Good luck keeping up with Shawn in March. With NEMCON tomorrow and Friday, shows in Cambridge, Chilliwack, and Hawai'i, he's going to be spending a lot of time in airports! If you want a head start for next month, he'll also be at the FFFF Convention in April.
For more information about NEMCON, visit the New England Magicians' Conference.
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
09 March 2017
08 March 2017
Michael Close reviews "The Aretalogy of Vanni Bossi"
From Michael Close:
As I left my forties behind and entered into late middle age, I became aware of a sad, odd occurrence. Some of my friends were turning into books. They had left flesh and blood, heart and bone behind, transforming into a form that allowed one-way (but sometimes surprisingly comforting) communication. I would regulary head to my library, not so much to seek information, but to visit again with Stewart James, Billy McComb, Howard Lyons, Arturo Ascanio, Barrie Richardson, T.A. Waters, Tommy Wonder, and Dai Vernon. And now, eight years after his death, another friend arrives from the printer in a beautiful and most fitting presentation.
The Aretalogy of Vanni Bossi features a portion of the creative output of a true polymath – a collector, historian, craftsman, performer, and creator. Concerning Vanni’s collection, Roberto Giobbi writes in the Foreword, “He possessed practically every important book of magic, from the beginning of printing to modern times, in many languages, but above all in Italian. He also knew what was in them, how to place their contents in the evolution of magical ideas, and who invented what. He was one of the most educated and well-informed people in magic that I’ve ever met.”
Read more.
06 March 2017
05 March 2017
Canadians remember Daryl
Scroll to the bottom of this post to find out how you can donate to the Daryl Easton Family Fund, or visit the GoFundMe campaign for the Easton Family.
From Michael Close's blog post "Salute to our friend Daryl":
From Carey Lauder's Facebook page:
From Ben Train's Facebook page:
From Shawn Farquhar's Instagram:
Magicana has video of Daryl performing card magic and close-up magic on the Canadian television series "The Magic Palace." Also at Magicana, Jamy Ian Swiss writes about Daryl and Bob Cassidy.
I'm drifting a little here, hope you don't mind.
Michael Ammar has a fantastic Facebook tribute to Daryl that begins, "There's a hole in the curtain." This part continues to resonate (bolding mine),
Here's the post from Michael Ammar's Facebook page:
This is how I'll remember Daryl.
From Sorcerers Safari's Facebook page:
On Facebook, Kenton Knepper gave away a free video inspired by Daryl. More importantly he had this to say:
And with that, here's some information about how you can help the Easton family.
From Michael Close's website:
There is also a GoFundMe campaign for the Easton Family.
It's worth noting that Daryl's online shop remains open for business. An alternate method of showing your support for his family is by making an online purchase at his store.
From Michael Close's blog post "Salute to our friend Daryl":
When that tour wrapped up, Alison stayed in England to visit with relatives and Daryl returned to Vegas. The day he got in, he called to say he was back. I suggested he come over to our house for a home-cooked meal, something I thought he’d appreciate after such a long time on the road. He came by that evening.
Lisa and I prepared a pasta dish, with salad, bread, and red wine. We ate, talked, and listened to stories of the life of a lecturer. It was obvious Daryl was jet-lagged and beat to hell, which made him the perfect foil for a practical joke.
Read more.
From Carey Lauder's Facebook page:
From Ben Train's Facebook page:
From Shawn Farquhar's Instagram:
Magicana has video of Daryl performing card magic and close-up magic on the Canadian television series "The Magic Palace." Also at Magicana, Jamy Ian Swiss writes about Daryl and Bob Cassidy.
I'm drifting a little here, hope you don't mind.
Michael Ammar has a fantastic Facebook tribute to Daryl that begins, "There's a hole in the curtain." This part continues to resonate (bolding mine),
"with thoughts that maybe we could have said or done something, or with guilt over having missed any warning signs."
Here's the post from Michael Ammar's Facebook page:
This is how I'll remember Daryl.
 |
| Daryl. |
 |
| Learning from Daryl during free time. |
| 2015 camp photo. |
From Sorcerers Safari's Facebook page:
On Facebook, Kenton Knepper gave away a free video inspired by Daryl. More importantly he had this to say:
"All I ask is, in the present or future, you support magic and mentalism creators with your wallet, not just words, so they can make a living too."
And with that, here's some information about how you can help the Easton family.
From Michael Close's website:
PLEASE DONATE TO THE DARYL EASTON FAMILY FUND
The office at the Magic Castle has received calls from members and magicians around the world, asking how one can offer support and donations to the Daryl Easton family.
The Academy of Magical Arts has now established a fund to receive donations for Alison Easton, Daryl’s wife, and their two daughters. You can also send bereavement cards for Alison to the AMA offices as well, who will forward them to the family.
If you would like to make a donation to the family, please send a check payable to “The Academy of Magical Arts, Easton Family Fund” to:
The Academy of Magical Arts
ATT: Daryl Easton Family Fund
7001 Franklin Ave
Hollywood CA 90028
If you would like to donate via credit card, please call Trish Alaskey at 323-851-3313 ext. 301.
The Academy will work with Alison and the family, and pick a date in the future to hold a memorial for Daryl. If you have any questions, please email the General Manager, Joe Furlow, at: jfurlow@magiccastle.com.
You can also donate via PayPal directly using magic@daryl.net
There is also a GoFundMe campaign for the Easton Family.
It's worth noting that Daryl's online shop remains open for business. An alternate method of showing your support for his family is by making an online purchase at his store.
04 March 2017
Peter Mennie on Roger's Daytime London Jan. and Feb. 2017
From Peter Mennie's Facebook page:
And from Peter's Twitter feed:
ICYMI: January's Daytime appearance. https://t.co/zw2j00YjaI @daytimeLondon @RtvLondon @RTVWoodstock #magicontv— Peter Mennie (@petermennie) February 2, 2017
And from Peter's Twitter feed:
ICYMI. Here's my February appearance on @daytimeLondon on @RtvLondon for #FamilyDay https://t.co/YvIIiFijY4— Peter Mennie (@petermennie) February 22, 2017
03 March 2017
Toronto: Free magic club
From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:
This Saturday at Browser's Den
Dear Magic Friends,
All of us here at the shop hope that you and yours are well and happy.
This Saturday, March 4 at Browser's Den is our next Free Magic Club Meeting.
All those interested in talking magic are welcome and encouraged to join us.
The club meets at our shop from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
Yours very truly,
Jeff & The Browser's Den Team
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver: part 7
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
--
March 3rd, 1923 (Saturday)
Houdini's Final Day in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini has his final two vaudeville appearances today (a matinee and an evening show) of his seven in total this week at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Reviews have been superb.
His outdoor publicity stunt of hanging upside down and escaping a straitjacket in full view has been major front page news (actually getting more column inches than reviews of his vaudeville show).
What more could one ask?
Well, I had hoped today for an editorial summing up of his impact or at least some kind of "goodbye and thanks Harry" - but neither The Sun nor The Province refer to him at all. (They do, however, both run a final Orpheum Theatre advertisement for his shows).
It's as if they have nothing more to say. (I guess they didn't).
And as if Houdini has no further need for continuing coverage. No doubt he was busy this weekend accepting via telegram another "unique challenge" from the chosen newspaper ally in the next city of his vaudeville tour.
But what I did find, Houdini-related, in The Province on its front page was this curious story:
Subtitled:
and
What better timing could this have had than the end of Harry's Vancouver visit? I wonder what thoughts raced through his mind as he read this (as I'm sure he must have done).
The story recounts a letter published recently in The New York Times, in which the famous author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries and an ardent spiritualist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, tells of a "demonstration of ectoplasm" (which he himself apparently had not actually witnessed) by mediums in front of multiple distinguished Austrian scientists which, in his mind, "puts an end to the whole debate so that anyone who reopens it is inexcusably ignorant or willfully perverse."
Gee. I wonder to whom he might he be referring?
The next paragraph is headed,
Doyle is quoted as writing:
And of course, as we know, Houdini would show no restraint in exposing fraudulent mediums to the end of his days and this public campaign (as well as comments like those expressed above by Doyle) would put an effective end to their trans-Atlantic friendship.
----
This was to be Houdini's first and only professional visit to Vancouver. Just over three and a half years later he would once more be front page news but for quite a different, unexpected reason. (His death.)
It's been fun reliving day by day Houdini's triumphant appearances in Vancouver during this week in 1923. I wish I could have been there but I guess this was the next best thing.
I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed researching it for you.
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun. The VPL and its staff are awesome!
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting this fabulous Houdini series at Canada's Magic!
--
March 3rd, 1923 (Saturday)
Houdini's Final Day in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini has his final two vaudeville appearances today (a matinee and an evening show) of his seven in total this week at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Reviews have been superb.
His outdoor publicity stunt of hanging upside down and escaping a straitjacket in full view has been major front page news (actually getting more column inches than reviews of his vaudeville show).
What more could one ask?
Well, I had hoped today for an editorial summing up of his impact or at least some kind of "goodbye and thanks Harry" - but neither The Sun nor The Province refer to him at all. (They do, however, both run a final Orpheum Theatre advertisement for his shows).
It's as if they have nothing more to say. (I guess they didn't).
And as if Houdini has no further need for continuing coverage. No doubt he was busy this weekend accepting via telegram another "unique challenge" from the chosen newspaper ally in the next city of his vaudeville tour.
But what I did find, Houdini-related, in The Province on its front page was this curious story:
"Doyle Sure of Ectoplasm"
Subtitled:
"Twenty Three Austrian Professors Said to Have Been Convinced"
and
"Famous Writer Thinks Controversy Should Now Be At End."
What better timing could this have had than the end of Harry's Vancouver visit? I wonder what thoughts raced through his mind as he read this (as I'm sure he must have done).
The story recounts a letter published recently in The New York Times, in which the famous author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries and an ardent spiritualist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, tells of a "demonstration of ectoplasm" (which he himself apparently had not actually witnessed) by mediums in front of multiple distinguished Austrian scientists which, in his mind, "puts an end to the whole debate so that anyone who reopens it is inexcusably ignorant or willfully perverse."
Gee. I wonder to whom he might he be referring?
The next paragraph is headed,
"Houdini Is Wrong."
Doyle is quoted as writing:
"We are publicly assured. . . I am sorry to say, by my friend Houdini, that this was all what they called 'bunk' and that [the ectoplasm] was really regurgitated food. . ." [but according to Doyle it could not be as it was often the wrong colour.] "Criticism is most welcome and helpful, but I would beg our opponents to exercise some restraint in it, or they will make the subject and themselves rather ridiculous."
And of course, as we know, Houdini would show no restraint in exposing fraudulent mediums to the end of his days and this public campaign (as well as comments like those expressed above by Doyle) would put an effective end to their trans-Atlantic friendship.
----
This was to be Houdini's first and only professional visit to Vancouver. Just over three and a half years later he would once more be front page news but for quite a different, unexpected reason. (His death.)
It's been fun reliving day by day Houdini's triumphant appearances in Vancouver during this week in 1923. I wish I could have been there but I guess this was the next best thing.
I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed researching it for you.
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun. The VPL and its staff are awesome!
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting this fabulous Houdini series at Canada's Magic!
02 March 2017
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver: part 6
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
March 2nd, 1923 (Friday)
Houdini Continues Triumphantly in Vancouver, B. C.
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini continues to thrill citizens of Canada's west coast "third city" twice daily at the local Orpheum Theatre. Two shows are scheduled today; the final two tomorrow (Saturday).
Reviews have been universally complimentary for this, his first (and only), appearance in the city.
Today's front page Houdini story in The Sun, however, deals with the publicity stunt he performed outside the newspaper's office around 137 West Pender Street at high noon the previous day. The paper had been building it up with great flair and deceptive hyperbole in previous issues.
I'd like to be able to tell you exactly what is on page one of The Sun. I really would.
Unfortunately, to paraphrase Apollo 13 - Houdini, we have a problem.
No front page exists today!
Despite every attempt to locate the front page in both the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) microfilm collection and the official Vancouver city archives, no extant copy has been found. Perhaps it will turn up elsewhere another day.
However, we can certainly piece together what must have been a triumphant page one headline story about Houdini's upside down straitjacket escape from surviving photographic evidence and from the story as it is continued on an inside page of the paper.
Both the Vancouver Archives and VPL have public domain photographs of the stunt, at least one of which might have appeared on the missing page one. I've also attempted to photograph the same location in 2017. My photo re-creation of the scene as well as original 1923 photos will accompany this post.
As for the feature story, an inside page headline screams, "Houdini Free in 3 Minutes (Continued From Page 1") - so I think we can conclusively rest easy that all went well!
Bess Houdini is referenced for the first (and only) time, "a comely, shy little woman," making her way through "the dense crowd" with traffic "inspector Hood" to talk with Houdini before he began his "perilous attempt."
A theatrical embellishment or was it genuine concern for Harry? He was after all approaching age 49 in just three weeks. Or did she secretly pass to him some hidden device? He'd done this kind of stunt thousands of times but it is impossible to know for sure at this point. "There was. . . anxiety mirrored in Mrs. Houdini's eyes" reports the anonymous scribe, who felt such alarm genuine and who felt that her concern really "amounted to something" quite apart from the free show about to commence.
But events quickly moved forward as Detective Ricci (as announced yesterday) with Traffic Inspector Hood (who appears to have replaced Detective Sinclair, reported yesterday) quickly confined Houdini into the awaiting straitjacket.
The Sun records:
Then,
Edited to add this close-up of the above photo Tweeted by the Vancouver Archives:
And,
Houdini was free!
And what a crowd it was that had assembled.
I'd love to know what those other (non-motor) vehicles were. But I'd be afraid to ask police who left "no room for discussions!"
And how did Houdini feel about it?
"It was the greatest outdoor crowd I have ever seen. . . I have never seen a more orderly crowd. . . it was a pleasure to work for them and a double pleasure to have such an enterprising newspaper as The Sun to vouch for my efforts..." Could the paper have asked for a better endorsement for their week long publicity efforts on his behalf? He then went on to thank the local Vancouver police for their help. (Especially "decent and gentlemanly officers as Inspector Hood and Detective Ricci. . .") Harry knew exactly what to say at these occasions having done so many in the past.
The rest of the article describes with some quiet awe all the still photographic and silent film coverage of the event. ("Nothing like it has ever been seen before in Vancouver.")
Cameras from every major news reel service were in evidence. To accommodate the most important of them, The Sun had erected a platform above their illuminated sign. You can see it if you look closely at the photograph of the event. On the ground, thousands of amateur photographers snapped away as Houdini "wiggled and twisted himself out of the straitjacket:"
And so did The Sun feel that Houdini had honoured their "unique challenge?"
Uh, I'll assume that as affirmative.
Taking advantage of the new medium, Houdini arranged that footage of his Vancouver straitjacket escape would be projected during that very evening's Orpheum performance (and possibly at all remaining performances). Clearly his fascination for the relatively new medium continued unabated, as the reporter noted
"Houdini himself was an interested spectator. . . he came down from the stage. . . while they were being [projected] on the screen. The film was evidently pleasing to the magician, for at its conclusion, he faced the audience with a smile of satisfaction, exclaiming 'Isn't that a wonderful crowd?'"
I'm sure most of Vancouver felt the same way about him.
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
TOMORROW: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Says "Houdini Is Wrong"!
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library, The Vancouver Sun, and the City of Vancouver Archives.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
March 2nd, 1923 (Friday)
Houdini Continues Triumphantly in Vancouver, B. C.
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini continues to thrill citizens of Canada's west coast "third city" twice daily at the local Orpheum Theatre. Two shows are scheduled today; the final two tomorrow (Saturday).
Reviews have been universally complimentary for this, his first (and only), appearance in the city.
Today's front page Houdini story in The Sun, however, deals with the publicity stunt he performed outside the newspaper's office around 137 West Pender Street at high noon the previous day. The paper had been building it up with great flair and deceptive hyperbole in previous issues.
I'd like to be able to tell you exactly what is on page one of The Sun. I really would.
Unfortunately, to paraphrase Apollo 13 - Houdini, we have a problem.
No front page exists today!
Despite every attempt to locate the front page in both the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) microfilm collection and the official Vancouver city archives, no extant copy has been found. Perhaps it will turn up elsewhere another day.
However, we can certainly piece together what must have been a triumphant page one headline story about Houdini's upside down straitjacket escape from surviving photographic evidence and from the story as it is continued on an inside page of the paper.
Both the Vancouver Archives and VPL have public domain photographs of the stunt, at least one of which might have appeared on the missing page one. I've also attempted to photograph the same location in 2017. My photo re-creation of the scene as well as original 1923 photos will accompany this post.
As for the feature story, an inside page headline screams, "Houdini Free in 3 Minutes (Continued From Page 1") - so I think we can conclusively rest easy that all went well!
Bess Houdini is referenced for the first (and only) time, "a comely, shy little woman," making her way through "the dense crowd" with traffic "inspector Hood" to talk with Houdini before he began his "perilous attempt."
A theatrical embellishment or was it genuine concern for Harry? He was after all approaching age 49 in just three weeks. Or did she secretly pass to him some hidden device? He'd done this kind of stunt thousands of times but it is impossible to know for sure at this point. "There was. . . anxiety mirrored in Mrs. Houdini's eyes" reports the anonymous scribe, who felt such alarm genuine and who felt that her concern really "amounted to something" quite apart from the free show about to commence.
 |
| Harry Houdini preparing to hang upside down from The Sun newspaper building. W.J. Moore's photo, Vancouver Public Library 70208A. |
But events quickly moved forward as Detective Ricci (as announced yesterday) with Traffic Inspector Hood (who appears to have replaced Detective Sinclair, reported yesterday) quickly confined Houdini into the awaiting straitjacket.
The Sun records:
"Strong men lifted him from the truck. In another few seconds he was swinging from his ankles above the heads of the multitude... inch by inch, foot by foot he was hoisted aloft."
 |
| Harry Houdini hanging upside down from The Sun newspaper building. W.J. Moore's photo, Vancouver Public Library 70208. |
Then,
"Houdini furiously struggled to escape..."
 |
| Harry Houdini hanging upside down from The Sun newspaper building. W.J. Moore's photo, City of Vancouver Archives AM54-S4-: Port N100. |
Edited to add this close-up of the above photo Tweeted by the Vancouver Archives:
Today in 1923: Houdini escapes while hanging upside down outside the Vancouver Sun building https://t.co/ExwEahv5T2 pic.twitter.com/l7PgyVY375— Vancouver Archives (@VanArchives) March 1, 2017
And,
"Three minutes and twenty nine seconds later he tossed the jacket to the ground"
Houdini was free!
"A cheer arose and swelled into roar" from the crowd.
And what a crowd it was that had assembled.
"Perhaps no greater outdoor crowd ever assembled in Vancouver than the one in front of the Sun office yesterday" boasts the breathless reporter, taking time to praise the Vancouver police force's foresight in arranging details of diverting "motors and other vehicles, which left no room for discussions or even a chance for accident."
I'd love to know what those other (non-motor) vehicles were. But I'd be afraid to ask police who left "no room for discussions!"
And how did Houdini feel about it?
"It was the greatest outdoor crowd I have ever seen. . . I have never seen a more orderly crowd. . . it was a pleasure to work for them and a double pleasure to have such an enterprising newspaper as The Sun to vouch for my efforts..." Could the paper have asked for a better endorsement for their week long publicity efforts on his behalf? He then went on to thank the local Vancouver police for their help. (Especially "decent and gentlemanly officers as Inspector Hood and Detective Ricci. . .") Harry knew exactly what to say at these occasions having done so many in the past.
The rest of the article describes with some quiet awe all the still photographic and silent film coverage of the event. ("Nothing like it has ever been seen before in Vancouver.")
Cameras from every major news reel service were in evidence. To accommodate the most important of them, The Sun had erected a platform above their illuminated sign. You can see it if you look closely at the photograph of the event. On the ground, thousands of amateur photographers snapped away as Houdini "wiggled and twisted himself out of the straitjacket:"
And so did The Sun feel that Houdini had honoured their "unique challenge?"
"The Sun's challenge. . . melted as the immense crowd faded, not unlike a February snowstorm before a gentle chinook wind."
Uh, I'll assume that as affirmative.
Taking advantage of the new medium, Houdini arranged that footage of his Vancouver straitjacket escape would be projected during that very evening's Orpheum performance (and possibly at all remaining performances). Clearly his fascination for the relatively new medium continued unabated, as the reporter noted
"Houdini himself was an interested spectator. . . he came down from the stage. . . while they were being [projected] on the screen. The film was evidently pleasing to the magician, for at its conclusion, he faced the audience with a smile of satisfaction, exclaiming 'Isn't that a wonderful crowd?'"
I'm sure most of Vancouver felt the same way about him.
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
 |
| What the site of the Houdini escape looks like in 2017. Photo by The Magic Demon. The actual Vancouver Sun building at this location (137 West Pender Street) was demolished many years ago. |
TOMORROW: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Says "Houdini Is Wrong"!
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library, The Vancouver Sun, and the City of Vancouver Archives.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Thank you to our March 2017 friends!
Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, and The Outerbridges, for being Friends of Canada's Magic!
It's good to have friends like you.
It's good to have friends like you.
01 March 2017
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver part 5
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
March 1st, 1923 (Thursday)
Houdini Is In Vancouver, British Columbia!
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini is major front page news in today's The [Vancouver] Sun.
His local Orpheum Theatre appearances are well underway. His unparalleled sense of publicity is producing impressive results in the local press.
Today's page one story, accompanied by a photo of Harry, takes up well over a quarter of the front page. When is the last time you can recall a magician taking up that much space on page one of a major city newspaper?
The headline:
In smaller letters:
Today is the day (at high noon) that Houdini has agreed to The Sun's "challenge" to escape a straitjacket (they always spell it "straightjacket") while hanging upside down outside of The Sun office building.
But this morning's edition has gone to press long before the noon deadline.
So today they can only report on events leading up to the dramatic public spectacle.
The Sun's reporter, known only by his initials "J. K." has the memorable front page story of the day with his report of meeting up with Houdini the day before (Wednesday). This he did along with Orpheum manager Bill Hart to look over The Sun building on West Pender from where Houdini was to hang outside noon this day.
When they took Houdini to the rooftop of the building, he writes that they "slid through the hatchway like a couple of eels."
But when it was Houdini's turn, the "genius of escape" had "a tough time making the grade." In other words, he had trouble getting through the aforementioned hatchway! One can only imagine Houdini's chagrin. He must have carried it off with his usual calm charm as "J. K." concedes this might have been due to Houdini's "heavy overcoat." But it still leads him to wonder in print if Houdini would also "make the grade" the next day escaping the confines of the straitjacket. (I sometimes wonder if Houdini ever felt too old for such antics. He was just over three weeks away from his 49th birthday). Of course this was all designed to build up and hold the readers' interest.
After examining the building, the three went into The Sun's new "washroom and shower" to "dust ourselves off."
The article goes on to report that the Vancouver Police detectives Ricci and Sinclair promise to make his confinement in the straitjacket the next day "burglar proof."
Vancouver Police Chief James reports that he expects a big crowd to watch the public event. The Sun says that it expects "at least ten thousand."
In response to The Sun's previous exhortation for Houdini to award prizes for the best spectator pictures of his noon "hanging" (as he had graciously done elsewhere) which might be useful "to find out just how he does it", Houdini has agreed that he will give a First Prize of $15, s Second Prize of $10 and a Third Prize of $5. W. J. Moore, staff photographer of The Sun, will judge.
To "up the ante" and reader interest once more, the article concludes, mock-combatively:
Elsewhere in the paper is The Sun's first review of Houdini's premiere evening performance the night before.
Headlined, "Genius of Escape Shows His Prowess; Vaudeville Programme is Pleasing" the anonymous reviewer describes Houdini's Orpheum appearance as "out of the ordinary" and "just a bit different" than Vancouver theatre goers had been used to seeing.
Furthermore, according to the review on an inside page of The Sun, Houdini "amazes, mystifies and really gets on the nerves of his audience - until, of course - he emerges from his cell of torture." Houdini is without question, "the one big feature of the week's entertainment." The review then goes on to list and describe the other performers, the supporting members of Houdini's evening performance.
Of note is a mention of the young comedian Jack Benny, back "again with his violin, also with some new jokes. Some not so new. Still. . . not so bad."
[Note to younger readers: Jack Benny was destined to become a major star in radio and early television and some films. Google him.]
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
Today is also the first time a reference to Houdini appears in the other major Vancouver newspaper, The Province.
Either because Houdini was favouring The Sun with his exclusive interviews and straitjacket publicity stunt - or else by nature more conservative and thus less likely to engage in such advance publicity - The Province had until now appeared to shun any mention of Houdini's arrival.
They made up for it with a major review on an inside entertainment news page.
Headlined,
The Province's anonymous reviewer describes the show with Houdini as headliner as "undoubtably one of the best of the season."
We get more details of Houdini's performance. His Water Torture Cell features ("his own invention") as does his version of the Indian Needle trick.
Houdini also appears to have incorporated the latest technology into his act as the reviewer describes what can only be silent film footage of Houdini shown "in a thrilling airplane race and collision." This might have been footage taken many years earlier in Australia where Houdini had made history as the first person in that country to fly - as there is a nebulous reference to "the other side of the Pacific." On the other hand, it sounds much more like footage from one of his more recent adventure serials, "The Grim Game" released in 1919 which featured an accidental actual mid air collision (although with a stunt double pretending to be Houdini). This writer believes it to be the latter.
The review concludes with references to the other acts supporting Houdini on the bill. Jack Benny is given a more positive review than he had had in The Sun, this reviewer noting "for twelve minutes he holds the attention of the audience" with his "original patter," "fine voice" and "engaging natural smile."
TOMORROW: Public Triumph - or - Disaster?
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
March 1st, 1923 (Thursday)
Houdini Is In Vancouver, British Columbia!
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini is major front page news in today's The [Vancouver] Sun.
His local Orpheum Theatre appearances are well underway. His unparalleled sense of publicity is producing impressive results in the local press.
Today's page one story, accompanied by a photo of Harry, takes up well over a quarter of the front page. When is the last time you can recall a magician taking up that much space on page one of a major city newspaper?
The headline:
"Houdini In For Tough Time; Detectives Ricci and Sinclair Bind Him."
In smaller letters:
"Magician Will Have To Wiggle To Get Out Of Jacket for These Two Expert Ropers Promise to Make It Burglar Proof."
 |
| Found in the Vancouver Public Library's microfiche of the March 1st, 1923 edition of The Vancouver Sun. |
Today is the day (at high noon) that Houdini has agreed to The Sun's "challenge" to escape a straitjacket (they always spell it "straightjacket") while hanging upside down outside of The Sun office building.
But this morning's edition has gone to press long before the noon deadline.
So today they can only report on events leading up to the dramatic public spectacle.
The Sun's reporter, known only by his initials "J. K." has the memorable front page story of the day with his report of meeting up with Houdini the day before (Wednesday). This he did along with Orpheum manager Bill Hart to look over The Sun building on West Pender from where Houdini was to hang outside noon this day.
When they took Houdini to the rooftop of the building, he writes that they "slid through the hatchway like a couple of eels."
But when it was Houdini's turn, the "genius of escape" had "a tough time making the grade." In other words, he had trouble getting through the aforementioned hatchway! One can only imagine Houdini's chagrin. He must have carried it off with his usual calm charm as "J. K." concedes this might have been due to Houdini's "heavy overcoat." But it still leads him to wonder in print if Houdini would also "make the grade" the next day escaping the confines of the straitjacket. (I sometimes wonder if Houdini ever felt too old for such antics. He was just over three weeks away from his 49th birthday). Of course this was all designed to build up and hold the readers' interest.
After examining the building, the three went into The Sun's new "washroom and shower" to "dust ourselves off."
The article goes on to report that the Vancouver Police detectives Ricci and Sinclair promise to make his confinement in the straitjacket the next day "burglar proof."
Vancouver Police Chief James reports that he expects a big crowd to watch the public event. The Sun says that it expects "at least ten thousand."
In response to The Sun's previous exhortation for Houdini to award prizes for the best spectator pictures of his noon "hanging" (as he had graciously done elsewhere) which might be useful "to find out just how he does it", Houdini has agreed that he will give a First Prize of $15, s Second Prize of $10 and a Third Prize of $5. W. J. Moore, staff photographer of The Sun, will judge.
To "up the ante" and reader interest once more, the article concludes, mock-combatively:
"Well, Mr. Houdini, The Sun is ready for you. . . if [we've] made it a little difficult for you to pull your stunt that's The Sun's business."
Elsewhere in the paper is The Sun's first review of Houdini's premiere evening performance the night before.
Headlined, "Genius of Escape Shows His Prowess; Vaudeville Programme is Pleasing" the anonymous reviewer describes Houdini's Orpheum appearance as "out of the ordinary" and "just a bit different" than Vancouver theatre goers had been used to seeing.
Furthermore, according to the review on an inside page of The Sun, Houdini "amazes, mystifies and really gets on the nerves of his audience - until, of course - he emerges from his cell of torture." Houdini is without question, "the one big feature of the week's entertainment." The review then goes on to list and describe the other performers, the supporting members of Houdini's evening performance.
Of note is a mention of the young comedian Jack Benny, back "again with his violin, also with some new jokes. Some not so new. Still. . . not so bad."
[Note to younger readers: Jack Benny was destined to become a major star in radio and early television and some films. Google him.]
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
Today is also the first time a reference to Houdini appears in the other major Vancouver newspaper, The Province.
Either because Houdini was favouring The Sun with his exclusive interviews and straitjacket publicity stunt - or else by nature more conservative and thus less likely to engage in such advance publicity - The Province had until now appeared to shun any mention of Houdini's arrival.
They made up for it with a major review on an inside entertainment news page.
Headlined,
"Houdini Headlines Fine Orpheum Bill."It was subtitled,
"Seen in Series of Clever Mystifying Turns - Show of High Standard."
The Province's anonymous reviewer describes the show with Houdini as headliner as "undoubtably one of the best of the season."
We get more details of Houdini's performance. His Water Torture Cell features ("his own invention") as does his version of the Indian Needle trick.
Houdini also appears to have incorporated the latest technology into his act as the reviewer describes what can only be silent film footage of Houdini shown "in a thrilling airplane race and collision." This might have been footage taken many years earlier in Australia where Houdini had made history as the first person in that country to fly - as there is a nebulous reference to "the other side of the Pacific." On the other hand, it sounds much more like footage from one of his more recent adventure serials, "The Grim Game" released in 1919 which featured an accidental actual mid air collision (although with a stunt double pretending to be Houdini). This writer believes it to be the latter.
The review concludes with references to the other acts supporting Houdini on the bill. Jack Benny is given a more positive review than he had had in The Sun, this reviewer noting "for twelve minutes he holds the attention of the audience" with his "original patter," "fine voice" and "engaging natural smile."
TOMORROW: Public Triumph - or - Disaster?
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Thank you to our March 2017 sponsors
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28 February 2017
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver part 4
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
February 28th, 1923 (Wednesday)
Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Finally! H (for Houdini) - Day, at long last.
Houdini is to appear tonight at the Orpheum Theatre headlining in his first vaudeville appearance ever in Vancouver, British Columbia. It will be followed by a matinee and evening show on each of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Excitement must have been tangible in the city.
But it is too early for newspaper reviews to appear just yet.
Instead, a playfully combative article giving an exciting final burst of advance publicity appears in the lower front page of The Vancouver Sun on this date entitled, "Houdini Defies Police; Ditto Their Hangman."
What makes this article, the fourth, unique is that is is an unsigned editorial personally addressing Houdini in the first person.
It begins,
It goes on to restate the conditions of its "challenge" to have Houdini escape from a straitjacket upside down while hanging outside their office the next day at noon.
I'm not sure how accurate that headline was. His defiance of the police simply would take the form of having them truss him up. As to their "hangman," well, that was a bit of literary hyperbole to be sure. It might not have been strictly accurate but it definitely made you want to read on!
But they were not done. The Sun knew how to "up the ante."
They wrote:
In this way, The Sun itself would soon become part of the news it was reporting; it would become part of the Houdini legend.
Then an unexpectedly humorous boast:
I take this as a sly wink to its readers paying close attention. In effect, it's a reminder to them that, hey, this is all good fun! Don't take any of this too seriously! We don't!
It concludes with an exhortation to Houdini to provide a prize for the best snapshot spectators might take of the outdoor event (as he had done elsewhere) "successful or otherwise."
Were they now suggesting his stunt might not be successful? An element of doubt certainly was dropped into the "mix" for the first time. Which was very clever. What better way to entice spectators to come out and see for themselves?
The tone is playfully combative as I said. It was as if they were daring him not to show up - to an event to which he had already agreed (and indeed probably originated). A master stroke of publicity. Having enthusiastically proclaimed his greatness, at this last minute the newspaper was now hinting at his possible fallibility and the fact that - good heavens - he might even renege, the "challenge" they had offered being so great.
What a laugh seen from today's perspective. Houdini and The Sun could not have been better allies.
The Sun concludes:
It was positioned almost like a gunslingers shoot out! Who could possibly resist attending it?
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
TOMORROW: "Houdini in for Tough Time; Detectives Ricci And Sinclair Bind Him."
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
February 28th, 1923 (Wednesday)
Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Finally! H (for Houdini) - Day, at long last.
Houdini is to appear tonight at the Orpheum Theatre headlining in his first vaudeville appearance ever in Vancouver, British Columbia. It will be followed by a matinee and evening show on each of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Excitement must have been tangible in the city.
But it is too early for newspaper reviews to appear just yet.
Instead, a playfully combative article giving an exciting final burst of advance publicity appears in the lower front page of The Vancouver Sun on this date entitled, "Houdini Defies Police; Ditto Their Hangman."
What makes this article, the fourth, unique is that is is an unsigned editorial personally addressing Houdini in the first person.
It begins,
"Alright, Houdini!"
It goes on to restate the conditions of its "challenge" to have Houdini escape from a straitjacket upside down while hanging outside their office the next day at noon.
I'm not sure how accurate that headline was. His defiance of the police simply would take the form of having them truss him up. As to their "hangman," well, that was a bit of literary hyperbole to be sure. It might not have been strictly accurate but it definitely made you want to read on!
But they were not done. The Sun knew how to "up the ante."
They wrote:
"Just to make it snappy, Mr. Houdini, The Sun expects no less than ten thousand to be outside The Sun office to watch your antics."
In this way, The Sun itself would soon become part of the news it was reporting; it would become part of the Houdini legend.
Then an unexpectedly humorous boast:
"This newspaper has . . . for its own and your benefit . . . put a couple of new storeys on its building."
I take this as a sly wink to its readers paying close attention. In effect, it's a reminder to them that, hey, this is all good fun! Don't take any of this too seriously! We don't!
It concludes with an exhortation to Houdini to provide a prize for the best snapshot spectators might take of the outdoor event (as he had done elsewhere) "successful or otherwise."
Were they now suggesting his stunt might not be successful? An element of doubt certainly was dropped into the "mix" for the first time. Which was very clever. What better way to entice spectators to come out and see for themselves?
The tone is playfully combative as I said. It was as if they were daring him not to show up - to an event to which he had already agreed (and indeed probably originated). A master stroke of publicity. Having enthusiastically proclaimed his greatness, at this last minute the newspaper was now hinting at his possible fallibility and the fact that - good heavens - he might even renege, the "challenge" they had offered being so great.
What a laugh seen from today's perspective. Houdini and The Sun could not have been better allies.
The Sun concludes:
"You said you would be here at noon Thursday. Well, you keep your end of the bargain and never fear that The Sun won't be there with everything it has promised."
It was positioned almost like a gunslingers shoot out! Who could possibly resist attending it?
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
TOMORROW: "Houdini in for Tough Time; Detectives Ricci And Sinclair Bind Him."
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Top 5 posts in February 2017
Out of the 36+ posts at Canada's Magic this month, here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:
and the most viewed post this month ...
5. Cambridge: Shawn Farquhar - A rare Ontario appearance of Shawn! (Enter here to for a chance to win tickets!)
4. Ottawa: Magic Monday - One Year Anniversary! - Happy anniversary Steven Lafond!
3. Outerbridge Magic upcoming tour dates - I'm looking forward to hearing all about their tour in China.
2. Chilliwack: Cabaret of Wonders VI - One of the few shows that doesn't require Shawn to be in an airport!
and the most viewed post this month ...
1. Murray and the top 3 most random tricks - I wonder if Murray will be performing these during his USO tour.
27 February 2017
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver part 3
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
February 27th, 1923 (Tuesday)
Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
It is now H (for Houdini) - Day Minus 1.
Houdini appears to be coming from performing in Winnipeg (in what appears to be a cross-Canada tour heading west). No doubt he (and his supporting acts including a young comedian named Jack Benny) will appreciate Vancouver's milder weather having experienced Winnipeg in mid-February.
The public must have been eagerly awaiting the first appearance ever in Vancouver of this legendary "genius of escape" who's exploits they have read about (and possibly even seen dramatized on the silent screen) without ever a hope of actually seeing him in person.
Until now - during his triumphant "return to vaudeville."
The Vancouver Sun, our primary source for continuing coverage, is doing an incredible job ratcheting up public interest in the Houdini story and in doing so has become very much part of his eternal legend.
In the lower left corner of page one on this date is the headline,
It first recapitulates the news about his latest sensational stunt, the water torture cell, which he will perform at the Orpheum.
The report at this point is a bit confusing. That is, it is confusing from our point of view today. It describes the water torture cell as both his "original" as well as "self-constructed" escape stunt but then mentions that Houdini will escape from "the can filled to the brim with water" - which surely sounds more like Houdini's old classic milk can escape?
My guess is the writer of this article, not having ever seen the act, has simply confabulated details of the two different escapes into one. Or that he is sloppily referring to the water torture cell as a can. It is unclear. Not that contemporary audiences of the day would know or care.
Given equal prominence in this third article is a reminder of Houdini's "acceptance" of the challenge purportedly issued by The Sun "to liberate himself from a straight jacket [sic] wrapped about him. . . suspended by the ankles, head downwards, from a beam in front of The Sun office, at a height of at least thirty feet."
The Sun enthusiastically concludes,
I know if I were alive at the time and living in Vancouver I'd've already bought multiple performance tickets. And for sure I'd be outside The Sun office on Thursday at high noon to see Houdini escape from his straitjacket confinement.
How about you?
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
TOMORROW: "Houdini Defies Police; Ditto Their Hangman."
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
February 27th, 1923 (Tuesday)
Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
It is now H (for Houdini) - Day Minus 1.
Houdini appears to be coming from performing in Winnipeg (in what appears to be a cross-Canada tour heading west). No doubt he (and his supporting acts including a young comedian named Jack Benny) will appreciate Vancouver's milder weather having experienced Winnipeg in mid-February.
 |
| Window advertisements for a Houdini performance and shows at the Orpheum theatre. Vancouver Public Library 86870. |
The public must have been eagerly awaiting the first appearance ever in Vancouver of this legendary "genius of escape" who's exploits they have read about (and possibly even seen dramatized on the silent screen) without ever a hope of actually seeing him in person.
Until now - during his triumphant "return to vaudeville."
The Vancouver Sun, our primary source for continuing coverage, is doing an incredible job ratcheting up public interest in the Houdini story and in doing so has become very much part of his eternal legend.
In the lower left corner of page one on this date is the headline,
"Sun Planning to Make It Tough Job For Friend Houdini."
It first recapitulates the news about his latest sensational stunt, the water torture cell, which he will perform at the Orpheum.
The report at this point is a bit confusing. That is, it is confusing from our point of view today. It describes the water torture cell as both his "original" as well as "self-constructed" escape stunt but then mentions that Houdini will escape from "the can filled to the brim with water" - which surely sounds more like Houdini's old classic milk can escape?
My guess is the writer of this article, not having ever seen the act, has simply confabulated details of the two different escapes into one. Or that he is sloppily referring to the water torture cell as a can. It is unclear. Not that contemporary audiences of the day would know or care.
Given equal prominence in this third article is a reminder of Houdini's "acceptance" of the challenge purportedly issued by The Sun "to liberate himself from a straight jacket [sic] wrapped about him. . . suspended by the ankles, head downwards, from a beam in front of The Sun office, at a height of at least thirty feet."
The Sun enthusiastically concludes,
"This will probably be one of his greatest efforts. . . a wonderful chance to show his genius. . ."
I know if I were alive at the time and living in Vancouver I'd've already bought multiple performance tickets. And for sure I'd be outside The Sun office on Thursday at high noon to see Houdini escape from his straitjacket confinement.
How about you?
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
TOMORROW: "Houdini Defies Police; Ditto Their Hangman."
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
26 February 2017
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver part 2
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
--
February 26th, 1923 (Monday)
Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
It is now H (for Houdini) - Day, Minus 2.
Excitement is mounting.
The publicity for Houdini's first ever Vancouver, British Columbia vaudeville performance is gearing up.
It is assuming the status of genuine news; coverage of his upcoming visit is indeed carried as front page news in The Vancouver Sun, our primary source for continuing and developing coverage .
A headline on this day (near the bottom of page one) screams in huge letters, "Houdini To Hang Downwards". Then in smaller lettering, "Strapped in Straight Jacket, Will Swing from Sun Building Thursday."
It goes on to state:
"Houdini, genius of escape, has accepted a unique challenge. . . he offers to free himself from a straight jacket wrapped around him by any member or members of the Vancouver police force, and while suspended in mid-air, head downwards, in front of The Vancouver Sun newspaper office on Thursday at noon."
So it would appear that The Sun had chosen to play along with the Houdini legend with its "unique challenge."
Astute readers will, of course, recognize the fact that Houdini would perform a similar free public stunt in almost every major town or city he played in order to generate publicity for his local theatre appearance. He usually did it outside of the local newspaper office to achieve maximum exclusive coverage by same. It was guaranteed to stop traffic and become a newsworthy event all by itself. One can only bow to Houdini's highly developed sense of self-promotion and ponder what wonders of publicity he would have achieved in today's Twitter-verse?
This second article goes on to describe the nature of his confinement in a straitjacket. By enlisting the local police to truss him up, Houdini once more ensured that no "funny business" would mess up his stunt and that it would be enhanced in the public's imagination by his implied challenge to local police to confine him.
A paid Orpheum Theatre advertisement similar to the first also appears in this issue.
TOMORROW: "Planning to Make It Tough Job For Friend Houdini."
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Rounding the Western rings in March 2017
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - #ShipLifeNoFilter |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - TBA. |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - TBA. |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - Third Monday magic. |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - TBA. |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - Meeting at Uncle Buck’s at Tsawwassen Mills. |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - TBA |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Rounding the Central rings in March 2017
| Montreal, QC | Ring 62 (20th Century Ring) | - Free form first Fridaze. - Second Saturday night special. - Mid-Month meetup. - March Madness. - Montreal's 1st IBM Magic Jam. - Instagram Tuesday. |
| Hamilton, ON | Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) | - TBA. |
| London, ON | Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild) | - TBA. |
| Kitchener, ON | Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle) | - Kind of Magic dealer demo. |
| Ottawa, ON | Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) | - TBA. |
| Ottawa, ON | Ottawa / Gatineau magicians | - TBA |
| Toronto, ON | Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) | - Chris Pilsworth lecture. |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions
Rounding the Eastern rings in March 2017
Does anybody have current information to share about the Magic Circle of St. John?
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
| Halifax, NS | Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court) | - Visit their Facebook page. |
| St. John, NB | Magic Circle of St. John | - TBA |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
25 February 2017
[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver: part 1
Updated February 28th, 2023 to add:
- Welcome to readers of Michelle Gomez and Andrew Kurjata's article "Houdini's daring Vancouver escape was 100 years ago this week" published today on the CBC website. We hope you enjoy this fantastic series of guest posts.
Updated February 25th to add:
- Welcome to members of the Genii forums and readers of Wild About Harry! We hope you enjoy this series of guest posts as much as we did!
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
--
February 25th, 1923 (Sunday)
Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.
Houdini was coming to Vancouver!
Hard to imagine the excitement such news would have generated on the narrow streets of Canada's "third city", Vancouver, British Columbia, back in February of 1923 or some 94 years ago today.
Houdini was then one of the world's most famous entertainers. He had never been to Vancouver before. In an era long long before the internet, before television, with radio in its infancy and silence being the only sound coming from film, vaudeville was still attracting the masses. It may well have been on its "last legs" although its audiences would never have suspected it with a major headliner like Houdini coming at long last to entertain them.
It was still news worthy of reporting.
The first published references extant about Houdini's first (and only) upcoming appearance in Vancouver appears in The Vancouver Sun on this date.
A two column wide by five inch paid advertisement by Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre on an inside page announces, "Attractions Coming. Wednesday Evening. February 28th. Four nights and three matinees. First Appearance Here of 'The Genius of Escape' Houdini (In Person) - Who Will Startle and Amaze."
 |
| Found in the Vancouver Public Library's microfiche of the February 25, 1923 edition of The Vancouver Sun. |
I would posit that the "In Person" line was to distinguish his live appearance from any filmed appearances or that of any imitators.
A list of accompanying support acts (there are a half dozen or so appearing on the same vaudeville bill) includes a young comedian Jack Benny ("Wit, Music and Patter"). Prices noted: "Matinees: Thursday, Friday, 15 cents to 40 [?] cents. Saturday 15 cents to 55 cents. Nights 25 cents to $1.00."
A similar ad would run every day for the duration of Houdini's three day, four night Orpheum Theatre visit.
The Orpheum Theatre featuring Houdini's appearance in 1923 was an earlier incarnation of same; it is not the structure named the Orpheum Theatre still standing elsewhere today (which was constructed much later in 1927). Houdini's Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver is long gone. It was located where what is now the downtown's Pacific Centre Mall.
A two column wide by six inches photo of Houdini (entitled "Wizard of All Wizards Defies Strongest Shackles") dominates an inside page.
An eight inch deep column accompanying it is headlined "Houdini, Genius, Tops at Orpheum. Noted Master of Escape Will Make Appearance Here Next Wednesday."
It begins:
"Houdini, the marvellous, will make his first big vaudeville appearance in Vancouver next week. Houdini, known as the "Genius of Escape", will thrill and mystify Orpheum audiences beginning next Wednesday."
The article goes on to lavishly praise Houdini by reminding its readers of his numerous accomplishments in the entertainment field. One must wonder how much copy was generated by Houdini's own advance publicity machinery and how much was originated locally, designed to whip up newspaper and theatre ticket sales?
Houdini was a master of obtaining free publicity for his shows. His antics sold newspapers and they in turn sold theatre tickets. What newspaper would therefore not love him? Especially as the theatre he was to appear in was a major advertiser. And so The Sun was either chosen - or had decided for itself - to become the primary vehicle for promoting and thereby documenting Houdini's once in a lifetime appearance.
This initial article reveals a couple significant facts once we get past the enthusiastic hyperbole.
First, it refers to Houdini's "return to vaudeville". Had Houdini returned happily or reluctantly to headlining such a show? We get no clues. We do know as he matured that he had attempted to master a new, less arduous performance methodology: the capturing of his incredible escape abilities via the brand new medium of silent film. It had not been the overwhelming success for which he had hoped.
Says The Sun:
"It was believed the motion pictures - which showed Houdini thrills, eclipsing anything ever portrayed via the innumerable possibilities of the camera - would reach the acme of his supernatural ability; but he himself says not."
So even Houdini acknowledged that silent film to that date for whatever reason had failed to capture the essence of his charismatic style. And if you've ever seen any of his films you'd know he was understating it. Houdini on film just didn't live up to his potential. His acting was somewhat wooden. He had too much competition on the silver screen to ever become its primary star. So what could Houdini do to make his return to the live vaudeville circuit a memorable triumph? Why, do what he always did best, of course. And that was to come up with a spanking new live performance of a "genuine novelty."
Says The Sun:
"[Houdini] says his latest sensation, liberating himself after being locked in a water torture cell, which he does in full view of the audience, is the most difficult feat he has ever accomplished in his varied and strenuous career."
Houdini comes through yet again! Who could resist seeing him escape something called a "water torture cell?"
Curious that they used the expression "supernatural" when referencing his abilities given his latter day fight against those claiming fraudulent "supernatural" abilities. I will assume in this instance that the writer was just using it as a contemporary superlative and wasn't implying any abilities to communicate with the dead!
Of historical interest, the article then goes on to describe the acts supporting Houdini's "return to vaudeville" which includes a reference to a young comedian named Jack Benny - who "will offer a few moments on his violin. He plays a little, gags a great deal and keeps the audience thoroughly amused."
 |
| Found in the Vancouver Public Library's microfiche of the February 25, 1923 edition of The Vancouver Sun. |
TOMORROW: "Houdini Accepts A Unique Challenge."
-
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.
--
Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Broken wand: Daryl Easton
It is with a heavy heart that I post the news about the recent passing of Daryl Easton. I had the good fortune to meet Daryl when he was a special guest at Sorcerers Safari in 2015. Although he's not Canadian, he had a big impact on the campers that year. He was so easy going and just fit right in.
Magicana has an old video of Daryl performing in the Magic Palace in the 1980s.
Vanish Magazine has a feature with a Daryl tribute on page 34.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Alison, and their children, at this impossible time.
Magicana has an old video of Daryl performing in the Magic Palace in the 1980s.
Vanish Magazine has a feature with a Daryl tribute on page 34.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Alison, and their children, at this impossible time.
Matt Johnson in the Abbotsford News
From the Abbotsford News:
Submerged in water, with his neck chained to the floor of the 260-gallon tank, Matt Johnson's hands were cuffed through holes in its trapdoor roof.
Using a bobby pin, he picked both the handcuffs free and the collar off his neck.
Then came the hard part.
At Johnson's feet were 31 identical-looking keys. Thirty were useless; one would open the lock holding the door keeping him under water.
His lungs seared, begging for oxygen.
Where was that one key?
Johnson had come halfway around the world, from Abbotsford to Birmingham, to take a crack at fame: an audition on Britain's Got Talent.
But it was going wrong.
Read more.
24 February 2017
London and Fort Myers: David Merry in March
From David Merry's website:
Yuk Yuks London (confirm show times with Yuk Yuk's London)
- March 3
- March 4
Laugh in Comedy Cafe (confirm show times with Laugh in Comedy Cafe)
- March 9
- March 10
- March 11
More "Magic and Martini"
From James Alan's newsletter:
It's been a fantastic fall season at Magic & Martini and we're thrilled with the enthusiastic support and reviews we're received. Our shows in Toronto are sold out through March 5 so we've added additional dates to help manage the demand.
We've just added performances for Saturday nights on March 18, April 15 and April 29. Tickets are available now and we're offering our subscribers a discount. Use the code secrets and get two-for-one tickets to our shows in Toronto, Oakville and Hillsburgh.
Here is the full list of available dates:
SpiritHouse in Toronto
Saturday, March 18 (new)
Saturday, April 8 (limited space)
Saturday, April 15 (new)
Saturday, April 22 (limited space)
Saturday, April 29 (new)
Saturday, May 6
Saturday, May 20
O'Finn's Irish Temper in Oakville
Friday, March 3 (limited space)
Friday, April 21
Friday, May 12
The Friendly Chef in Hillsburgh (Erin)
Friday, February 17 (very limited space)
Saturday, March 4
Saturday, May 13
Read more and buy tickets.
23 February 2017
Amherst: Maritime School of Magic
From Cumberland News Now:
Although many think of the magician as having the top hat and jacket and tails, (Brian) Hebert practices and teachers what he calls impromptu magic, something that can be performed at any time and almost anywhere.
“All the stuff can be held in my pocket,” he said.
It’s something the amateur magician hopes to share through a new Maritime School of Magic he’s setting up in Amherst. He hopes to begin classes in early March and continue for one hour a week for eight weeks.
The classes are tailored for children ages eight to 10, but if there’s enough interest he will open classes for older children. Along with learning to perform magic, Hebert said, the children will learn a lot of skills they can use in their every day life.
Read more.
The Great Boomsky: Truro magician Isaac Willis
From The Chronicle Herald:
In the 1920s, a popular “professor” worked as a porter at the Truro train station. However this porter wasn’t a moonlighting academic.
Under the stage name of Professor Boomsky, he once mystified full houses at the world’s finest theatres. And before that, he worked at the White House.
Isaac Willis was born on Christmas Eve, 1879 in Alexandria, Va. By the age of two, he was living in Washington, D.C., where his father, a former cart driver, was a doorman at the White House. Eventually, Isaac joined his father, working there as a messenger boy.
By a twist of fate, Isaac caught the eye of Alexander Herrmann, a millionaire magician who lived a glamorous lifestyle befitting a modern-day rock star, complete with a yacht, private railcars, and a seaside mansion.
Herrmann, who often gave command performances for presidents and royalty, took notice of the charismatic Willis. In a flash, the White House needed a new messenger boy. The teen had signed on as Herrmann’s apprentice, assuming the role of Boomsky, the magician’s beloved stage assistant.
Read more.
22 February 2017
Canadians nominated for the 2017 Academy of Magical Arts Awards
Congratulations and good luck to The Evasons and to Shawn Farquhar!
From the Facebook page of The Evasons:
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
From the Facebook page of The Evasons:
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
21 February 2017
20 February 2017
2017 Calgary Magic Circle Lecture Pass
From the Calgary Magic Circle:
If you don’t act on this, the Calgary Magic Circle is going to vanish.
Give it to me straight, doc. The Calgary Magic Circle has experienced dwindling participation at meetings and events for the past few years. People have their various reasons for not being a member, or not attending our regular meetings. I’m not going to get into that right now. Here’s the pressing issue…
Unless we get a major commitment of your attendance, the magic lecture series is going to be cancelled.
This is the tour that brings world champions and stars of magic like the legendary Michael Ammar, Spanish card master Dani DaOrtiz, children’s magic expert Danny Orleans, and many more to Calgary so they can share their magic, experience, and tricks of the trade. This tour is an opportunity for all Calgary magicians to grow in their art.
Right now we are in serious danger of losing it all.
It’s simple math. For the past three years the club has been losing money on every lecture. We’ve tried to keep ticket prices low, and affordable for our members. However, the cost of fees, flights and hotels for our guest presenters simply adds up far beyond ticket sales. The club has been scraping by on savings, subsidizing these events, but that source has dried up. Without immediate intervention, the well is dry and next year’s tour will be cancelled.
If you want the opportunity to get personal instruction from some of the best magicians in the world, you have to speak up now.
We need your commitment in order to sign on for the 2017 tour. The only way the CMC executive can sign the deal for next year is with your support for the ENTIRE year. Picking and choosing one or two lectures is not sustainable. To move forward, the only option is an annual lecture subscription.
With your support we have five more great lectures coming this year. To keep this amazing resource in Calgary, we’re asking you to make a commitment to all 5 lectures that will run from now until November.
Here’s what’s coming up
- February 20th – Kenrick ICE McDonald
- May 7th – Jon Allen
- June 18th – 20th – “Silly Billy” David Kaye (Exact date TDB)
- August 28th – Jörg Alexander
- November 12th – Bizzaro (Exact date TDB)
Read more and buy pass.
19 February 2017
Bobby Motta in City Life
From City Life:
From the City Life Twitter feed:
From the Facebook page of Project Four Public Relations:
The magician places a large dice in my hand, then takes my wrists and gives them a shake.
“Now open your hand. What number is it?” he asks.
It’s six.
“You have no idea what’s going on, do you?”
I absolutely do not.
“Don’t worry about it. I do weird things sometimes,” he says. Then he dangles my watch in front of my face, which I hadn’t even realized was missing from my wrist. “And here’s your watch back, by the way.”
Read more.
From the City Life Twitter feed:
CITY LIFE MAGAZINE FEB/MAR 2017! In this magical new issue, we sit down with famed #Toronto #mentalist @bobbymotta https://t.co/vV9DjxNJgV pic.twitter.com/JtWNExaou7— CITY LIFE MAGAZINE (@citylifetoronto) February 7, 2017
From the Facebook page of Project Four Public Relations:
18 February 2017
Murray's first USO tour
From iTricks:
Murray is joining Howard Blackwell and Dave Chandler for his first USO Tour. Read more on the Vegas News site.
Read more.
17 February 2017
16 February 2017
Ottawa: Magic Monday - One Year Anniversary!
Early congratulations to Steven Lafond for his one year anniversary of Magic Mondays!
From Facebook:
From Facebook:
15 February 2017
Chris Mayhew's UK tour
From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:
Attention all UK Magicians! I will be flying across the pond to visit your wonderful area for a 9 city lecture tour! If you live near any of these cities book the date in your calendar now, tell your magic friends, and come participate with me. As a special bonus I will be bringing my friend Luke Peters who is a wonderful Improv performer in Toronto, he will be giving a mini opening lecture on performing with confidence. See you March 1st - 17th everyone!
14 February 2017
Calgary: Derek Selinger helps Dreams Take Flight
See Derek in “The Gift” on March 10 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.
From the Calgary Herald:
From 660 News:
From the Calgary Herald:
Local and internationally acclaimed illusionist Derek Selinger has been working on his show “The Gift” for the past 20 years, and will be performing his one-of-a-kind act in Calgary to raise funds for Dreams Take Flight Calgary, a non-profit that sends kids with physical, mental and medical disabilities on a special trip to Disneyland every year.
“There are pieces in this show that nobody on earth is doing. We’re really excited to put it on stage here in Calgary,” Selinger said. “It’s an opportunity for people not only to support Dreams Take Flight, but learn a bit about magic they do, too.”
Read more and buy tickets.
From 660 News:
Master illusionist Derek Selinger will create magic when he takes the stage at the Jack Singer Concert Hall next month to benefit Calgary children.
Selinger, a long-time volunteer for Dreams Take Flight, will be performing his new show “The Gift” with 100 per cent of the proceeds to go to the local not-for-profit.
Dreams Take Flight is a charity that takes children who have experienced some sort of physical, social or mental challenge to Disneyland for the day.
Read more.
13 February 2017
Montreal: Lee Asher lecture
From the Montreal Magic Jam:
Tues March 7th
Lee Asher is coming to town, and he’s going all out. He’s combining all his lectures into one super lecture for this special event. You’ll learn powerful pieces of magic such as:
– THE RIPPER: Visually rip a single playing card into the four Jacks
– WITNESS: A joker transforms into the selection inside a zip-lock bag while held by the audience
– THE TOUCH: Give anyone the power to win every card game
– THUNDERBIRD: Four aces dynamically appear at your fingertips
– VINO VERITAS: Audibly divine a selection using a glass of delicious wine
– THREE STYLIN: Multi-coloured poker chips visually fly from hand to hand
– DIVING BOARD DOUBLE: A stylish double lift that impresses even the most skilled
– ASHER TWIST: One at a time, four aces revolve face-up then face down again, delighting your audience each time it happens.
– plus much more.
Lee will also show (PERFORMANCE ONLY) some of the new things he has in the pipeline. So please join us on March 7th for an evening of fun.
PS This is an interactive event, so please make sure to bring a deck of cards with you.
Read more and buy tickets (early bird discount available).
12 February 2017
Michael Kras in Intermission magazine
From Intermission Magazine:
I get where they’re coming from; the buzz about my hometown hasn’t exactly been glowing in recent years. But Hamilton is going through a renaissance. We’re not “Steel Town” anymore. This little big city is a forty-five-minute drive down the 403 from Toronto; take that car another ten minutes off the highway and up James Street North, and a loud phrase painted across a stretch of sidewalk says it all: “Art is the new steel.”
Not too long ago, though, this wasn’t the case.
Read more.
11 February 2017
Mystery School Monday: Dai Vernon his life and magic
Earlier this week Jeff McBride dedicated Mystery School Monday to Dai Vernon his life and magic.
Go on over to Magical Wisdom and watch MSM-294 "Dai Vernon" with Jeff McBride Feb 6 2017.
Go on over to Magical Wisdom and watch MSM-294 "Dai Vernon" with Jeff McBride Feb 6 2017.
10 February 2017
Teresa Midbo wins the Lotti Hemeon Award for Excellence
Congratulations Teresa!
From Murray Hatfield's Facebook page:
For a glimpse into Teresa's magical talents, have a look at this video from last summer's show, "Unbelieveable" (also from Murray Hatfield's Facebook page).
From Murray Hatfield's Facebook page:
For a glimpse into Teresa's magical talents, have a look at this video from last summer's show, "Unbelieveable" (also from Murray Hatfield's Facebook page).
09 February 2017
Breaking news from the 2017 Browser's Bash
As if you needed another reason to attend this year's Browser's Magic Bash ... Well, we have a great one for you!
EUGENE BURGER!
Among all the other talent, it's our pleasure to announce that the foremost philosopher of magic, Eugene Burger will also join us for the day at this year's Bash.
Imagine spending the day with one of the world's most talented magicians who knows the secret of capturing the imagination of ANY audience. Eugene Burger plans to share his highly regarded and clearly successful approach to magic.
08 February 2017
07 February 2017
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