David Nezelek
Cibbuano
TyronneHarry Houdini - Nothing up my sleeve
September 25th 2008 00:05
The Wonder and Marvel of Houdini
Harry Houdini 1874 - 1926
As David Blain gets inverted for 60 hours under the guise of magic and attracts international attention it seems like a great time to revisit histories greatest Illusionists, Harry Houdini.
As much a myth now as man the master escape artist was born Erik Weisz March 1874 in Budapest, Hungary. Immigrating to America 4 years later under the name Ehrich Weiss as a young man he moved around with his family eventually settling on New York City where his father was a rabbi.
The faces of Harry Houdini
Making his public debut as a 10 year old Trapeze Artist by his teens Ehrich was also a champion cross country runner. Enjoying the attention and accolades of performance he embraced magic, once a professional he became Harry Houdini.
Named after the famous French Magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, Harry’s early years on the circuit were not very fruitful. Often having to take odd jobs on Circus troupe and playing sideshows for extra bucks.
Struggling at his craft and realising that card tricks were not cutting it, presto-chango Houdini began experimenting with escape acts. Earning his reputation quickly for his expertise at unshackling himself from hand and leg cuffs, 1899 was the year that Harry became famous.
Stripping Nude before his jail break
Touring Europe in 1900 with manager Martin Breck caused a sensation. Inspired by his notoriety he was dubbed “The Handcuff King” and began getting more theatrical with his stunts. Breaking out of prisons, dungeons, anywhere else that would attract attention.
By 1907 Houdini was back home and redefining what was possible by breaking loose of all forms of bondage and imprisonment. (Spoiler - Houdini was able to regurgitate small keys and could pick a lock with a shoelace)
At this time Houdini had also mastered the art of getting free from a straight jacket, (Spoiler – Houdini would dislocate his shoulder or contort his body when putting the jacket on so that the bonds had some slack) and would hang upside down above streets while dazzling audiences.
As his feats got more daring, so to did the risk and the audiences thrill of impending tragedy.
The Milk Can Escape
After surviving being locked in milk cans filled with water, in 1912 Harry devised his most recognized chamber of miraculous escape, the Chinese Water Torture Cell. Inside a tank of water with a transparent front Harry’s legs were shackled in stocks and he was lowered in upside down.
The Chinese Water Torture Cell
Despite what some fictional films and books say this trick did not kill Harry, instead he worked for up until 1926. In that year a student named J Gordon Whitehead approached Houdini after a show to enquire if it was true that he could take any blow to the stomach. Although lounging in a recliner he said “yes” and before he had a chance to physically prepare Whitehead pounded Houdini’s stomach several times.
In pain, he refused to see a doctor, even when he was finally told he had acute appendicitis and a fever of 104 Harry went on stage to perform his last show at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit Michigan.
Dying of peritonitis from a ruptured appendix on Halloween, ever since then the fascination and curiosity has grown. There have even been tales of his links to the occult, supernatural powers and séances held to communicate beyond the grave.
During his lifetime Harry Houdini also accomplished the first controlled power flight across Australia in 1910, making him a pioneer aviator of sorts. He also had a fledgling movie career and appeared in several films.
Hear Harry Houdini talk about The Chinese Water Torture Cell
Houdini's Straight jacket Escape
Houdini's hanging Escape
More footage of Houdini - Warning sorry about the terrible music.
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