Houdini table setting at OC Fair competition

You just never know when and where Houdini will show up! Here's a video Joe Notaro alerted me to from OC Fair Tables Competition 2026. It's queued up to play at the Houdini table. Enjoy.

Thank you, Joe.

Related:

• LINK: The Great Harry Houdini Museum
• Houdini (and friend) in paper mache 
• Surprise! It's a Houdini cake

The escapes of Karl Bartoni on YouTube

Escapologist Karl Bartoni has launched a YouTube channel featuring vintage film and television footage of his many escapes. There's some really great stuff here. Not only are some of Karl's escapes pretty wild, but they really capture the time and place (mostly Blackpool in the 1980s). Karl also has some video about his friend and mentor Murray, the famed Australian escapologist who retired to Blackpool.

The site is well worth a look, so click below and delve into...

Karl Bartoni - Escapologist

Related:

• Houdini in Blackpool's new "Showtown" museum
• Who coined the word "Escapologist"?
• Did Houdini escape from a lion's den?

Friday Flair

Here's a little something I just found for all you folks who need some extra Flair.

American Press, October 8, 1973.

Don't get caught without! Like this loser...

Related:

• Fred Pittella's Houdini key bookmark and lapel pin
• New Houdini Pin from Castle Thunder Graphics
• Even I wouldn't go this far

Harry Kellar: The Magician Who Inspired Houdini

Here's an excellent new documentary from PBS station WQLN about Harry Kellar. Great interviews and good Houdini content as well. Enjoy.

In the reenactments, Houdini is played by Howard Lang. Kellar is played by Aaron Pacy.

Related:

• Copperfield shares Houdini and Kellar
• Harry Kellar visits The Grim Game set
• Letter from Kellar to Houdini sells for $32,500

The Truth About Houdini on its 5oth

I've already talked about how I was bitten by the Houdini bug in late 1975 after the one-two punch of seeing Houdini (1953) and Doug Henning's first magic special. As we entered 1976, I was officially "into" Houdini and started searching for more. That's when the universe seemed to conspire to turn me into a Houdini fanatic by feeding me a steady stream of new Houdini gems. One of those was the first American airing of the 1970 BBC documentary, The Truth About Houdini, 50 years ago today, on May 15, 1976.

This introduced me to a larger Houdini world. Not only was I able to see film footage of the real Houdini in action, but I was also able to see the giants of Houdini's world at that time: Walter B. Gibson, Milbourne Christopher, James Randi, and Sidney Radner.

I have done many posts about this important documentary, which you can revisit via the related links. If you've never seen it, you can give it a watch below. It will always be my favorite Houdini documentary, and an important part of my Houdini awakening.

Want more? You can view a cut scene from the documentary as a member of my Patreon.

Related:

• The first great Houdini documentary
• Channel 44's Houdini Halloween of 1976
• No love for The Truth

"Blood of Houdini" cinematic pop anthem

This is a little overwrought (and likely AI), but I think that's the style of "cinematic pop anthem," and I can't help but get the feels because, you know, he's singing about his connection to Houdini! 🎵 I may not be him, but I carry the flame.🎵 This one might stick in your head.

Related:

• Zabrecky conjures OUR MAGIC
• Dua Lipa unlocks 'Houdini'
• Musicians remain wild about Harry

The Grimm Life Collective Houdini mystery art

Here's another video from our friends at The Grimm Life Collective. This time, Michael and Jessica visit the home of a private collector of movie memorabilia. If you have a keen eye, you can spot a Houdini image in the background of several shots.

Michael and Jessica do not discuss this Houdini piece. At first, I thought it was the painting from a pub in Avignon, but this one is a little different. So, what's the story with this Houdini mystery art?

You can watch the full video below.

Related:

• Houdini spotted in Avignon
• The Grimm Life Collective: Houdini in Pittsburgh
• Grimm Life Collective visits the Knickerbocker

Vincent Price Rides the Houdini Ghost Train

Here's something fun from the Stevers62 YouTube channel. It's a ghost story with a Houdini twist told by Vincent Price. Well, it's not actually Price speaking. I'm assuming it's some kind of A.I. But the story is well done.

Since I was a kid in the 1970s, I've LOVED Vincent Price. I had several of his spooky records of the era...which meant so much to me growing up. We no longer have our beloved Vincent to record new material for us, so this is fan fiction of what it MIGHT have sounded like if he recorded radio show about a haunted train with Harry Houdini's magic equipment. It is not really Vincent Price....BUT something I put together with great affection for my own entertainment and any other fans of Vincent. Much of the history about Houdini included in this show comes from Troy Taylor's excellent book "Houdini, Among the Spirits". -Stevers62

Related:

• New book uncovers Houdini Among the Spirits
• Houdini's Hand clutches Horror Hotel
• Houdini's last train ride

OFFICIAL POLICE NEWS!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Cox (@houdiniwild)

If you want the latest news on this exciting manhunt, sign-up at:

www.wildaboutharrypress.com

(For those who might not realize it, this is a real Houdini advertisment from 1906 from the Ken Trombly Collection. You will see what's really on the other side in the book.)

Related:

• ANNOUNCEMENT: I'M DONE WITH HOUDINI!
• Wild About Harry PRESS is open for business
• The Ultimate Houdini Chronology book update

"An Open Letter to Harry Houdini"

Repost from May 13, 2022, with an update.

Here's a curiosity from the September 11, 1925 Pittsburg Post. I'd love to know whether this "Open Letter" was the Aldine Theater manager's idea alone, or if he and Houdini cooked it up together as a nice bit of cross-promotion. Houdini was performing his "3 Shows in One" at the Alvin Theater in Pittsburgh this week.

The Pittsburgh Press, Sept. 11, 1925

Did Houdini take Mr. Sidney up on his offer? Afraid I don't know the answer, but I'm sure the medium-debunking theme of the movie would have met with his approval.

Despite being a work by Dracula and Freaks director Tod Browning, today, Wikipedia calls The Mystic "a little-known film with a cast of now-forgotten names."

UPDATE: The Mystic has now been released on Blu-ray as part of a special 3-film set of Tod Browning films that includes Freaks (1932) and The Unknown (1927). Below is a review from one of my favorite YouTubers. He does long and very technical reviews. The Mystic is the first of the three films he reviews.  Learning more about the plot, this certainly does seem to be a film that would have interested Houdini, and one he would have supported.

You can buy Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers on Blu-ray and DVD at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Related:

• The Grimm Life Collective: Houdini in Pittsburgh
• Houdini helps a fellow Hungarian from beyond
• Hardeen among the celluloid spirits

Discover Houdini's legacy in Scranton

Here's a nice news report showcasing the famous Houdini Museum and Theatre in Scranton, Pennsylvania, run by our friends Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz. Enjoy.

Related:

• Scranton honors Dorothy Dietrich and Houdini Museum
• "Haunted" Houdini printers block MISSING
• Ambassador's Tour

Exploring Houdini's Boston

While on a recent research trip for my next book, I passed through Boston, which is a fantastic city for Houdini locations. Among these is the site of Keith's Theatre, where Houdini appeared many times and did so many famous feats, including his escape from a sea monster. However, identifying the theater's location can be tricky. Most photos and vintage postcards (such as the above) show an impressive entrance on Tremont Street. This is what stands on that site today.

However, this was not the theater. This was just a facade built along the well-trafficked street that led patrons into an arcade and through a tunnel under Mason Street, bringing them up into the actual theater on Washington Street. 

Below is the original building on Washington Street that once housed Houdini's Keith's Theatre. You can see a billboard above it listing the many venues that once occupied the building, including Keith's (I didn't even notice this billboard when I was taking this pic).

The pic below shows a different perspective. On one side of the building is the Paramount Theater. This is where the Adams House Hotel once stood. Houdini stayed at Adams House whenever he was in Boston. It was there that he took the first of his famous ice baths. On the other side is the current Opera House, which was once called the B.F. Keith's Theater. But this was a newer Keith's, opened in 1928, so don't be fooled by this one, especially as it resembles the Tremont Street facade.

This wasn't my only stop. I've shared a series of videos on my Patreon exploring the other locations, including the real location of Houdini's famed "Boston Tombs" jailbreak, which I think might come as a surprise to most folks. I know it was a surprise to me!

If you're a patron, you can continue the tour below.

Still need more Houdini in Boston? Below are a few links you might enjoy.

Related:

• Houdini plays Boston in 1895
• Houdini's return to form
• Houdini comes out swinging

Dr. Timothy Moore sells his entire magic collection

Here's some big news. Noted collector Dr. Timothy Moore has sold his entire magic collection, which includes many Houdini treasures, to The Hand & The Eye, a new Magic Castle-like magic venue set to open in Chicago in 2026. Below is a video from WOSU showcasing items in the collection.

Nice video, but what's with that nasty AI-generated Houdini poster in the thumbnail image? Certainly, that is not part of the collection.

According to a report at Galerie, The Hand & The Eye is the creation of Chicago native and magic enthusiast David Rockwell, and will be housed in the famed McCormick Mansion, a 36,000-square-foot estate located at 100 E Ontario Street. You can sign up for updates at the official website.

Thanks to Richard Hatch.

Related:

• The talk of Chicago
• Chicago straitjacket escape for everyone

Appleton launches "Year of Houdini" celebration

Halloween and the 99th are behind us. Now begins our march toward the 100th and the "Year of Houdini." Looks like the History Museum in Appleton is already taking the lead.

Related:

• Let's all go to Appleton next year!
• S.A.M. will honor Houdini in Appleton next year

The Voyages of Patrick Culliton

Here's something special. These three videos by Mike Clark chronicle the story of our great friend and leading Houdini expert Patrick Culliton a.k.a. "Houdini's Ghost." While Patrick's Houdini activities do get a mention, these primarily focus on his acting career and relationship with producer Irwin Allen, especially his time working on Allen's Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. These are very well done and really interesting. Enjoy.

PART I: THE HOLLYWOOD KID

PART II: INCREDIBLE VOYAGES

PART III: TO HELL AND BACK

Thank you, Patrick!

Related:

• Pat Culliton and I found Bess Houdini's house...like heroes
• A plea from Patrick Culliton: Save the Houdini films before it’s too late!
• Patrick Culliton clarifies the price and purpose of Houdini–the Key

Escaping Obscurity reviewed by David Dellman

Magician David Dellman reviews Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini 1897-1899. What does he think? Watch the video below or on his YouTube channel and find out, and give it a like.

Thank you, David!

Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 is available exclusively at Mike Caveney's Magic Words.

Related:

• Jessica Jane has a book to share
• ESCAPING OBSCURITY: Reviews & Reactions
• ESCAPING OBSCURITY: Discoveries & Corrections

Arnold Leibovit on HOUDINI (1953)

Here's a nice video about my favorite Houdini biopic from the Trailers From Hell YouTube channel. A few details here I didn't know, such as George Pal initially wanting Marlon Brando to play Houdini? Wow. Anyway, enjoy.

Thanks to Diego Domingo for the alert.

Related:

• The men who almost played Houdini
• Joanne Gilbert and Houdini (1953)
• Graded Houdini (1953) VHS, because I'm a nut

Reviewing the Ghost Adventures Houdini Séance

Here's an excellent video by our new friend Kenny Biddle, Chief Investigator for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, dissecting the recent Houdini Seance episode of Ghost Adventures (which I happened to be on). Kenny debunks it piece by piece, and even has a special guest star explain his boneheaded comment that "Houdini believed in Spiritualism." You can view it below or check it out on YouTube. 

Thank you, Kenny!

Related:

• Houdini's spirit trumpet on Ghost Adventures
• A Winchester Mystery House mystery...solved?
• Houdini seance at the Winchester Mystery House in 1938?

News 10 on Houdini's Rochester bridge jump

Here's a terrific report from WHEC News 10 in Rochester about Houdini's jump from the Weighlock Bridge and the film footage that captured that leap. It's well-researched, and we get to see our friends Jeff and Debbie Blood. I love that they pinpointed the location and identified one of the still-standing buildings glimpsed in the footage. Enjoy.

I think this footage is an excellent candidate for the National Film Registry, which every year selects 25 films that showcase American film heritage and increase awareness for film preservation.

Thanks to Jeff and Debbie Blood for the alert.

Related:

• Houdini's Rochester bridge jump
• In search of Houdini in Rochester
• Let's nominate The Grim Game to the National Film Registry

Houdini's "Bell" Handcuff Reproduction

Here is another video from Dan Cox's YouTube channel CoxysPicks. This one is about the Houdini Bell handcuff. Enjoy.

Related:

• Houdini-Hodgson Challenge Recreated by U.K.E.A
• Guest Blog: The Replica Mirror Cuffs
• Houdini's lockpick