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 Without a doubt, the most famous magician of this or any other age, according to the public, remains Harry Houdini (born Ehrich Weiss, March 24, 1874 - died October 31, 1926). His signature, usually bold and strong, probably ranks as one of the "must have" autographs for the magic collector. Houdini, the son of a Rabbi from Pest (Budapest), Hungary, enjoyed his stardom, although the popularity he attained during his lifetime wasn't nearly as great as the legendary status he eventually achieved after his death. He would often gladly inscribe his photos, books and programmes for the general public, wherever and whenever given the opportunity. Unfortunately, after Houdini's death on Halloween of 1926, many forgeries were made and sold as originals. And because the forgeries were made in and around 1926, it's very difficult, if not impossible, for the experts of today to tell the real signatures from the fakes.
Houdini, still widely known for his amazing escape feats, had thought that if ever he'd be remembered, it would be for the now lesser known acheivement of being the first to fly in Australia, the morning of March 16, 1910. He was often quoted as saying, "They may forget Houdini the performer, but history will not allow them to forget Houdini the aviator." But his death on Halloween coincidentally linked with his search for a spiritual "life-after-death" communication, and that forever changed the destiny of how the public would remember him. Some of his most memorable feats include the "Hanging upside-down Strait-Jacket Escape", "Siberian Transport Van Escape", his "Milk Can Escape" and the now infamous "Chinese Water Torture Cell" which wasn't really Chinese at all, but rather a device he designed and invented for the sole purpose of performing in his shows. Houdini also appeared on the silver screen, starring as Quentin Locke in the movie serial "The Master Mystery", and as Heath Haldane Jr., in another serial called "Haldane Of The Secret Service". His full length feature films included "The Grim-Game", "Terror Island" and "The Man From Beyond". As an author, Houdini wrote numerous books, stories and scripts for both magicians and laymen, including: "Houdini's Paper Magic", "Handcuff Secrets", "Elliot's Last Legacy", "A Magician Among The Spirits" and "Miracle Mongers And Their Methods". Houdini spent the latter part of his career debunking fraudulent spirit mediums, offering to forfeit the sum of $10,000 U.S. dollars, posted against a similar amount to be offered by any spirit medium, who could produce any manifestation which Houdini could not duplicate. That offer, which still stands today, has been continued by James "The Amazing" Randi, only now the prize money is said to exceed $100,000.00 U.S. dollars. Randi is quite confident, as was Houdini before him, that the money will never be rewarded, since there has yet to be any solid evidence of one single and real "spirit manifestation" produced by "paranormal means". Contrary to popular belief, perpetuated by fluffy novels and films, Harry Houdini did not die in his Chinese Water Torture Cell. He died of peritonitis (the result of a ruptured appendix), in a Detroit, Michigan hospital at 1:26 p.m. local time on October 31, 1926. Although he died at 52 years of age, he accomplished more in his lifetime than most only dream about. And still today his legend continues to grow. Ironically, as spectacular as his performances were reported to be, they rarely lived up to the hype, according to the opinions of actual audience members. Perhaps the "key" to Houdini's everlasting popularity and success lies in the story of his life, rather than his extraordinary feats. He has proved to be a true inspiration for people everywhere, with his symbolic escapes, subliminally teaching us that one can overcome great odds, if one truly strives to do so. |
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