Perhaps every fan of magic at least once heard about Harry Houdini, who is one of the most famous magicians and illusionists in modern history. We have collected little-known and very interesting facts about a young magician from Budapest who conquered the world of entertainment.
1. Eric Weiss
It is believed that Houdini came up with his stage name based on his childhood nickname "Eri" (in English consonant with Harry).
His real name is Harry Houdini - Eric Weiss. / Photo: persons-info.com
2. "My God, what a fall!"
He gave a pseudonym not only to himself, but also to the famous comedian Buster Keaton. Harry, who was a friend of the Keatons family, once saw 6-month-old Joseph roll down the stairs and remarked, "My, what a buster!" (Oh my God, what a fall!). The nickname clearly stuck.
Promotional video:
"My, what a buster!". Buster Keaton. / Photo: libquotes.com
3. "Moscow escape"
In Moscow, he once escaped from a prison van. At the same time, Houdini said that if he could not free himself, then he would have to drive all the way to Siberia, because the key was taken there.
"Moscow escape" by Harry Houdini. / Photo: privorogenie.ru
4. "Opened" safe of the judge
Houdini once sued a police officer in the German city of Cologne. The reason was that the police officer accused Harry of making all of his escapes by bribing people. Harry won the case when he opened the safe in the presence of the judges (he later admitted that the judge forgot to lock it).
Harry Houdini "opened" the judge's safe. / Photo: kinozon.tv
5. Cross-country running
During his school years, one of Harry Houdini's favorite hobbies was cross-country running. In fact, he was really good at the job.
Harry Houdini loved cross-country running. / Photo: persons-info.com
6. The son of a rabbi
Harry was born in Budapest to a Jewish family (his father was a rabbi). However, later (already as an adult) he became a Freemason.
Harry Houdini is the son of a rabbi. / Photo: persons-info.com
7. "Spellcasters' Monthly"
In 1906, Houdini began publishing his own magical magazine, The Spellcasters Monthly. He quickly lost interest in this idea, but managed to criticize his competitors in the magazine and praise his own performances.
Magic magazine Harry Houdini "Monthly spellcasters"./ Photo: kinozon.tv
8. Signature trick
Although Houdini became famous for the trick "Getting Rid of the Handcuffs," he subsequently gave up the activity. The reason was that too many people tried to imitate him.
Harry Houdini's signature stunt "Getting Rid of the Handcuffs"./ Photo: milnix.com
9. "Escape from the torture chamber underwater"
He came up with a trick with a Chinese torture chamber underwater. In this trick, he escaped from a sealed chamber filled with water while suspended upside down from the ceiling.
Trick Harry Houdini "Escape from the torture chamber underwater." / Photo: kinozon.tv
10. "Beer challenge"
Sometimes his escapes were marketing gimmicks. Brewers in Scranton, Pennsylvania, gave Houdini an amusing challenge to see if he could free himself from a barrel after being filled with beer.
Beer Challenge - Marketing by Harry Houdini. / Photo: milnix.com
11. "Secrets of handcuffs"
Harry once explained that many locks and handcuffs can be opened with the least amount of force applied correctly, or with even the simplest tool, such as laces. In his book Secrets of Handcuffs (1909), Harry admitted that he carried with him a master key and a key.
Harry Houdini's book "Secrets of Handcuffs"./ Photo: milnix.com
12. "Theater of San Diego"
For years Harry Houdini was the highest paid actor in the San Diego Theater. In fact, participating in vaudeville was his main job.
Playbill for the New Year's performance of the "Theater of San Diego"./ Photo: historytime.ru
13. Society of American Magicians
Houdini, serving as president of the Society of American Magicians, sought to create a large international network to help prevent theft. Thanks to Harry Houdini, the organization managed to turn into the richest enterprise. By the way, the "Society of American Magicians" created by Harry Houdini is successfully operating to this day.
Harry Houdini - President of the Society of American Magicians./ Photo: historytime.ru
14. Aviator
Houdini had a relatively successful aviation career, and even (almost) became the first person to fly an airplane in Australia. Although almost the entire press claimed that Harry was the first, it was later revealed that Londoner Colin Defraise did a similar thing about a year earlier.
Harry Houdini's aviation career. / Photo: persons-info.com
15. Exposing mediums and psychics
One of his favorite activities was exposing mediums and psychics. In fact, Houdini's last show was called Three Shows in One: Magic, Escape, and Means to Fraud.
Harry Houdini's latest shows. / Photo: kinozon.tv