Life and Times of Harry Houdini

Halloween is a great time to think about magic, especially Harry Houdini who died October 31, 1926.  I've always been fascinated with magic, and after watching a movie years ago about the life of Harry Houdini starring Paul Michael Glaser as the great magician, I've been even more fascinated with Houdini.  Here's what I've learned about the man from the books I've read and movies I've watched:

Harry Houdini was born with the given name Erik Weisz in Budapest March 24, 1874; one of seven children.  Upon arriving in the United States July 3, 1878, Erick's name was changed to Ehrich and the Weisz surname changed to Weiss.  The Houdini family settled in Appleton, Wisconsin where his father served as a Rabbi.

Houdini first began his magic performing in 1891.  He married Bess Rahner in 1894 and she worked as his stage assistant throughout his career.  Known as the "Handcuff King", Harry registered for the US Selective Service under the name "Harry Handcuff Houdini".

In 1899, Houdini met Martin Beck in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Beck became his manager and booked Houdini on the vaudeville circuit.  Through the early 1900's, his career took off in the US.  His performances included escaping from handcuffs, straight jackets, chains and ropes.  His Chinese Water Torture Cell was his claim to fame during which Houdini was suspended upside down in a glass "cell" overflowing with water.  He would hold his breath for three minutes or more before escaping the "cell".

Houdini gave his last performance in Detroit, Michigan on October 24, 1926.  Although in acute pain and suffering from a high fever, he went on stage, despite warnings from his physician not to perform.  After the show concluded, he was admitted to the hospital suffering from acute appendicitis.

Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926 from peritonitis, a complication of a ruptured appendix.  His funeral was held in New York City on November 4, 1926 with more than two thousand people attending.  He is buried at the Machpelah Cemetery in Glendale, Queens, New York, the Society of American Magicians etched on his headstone.

So, there you have it.  A brief account of Houdini's life.  I do believe Halloween night will be a great time to snuggle under a soft blanket and rent a movie.  Perhaps the one starring Paul Michael Glaser, or one starring Tony Curtis.  Check one out - I have no doubt you'll be intrigued.