'A Rose from Houdini' by James Hilton

On March 2, 1952, a short piece of writing by famed English novelist James Hilton, author of Lost Horizon and Goodbye Mr. Chips, was syndicated in several newspapers. I've come across this in my research travels, but I've never seen it in color until magician Richard Hatch sent me an original in a batch of Houdini clippings. So I thought this was nice one to share. I love the illustration and the story is sweet.

Click to enlarge.

Here's a thought. This story appeared right on the heels of Paramount's announcement that they planned to make a biopic of Houdini's life. So maybe Paramount's publicity department had something to do with this? Was this a way to plant Houdini's name back into the public consciousness and begin to cultivate of his memory (like a rose)? James Hilton was living in California and did work with the studios. Just saying.

The Times, Feb. 15, 1952.

Speaking of the blooming rosebush, check out this presentation by our friend Lance Rich at the recent Magic Collectors Expo in Austin, which includes a nice Bess surprise.

Thanks Richard.

Related:

• Houdini's Flower Table blooms at Yankee Gathering
• Houdini hopefuls of 1952
• Houdini helps a fellow Hungarian from beyond