American Pinball releases Houdini Centennial game

Back in 2017, American Pinball released its acclaimed Houdini-themed pinball machine. Now the company has released an updated version to mark the centenary of Houdini's death. Below are details and a pic of the first machines awaiting shipment. Rumor is that one of these games will be available to play at the upcoming SAM convention in Appleton.

 

For more information or to buy a game, visit the American Pinball website.

Related:

• American Pinball unveils 'Houdini' in Texas
• American Pinball offering Houdini game artwork
• Catalina Island Museum will auction their Houdini Pinball machine

Houdini miniature figure by Marco Navas

Spanish artist Marco Navas, The Miniaturist, has created this handmade figure of Houdini in high-quality resin. It measures 7.5 centimeters (1/24 scale) and is a limited edition. It can be purchased at Marco Navas Studio.

Thanks to Doug King for the alert.

Related:

• Houdini the action figure!
• A Houdini doll for your nightmares
• Houdini (and friend) in paper mache

_ _ _ _ makes The New York Times Crossword

Today's New York Times Crossword features this Houdini-related clue. 40 Across. Four letters.

Don't look below if you don't want the puzzle spoiled! But I'm betting you already know the answer.

The Dec. 15, 2022 puzzle was edited by Will Shortz and created by Bruce Haight. 

Thanks to Dave Sikula for the tip and image.

Related:

• Houdini penetrates the New York Times Crossword
• Houdini in the Los Angeles Times crossword
• L.A. Times crossword conjures Harry

Unmatched: Houdini vs. the Genie

This week sees the release of Unmatched: Houdini vs. the Genie, the latest in a popular series of role-playing fighter games from Restoration Games. Below is a description and the beautifully illustrated box.

In battle, there are no equals. 

Unmatched is a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game for two or four players. Each hero is represented by a unique deck designed to evoke their style and legend. Tactical movement and no-luck combat resolution create a unique play experience that rewards expertise. Just when you’ve mastered one set, new heroes arrive to provide all new match-ups. Houdini vs. The Genie is a stand alone expansion for the Unmatched system and includes: 

• Gameboard with art from Brian Patterson
• Hero cards with art from Peter Diamond 
• Pre-washed miniatures for each hero 
• Plastic sidekick token 
• Custom life trackers Instructions

You can purchase Unmatched: Houdini vs. the Genie from Amazon or direct from Restoration Games. If you buy from Restoration you'll get a Foil Promo Card. Game on!

Related:

• Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie preview (video)
• HOUDINI-OPOLY has arrived!
• Escape Quest Houdini

Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie preview

A new role-playing fighter game called Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie will be released by Restoration Games in November. Below is a YouTube "box opening" video from zeroskatr12 providing a first look at the game. While I'm not a gamer, this still looks like a must buy for that cool Houdini figurine and artwork. I also love that Bess is part of the action.

Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie is available for pre-order at Restoration Games. It should also be available on Amazon, but no listing as of yet. When the game is released, I'll give a shout.

Related:

• The first Houdini video game?
• Escape Quest Houdini
• HOUDINI-OPOLY has arrived!

Houdini penetrates the New York Times Crossword

The New York Times Crossword yesterday (9/11/22) had a clue referencing Houdini's Walking Through A Brick Wall illusion. This caused a surge of traffic to this post from 2014. However, as I didn't reveal the secret, I don't think that post would have been any help.

If you want the answer, you can find it here.

Thanks to Matt Guzman and Diego Domingo for the alert.

Related:

• When Houdini walked through a brick wall
• Hardeen: The Man Who Walked Through Walls
• L.A. Times crossword conjures Harry

Houdini's "Triumphant Return" and farewell

I love captured images of Houdini street advertising. Not only do we sometimes get a look at Houdini posters that are long gone, but it's also fun to nail down the exact engagement and see where it might fit into the larger Houdini story. Below is a great example of both from the collection of Kevin Connolly.

This photo was taken on the streets of New York and the posters are advertising Houdini at the New York Hippodrome starting the week of June 1, 1925. Houdini had done a popular six-week run at the Hippodrome at the start of the year. Hence this is being promoted as his "Triumphant Return."

But this would also mark a farewell. This two-week run at the Hippodrome would be Houdini's very last engagement in vaudeville. The following season he would launch his own full evening show in legitimate theaters. It's also worth noting that Houdini (1953) star Tony Curtis was born in Brooklyn this very same week (on June 3). So this photo captures a lot!

Finally, the great old truck in this photo reminds me of the this set of toy cars released by Oxford Diecast to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Houdini's death in 2001. In fact, it looks like the red truck might actually be the same make.

Thanks to Kevin Connolly.

Related:

• Guest blog: William V. Rauscher on Houdini and the Hippodrome
• The man from the Hippodrome
• Tony Curtis dies at 85

LINK: Harry Houdini coloring page

The website Magician Masterclass is offering a free Houdini coloring page PDF "for the kid in your life who loves magic." Click on the headline for more and to download.

Related:

• Houdini’s Coloring Book
• Houdini adult coloring book
• The color of Houdini's bathing suit?

Freeing Houdini

Here's a pretty cool YouTube video featuring "The INFAMOUS Water Torture Cell Puzzle." I would have never solved this.

Below are links to a few other Houdini puzzles and brain teasers.

Thanks to Man Too for the link.

Related:

• Houdini Brainteaser puzzle game
• Is this Houdini's most amazing trick?
• 'The Great Houdini's Puzzle Vault' released

Q The Automaton to make you crazy

Yes, this is an actual Q The Automaton working toy from Houdini's The Master Mystery. Yes, these are made to be sold and even come in assorted colors. And, no, I have no idea how to buy one! And I need it! I need Q!!!!

 

Everything I know comes from a 2018 forum post at Alphadrome. So if builder Brian Hayes is reading this, let's put some money in your pocket and some Qs in the hands of Houdini fanatics!

"This is the model of a wonderful invention."

Thanks to Kevin Connolly at the Conjuring History Facebook Group for the alert.

Related:

• Look who dropped by the L.A. Magic History Conference
• Q reclaims his title as the first movie robot (kinda)
• Houdini Vs. The Automaton!

Escape Quest Houdini

Here's a new French book called Escape Quest: Houdini face au synode by Manuel Rozoy and Willy Dupont. At least I think it's a book! It appears to be some sort of role-playing adventure with Houdini. Whatever it is, I think the cover art is très magnifique.

Purchase Escape Quest: Houdini face au synode at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Related:

• Houdini by Danielle Vaillancourt
• Harry Houdini, Superheros de la Magie
• Houdini comes home in 'La Maison Mystère'

Houdini in the Los Angeles Times crossword

Houdini found his way into the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle on July 16, 2019.

• 22 Across: Singer Styles and illusionist Houdini
• Answer: HARRYS

Believe it or not, this is not the first time Houdini and Harry Styles have been linked.

Thanks to my dad (Ron Cox) for this one!

Related:

• L.A. Times crossword conjures Harry
• VIZ names Houdini the "Hunkiest Harry"

Houdini adult coloring book

For the Houdini nut who has it all, here's a Harry Houdini Adult Coloring Book by Skyler Rankin.

HARRY HOUDINI: AN ADULT COLORING BOOK: A Harry Houdini Coloring Book For Adults 

*An awesome collection of Harry Houdini coloring patterns
*Perfect for relaxation and stress relief
*2 copies of each image, for two chances to color!
*Rad original designs, from Scribble Press!

This actually isn't the first Houdini coloring book. Houdini's Magic Shop released one in the early 2000s (see related link). But this is the first that I'm aware of for adults, which I guess is now a thing as there are a huge assortment of these on Amazon.

You can purchase the Harry Houdini Adult Coloring Book at Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).

Related:

• Houdini’s Coloring Book
• Houdini in color
• BESS HOUDINI IN COLOR

Two new Houdini books released in the UK

Today sees the release of two new Houdini books in the UK. First up is a children's biography Harry (Houdini) by Kjartan Poskitt with illustrations by Geraint Ford. This is part of the "First Names" series.

True life stories of the most amazing people EVER! Meet HARRY HOUDINI, the brilliant escape artist who thrilled the world with his death-defying stunts and awesome showmanship. Find out how he was inspired by a man with no head, why he kept asking to be put in jail (and how he got out again) and why he dangled upside down from a crane 120 feet up in the air. Get to know HARRY on first name terms. 

Purchase Harry (Houdini) at Amazon.co.uk. A U.S. edition will be released in August.

The next a follow up to last year's The Great Houdini's Puzzle Vault by Tim Dedopulos. This time Dedopulos is back with The Sensational Houdini's Puzzle Safe.

The Sensational Houdini's Puzzle Safe contains 50 exciting puzzles inspired by the greatest escapologist to have ever lived. With puzzle chains where one wrong answer can leave you locked in a never-ending circle of puzzles, and logic problems designed to confound the minds of the unworthy, this puzzle book is an enjoyable test for all. Unlock your brain and see if you can escape the challenges inside. 

Purchase The Sensational Houdini's Puzzle Safe at Amzon.co.uk.

UPDATE: It appears The Sensational Houdini's Puzzle Safe might actually be the same book as The Sensational Houdini's Puzzle Vault, just with the puzzles reordered and a new cover and name. Sneaky. On the other hand, the First Names book is extremely well done. Very nicely illustrated and well researched. A cut above other Houdini bios for kids. Recommended.

Related:

• 'The Great Houdini's Puzzle Vault' released
• Houdini Bibliography

A Houdini doll for your nightmares

Action figures and dolls are one area Houdini has not yet conquered. Apart from a figure Houdini created himself--of which only a prototype was made--there was the Accoutrements "Action Figure" in 2005. But not much else.

Now a Russian artist has created this Houdini doll in polymer clay, and it's a little creepy! But artistic.

You can buy little Houdini at Livemaster.

Related:

• Harry Houdini - Toymaker
• Houdini the action figure!
• Houdini LEGO

Early "Houdini" toy in Antique Toy World magazine

The August 2018 issue of Antique Toy World magazine contains what it claims is a Houdini toy "made in Germany around 1900." I've never seen this before!

You can subscribe to the print edition or buy the digital edition at the Antique Toy World website.

Thanks to Tim LaGanke for the alert and pic.

UPDATE: Philip Treece at CollectingMagic.co.uk provides the following insight:

I think the editor who wrote the title got carried away suggesting it was Houdini with chains. This is a generic magician figure who performs a linking ring style effect called the tumbling rings: tumblingrings.com.

Related:

• Harry Houdini - Toymaker
• Houdini the action figure!
• Houdini LEGO

Houdini-Opoly price goes up July 1st

If you haven't yet purchased the new Houdini-Opoly game, you'll want to do so before July 1st. That's when the price of the remaining games will increase to $50 plus $15 shipping. Currently the games are available for $35 plus $15 shipping from the Official Houdini-Opoly website.

Only 1000 games have been produced. Once those are gone, the collectors market takes over!

Houdini-Opoly has received uniform praise since its release last month, including the stamp of approval from the Houdini family:

WOW! What a fantastic job you did on the Houdini-Opoly game. It's gorgeous. We love it. The research and effort you put into this project is much appreciated by the entire Houdini family. Everything you included in the game is top notch and high quality. The photos are all clear, detailed and beautiful. Houdini-Opoly players will learn alot of information about Houdini's life just by playing the game. You produced a great tribute to the life of Houdini. I am sure Houdini and Bess would be pleased and proud of your efforts. Much appreciation and thanks!

Jeff & Debbie Blood

Grand Nephew of Houdini

Houdini-Opoly was created by Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz of the Houdini Museum in Scranton, PA. You can find more information and buy the game at their Houdini-Opoly website.

Related:

• HOUDINI-OPOLY has arrived!
• Houdini Museum announces HOUDINI-OPOLY
• Houdini museum reveals Houdini-Opoly pawn pieces

Houdini Nuts gathering 2018

When ever friend and Houdini mega collector Arthur Moses comes into town we arrange a gathering of hardcore "Houdini Nuts" for a round table lunch and a lot of (very lively!) conversation in the Houdini Seance Room at the Magic Castle. Last time we gathered was in 2015 for The Grim Game premiere in Hollywood. This year it was all about the Terror Island exhibition on Catalina Island.

At each gathering Arthur surprises us with a special commemorative Houdini Nuts gift that he creates himself. Here's the 2018 gift -- a Terror Island puzzle! A great gift, and what you'd call an "instant collectible."

Thank you Arthur.

Houdini Nuts 2018

Arthur Moses

Patrick Culliton

Gene Franklin Smith

Mark Willoughby

Lisa Cousins

Joe Fox

Joe Notaro

Neil McNally

Ron Mondz

John Cox

&

Julie Perlin Lee

Bill Goodwin

Brian Verkuylen

Duffy Hudson
Adam Glass

Okay, tomorrow I'll return to some proper Houdini history posts. Did Houdini ever receive any bad reviews? He did indeed, and I'll share a doozie! But there's a story behind it...

UPDATE: Check out Joe Notaro's account of the 2018 "Houdini Nuts" gathering at HHCE.

Related:

• Arthur Moses on Extreme Collectors
• Tony Curtis on Terror Island
• Catching Duffy Hudson's Houdini in Burbank

HOUDINI-OPOLY has arrived!

Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz of the Houdini Museum in Scranton are now shipping their eagerly anticipated HOUDINI-OPOLY board game. A lot of hard work and care went into the creation of this game, and it's spectacular! Only a limited amount have been produced. The game is available exclusively from the Official Houdini-Opoly Site, where you can also purchase additional pawn pieces.

Thanks and congratulations to Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz for giving the magic world such a treat!

Related:

• Houdini Museum announces HOUDINI-OPOLY
• Houdini museum reveals Houdini-Opoly pawn pieces
• Touring Houdini's L.A. with Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz

Russian Houdini puzzle book

The mighty Arthur Moses alerts us to a new Russian publication, Гарри Гудини: лучшие логич. задачи и головомки. This appears to be a puzzle book similar to the English publication The Great Houdini's Puzzle Vault from last year.

You can purchase the book from Vasha Kniga.

Arthur owns the world's largest collection of foreign language Houdini books. As you can see from this and the links below, nothing gets past him!

Related:

• Houdini manga from 1991
• Houdini biography from India
• A Russian Witch of Lime Street