Haldane is frequently knocked as being Houdini's worse film. But as with this reviewer (a Houdini fan), I've always enjoyed it, and I agree that it has a nice "dime novel feel." This reviewer also provides some interesting background on the name "Silent Saunders" (Heath Haldane's father).
Click here or on the headline to have a read at Phantom Empires.
Hey there! Thanks for the shout out! I've been watching the films on that Harry Houdini: Movie Star DVD set over and over since I got it. So excellent to see the master do his hing!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic DVD set. It was a glorious day when that was released. Now if we can only see what's considered his best film, The Grim Game. Maybe some day.
DeleteAmen! That surviving clip is IN-CREDIBLE. Let's all cross our fingers that some theatre in South Africa or Australia, etc. has a copy!
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteThere is also a copy in the hands of a private collector, so there is hope.
Larry Weeks, who was given a nitrate print of the Grim Game, has sat on it for almost 65 years. He has always considered himself Houdini's biggest fan.
ReplyDeleteBut, he has deliberately hidden what Stanley Palm (who has seen it) considers Houdini's best film work from the world. What a shame.
When I was a teen-ager, I saw the entire 15 chapters of "The Master Mystery." Now, three chapters are gone. At least one stunt has been lost from each chapter. Some of the best material is missing. And this happened in my lifetime. THIS MUST NOT BE!
On the upside, we do Haldane, which was unavailable to the general public until relatively recently.
DeleteBut, yes, amen to your statement above, Patrick. Everyone should read: A plea from Patrick Culliton: Save the Houdini films before it’s too late!