was a beauty! The irony is the portrait image of Houdini used on the poster reproduced here is the same portrait Genii used on their very first Houdini cover way back in 1936 with issue #2. Makes for a nice circular end to our series, I think.
The issue itself contains a spectacular 18-page spread on the Houdini Art and Magic traveling exhibition that toured the U.S. from 2010 to 2012. The coverage includes a wealth of rare photos of Houdini and beautiful images from the exhibition, along with articles by Ken Silverman and curator Brooke Kamin Rapaport, as well as blurbs by James Randi, David Blaine, and Genii editor Richard Kaufman.
I hope you've enjoyed WILD ABOUT HARRY's look back at the history of Genii and Houdini. Here's wishing Genii a happy 75th Anniversary. I look forward to many more years of this wonderful magic magazine and all the Houdini covers to come!
The issue itself contains a spectacular 18-page spread on the Houdini Art and Magic traveling exhibition that toured the U.S. from 2010 to 2012. The coverage includes a wealth of rare photos of Houdini and beautiful images from the exhibition, along with articles by Ken Silverman and curator Brooke Kamin Rapaport, as well as blurbs by James Randi, David Blaine, and Genii editor Richard Kaufman.
I hope you've enjoyed WILD ABOUT HARRY's look back at the history of Genii and Houdini. Here's wishing Genii a happy 75th Anniversary. I look forward to many more years of this wonderful magic magazine and all the Houdini covers to come!
Genii & Houdini:
Genii & Houdini: January 2011
Monday, November 19, 2012
Genii & Houdini: December 2006
With Genii back to full health and going strong in the 21st century, Houdini would again appear on the cover of the December 2006 issue...kinda. That's because during this time Genii was doing a double cover -- one cover image and then a loose wrap that created a second cover image. "100 Years of S.S. Adams" graced the "real" cover of this issue with Houdini being the wrap. But it was still, technically, a Houdini cover. Certainly I'm counting it in our series. And because the wrap is only loosely attached, this could prove over time to be the hardest Genii-Houdini cover to find.
This issue includes a nine page excerpt from the new book The Secret Life of Houdini by Bill Kalush. Titled "The Death of Houdini" the excerpt covers, you guessed it, the death of Houdini! It's illustrated with some terrific photos from the book from the collections of Dr. Bruce Averbrook, Ken Trombly, and Roger Dryer. It also includes a photo of Houdini emerging from a safe that is credited to me (hey, I made Genii!). However, this is a mistake that was corrected in the paperback edition of the book. The photo should be credited to Joseph Holland.
The photoshopped cover image, in which Houdini appears to be holding a copy of Secret Life, was created by Elizabeth Kaufman, art director and wife of editor Richard Kaufman. Having made Genii his own (and a beautiful magazine at that), Richard continues Genii's love-hate relationship with Houdini, writing in his Genii Speaks column:
Indeed, there's no escaping Houdini. And there was still one last spectacular Genii-Houdini cover to come.
Coming next: January 2011
This issue includes a nine page excerpt from the new book The Secret Life of Houdini by Bill Kalush. Titled "The Death of Houdini" the excerpt covers, you guessed it, the death of Houdini! It's illustrated with some terrific photos from the book from the collections of Dr. Bruce Averbrook, Ken Trombly, and Roger Dryer. It also includes a photo of Houdini emerging from a safe that is credited to me (hey, I made Genii!). However, this is a mistake that was corrected in the paperback edition of the book. The photo should be credited to Joseph Holland.
The photoshopped cover image, in which Houdini appears to be holding a copy of Secret Life, was created by Elizabeth Kaufman, art director and wife of editor Richard Kaufman. Having made Genii his own (and a beautiful magazine at that), Richard continues Genii's love-hate relationship with Houdini, writing in his Genii Speaks column:
"Perhaps we should rename Houdini "The Man Who Will Never Die," because the bastard just won't allow himself to be forgotten even 80 years after his death on Halloween, 1926, at age 52."
Indeed, there's no escaping Houdini. And there was still one last spectacular Genii-Houdini cover to come.
Coming next: January 2011
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Genii & Houdini: December 1999
In the late 1990s, Genii was in serious trouble. With only three issues produced in 1998, it looked like the famed magazine might cease to exist altogether. But in October 1998, the Larsen family sold Genii to magic publisher, Richard Kaufman, who revived the magazine starting in January 1999. At the end of that turnaround year, the new Genii would feature a beautiful Houdini cover on their December issue. Genii and Houdini were back!
This issue featured an excerpt from Daniel Stashower's The Dime Museum Murders, the first of his three "Harry Houdini Mysteries". The excerpt stretches for an impressive 10 full pages, illustrated with rare photos from the collection of Mario Carrandi Jr. There's also a Houdini Christmas card reproduced from a 1925 issues of The Sphinx and a full page ad for The Dime Museum Murders.
The magazine also has a terrific article about Thurston's "Iasia" illusion by Michael Edwards, and records one of the first mentions of Neil Patrick Harris' interest in magic.
Finally, in his "Genii Speaks" column, new editor Richard Kaufman writes:
And so we shall.
Coming next: December 2006
This issue featured an excerpt from Daniel Stashower's The Dime Museum Murders, the first of his three "Harry Houdini Mysteries". The excerpt stretches for an impressive 10 full pages, illustrated with rare photos from the collection of Mario Carrandi Jr. There's also a Houdini Christmas card reproduced from a 1925 issues of The Sphinx and a full page ad for The Dime Museum Murders.
The magazine also has a terrific article about Thurston's "Iasia" illusion by Michael Edwards, and records one of the first mentions of Neil Patrick Harris' interest in magic.
Finally, in his "Genii Speaks" column, new editor Richard Kaufman writes:
And so ends the final Genii Speaks of volume 62, the first year of Genii not produced by a member of the Larsen family. [...] We began this year by putting Bill Larsen Jr., on the cover--my way of dedicating the continuing success of Genii to his memory and also, of course, to Irene, who continues to be our biggest cheerleader.
It's quite clear to me exactly what I'm going to be doing for the next 20 years--I hope you'll make the voyage with me.
And so we shall.
Coming next: December 2006
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Genii & Houdini: November 1993
Having vanished from the cover of Genii for an amazing 18 years, Houdini returned in November 1993 with a true "Houdini Special Issue". Sharing the cover with Harry was the man responsible for reuniting Genii and Houdini, the mighty Patrick Culliton.
Patrick had suggested the idea of doing a Houdini special in November instead of October, noting that the very first Houdini Memorial Issue by The Sphinx came out in November 1926. While Genii was now being co-edited by Dante and Erika Larsen (Bill Larsen, Jr. passed away in February 1993), the 12-page Houdini section was complied and edited by Patrick and T.L. Williams.
The Houdini section includes: "Houdini A Magician for the Ages" by Patrick Culliton; a handwritten "Outline for a Society Sketch" by Houdini; Houdini's short story Bahl Yahn the Strong Man; Houdini's own account of his aviation exploits, "Flight and Magic"; "Buried Alive", an article about Houdini's Shelton Pool Test by Patrick Culliton; and a terrific article by Patrick called "Where the Magic Went" tracing where many of Houdini's most famous props went after his death.
The Houdini section also includes a wonderful tribute to Manny Weltman by Patrick called "My Pal Manny". Manny was a major collector and the reigning Houdini expert at The Magic Castle. He had been the driving force behind the last Genii Houdini Special Issue in 1972. Patrick recalls today, "Manny was still alive. He was his usual grumpy self as he had told me not to write about him. He was actually very touched."
Manny Weltman passed away in May 1994.
Of non-Houdini interest in this issue are two full page advertisements touting the winner of the Dessert Magic Seminar's Teenage Magician Competition: Lance Burton.
While it was good to see Houdini back on the cover and in the pages of Genii, the 1990s would be a turbulent time for the family owned magazine. By 1998, when only three issues were published, there was a serious question as to whether Genii would even survive...
Coming next: December 1999
Patrick had suggested the idea of doing a Houdini special in November instead of October, noting that the very first Houdini Memorial Issue by The Sphinx came out in November 1926. While Genii was now being co-edited by Dante and Erika Larsen (Bill Larsen, Jr. passed away in February 1993), the 12-page Houdini section was complied and edited by Patrick and T.L. Williams.
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| Manny Weltman |
Manny Weltman passed away in May 1994.
Of non-Houdini interest in this issue are two full page advertisements touting the winner of the Dessert Magic Seminar's Teenage Magician Competition: Lance Burton.
While it was good to see Houdini back on the cover and in the pages of Genii, the 1990s would be a turbulent time for the family owned magazine. By 1998, when only three issues were published, there was a serious question as to whether Genii would even survive...
Coming next: December 1999
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Genii & Houdini: The lost decade
The aim of this series has been to focus on issues of Genii that have featured Houdini on the cover. From the time Genii was founded in 1936, these have numbered at least two per decade, and many have been Special Houdini Issues. That's why it was so surprising that after November 1975, Houdini vanished from the cover of Genii for the remainder of the 1970s and never once appeared on a cover in the 1980s! That's right, the '80s are a lost decade for Genii & Houdini. Well, kinda.
Technically, Houdini did appear on the cover of Genii in the '80s many times. That's because in 1982 Genii did a cover redesign that featured a background montage of famous magicians, including a nice image of Houdini (hopefully I don't need to point him out). But apart for this, Genii showed little love for the Master Mystifier during the "Me Decade."
So why did Genii snub Houdini throughout the 1980s? It's hard to know for certain, but as I noted with the October 1972 issue, a certain hostility toward Houdini seemed to emerging as Dai Vernon became part of Genii and the West Coast magic scene. While Vernon was happy to trade on Houdini's name for his own purposes ("The Man Who Fooled Houdini"), he dismissed him as a magician and sniped at him in his Genii column. Not that Vernon actively suppressed Houdini in Genii, but the environment he fostered was that real magicians should discount Houdini as a publicity seeker and instead emulate true craftsmen like...Dai Vernon! (It's an attitude that still exists today.)
But it could also be that there were no seismic Houdini events in the 1980s as there had been in the 1970s with a wave of books and tributes commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his death. In fact, the '70s were so Houdini packed, the magic world might have been suffering a bit of a Houdini hangover in the '80s.
Still, Houdini was missed. Many Houdini and magic fanatics--like myself--were born of the '70s boom, and Genii not producing even a single Houdini issue or cover to pull in these new, younger fans might have been a strategic mistake (even I let my subscription lapse). Newer magic publications like Hocus Pocus and Magicol happily filled the void, featuring Houdini on the covers of early issues, just as Genii had done with issue #2 when it was challenging the dominance of The Sphinx back in 1936.
However, the tradition of a Houdini Special Issue would be revived in the 1990s, and by a familiar champion.
Coming next: November 1993
Technically, Houdini did appear on the cover of Genii in the '80s many times. That's because in 1982 Genii did a cover redesign that featured a background montage of famous magicians, including a nice image of Houdini (hopefully I don't need to point him out). But apart for this, Genii showed little love for the Master Mystifier during the "Me Decade."
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| Dai Vernon |
But it could also be that there were no seismic Houdini events in the 1980s as there had been in the 1970s with a wave of books and tributes commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his death. In fact, the '70s were so Houdini packed, the magic world might have been suffering a bit of a Houdini hangover in the '80s.
 |
| Genii, May 1980 |
However, the tradition of a Houdini Special Issue would be revived in the 1990s, and by a familiar champion.
Coming next: November 1993
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Genii & Houdini: November 1975
In November 1975, Genii, now The International Conjurors' Magazine, celebrated on their cover a big moment in Houdini/Hollywood history -- the dedication of Houdini's star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. (This was also the first issue of Genii I ever purchased.)
Houdini would join two of his cinematic co-stars on the famous boulevard; Nita Naldi (The Man From Beyond) and Lila Lee (Terror Island) were among the first stars honored when the Walk of Fame was established in 1960. The dedication of Houdini's star was a press event. Editor Bill Larsen covered the dedication in his The Genii Speaks column:
Unfortunately, a Houdini special issue was not forthcoming, so I'm not sure whether Genii ever did publish Weltman's article. Houdini's star -- which sits on the corner of Orange and Hollywood within sight of the Magic Castle -- would be restored and rededicated in 2008.
But there's another reason to covet this particular issue. The Badgad column reproduces an ad from Variety for "Magician-Actor" David Copperfield, soliciting himself to the industry and even listing a New Jersey address where one could write and receive a video-cassette demo. On the same page is an item from The Hollywood Reporter about Bill Cosby signing to host a "Magic Special" featuring another relative newcomer, Doug Henning. This, of course, was Henning's now legendary first NBC World of Magic special in which he performed Houdini's Water Torture Cell and established himself as the foremost magician of the day.
But that Copperfield kid looks like a comer...
Coming next: The lost decade
Houdini would join two of his cinematic co-stars on the famous boulevard; Nita Naldi (The Man From Beyond) and Lila Lee (Terror Island) were among the first stars honored when the Walk of Fame was established in 1960. The dedication of Houdini's star was a press event. Editor Bill Larsen covered the dedication in his The Genii Speaks column:
It took us three years to convince the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce that Houdini deserved a star in the "Walk of Fame." The stars are reserved for for famous people in films, television, radio or records. With the help of Houdini expert Manny Weltman, we finally convinced the Chamber that Houdini was a pioneer in films which indeed he was with his own studio in Hollywood. We will publish the excellent article Manny wrote in our next Houdini special issue...whenever that is.
Unfortunately, a Houdini special issue was not forthcoming, so I'm not sure whether Genii ever did publish Weltman's article. Houdini's star -- which sits on the corner of Orange and Hollywood within sight of the Magic Castle -- would be restored and rededicated in 2008.
But there's another reason to covet this particular issue. The Badgad column reproduces an ad from Variety for "Magician-Actor" David Copperfield, soliciting himself to the industry and even listing a New Jersey address where one could write and receive a video-cassette demo. On the same page is an item from The Hollywood Reporter about Bill Cosby signing to host a "Magic Special" featuring another relative newcomer, Doug Henning. This, of course, was Henning's now legendary first NBC World of Magic special in which he performed Houdini's Water Torture Cell and established himself as the foremost magician of the day.
But that Copperfield kid looks like a comer...
Coming next: The lost decade
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1972
In October 1972, Genii The Conjurors' Magazine produced a beautiful "Special Houdini Issue." It started with a cover that featured a terrific unpublished photo of Houdini in handcuffs. However, a certain poison was starting to course through the Genii editorial offices regarding Houdini, and that can also be sensed in this issue.
The force behind this issue was Houdini collector, Manny Weltman, who provides photos and articles from his formidable collection. The magazine also reprints Weltman's article from the February 1971 issue of Westways, "Houdini The Man From Beyond...or waiting for Harry".
The issue also reprints Houdini's article about his straitjacket escape from a 1908 Conjurers Monthly Magazine (also reprinted in The Original Houdini Scrapbook by Gibson in 1976), and an autobiographical article written by Houdini reprinted from The Magician Annual 1909-10. An article by William Larsen, Sr. on "The Great Handcuff Escape Act" is also included with photos from the Weltman collection, including the famous nude photo of Houdini emerging from a jail cell.
The first hint of trouble appears in Bill Larsen's The Genii Speaks column. Larsen writes:
This is certainly a tonal change from past Houdini issues in which Larsen paid great homage to Houdini as the man who "has done more to popularize magic than any living magician." So what's going on?
Well, by this time Dai Vernon was deeply involved in the West Coast magic scene. Known as The Professor, he was a fixture at The Magic Castle and contributed a regular column to Genii called "The Vernon Touch." He was also a well-known and very vocal Houdini hater. Vernon doesn't conceal his feelings even in this Special Houdini Issue. He opens his column with:
Vernon goes on to talk about Hardeen, whom he enjoyed as being more "down to earth" than his brother, and also notes that Bess Houdini was godmother to his eldest son, Edward.
I suspect it's the influence and reverence for Dai Vernon that is responsible for Genii becoming a little gun shy in regards to Houdini from this point on. In fact, there would not be another issue devoted to him for over 20 years.
Coming next: November 1975
The force behind this issue was Houdini collector, Manny Weltman, who provides photos and articles from his formidable collection. The magazine also reprints Weltman's article from the February 1971 issue of Westways, "Houdini The Man From Beyond...or waiting for Harry".
The issue also reprints Houdini's article about his straitjacket escape from a 1908 Conjurers Monthly Magazine (also reprinted in The Original Houdini Scrapbook by Gibson in 1976), and an autobiographical article written by Houdini reprinted from The Magician Annual 1909-10. An article by William Larsen, Sr. on "The Great Handcuff Escape Act" is also included with photos from the Weltman collection, including the famous nude photo of Houdini emerging from a jail cell.
The first hint of trouble appears in Bill Larsen's The Genii Speaks column. Larsen writes:
The fact that HOUDINI is a household word today speaks well of the man no matter what people say about him. By this I mean I've heard so many stories about Houdini over the years that one really doesn't know what to believe. Undoubtedly he was a great showman and fine performer. He died two years before I was born and therefore I cannot talk about the man.
This is certainly a tonal change from past Houdini issues in which Larsen paid great homage to Houdini as the man who "has done more to popularize magic than any living magician." So what's going on?
Well, by this time Dai Vernon was deeply involved in the West Coast magic scene. Known as The Professor, he was a fixture at The Magic Castle and contributed a regular column to Genii called "The Vernon Touch." He was also a well-known and very vocal Houdini hater. Vernon doesn't conceal his feelings even in this Special Houdini Issue. He opens his column with:
Although Houdini was, without doubt, the world's greatest handcuff king and also a great showman, he was not one of the "greats" that I admired by any stretch of the imagination. He was a supreme egotist, true, but we must be honest and say that it was this egotism that made Houdini the famous person he was and still is today!
Vernon goes on to talk about Hardeen, whom he enjoyed as being more "down to earth" than his brother, and also notes that Bess Houdini was godmother to his eldest son, Edward.
I suspect it's the influence and reverence for Dai Vernon that is responsible for Genii becoming a little gun shy in regards to Houdini from this point on. In fact, there would not be another issue devoted to him for over 20 years.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1964
In October 1964, Genii The Conjurors' Magazine produced their most unique "Houdini Memorial Issue" to date. Interestingly, the name of the magazine does not even appear on the cover, which shows the escape artist Steranko sitting before a collection of Houdini posters and playbills.
In his Genii Speaks column, editor Bill Larsen writes, "I had the help of Steranko who started out to write a special issue and ended up writing what I believe to be a sensational book on escapes. I'm sure this is going to be one of the most sought after issues ever published."
Indeed, the Steranko section, called "Steranko's World of Escapes", is a whopping 48 pages and makes up almost the entire magazine. It is an incredible resource for anyone interested in escape techniques. In his introduction, Steranko writes:
The "book" is then organized into seven profusely illustrated sections on: lock picking ("Have Locks...Will Travel"); ropes, chains, and straitjackets ("A Matter of Technique"); jail escapes ("Stone Walls Do Not a Prison Make"); quick release escapes ("Dynamic Magic"); death defying escapes ("Danger is My Business"); new and experimental escapes, inducing frozen in ice ("Escape no More"); and tips for building, publicizing, and performing an escape act ("I, Liberationist").
Unrelated to magic, but still interesting, is an advert in this issue announcing that "Don Post Studios has been chosen to be the official licensed manufacturer of producer character masks of The Munsters for commercial sale."
Coming next: October 1972
In his Genii Speaks column, editor Bill Larsen writes, "I had the help of Steranko who started out to write a special issue and ended up writing what I believe to be a sensational book on escapes. I'm sure this is going to be one of the most sought after issues ever published."
Indeed, the Steranko section, called "Steranko's World of Escapes", is a whopping 48 pages and makes up almost the entire magazine. It is an incredible resource for anyone interested in escape techniques. In his introduction, Steranko writes:
Houdini was, in fact, only a fair magician. But the heart of a magician is dark and contradictory for Houdini is considered the Prince of Showmen. The ideas that poured forth from this pioneer and prime exponent of escape, were sometimes outrageous, often incredible but always fascinating. To him we dedicate our book.
The "book" is then organized into seven profusely illustrated sections on: lock picking ("Have Locks...Will Travel"); ropes, chains, and straitjackets ("A Matter of Technique"); jail escapes ("Stone Walls Do Not a Prison Make"); quick release escapes ("Dynamic Magic"); death defying escapes ("Danger is My Business"); new and experimental escapes, inducing frozen in ice ("Escape no More"); and tips for building, publicizing, and performing an escape act ("I, Liberationist").
Unrelated to magic, but still interesting, is an advert in this issue announcing that "Don Post Studios has been chosen to be the official licensed manufacturer of producer character masks of The Munsters for commercial sale."
Monday, September 3, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1962
Houdini returned to the cover of Genii The Conjurors' Magazine with Vol. 27, No. 2 in October 1962. Editor Bill Larsen had promised a true Houdini "collectors item" with this issue, and he delivered. But this issue also contains some information that surely must have shaken the Houdini world of 1962.
As with the October 1961 Houdini issue, Patrick Culliton -- only 18 at the time -- is the driving force behind this issue, providing unique photos and articles. (It's mentioned in this issue that Patrick is now "the proud possessor of the original Houdini Sub Trunk.")
First up, Patrick collaborates with Arnold Furst to present a terrific overview of Houdini's full evening roadshow at The Maryland Theatre on August 31, 1925. (The article says it was Baltimore, but it was actually Cumberland.) This would later appear in a collected booklet called Great Magic Shows. Patrick then solos with an article all about the Water Torture Cell, presenting one possible method of escape. It's not exactly the method Houdini used. Patrick would ultimately reveal the real working secret of the USD in his 2010 book, Houdini The Key.
Patrick then presents a provocative article called, "Houdini Facts You Never Knew." The first fact is a shocker:
The source of this information was George Boston, who was technical advisor on Paramount's Houdini. Of course, Patrick doesn't believe this story today (and was probably skeptical at the time). Birth certificates and immigration papers have firmly established Houdini's parentage. But it is interesting to know this was an active rumor circulating in magic circles in 1962.
The second unknown fact details a performance of being frozen in ice that Houdini is said to have given in 1926.
In the non-Houdini category, I can't help but marvel at the overtly sexist ads for "Himber's Custombilt Magic". Each of the six ads feature a pretty girl in a bikini with tag-lines like, "Is this what you want?" and "Beautiful Merchandise?" Ah, the days of Mad Men...
Coming next: October 1964
As with the October 1961 Houdini issue, Patrick Culliton -- only 18 at the time -- is the driving force behind this issue, providing unique photos and articles. (It's mentioned in this issue that Patrick is now "the proud possessor of the original Houdini Sub Trunk.")
First up, Patrick collaborates with Arnold Furst to present a terrific overview of Houdini's full evening roadshow at The Maryland Theatre on August 31, 1925. (The article says it was Baltimore, but it was actually Cumberland.) This would later appear in a collected booklet called Great Magic Shows. Patrick then solos with an article all about the Water Torture Cell, presenting one possible method of escape. It's not exactly the method Houdini used. Patrick would ultimately reveal the real working secret of the USD in his 2010 book, Houdini The Key.
Patrick then presents a provocative article called, "Houdini Facts You Never Knew." The first fact is a shocker:
You may not know that data was uncovered during the filming of George Pal's feature "The Great Houdini," that would indicate that the Rabbi Weiss was not Houdini's father. Herman, Nathan, Bill and Ehrich were the sons of a grocer in Hungary and Cecelia Steiner. The Rabbi Weiss came to Appleton from London, where he had carried on his scholarly researches. There he married Houdini's widowed mother and they had three children.
The source of this information was George Boston, who was technical advisor on Paramount's Houdini. Of course, Patrick doesn't believe this story today (and was probably skeptical at the time). Birth certificates and immigration papers have firmly established Houdini's parentage. But it is interesting to know this was an active rumor circulating in magic circles in 1962.
The second unknown fact details a performance of being frozen in ice that Houdini is said to have given in 1926.
In the non-Houdini category, I can't help but marvel at the overtly sexist ads for "Himber's Custombilt Magic". Each of the six ads feature a pretty girl in a bikini with tag-lines like, "Is this what you want?" and "Beautiful Merchandise?" Ah, the days of Mad Men...
Coming next: October 1964
Monday, August 20, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1961
A magnificent photo of Harry and Bessie Houdini graced the cover of Genii The Conjurors' Magazine Vol. 26, No. 2 in October 1961. It had been five years since the last Houdini memorial issue. This issue would make up for lost time, and also kick off a new era in the Houdini-Genii relationship.
In many ways, this is one of my favorite Houdini issues of Genii. And not just because I love the cover pic. This issue announced the arrival on the scene of 17-year-old Patrick Culliton. Editor Bill Larsen Jr. writes that Patrick is "young in years, but old in the history of magic in general and Houdini in particular." Patrick would assume the role that Edward Saint played in the 1930s, motivating Genii to produce an annual Houdini issue by providing unique content. Says Patrick, "Bill hadn't done one in a couple of years and the Houdini issues always sold a few more magazines."
In this issue, Patrick writes two articles; one on "Houdini's Thumb Racket" and another about "Houdini's Assistants". Patrick had written both articles when he was only 15. (The latter article was reprinted in Walter Gibson's The Original Houdini Scrapbook in 1976.) Patrick also provided the cover portrait and the photo of Houdini's assistants "after the beer challenge." Both had come from the collection of Jacob Hyman. "Marie Hinson wrote a nice note to Bill about the Houdinis on the cover," says Patrick.
This issue also contains an impressive Houdini bibliography by Dave Price of the Egyptian Hall Museum. The contents reflect what is in the Egyptian Hall collection, and covers three pages with some 211 individual listings. It includes sections on books, articles, handbills, letters to and from Houdini, letterheads, photographs, posters, programs and more.
Notable non-Houdini items include a nice photo and announcement of the debut of Mark and Darnell Wilson's The Magic Land of Allakazam TV series (which featured a vanishing elephant), and the re-naming of Main Street in Colon Michigan to Blackstone Avenue in honor of Harry Blackstone Sr.
In his Genii Speaks column, editor Bill Larsen says, "I hope next year to really put out a collectors item in the way of a Houdini issue with Pat's help." It was a promise he would keep.
Coming next: October 1962
In many ways, this is one of my favorite Houdini issues of Genii. And not just because I love the cover pic. This issue announced the arrival on the scene of 17-year-old Patrick Culliton. Editor Bill Larsen Jr. writes that Patrick is "young in years, but old in the history of magic in general and Houdini in particular." Patrick would assume the role that Edward Saint played in the 1930s, motivating Genii to produce an annual Houdini issue by providing unique content. Says Patrick, "Bill hadn't done one in a couple of years and the Houdini issues always sold a few more magazines."
In this issue, Patrick writes two articles; one on "Houdini's Thumb Racket" and another about "Houdini's Assistants". Patrick had written both articles when he was only 15. (The latter article was reprinted in Walter Gibson's The Original Houdini Scrapbook in 1976.) Patrick also provided the cover portrait and the photo of Houdini's assistants "after the beer challenge." Both had come from the collection of Jacob Hyman. "Marie Hinson wrote a nice note to Bill about the Houdinis on the cover," says Patrick.
This issue also contains an impressive Houdini bibliography by Dave Price of the Egyptian Hall Museum. The contents reflect what is in the Egyptian Hall collection, and covers three pages with some 211 individual listings. It includes sections on books, articles, handbills, letters to and from Houdini, letterheads, photographs, posters, programs and more.
Notable non-Houdini items include a nice photo and announcement of the debut of Mark and Darnell Wilson's The Magic Land of Allakazam TV series (which featured a vanishing elephant), and the re-naming of Main Street in Colon Michigan to Blackstone Avenue in honor of Harry Blackstone Sr.
In his Genii Speaks column, editor Bill Larsen says, "I hope next year to really put out a collectors item in the way of a Houdini issue with Pat's help." It was a promise he would keep.
Coming next: October 1962
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1956
Continuing our look back at issues of Genii magazine that have celebrated Houdini on their covers, here's Vol. 21, No. 2 from October 1956. This "Houdini Memorial Issue" (back to being an annual tradition) featured a dramatic bronze Houdini bust by Italian craftsman Nicholas Volpe on the cover.
Inside the magazine profiles Volpe's life and work, "The Magic in Art", and his desire to "recreate the face and legend of this master of magic." Where is the Volpe bust today, I wonder? It also has an article by David Price of the Egyptian Hall about a 1902 photograph of Harry and Bess.
But the real Houdini highlight in this issue is the full transcript of William Larsen Sr.'s lecture about the Final Houdini Seance in 1936. Larsen was an attendee of the seance. A lot of the information is familiar, but there are few new nuggets, such as that the night was "uncommonly cold" and that some guests "had the foresight to prepare for the occasion by stopping in at the Knickerbocker cocktail bar." Then there is this:
Also in this issue editor Bill Larsen Jr. announces the engagement of his mother Gerri (a close friend to Bessie in her final years) to Art Baker, a television personality most well-known for the show You Asked For It (which featured Houdini clips from time to time).
Coming next: October 1961
Inside the magazine profiles Volpe's life and work, "The Magic in Art", and his desire to "recreate the face and legend of this master of magic." Where is the Volpe bust today, I wonder? It also has an article by David Price of the Egyptian Hall about a 1902 photograph of Harry and Bess.
But the real Houdini highlight in this issue is the full transcript of William Larsen Sr.'s lecture about the Final Houdini Seance in 1936. Larsen was an attendee of the seance. A lot of the information is familiar, but there are few new nuggets, such as that the night was "uncommonly cold" and that some guests "had the foresight to prepare for the occasion by stopping in at the Knickerbocker cocktail bar." Then there is this:
Now it seems that Dr. DiGhilini, a well-known West Coast mystery worker and a few other outstanding magicians didn't really believe anything was going to happen. They feared that the invited guests and the waiting world were doomed to bitter disappointment. So, they offered their services to help better matters. It would be excellent, they told Dr. Saint, to get Houdini's handwriting on the slate and they could assure its appearance there. Or, to cause a dove to fly up from the center of the table, seemingly created out of nothing. Dr. Saint refused these generous offers.
Coming next: October 1961
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1955
William Larsen Sr., who founded Genii magazine in 1936, passed away on July 5, 1953. His son, Bill Larsen, Jr., who would later co-found the Magic Castle with his brother Milt, became the new editor-in-chief of Genii and in 1955 revived the tradition of dedicating the October issue to Houdini. Says Larsen, "We dedicate this issue to the man who, in death, has done more to popularize magic than any living magician."
The issue features a charcoal illustration of Houdini by Phil Bauer on the cover. But the real highlight inside is the full transcript of the Final Houdini Seance, taken from a recording that was released as a record. The article also includes is a nice photo of Ed Saint and Bess holding the Mirror Handcuff. Says Larsen, "I'm sure you will find it interesting, and I feel that this is one issue you will want to file away for future reference." (Done!)
The issue also has an article about "Houdini and Alexander Heimburger" by Fred Rickard and Phil Bauer. The article, (largely an excerpt from The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin) includes a second charcoal drawing of Houdini and Heimburger by Bauer. According to the Bauer, the drawing was made from a collection of "50 stereoptican slides" given to him by Claude Leaf, who had acquired them from Bess. Sounds like this was Houdini's spiritualist lecture, which is now in the collection of Arthur Moses and was reproduced in his excellent book, Houdini Speaks Out.
The magazine also features an article by Charles Ruben called "Escape Ideas", in which he notes:
Poor Houdini is always getting busted for these embarrassing moments, even after death. This is one I've never heard before, but what I like here is it's a rare mention of his little-known London apartment.
Other items of note include an obituary for John J. McManus who died September 7, 1955. The McManus/Young collection, which include Houdini's famous runaway postcard, is now housed in the Library of Congress. There is also an interview with Billy McComb, one of the great men of the Magic Castle, who also had a cameo in Young Harry Houdini.
By the way, editor Bill Larsen Jr. appeared (uncredited) in the 1953 movie HOUDINI as the magician who performs the Guillotine at the S.A.M. convention.
Coming next: October 1956
The issue also has an article about "Houdini and Alexander Heimburger" by Fred Rickard and Phil Bauer. The article, (largely an excerpt from The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin) includes a second charcoal drawing of Houdini and Heimburger by Bauer. According to the Bauer, the drawing was made from a collection of "50 stereoptican slides" given to him by Claude Leaf, who had acquired them from Bess. Sounds like this was Houdini's spiritualist lecture, which is now in the collection of Arthur Moses and was reproduced in his excellent book, Houdini Speaks Out.
The magazine also features an article by Charles Ruben called "Escape Ideas", in which he notes:
It is claimed on good authority that Houdini was once unable to get into his own apartment in London, late at night, as he lost the key to same.
Poor Houdini is always getting busted for these embarrassing moments, even after death. This is one I've never heard before, but what I like here is it's a rare mention of his little-known London apartment.
Other items of note include an obituary for John J. McManus who died September 7, 1955. The McManus/Young collection, which include Houdini's famous runaway postcard, is now housed in the Library of Congress. There is also an interview with Billy McComb, one of the great men of the Magic Castle, who also had a cameo in Young Harry Houdini.
By the way, editor Bill Larsen Jr. appeared (uncredited) in the 1953 movie HOUDINI as the magician who performs the Guillotine at the S.A.M. convention.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Genii & Houdini: June 1953
When Houdini returned to the cover of Genii after a ten year absence, he was not quite himself. That's because Vol. 17, No. 10 featured the image of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh from the classic 1953 Paramount film, HOUDINI, on the cover.
HOUDINI was released in July of 1953, so for many in the magic world this was their first look at Tony and Janet as Harry and Bess. The magazine itself features a short article by George Boston who was a technical advisor on the film. While the more famous Dunninger received the onscreen credit, Tony Curtis himself confirmed during his talk at the Magic Castle in 2009 that Boston was the one who really helped he and Janet Leigh become The Houdinis. In the article Boston predicts:
HOUDINI was released in July of 1953, so for many in the magic world this was their first look at Tony and Janet as Harry and Bess. The magazine itself features a short article by George Boston who was a technical advisor on the film. While the more famous Dunninger received the onscreen credit, Tony Curtis himself confirmed during his talk at the Magic Castle in 2009 that Boston was the one who really helped he and Janet Leigh become The Houdinis. In the article Boston predicts:
So ladies, gentlemen and children, I give you Janet and Tony Curtis, a credit to magic and magicians the world over. Through them magic will arise again, to the top of entertainment world where it rightfully belongs. In the words of George Pal of Paramount, "They ARE the Houdinis, brought back to life."
Of course, the magic world would take the film to task for its many inaccuracies. However, time has proven that the movie has been responsible for igniting an interest in magic in many young minds (including my own), and has done much to keep the legend of Houdini and the Golden Age of Magic alive. A worthy Genii cover subject to be sure.
Coming next: October 1955
Click here for a complete list of all the Genii-Houdini cover issues.
Coming next: October 1955
Click here for a complete list of all the Genii-Houdini cover issues.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Genii & Houdini: October 1943
Even though it was Houdini's brother, Hardeen, who graced the cover of Genii, The Conjurors Magazine in October 1943, this "Houdini Memorial Issue" marked an important moment in the history of Genii and Houdini as it was the first October issue following the deaths of Edward Saint and Bess.
Ed Saint and Bessie were great friends of editor William Larsen and his wife Gerri, and had supported Genii from the start. Many of the articles and cover images had come from the "Houdini Archive" controlled by Ed Saint.
This issue includes an article about Bessie's final train ride written by her sister, Marie Hinson. It also looks at the surviving family, notably Hardeen and his sons, Lt. Harry Houdini Hardeen and Capt. Theodore Hardeen, Jr., both of whom were serving in the military at the time. The article notes that Houdini has one other living nephew, Col. M.S. White, "and they are all that is left of Houdini's immediate family."
The magazine also has a nice article titled, "Where Houdini Alive Today - What Would He Be Doing?" In it Fred Rickard predicted:
Editor William Larsen offered up his take on Houdini's role in War World II:
Ed Saint and Bessie were great friends of editor William Larsen and his wife Gerri, and had supported Genii from the start. Many of the articles and cover images had come from the "Houdini Archive" controlled by Ed Saint.
This issue includes an article about Bessie's final train ride written by her sister, Marie Hinson. It also looks at the surviving family, notably Hardeen and his sons, Lt. Harry Houdini Hardeen and Capt. Theodore Hardeen, Jr., both of whom were serving in the military at the time. The article notes that Houdini has one other living nephew, Col. M.S. White, "and they are all that is left of Houdini's immediate family."
The magazine also has a nice article titled, "Where Houdini Alive Today - What Would He Be Doing?" In it Fred Rickard predicted:
"He would already have made intensive investigations into television. He would have made all the proper contacts to insure him being the first magician to present a televised magic show to a really large television audience."
Editor William Larsen offered up his take on Houdini's role in War World II:
"Here would have been a chance for him to take up the cudgel and attack. Knowing the world as he knew it, and as he would have known it had his life been spared, it is certain that he would have intensely disapproved everything Nazi. What a thrill he would have had exposing the "Bund."
Having produced a Houdini cover every year expect one since its founding in 1936, this would be the last of the annual Houdini Memorial Issues of Genii. And when Houdini returned to the cover of Genii after a ten year absence, he would not quite be himself.
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