As the Handcuff King, Houdini would escape from any pair of handcuffs produced by the audience. This effect would be a cornerstone of his act throughout his life.īy 1898, Houdini had come up with the Challenge Act, the act that would make him a legend. His one big success was the Needle Trick, a grisly effect involving the swallowing of dozens of needles and thread, then the regurgitation of the thread with all the needles neatly threaded on. In 1896, ready to give up, he actually ran a newspaper ad offering to sell all of his magic and secrets for $20. For the first five years, he tried every type of magic, from card manipulations (billed as the "King of Cards") to illusions and run-of-the-mill box escapes. Surprising as it may seem, Houdini was not an instant success. Shortly, Hardeen was replaced by Bess Rahner, the woman who became Houdini's partner both in the act and in his life. When Hayman became bored, Houdini's brother Theodore (later known as Hardeen) became his partner. The team's specialty was the Crate Escape. (The name "Houdini" was used in tribute to Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, the most famous magician of the era). He teamed up with Jack Hayman, a fellow magic enthusiast, to form the Houdini Brothers. In reality, he turned to magic at age 17 as an alternative to factory work. He did not, as legend has it, run away with a circus, nor was he an apprentice to a locksmith. Lynn, a traveling magician, perform the Linking Rings trick. Houdini became fascinated with magic as a young boy after seeing Dr. Houdini's motto? "And this, too, shall pass". Most likely this caused sterilization Houdini had no children.Īccording to an autobiographical pamphlet published by the magician in 1920, Houdini said that his favorite place was Hollywood, California and that his favorite song was Auld Lang Syne (the traditional New Year's Eve tune). Houdini allowed his brother Leopold, New York's first X-ray specialist, to X-ray him frequently. He was, however, extremely athletic and highly motivated to succeed. Like many people in his day (especially those from immigrant families), Houdini was poorly educated. Houdini was small, standing a mere 5'5", with dark, wavy hair, dark gray eyes and a high-pitched voice. Bess, who passed away aboard a passenger train traveling cross-country between Los Angeles and New York, instead is buried in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery (Hawthorne, NY), near Babe Ruth, Jimmy Cagney, Sal Mineo and Dutch Schultz. This choice would have consequences after Houdini's death: though he stipulated in his will that he wanted Bess buried beside him, the Machpelah cemetery would not allow the interment of someone outside the Jewish faith. (Houdini was so angry with Sadie that he specified in his will, "No part either of the principal or income of my estate shall ever directly or indirectly go to SADIE GLANTZ WEISS!") Houdini himself caused friction in his Jewish family when he married Bess (Wilhelmina Rahner), who was Catholic. Consequently, permanent animosity arose when brother Nathan's wife Sadie divorced him and, within two weeks, married brother Leopold. Not only was Houdini's childhood spent in poverty, but the individual family members seemed often to be at odds with each other. Houdini's family had its share of conflicts. Though a lot has been written about Houdini's devotion to his mother, it is clear that he was also close to, and proud of, his father, as can be seen the notes he wrote in the family bible. Samuel Weiss was a rabbi who died in 1892 of cancer, before his son's magical career got started. Heading the family were Mayer Samuel (1829-1892) and Cecilia (1841-1913), Houdini's mother and father. Herman was really Houdini's half brother, from Rev. (1879-1962) and one sister, Gladys Carrie (born 1882 - unknown year of death).
He was four years old when his family moved to America, sailing into New York on Jon the S.S. Though he claimed throughout his life that Appleton, Wisconsin was his birthplace (and April 6 his birthdate), he was really born in Budapest, Hungary. Houdini was born Erich Weiss on March 24, 1874. The Houdini myth is about to be examined, and truth really is stranger than fiction! His name is synonymous with escapes his ability to get out of seemingly impossible situations- and his knack for publicizing these events- made him a legend in his own time. There is no question that Houdini is the most famous magician in history. Please CLICK HERE before copying this information
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