Why Houdini's last show was a killer

Today marks the 91st anniversary of Houdini's final performance at the Garrick Theater in Detroit.

Much has been written about Houdini's refusal to go to the hospital and instead take to the stage with a 104 degree temperature and what turned out to be a ruptured appendix. Some chalk it up to a stalwart "the show must go on" attitude. Other condemn him for sheer stubbornness.

But there might have been something else effecting Houdini's decision making that night, something uncovered in 2015, but that has yet to appear in any biography. So on today's anniversary, I'll direct you back to what I think is an important piece of the final days puzzle.

Did a contract clause kill Houdini?

Related:

• Houdini takes the stage for the last time
• Is this the doctor who first diagnosed Houdini?
• LINK: I had a heart attack, but Houdini saved my life

32nd Annual Las Vegas Houdini Seance

Mystifier and Houdini authority Dixie Dooley will hold his 32nd Annual Las Vegas Houdini Seance at his Theatre of Magic at the Boulevard Mall on Halloween. Dixie will have on display some of his original Houdini artifacts.

Experience the only official Houdini Seance in Las Vegas, sanctioned and attended by the Houdini family. Conducted by Las Vegas Mystifier Dixie Dooley, one of the world's leading authorities on the Legendary Escape Artist - Harry Houdini!

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 - Halloween
Admission is Free - Seating at 10:30am - Seance begins at 11am.
Theatre of Magic @ Bouldevard Mall (adjacent to Seaquest)

Historical Houdini & Seance items on display

For more information vist the event page on Facebook and Eventbright.

So we currently have seances set for Cleveland, New York, Los Angeles, and now Las Vegas. Which one will Harry attend? Stay tuned! And if you know of any other Houdini Seance or Halloween events, let me know.

Related:

• Dixie Dooley writes Houdini fiction
• 'Houdini Question Reality' released for Kindle
• Annual Houdini Seance in Las Vegas (2014)

The Linking Ring goes "Inside Houdini's 278"

Today I'm excited to share the news that the October issue of The Linking Ring includes my article about going "Inside Houdini's 278."

This is a somewhat modified version of the post I originally shared here about attending the first 278 open house in New York in June. Magazine Editor Sammy Smith has done a great job integrating my photos and floor plans into a 14 page spread. It's like visiting all over again!

The Linking Ring is the official magazine of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM). For information on joining the IBM and getting The Linking Ring (in print and PDF), visit the official website.

The sale of Houdini's 278 is being handled by Douglas Elliman Real Estate. There have been two more open houses and a few developments, which you can read about via the links below.

Related:

• Is there a Houdini prop in the basement of 278?
• Houdini's bookcase and piano are no longer inside 278
• The owners and occupants of Houdini's 278

Houdini here!

Here's a terrific photo of a theater adorned with three mammoth Houdini posters. I love shots like this because I always learn something. Here we learn that there existed giant sized "Slander in Germany" posters. The only surviving examples of this poster (one of which sold in 2011 for $25,000) are half sheet size. And if you're curious about that poster on the far left, you can get a better look at it here.

Because there's a Milk Can poster present, I'd date this photo between 1908-11. And I believe that is Harry and Bess themselves on the balcony.

By the way, I have no idea where I got this image. So if you sent it to me and would like credit, just give me a shout.

Below are links to photos of some other Houdini theater fronts.

UPDATE: An eagle-eyed reader points out a sign in French over the doorway, so I'm guessing this is Barrasford's Alhambra Theater in Paris in 1909.

Related:

• Houdini at the Victory
• Photo shows three lost Houdini lobby stand displays
• Grim Game plane wreck lobby display

Official Séance looks to lock up Houdini in Cleveland

Today I have details on the 2017 Official Houdini Séance in Cleveland. This year attendees will gather for a 3-course meal, entertainment, and the official seance inside a former bank vault! The vault is today part of the Crop Bistro & Bar in downtown Cleveland.

Here is your chance to experience the 90th consecutive Official Houdini Séance on the anniversary of Houdini's Halloween death in the intimate, candle-lit Vault under the old United Bank and Trust Building in Ohio City, now home of Crop Bistro & Bar. 

Enjoy cocktails and an exceptional three-course dinner while enjoying Houdini talks and up-close magic performed by Paul Gallagher. 

Then the séance will begin with medium Marianne Goldweber, who'll also perform individual audience readings throughout the session. 

Houdini often performed in Cleveland, so maybe this year he will come through! 

Ticket price includes one drink ticket, dinner and entertainment. Valet parking is available for $9. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
7 p.m. - Cocktails & Light Hor D'Ourves
7:30 p.m. - Dinner, Houdini Talks and Close-Up Magic by Paul Gallagher
8:30 p.m. - Formal Parlor Show
9 p.m. - The Official Houdini Séance with medium Marianne Goldweber, owner of The Village Personal and Spirtual Development Center

Magician Paul Gallagher and Medium Marianne Goldweber.

The Official Houdini Séance traces its linage back to Houdini's brother Hardeen who passed the tradition to collector Sidney Radner. Sid held seances until his death in 2011. Today his son Bill Radner and Tom Boldt carry on the tradition. In 2012 the Official Seance was opened to the public.

You can purchse tickets to the 2017 Official Houdini Seance for $80 via Eventbright.

Related:

• Official Houdini Séance will be held in Cleveland
• Photos from The Official Houdini Séance 2016
• REPORT: The Official Houdini Séance 2015

Original Houdini Seance to be held in New York

The Houdini Museum in Scranton will once again hold their "Original Houdini Seance" at Sojourn Restaurant in New York City on October 31. The seance this year will be conducted by Dorothy Dietrich herself. It begins at 11:30 AM and runs until the exact time of Houdini's death at 1:26 PM. The seance is free for magicians and fans of Houdini. Complimentary food will be provided by Sojourn.

Table from last year's Original Houdini Seance at Sojourn.

Sojourn is located at 244 East 79 St., in a building that was once Mrs. Loeffler's Boarding House. It was here that young Ehrich Weiss and his family lived when they first arrived in New York in 1887.

This year's seance will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Houdini becoming president of the Society of American Magicians. Houdini helped expand the S.A.M. into the national organization that it is today with hundreds of local chapters and thousands of members.

The Original Houdini Seance seance (not to be confused with the Official Houdini Seance which this year is being held in Cleveland) traces back to Walter B. Gibson, who suggested to Dorothy Dietrich that she carry on the annual seance tradition. Last year's seance at Sojourn attracted members of the Hardeen family and garnered national press attention.

For more on Dorothy Dietrich, the Original Houdini Seances and the Houdini Museum of Scranton, visit their official website. The full press release can be viewed here.

Below are some other Halloween events for this 91st anniversary year.

Related:

• Official Houdini Séance in Cleveland
• Harry Houdini Halloween Vigil in Los Angeles
• 'Houdini Speaks To The Living' at The Players in New York

'Speakeasies and Spiritualists' rediscovers Rose

There seems to be a resurgence of interest in Houdini's favorite "spook spy" Rose Mackenberg in recents years. Here's the latest, Speakeasies and Spiritualists.

Rose Mackenberg is unjustly forgotten. 

She was Harry Houdini's chief investigator. She testified before congress about psychic fraud, and discovered all the tricks of the seance trade. 

We proudly present the first fiction featuring Rose Mackenberg and her spook-busting career by award-winning mystery author M.H. Norris and James Bojaciuk. 

Speakeasies and Spiritualists also presents eight stories inspired by Rose Mackenberg and the spiritualists' Jazz Age milieu. 

Psychic investigators on the trail of the trail of a jazz musician who seems to have crawled from the grave. Amateur, livingroom seances going very wrong when mixed with grief for those who died in the war. Strange men warning out of Florida storms. Dream Demons stalking Chicago, feeding off bar-dwellers, and floors painted with mystic stars. 

FEATURING STORIES BY M.H. Norris, James Bojaciuk, Peter Rawlik, Josh Reynolds, John Linwood Grant, Jon Black, Donald J. Bingle, Aaron Smith, Brendan Foley, and William J. Martin. As well as original articles by Rose Mackenberg herself.

Purchase Speakeasies and Spiritualists from Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).

Related:

• A Rose by many names
• 'Houdini’s Girl Detective'
• Mysteries at the Museum reveals "the real ghostbusters"

Report from Sunday's 278 open house

Yesterday was Open House at Houdini's former home at 278 West 113th Street in Harlem. This was the third open house since the brownstone went on the market in June. Our friend Janet Davis was there and provides this wonderful report.

Beverley Draggon invited me in around 12:45 ("Welcome to 278, come on in," words I never imagined really hearing) and gave me a one-on-one tour of the entire building, starting at the 4th floor and ending in the basement. She showed me that there's a ladder leading up to the roof, but we didn't go up there. I can confirm that the second tub, piano, and bookcase are gone, but the wheel is still in the basement. Beverley even took me into the boiler room. Detria Davu arrived late in my visit and both women were extremely welcoming and patient with my questions. 

At around 1:20, the doorbell started buzzing with new arrivals and I didn't feel like I should take any more of Beverley's time. She gave me a print-out of the floor plans and the real estate hand-out for 278. And then I basically floated home! I feel like I was hardly breathing the whole time I was in the house. Again, I can't thank you enough for the Open House alert, your enthusiasm and encouragement. This was a memory I'll keep forever.

The sale of 278 is being handled by Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Asking price is $3,999,000.

Thanks Janet!

Related:

• Inside Houdini's 278
• Is there a Houdini prop in the basement of 278?
• Houdini's bookcase and piano are no longer inside 278

'Houdini's Secret Life' with Joe Mantegna

Every Now and Then Theatre has produced a Halloween inspired radio drama, "Houdini's Secret Life", hosted by actor Joe Mantegna. It will be broadcast on NewsTalk 1590 KVTA October 28, 29 and 31.

Co-presented with Conejo Players Theatre, we bring you the radio drama, “Houdini’s Secret Life,” the hidden side of America’s first super hero. Based on recent research, diaries, congressional records, Houdini’s writings, and a bit of speculation. Celebrity Host JOE MANTEGNA reveals insights. PLUS, within the show, Magician Paul Dwork attempts reading listener’s minds. “Tune in early for best seats!” 

As always, our broadcasts help benefit foster children by providing broadcast copies in trade for donations from cast, crew and public. 

BROADCAST TIMES for our Halloween radio drama, "Houdini's Secret Life" are: Sat Oct 28 5pm & 9pm; Sun Oct 29 10am, 3pm, 9pm; Tue Oct 31 6pm & 9pm. Show airs on NewsTalk 1590 KVTA, heard along the CA Goldcoast. Not Streamed.

For more information check out the Every Now and Then Theatre website and on Facebook.

Related:

• Peepolykus blend Houdini and Dracula on the BBC
• Houdini's Hand clutches Horror Hotel
• Houdini on radio

Chris Bremner co-writing Lionsgate Houdini movie

It's been a while since we heard anything about Lionsgate's Houdini movie, but now comes word that screenwriter Chris Bremner is co-writing the movie along with Noah Oppenheim. Oppenheim is president of NBC News and is currently caught up in the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Dan Trachtenberg is currently attached to direct.

Liongate's Houdini movie has been gestating for eight years with multiple writers and directors having come and gone. It's based on The Secret Life of Houdini by William Kalush and Larry Sloman and is said to play up the (fictional) idea that Houdini worked as a spy.

Related:

• The Secret Life of Houdini screenplay reviewed
• 'Secret Life of Houdini' movie shows new signs of life
• Summit set to turn Houdini into an action hero

Astral Theatre Collective presents 'A Houdini Séance'

The Astral Theatre Collective is bringing "A Houdini Séance" to the West Virginia State University Capitol Center Theater in Charleston for two midnight performances on October 21 and 28.

With the assistance of Charleston based magician Professor Sinister, audiences will be thrilled by a midnight séance in honor of Harry Houdini. “A Houdini Séance” brings to life one of the key ceremonies used by Spiritualists, bringing theatre, magic, and history together in a unique way. The event will culminate in figures from Houdini’s life sitting around the table in proper style calling on the spirit of the late Master of Magic. Will Houdini return from the beyond?

For tickets call the theatre at 304-342-6522 or visit the Facebook Event Page for more details.

Related:

• Houdini Plays
• Official Houdini Séance will be held in Cleveland
• Harry Houdini Halloween Vigil in Los Angeles

Guest Blog: The Bobby Handcuffs come home

Today our good friend Fred Pittella shares the story of a special pair of handcuffs that were precious to both Houdini and their long time owner Larry Weeks (who passed away three years ago today). Here's the strange tale of the Bobby Handcuffs.

There are good people out there...

It has been three years since Larry Weeks has passed “Houdini’s Biggest Fan”.

Amongst the many items missing from Larry Weeks apartment was the famed “Bobby Handcuffs” if you weren’t aware the Bobby handcuffs were named after Houdini’s fox terrier dog Bobby the only Handcuff King Dog. Houdini was said to have had trained Bobby to escape from ropes, handcuffs and even a miniature straight jacket. In 1918 Bobby performed for the Society of American Magicians Annual dinner escaping from a specially made pair of an English model Darby handcuffs (see photo above). According to a Houdini quote “He was a Dog-gone Hit”. Those handcuffs today are referred to as the Bobby handcuffs.

The Bobby handcuffs are featured in the 1996 Houdini Documentary “Houdini: People Came to See Him Die” where Larry had trained his fox terrier “Spanky the Wonder Dog” to Escape from the very same pair of handcuffs used by Houdini’s dog Bobby.

Larry was very proud to have in his collection these very rare and special handcuffs. Larry had brought the Bobby handcuffs to a few of Sid Radner’s “Official Houdini Séances” and to the many interviews he had done.

Larry was distraught when the Bobby Handcuffs one day turned up missing from his apartment.

Larry didn’t know who to blame, he was beside himself, he confronted a magician and a juggler who were his so called friends with no results. At the time Larry didn’t really trust them in and out of his apartment but had no choice his health was failing and he needed some help I had been traveling a lot. So I had worked hard fighting with an agency to hire someone to take care of Larry when I was out of town. Who knew this decision I would later come to regret.

After Larry had passed and it became public knowledge that I was to inherit his estate I received a strange call from a blocked phone number the gravel voice on the other end saying that if this was really true and if I was the true owner of these special handcuffs they will be returned to me. It took a very long time for the court to grant Larry’s last wishes. I had forgotten all about the anonymous phone call but one day to my surprise in my mailbox was the only stolen thing returned and that was the Bobby handcuffs.

So in this small collecting world of ours there are some decent people. Who know how to do the right thing!

Not knowing who this person is I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank them publicly being that I never had the chance to extend my gratitude!! So Thank You!! And of course Larry Weeks for always being there for me thank you!

-Fred Pittella

Related:

• Houdini's pets
• Fred Pittella inherits Larry Weeks estate
• Larry Weeks now "Houdini's Biggest Fan" for eternity

Amazon uses Houdini clip to promote 'Lore'

Aaron Mahnke's popular podcast Lore is now a series on Amazon. Episode 4, "Passing Notes", deals with spiritualism and features Houdini. Below is a promotional clip for the series featuring part of the Houdini segment.

One interesting mistake this clip makes is saying that Bess held her annual seances "every Halloween." At some point I'll get into this in more depth, but not only am I skeptical that Bess ever did "annual" seances in the 10 years after Houdini died, but the few I'm aware of were not done on Halloween. In fact, it's possible the first Halloween seance was actually the Final Houdini Seance of 1936. But, as I said, we'll save that for another time.

Lore starts steaming today at Amazon Video. The series is free for Prime members.

Related:

• Mama's death and the birth of a myth
• The real story of Houdini & Doyle
• Halloween 1936: The Final Houdini Seance

New Houdini Pin from Castle Thunder Graphics

Dan Cleri's Castle Thunder Graphics has produced a new Houdini Pin. They are calling it "The Handcuff King" and it looks pretty darn nice if you ask me! Price is $10.00.

Illusionist, escapologist, stunt performer, actor, historian, film producer, pilot, debunker and now a pin! 1.5" soft enamel.

Purchase at Castle Thunder Graphics.

Related:

• Gray Water Ops Houdini Coin is here