The Escape Artist (1982)

The excellent blog Travalanche by Trav S.D. takes a look back at the 1982 film The Escape Artist which turns 40 today. The movie was produced by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Griffin O'Neal as an aspiring magician and escapologist.

I remember not knowing what to make of this movie when it came out in 1982. It was a smaller film with a light touch in an era when big budget spectaculars were becoming the rage. So despite the magic and escape connection, I wasn't all that interested. But I did love the poster! (I still have my original.) I also recall having the paperback novelization.

However, when I finally saw the movie years later on DVD, I realized I had missed a gem. I also saw that some magic heavyweights worked on the film (which was shot in 1980), such as Ricky Jay, Mark Wilson, Bill Liles, Steve Baker, and John Gaughan.

You can read more about the movie on its 40th at Travalanche. It's also still available on DVD and streaming and I would certainly recommend a watch.

Related:

• Young Harry Houdini (1987)
• A Night at the Magic Castle (1988)
• A magical visit to the workshop of John Gaughan