If Houdini meant anything by his remark, except being defensive, he might have meant that he needed, above all else, to believe in himself if he was to put over his physically and mentally strenuous act; and he needed to believe in showman's ballyhoo. As one biographer said, Houdini was like Barnum but he had only himself to promote, not a circus.
As an aside, what is the man wearing? Is it a robe or a smoking jacket, and what makes him think it goes with a hat?
There's more to this quote and, yes, it's about his belief in himself and his ability to "put over" his act. Something about how if he believes he's the greatest, people will believe it as well.
If Houdini meant anything by his remark, except being defensive, he might have meant that he needed, above all else, to believe in himself if he was to put over his physically and mentally strenuous act; and he needed to believe in showman's ballyhoo. As one biographer said, Houdini was like Barnum but he had only himself to promote, not a circus.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, what is the man wearing? Is it a robe or a smoking jacket, and what makes him think it goes with a hat?
There's more to this quote and, yes, it's about his belief in himself and his ability to "put over" his act. Something about how if he believes he's the greatest, people will believe it as well.
DeleteNot sure what the heck he's wearing!
on what my grandmother told me he had to be the best, he did not like to come in second.
ReplyDeleteAnd he never did. :)
DeleteFYI, I'm working on a post about "Houdini and Hilliar" and I'll include more of this quote there.
ReplyDeleteHere we go. Includes the full quote: http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2013/01/houdini-and-hilliar.html
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