Sunday, February 3, 2013

Houdini the golfer

I figured I'd go with a sports-themed post on this Super Bowl Sunday. Here is a never before published photo of Houdini on a golf course with his manager, Martin Beck, and two unidentified men. This comes from Jon Oliver who is generously sharing with us rare images from his remarkable collection.

Click to enlarge.

Jon also shares an amusing story about this photo and Houdini expert Milbourne Christopher. Says Jon:

"Christopher was not always as smart as he claimed. I asked him about Houdini's golf game, and he told me Houdini never played golf never even stepped on a course in his life. I showed him a photo of Houdini and Martin Beck playing golf and he shot back that the photo was staged!"

By the way, in March a book will be released called Houdini Shots: The Ultimate Short Game Survival Guide by Martin Hall and Dave Allen. No doubt a collection of techniques employed by Houdini on this very day! But you'll need to wear a three piece suit to pull them off.

If we could now just find a photo of Houdini playing football. Happy Super Bowl Sunday, sports fans!

Thanks again to Jon Oliver.
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7 comments:

  1. Leo HeviaFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Interesting that Houdini and Beck stayed friends after the tempest between them in 1900 when Houdini first went to Europe.

    I would date this photo between 1912 and 1918?

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    Replies
    1. John CoxFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:11 AM

      Yeah, that's a pretty good dating. Probably closer to 1918.

      Delete
  2. gingertimeladySeptember 3, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    What's really funny about this photo is that Beck and the other two men look really ready for the game, cardigans and all, but Houdini does not. He looks like he just strolled off the street to say hello, do a few rounds, and strike a badass pose in his black suit. Like, "Yeah, I'm a-game with this suit ON, bitches. Houdini needs no...cartigans..." :p

    ~ Beth S.

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    Replies
    1. John CoxSeptember 4, 2013 at 7:55 AM

      Well observed, Beth. It could be Houdini wasn't actually playing golf with them this day. Maybe he just came to talk to Beck and jumped in the photo with a club. He certainly isn't dressed for it.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 1, 2024 at 11:42 AM

      Cause Houdini is that F A B U L O U S!!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousApril 17, 2016 at 6:37 AM

    I also have a picture of Houdini playing golf, it looks like from the same day but they are wearing hats??? I wish I could send you the picture.

    ReplyDelete