This photograph taken by L.B. Foote on February 21, 1923, to me, perfectly illustrates the Winnipeg we are striving to become once again. Suspended 30 feet above the Winnipeg Free Press building on Carlton Street, Harry Houdini, arguably the biggest name in entertainment at the time, wriggled his way out of a straitjacket in front of what was reported to be four or five thousand awestruck onlookers. This publicity stunt was intended to generate interest for his week-long show at the Orpheum Theatre. Houdini’s opening act at the show was a young comedian named Jack Benny. It was not uncommon for performers of this calibre to make regular appearances in Winnipeg during this time.
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From the Twitter feed of 93-3 The Drive:
Look up, look wayyy UP and you would've seen THE Harry Houdini hanging above the street in Winnipeg on this day, 1923. Jack Benny was here too?! --> https://t.co/ScJSEaFWiy -Scott (Tom & Kerri) #winnipeg #manitoba #Canada #history #retro #magic #escape #classic #HarryHoudini pic.twitter.com/YW4Wif4Eax— 94-3 The Drive (@943TheDrive) February 21, 2018
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