The Mysterious Tricks of Harry Houdini
Disappearing Acts and Death Defying Stunts
Legendary illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini is renowned for his daring and deadly escapes. Bicycles sunk in tanks of water, restrained in crates which were then dropped in canals, and buried alive in locked coffins, this early 20th century stunt performer and magician was always pushing his luck - and he emerged triumphant.
Houdini was an expert escape artist, able to free himself from handcuffs and even straitjackets in just a few moments. He was also the master of disappearing and re-appearing acts, with some of his tricks seeming to be supernatural in nature.
The Illusion of Levitation
One of Houdini’s well-known illusions was his ability to levitate in mid-air. He used several techniques to accomplish this trick, but his preferred method was to build a scaffold that was completely suspended in air.
Houdini would then climb up the scaffolding, pass through a number of curtains, and then remain invisible from the audience while he performed the trick. When the curtains were opened, the audience would be amazed to see Houdini suspended in mid-air, dog clutched between his teeth!
The Magic Wallet Trick
Another of Houdini’s well-known tricks was the apparently impossible magic wallet trick. He would take a purse filled with coins and place it in an envelope. As the audience watched, the coins would seemingly vanish from the envelope!
The truth behind this trick was revealed in one of Houdini’s books. He would first fill the purse with coins and place it in the envelope. Then, he would use his thumb to tear a corner, revealing the purse within. He would then appear to slip the coins out of the envelope, but in reality, he was actually replacing them with an identical-looking empty purse!
Houdini’s Death Defying Escapes
One of Houdini’s most memorable stunts was his ability to survive extended periods of time underwater. He often performed this stunt while being securely shackled and completely submerged in sealed tanks of water. This trick impressed audiences and proved his endurance, but it’s believed that his stamina was part of his secret.
Another of his death-defying escapes was being locked in a box and thrown off a bridge. He would then free himself from the box and swim to safety. He also regularly escaped from sacks and handcuffs, and his stunts constantly pushed the boundaries of what was deemed possible.
The Man Behind The Magic
Through all of his daring stunts and seemingly impossible escapes, Harry Houdini became a master of illusion. From levitation to card tricks, and escaping from handcuffs to surviving tanks of water, Houdini continues to amaze and inspire us today.