![]() His father died early, so Erich was very close to his mother. Harry Houdini was originally Erich Weiss, an immigrant boy from Hungary who was Jewish. For one thing, it comments on the marriage of Harry and Bess Houdini, and Bess's struggles with her mother-in-law. It is not flawless, but it has more of the personal problems of the man's career in it, and (unlike the Curtis film) it does show the death of Houdini correctly. This 1976 television film was far better. It's a good movie, but it has too many fictional devices in the plot (some good, some inexplicable) to make it a reliable guide to the life of the man. Most people recall Houdini as the subject of the film of that name starring Tony Curtis. He was one of the few members of the magician profession who became a genuinely interesting public figure. It helped Houdini's reputation and fame that he also became an acute critic and exposer of spiritualists and their rackets. ![]() He was an above average magician, and a first rate show-man as well, but the man who got out of prison cells, out of chains in locked trunks, out of trunks dunked into ice covered rivers, has never been forgotten - even though he died 80 years ago (on Octoto be exact). This prop comes with a COA by Houdini collector Sidney Radner, a former owner of the device, and a photograph of the concealed internal mechanism.Except for the 18th Century criminal, Jack Sheppard, who managed to escape from Newgate Prison four times in two years, Harry Houdini is the greatest escapologist (as an expert in escaping traps or prisons is called) in modern times. Even so, after being only briefly concealed, Houdini seemingly dematerialized from the device, which, when examined by a committee from the audience, was shown to still be solidly and securely fastened together. Once enclosed, four separate metal rods were lowered through holes in the apparatus, further locking them together. During a performance, Houdini was placed atop a short four-legged base, and then a series of four open boxes was lowered over him, one at a time, each successive section being locked and secured to the others below it. ![]() This furniture-grade hardwood prop is outfitted with brass handles and locks and measures roughly 67 by 24 by 24in when assembled. Houdini’s strait jacket packing crate, estimated at $40,000-$80,000Īnother compelling item of magic apparatus used by Houdini, dubbed his “Spirit Cabinet” escape, is estimated at $30,000-$60,000. This remarkable piece of magic history is accompanied by numerous documents, newspaper articles and photographs tracing the ownership of the jacket from Houdini to his brother Hardeen, and then to Hardeen’s assistant, magician Armand Landry. It measures 30in from its base to the top of its collar, and the fabric is worn from use, but it is intact overall and well-kept. ![]() This heavy canvas jacket is reinforced with leather across the neck, back, arms and waist. Several examples of Houdini’s signature magic apparatus should claim top lot slots in the April 8 auction. Certain to do well is Houdini’s strait jacket escape, which carries an estimate of $50,000-$100,000. The 345-lot sale will start at 10 am Central time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers. Also on offer are images of Houdini, early publicity posters and association copies of his most famous publications. Left, Houdini’s canvas and leather strait jacket escape, estimated at $50,000-$100,000 Right, circa-1906 signed and inscribed portrait photo of Houdini, estimated at $4,000-$6,000ĬHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions ‘ Saturday, April 8 Houdiniana Sale will feature historically important materials from the legendary magician, including unpublished documents, props and personal relics.
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