A large collection of media and tourists gathered for the event at 2pm on the corner of Orange & Hollywood Blvd, just east of the famous Graumans Chinese Theatre. After the unveiling, press and guests were invited back to The Magic Castle for a reception and performance by Jim Bentley in the Palace of Mystery. Playing the role of Houdini, Bentley escaped from a straight jacket in true Houdini style. Guests were also given tours of the recently renovated Houdini Seance Room.
Houdini’s star was first dedicated on Halloween 1975 to commemorate the great magician’s life-long involvement with film and his brief stint as a Hollywood movie star. According to the Magic Castle press release, the star mysteriously cracked on Halloween 2000.
Among those contributing to the restoration include magicians David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and Siegfried and Roy.
Some important info.....Houdini's star was Originally dedicated in 1960! Not 1975! Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame website to confirm....
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anon. But I'm afraid it's the Walk of Fame website that has it wrong. My sources are the original LA Times article on the dedication, Genii magazine who did a cover story on it, and the actual Chamber of Commerce plaque that hangs in the Houdini room at the Magic Castle. All 1975.
DeleteWalk of Fame site also says Houdini's middle name is "Ivan." Looks like they have a few things to correct.
DeleteStar was dedicated on October 31, 1975.
Hungarian illusionist, not american!
ReplyDelete