Monday, January 23, 2023

Mlle. Beatrice Houdini at the Orpheum

Today is Bess Houdini's birthday. For the occasion, I thought I'd share this clipping from the June 11, 1899 San Francisco Chronicle. This is from Houdini's first engagement at the Orpheum in San Fransisco, but look whose photo the paper decided to feature.

Click to enlarge.

I love this not only for the fact that it put Bess front and center, but I've never seen this image of her before. What I wouldn't give to see a better copy.

If you want to keep the celebration going, click over to my Patreon for a rare photo of Bessie's 36th birthday party inside 278.

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6 comments:

  1. Michael PascoeJanuary 23, 2023 at 9:26 AM

    Did you try newspapers.com? It has an article about Harry escaping from an Oregon Boot.

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    Replies
    1. John CoxJanuary 23, 2023 at 9:32 AM

      Newspapers.com is where I got this clipping. :)

      Delete
    2. Michael PascoeJanuary 24, 2023 at 12:42 AM

      Sometimes the articles do not come out well. I tried to fix it up, but Bess' faces is still blurry.

      I had one of Jimmy Ravel that I got from newspapers.com, but the back of the print bled through and I could not use the picture.

      Delete
  2. Leo HeviaJanuary 23, 2023 at 10:03 AM

    She's wearing a particular costume. I wonder if this is what she wore for Metamorphosis.

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    Replies
    1. John CoxJanuary 23, 2023 at 11:27 AM

      It may be. It very similar to the costume she's wearing in the 1900 photos. That could be the same coat (that DC now owns). However, I have a review from around this same time that describes a very different costume. Tights and such.

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    2. Leo HeviaJanuary 23, 2023 at 3:20 PM

      I looked at the 1901 Metamorphosis photos on Saltman's website to compare them with Bess's costume in this photo. Not the same outfit but in the same style: Colonial coat, frilly shirt, and knickers.

      Delete