Thursday, November 23, 2017

Houdini in 1903

By 1903, Houdini had established himself as a very successful performer with a wildly popular specialty -- the handcuff act. But had he retired at this time, as he often threatened to do, he would not be known to us today. But in 1903, he would perform feats and cement his image in a series of famous photos that still resonate more than a century later. It could be said 1903 was the year Harry Houdini became an icon.

This post is now retired. 

But you will still be able to enjoy the story of Houdini in 1903 with the publication of my upcoming book.


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    5 comments:

    1. Leo HeviaNovember 23, 2017 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks John! Another great year in the life of HH! I now realize it was 1903 where Bess pretty much had enough of show business and her maternal instincts rose to the surface.

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      1. John CoxNovember 23, 2017 at 10:34 AM

        Yeah, and then in 1904 Harry replaces Metamorphosis with the Barrel Mystery and Kukol takes over her role in that. But she would continue to make periodic returns in Metamorphosis throughout Harry's career. I've never head of anyone but Bess as his partner in that.

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      2. John CoxJanuary 28, 2019 at 8:30 AM

        I recently discovered Bess officially retired from the act in 1908.

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    2. David ByronNovember 23, 2017 at 6:13 PM

      Great overview!

      Which figures in the Russia photo are supposed to be Harry and Bess?

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      1. John CoxNovember 23, 2017 at 7:20 PM

        Oh the right side of the photo, count back two people and there's Bess and Harry. Harry is leaning forward. Very recognizable.

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