Houdini NEWS

Houdini - The Key Table of Contents

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:40:28 -0700

Patrick Culliton has posted the Table of Contents from his new book Houdini - The Key on the Genii forums.

Two years in the making, the book, which promises to reveal many of Houdini’s most closely guarded secrets, is 460 pages, fully illustrated, and will be limited to 278 copies signed by the author.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7
Prologue 9
the Family
Rabbi Mayer Samuel Weiss 9
Cecelia Steiner Weiss and Her Children 12
the Boyhood 18
the Little Messenger 20
Bessie 26
Chapter One Metamorphosis 44
the Other Houdini 60
Chapter Two the Handcuff King 64
Chapter Three the Handcuff Trick 77
The Defiance Handcuff Act 78
Lewis Paul 90
Coining His Thrill in Publicity 92
The Power 95
Gaffed Cuffs 101
Chapter Four Blackburn 108
The Great Handcuff Release 120
Chapter Five the Confederates 125
Chapter Six Cologne 132
Chapter Seven the Supercuffs 137
Chapter Eight the Mirror Handcuff Mystery 144
Chapter Nine the Jail Breaker 158
the Carette 167
Light on the Subject of Jailbreaking 169
Yorkville 171
the Fairy Handcuff King 173
Chapter Ten How I Get Out of My Rope Ties 181
Chapter Eleven My Rope Escapes 189
Chapter Twelve Lessons in Magic 203
Chapter Thirteen the King of Cards 212
Chapter Fourteen Exclusive Magic Secrets 228
the Magnetic Pencil 237
the Thumb Racket 238
the Wizard Exposed 240
Chapter Fifteen the Kid Brother 242
Chapter Sixteen the Assistants 244
Chapter Seventeen the Inventors 248
Chapter Eighteen the Milk Can 250
the Double Fold Death Defying Mystery 260
A Liar Worthy of Houdini 263
Chapter Nineteen Walking Through a Solid Brick Wall 264
Chapter Twenty the Vanishing Elephant 276
Chapter Twenty-One Chained Inside a Sea Monster—the Challenges 294
the Iron Boiler 299
the Glass Case 301
the Iron Box 304
the Wet Sheet Test 305
the Mail Bag 306
Chapter Twenty-Two Boxes 309
Chapter Twenty-Three Burial At Sea 314
Chapter Twenty-Four Buried Alive 322
Chapter Twenty-Five the Man Who Read Roosevelt’s Mind 340
Chapter Twenty-Six How I Get Out of a Straight-Jacket 348
the Houdini Hardeen Straight Jacket Release 356
the Straight Jacket Release 359
Chapter Twenty-Seven the House of Mystery 365
Chapter Twenty-eight Ghosts that Talk by Radio 376
Chapter Twenty-Nine How I Do My Spirit Tricks 385
Chapter Thirty the Big Show 396
Paligenesia 400
Radio 1950 402
Chapter Thirty-One How I Unmask the Spirit Fakers 406
Chapter Thirty-Two the Yogi Masterpiece 421
Chapter Thirty-Three the Water Torture Cell 428
Index 457

Click here for details on how to reserve your copy of Houdini - The Key.

Houdini’s New Jersey workshop FOUND

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:04:41 -0700

Yet another significant Houdini location has been uncovered by Patrick Culliton and shared on Kevin Connolly’s terrific blog Houdini Himself.com.

This time it’s Houdini’s workshop located at 216 19th St, Union City, New Jersey. For details and a photo of the workshop today head on over to Houdini Himself.

Houdini’s (?) Hollywood home for sale (update)

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:19:33 -0700

A Hollywood home “rumored” to have once been a residence of Houdini is for sale. The 4 bedroom house was built in 1918 and is located at 1616 N. Curson Ave. between Sunset and Hollywood Blvd.

While Houdini is known to have rented a (now demolished) house in nearby Laurel Canyon while he made The Grim Game and Terror Island for Famous Players/Paramount, there is some credence to this being another residence.

In the well-researched book The Story of Hollywood, author Gregory Paul Williams notes on page 78 that “the renowned magician Houdini occupied a cozy craftsman in the Gardner Tract while acting in movies.”

The book doesn’t give an address, but this IS a craftsman style house in the Gardner tract (and a beautiful one at that). The current owner, who grew up in the house, says his parents always told him The Great Houdini once lived there.

Click here for more photos and purchasing info.

UPDATE: Local Houdini expert Patrick Culliton tells us this was actually a home occupied by Bess Houdini and Ed Saint sometime after the 1936 Final Houdini seance. Says Patrick, “Houdini was NEVER in that house. But old-timers told me of visiting Bessie and Ed at 1616 N. Curson.”

Houdini’s Budapest home FOUND

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:34:56 -0700

Noted magic collector and historian David Stahl has traveled to Budapest Hungary in search of the original Weiss family home and other notable Houdini locations. David’s photos can been seen on Kevin Connolly’s terrific blog Houdini Himself.com.

The Mysteries of Myra novelization

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:33:45 -0700

The “long lost” novelization for the 1916 serial The Mysteries of Myra, for which Houdini served as technical consultant, has been restored and is available to purchase as a paperback or hardback from the NEW Mysteries of Myra website.

The novelization is co-credited to Hereward Carrington, a paranormal investigator and Houdini colleague who later published the book, Houdini And Conan Doyle: The Story of a Strange Friendship.

Houdini’s consultant credit on The Mysteries of Myra is generally considered his first real foray into “Hollywood” cinema.

New book to tell story of Houdini niece Marie Blood

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:22:13 -0700

Greg Edmonds, whose Ars Praestigium recently released the amazing new cold cast bronze bust of Houdini created by renowned sculptor Peter Close, tells us he is currently working on a new book that will tell the story of Houdini’s niece, Marie Blood.

“The book I'm working on is tentatively entitled Harry and Bess - Marie Hinson Blood's life with The Great Houdinis. We decided to aim the publication at the adolescent market because Marie was only days shy of her ninth birthday when Harry died, and because a portion of the book's proceeds will go to the Society Of American Magician's youth chapter, with which Marie was heavily involved.

As you may be aware, after Harry's death, Bess moved in with Marie and her parents. Marie inherited Houdini's bedroom suite, and slept in his bed until she married Forrest. As a youngster, she frequently resided with the Houdinis in Harlem, and went as far as Detroit to appear as a "child volunteer from the audience," in Houdini's shows, something she did several times.

I put the project aside for several years for a variety of reasons, Marie's declining health and my own, chief among them. I am slowly getting the book together again, though. Over the last couple of months I've been gathering items from Jeff [Blood], and hope to include a good many photo illustrations in the work. I plan, at this stage, to publish the work through Ars Praestigium (we have a few others on hold as well), then attempt to shop it out to a big publishing house.”

This sounds like something very special! We’ll keep you updated.

Houdini The Key will spill the secret of the Water Torture Cell

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:52:25 -0700

There have been published “explanations” as to how Houdini escaped from his Water Torture Cell, but the truth is none of these have been correct and only a small number of people know the secret of Houdini’s most famous escape.

But that will change very soon. Patrick Culliton has revealed that his new book, Houdini - The Key, will show “the mechanics of the Torture Cell gaff in photos.”

Two years in the making, Houdini - The Key promises to reveal “Houdini’s secrets, techniques, patter, and performances -- what Houdini did, how he did it, and who originated or invented the effects.” The book is 460 pages, fully illustrated, and will be limited to 278 copies signed by the author.

Click here for details on how to reserve your copy of Houdini - The Key

Shots At Sea paperback in February

Sat, 7 Aug 2010 14:45:50 -0700

Amazon.com is now listing the paperback edition of Tom Lalicki’s second Houdini & Nate novel, Shots At Sea, for release in February 2011.

Shots At Sea finds young Nate Fuller and Houdini in action aboard the Lusitania, where a cunning, would-be killer tries to assassinate the former president Teddy Roosevelt. As the waters become choppier, Nate and Houdini must race to find and foil their suspect before he makes a second attempt.

Pre-order the paperback Shots At Sea on Amazon.

Reserve your copy of Houdini - The Key

Wed, 4 Aug 2010 08:32:02 -0700

You can now reserve a copy of Patrick Culliton’s new book Houdini - The Key (which is currently at the printers) at Patrick’s official website Houdini’s Ghost.

Two years in the making, the book, which promises to reveal many of Houdini’s most closely guarded secrets, is 460 pages, fully illustrated, and will be limited to 278 copies signed by the author. The book comes with an index and in slipcase.

Patrick is offering the book at a special pre-publication price of $160 + 12 shipping (in the U.S.).

Click here for details on how to reserve your copy of Houdini - The Key.

USQ presents Houdini musical, Aug 20-29

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 09:25:31 -0700

The University of Southern Queensland’s “USQ Artsworx” presents Houdini: The Man From Beyond, a musical theater celebration of the life of Houdini written by renowned Australian poet Bruce Dawe and local musician and composer Russell Bauer.

The production stars Chris White as Houdini and and Kristen Thompson as Bess. Guest director is Sue Rider. Designer is Carolyn Taylor-Smith.

Come marvel at the master mystifier!

Date: 20, 21, 27 and 28 August 2010
Time: 7:30pm
Matinees: 11:00am - Wednesday 25 August 2010

2:00pm - Sundays 22 and 29 August 2010

Venue: USQ Arts Theatre, Toowoomba campus
Duration: tbc
Rating: PG
Cost: $25.00 Adult, $20.00 Concession, $15.00 Student, $7.50 Child, $11 each School Group >20

Bookings: USQ Artsworx Box Office - 07 4631 1111 or boxoffice@usq.edu.au

This project has been funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund which is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Toowoomba Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

Houdini bust from ArsPraestigium now available

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:06:18 -0700

The amazing new cold cast bronze bust of Houdini created by renowned sculptor Peter Close is now available for purchase at the new ArsPraestigium website.

The bust depicts Houdini in a straightjacket and measures approximately 12 inches and weighs around 10 pounds. Each limited edition piece is signed by artist Peter Close. It sells for $390 + $35 shipping to North America. All busts are created at the time of order.

Click here for more info and to purchase.

(Handcuffs not included.)

Paramount buys Boilerplate

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:01:24 -0700

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Paramount has picked up rights to Boilerplate: History’s Mechanical Marvel, a graphic novel-picture book hybrid by Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett which purports to tell the story of the world’s first robot.

In the book Boilerplate fights alongside Teddy Roosevelt, journeys to the South Pole, and works alongside Houdini (apparently in silent films) before disappearing on the battlefields of World War I.

Guinan originally pitched the concept and character via his Boilerplate website 11 years ago when trying to drum up interest in a graphic novel. The site eventually took on a life of its own when some people started believing the robot and its history to be true. The book was published last year by Abrams Image.

J.J. Abrams, Lost co-creator and director/producer of films such as the recent Star Trek reboot is set to produce.

Elfman gives update on Houdini at Comic-Con

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:20:13 -0700

Danny Elfman told a packed audience at the San Diego Comic-Con yesterday that he is still working on his score to a Broadway musical based on the life of Houdini.

However, Elfman said the nature of large Broadway shows like this can be “tumultuous” and he couldn’t say when, or if, the show will see the stage. But he said he is enjoying the work and the collaboration with “some very good people.”

The Elfman Houdini musical was announced back in April 2008 for a Spring 2010 debut, but little news has been available about the status of the project.

This was Elfman’s first appearance at Comic-Con where he received two standing ovations.

Houdini - The Key is close

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:25:50 -0700

Kevin Connolly reports on his blog that Patrick Culliton’s new book Houdini - The Key is close to publication.

Two years in the making, the book, which promises to reveal many of Houdini’s most closely guarded secrets, is over 450 pages and will be limited to 278 copies signed by the author.

Kevin reports that the book is being proof read now and that 40 pages are at the printers for a test run to see how the photographs -- “which seem to be in the hundreds” -- will reproduce for the book.

The price of the book will be $195.00. CLICK HERE to see a pic of the manuscript at Houdini Himself.com.

Houdini vs Thurston in new Steinmeyer book

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 16:44:41 -0700

Amazon.com is listing a new book by Jim Steinmeyer called The Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston versus Houdini & the Battles of the American Wizards.

While I knew Steinmeyer was working on a biography of Howard Thurston, from this title it appears Houdini will play a significant role in the book (or maybe Houdini’s name just helps sell magic books, so...).

I’ll work on getting more information. Release date is February 3, 2011.

UPDATE: Talked to the helpful publisher. We’ll be getting cover art as soon as it’s ready. Also should get an advanced copy, so watch for our review.

Days of Thrills and Laughter released on DVD

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:38:11 -0700

Days of Thrills and Laughter is released today on DVD.

The 1961 film takes an affectionate look back at the silent era and includes Houdini footage (from The Man From Beyond). Unfortunately, Houdini didn’t make the cover art.

Purchase from Amazon.com.

Latest on Carter Beats The Devil movie

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:31:03 -0700

Deadline Hollywood reports that Michael Gilio has been tapped to adapt Glen David Gold’s ‘Carter Beats The Devil for Warner Bros. Jon Shestack will produce with Ginny Brewer and Jeremy Stein.

The site reports that Shestack tried to option the novel when it first came out, and has followed the many failed attempts to turn it into a movie at other studios. “I’ve been trying to get Warner Bros. to buy it since the day it came out and that it’s finally happened is enough to make me believe in magic,” Shestack says.

The superb 2001 novel features Houdini in a small but significant role as Carter’s inspiration and mentor.

Photo of Charles Carter, Houdini, and Allan Shaw in Sydney Australia (1910) courtesy of Kevin Connolly Houdini Himself.com

Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps tribute to Houdini

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:05:47 -0700

The La Crosse Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps will debut its 2010 show, "Houdini," at Onalaska High School in Onalaska, WI on June 23, 2010.

This program tells the story of Houdini with contemporary classical compositions by Philip Glass and music from the movies “The Illusionist” and “The Bucket List” and the opera “Nixon in China.”

The Blue Stars are known for telling stories on the field such as the American factory during World War II and Tour de France. This year they have selected a much darker show in “Houdini” but hope to capture the story of the man who once had the greatest act on earth, said Brad Furlano, former Blue Stars drum major who is the corps’ executive director.

The color guard will use handcuffs and crates and wear straight jackets while spinning flags in their routine.

The concert will begin at 7 pm and is free to the public. The corps do ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the La Crosse Hunger Task Force.

Sportswear banks on magic of Houdini name

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:56:38 -0700

Does this company really think I’ll buy their sportswear just because the label reads “Houdini”? Well, they’re right. I will. Here’s their story:

“Everything Houdini stands for comes from how we live - and we live to play hard. The idea for Houdini first came to us when we were stranded in what most people would call an impossible situation, our backs against the wall. It was a do or die time. Everyone on the team knew that if se were going to make it down the mountain, we would need the skills and steel nerves of an escape artist to see us through. So, we called out to the best of the best: Houdini. That day his spirit came and helped us through. He's been with us ever since.”

Check out the official Houdini Sportswear website.

New fiction: Houdini’s Flight

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:59:27 -0700

A new novel, Houdini’s Flight by Angelo Loukakis, has been released by Harper Collins in Australia. Description follows:

“Terry Voulos is struggling. His marriage, his relationship with his son and his work prospects are shaky. He finds solace in the possibility of a new career as a magician, before a tragic accident sends him into exile, estranged from all that is familiar.

Hal Sargeson, a one-time magician and lifelong disciple of Harry Houdini, takes Terry under his wing. He begins to school Terry in the same arts of escape that the great Houdini used to thrill Australian audiences a hundred years earlier, but keeps to himself a knot that might have beaten even the master.
Terry is eventually brought to truths more disturbing than his present troubles, and to a moment when the healing power of magic is truly needed. Between Houdini′s example and Hal′s guidance, Terry learns much more than the routine illusions of the everyday magician.

HOUDINI′S FLIGHT is a moving and surprising story of finding meaning in the most unexpected places.”

Where is The Witch of Lime Street? (updates)

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:22:48 -0700

In December of 2007 The New York Observer reported that Crown has acquired a non-fiction book about Houdini by screenwriter David Jehar for an advance in the “high six figures.”

Titled The Witch of Lime Street, the book was reported to tell the story of Houdini’s campaign to expose medium Margery Crandon, and that it would be released in early 2010.

Does anyone know what has happened to The Witch of Lime Street? My own inquiry sent to the publisher has gone unanswered.

UPDATE: I’ve sent a new inquiry off the agency who handled the sale, Janklow & Nesbit.

UPDATE 2: No response from Jehar's reps. Also noticed Jehar has no imdb page, no credits, so calling him a screenwiter...I don't know. The more I think about this, the more I think the original Observer story was bogus. A high six figure advance for a non-fiction book by a relative nobody is VERY unlikely. I'm wondering if this story wasn't just a plant by a publicist on behalf of Janklow & Nesbit and Jehar to stir up movie interest for his "idea." It appears The Witch of Lime Street is as phony as The Witch of Lime Street.

Houdini LEGO

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 07:10:19 -0700

Following up yesterday’s post, here’s a second Flickr discovery: a custom Houdini LEGO. Nifty!

I plucked this from Morgan190’s Photostream where you can see many more custom LEGO figures.

Houdini tattoo

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 16:55:45 -0700

Came across this while browsing Flickr. Yes, that’s a Houdini tattoo. Not much more to say about this, except now you can say you’ve seen it all.

Houdini model lifts off at last

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 10:14:20 -0700

BACCHUS Marsh air enthusiast Gary Sunderland’s Voisin biplane has finally taken to the sky. After an unsuccessful attempt at Melton’s Centenary of Flight Airshow in March, the plane was airborne at the Twin Cities Model Aero Club meeting in Albury/Wodonga early last month.

The plane is a replica of Harry Houdini’s aircraft which took off from Diggers Rest 100 years ago.

And it appears Mr Sunderland encountered many of the problems experienced by Houdini back then.

“It was more difficult than I first imagined and certainly Harry Houdini and other pioneers of flying deserve our respect,” Mr Sunderland said.

“The model was persuaded to take to the sky and perform a number of circuits of the field and fly by the many spectators.
“Level flight proved to be the most difficult to achieve as it was unstable in pitch and wanted to dive.”

Mr Sutherland had previously flown the aircraft in early morning, calm weather at the Bacchus Marsh airstrip, but that was not witnessed by crowds.

He thanked friends and well-wishers for their encouragement.

By Liam McAleer
Moorabool Leader

Tony Curtis assumes THE pose

Sat, 5 Jun 2010 15:31:28 -0700

On the occasion of his 85th birthday, Houdini Himself has posted this rare signed still of Tony Curtis from the 1953 film Houdini (“Joe” is Joe Dunniger, btw). What’s cool about this is, aside from a quick glimpse in the film, this is the first still I’ve seen of Curtis recreating this famous Houdini pose.

Recreating this pose has become de rigor publicity for the men who have played Houdini. Who did it best? You decide.

Paul Michael Glaser, Jonathan Schaech, and Jim Bentley.

The real deal.

New Houdini bronze bust from ArsPraestigium

Sat, 5 Jun 2010 15:07:01 -0700

My new favorite website Houdini Himself reports that Gregory Edmonds and his wife (ArsPraestigium.com) are offering this cold cast bronze bust of Houdini in straight jacket for the first time.

The bust is approximately 12 inches “tall” and weighs around 10 pounds. Each limited edition piece is signed by artist Peter Close. It sells for $390.

Click here for more info and purchasing instructions.

Houdini among the Heroes For My Son

Sat, 5 Jun 2010 14:26:31 -0700

HEROES FOR MY SON by Brad Meltzer is the New York Times bestselling novelist’s first foray into nonfiction. It’s a hand-picked collection of 52 heroes—including Houdini—and illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs.

Says Meltzer, “There are thousands of heroes. And I think that’s what I like best. There is proof—absolute proof—everywhere. Look around at any life and you’ll find examples of character and honesty, leadership and humility, tenacity and dignity. These are the tools I want my son to have…This isn’t about how to be remembered—it’s a book about how we live our lives, and what we are capable of on our very best days.”

HEROES FOR MY SON is available now from Amazon.com

Looking for Mr. Houdini

Fri, 28 May 2010 13:08:45 -0700

Check out this screen cap from the 1977 movie Looking for Mr. Goodbar starring Diane Keaton. Does that poster back on the wall look familiar?

The poster is a well-known Houdini lithograph by J. Zier advertising Houdini’s escape from shackles and an Amsterdam jail cell on January 12, 1903. As it is in B&W in the movie, this is most-likely a blow-up from the book 100 Years of Magic Posters (1976).

Webster’s Houdini Timeline on Amazon

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:29:58 -0700

I’m not sure what this is exactly, but Amazon.com is listing a Webster’s Houdini Timeline, 1868-2007. This public domain “data dump” runs 30 pages and retails for $28.95. Here’s the description.

Product Description
Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Houdini," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Houdini in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Houdini when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name Houdini, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain.

Kevin Connolly now blogging at Houdini Himself

Sat, 22 May 2010 11:03:07 -0700

Noted Houdini collector Kevin Connolly has added a blog to his excellent Houdini website: Houdini Himself.com.

Kevin launched the blog on May 17th with the message; “This blog will be about Houdini and maybe a little magic too. Let’s talk about Houdini, past, present and future.”

Kevin has already blown my mind twice in as many days. Yesterday he revealed the existence of a pink variation of Houdini’s popular pitch book, Life History & Handcuff Secrets of Houdini. Today he’s posted a rare die cut program (above) for Houdini’s full evening show that I never even knew existed!

Click below to go...