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Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Origin of Houdini's Needles?
Back in April, I explored the origin of Houdini's Metamorphosis. Now here's a look at what may be the origin of his famous Needles trick. It all goes back to a dime museum in 1893 and a man named Maxey. This one is a Patreon exclusive, so click below and all will be revealed.
It's a little odd that Maxey would tip the workings of a bread and butter effect in his act to another performer. Working performers don't do that. Is it possible Harry reversed engineered it by observing Maxey perform this repeatedly? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't an original trick. The method could be found in magic books.
DeleteI wonder what magic book.
DeleteIt is possible HH learned much about Maxey's act thru observation, but it actually wasn't uncommon for performers worked together for weeks/months at a time in Dime Museums, Sideshows, etc. to share material, perhaps an older Maxey was helping/mentoring the young Harry who had his own act. I have seen this firsthand among sideshow performers.
ReplyDeleteDiego Domingo
If Maxey was near retirement, then that makes sense he would share the skinny on his trick.
DeleteI love the story by David Bamberg from his book Illusion Show. As a young man he ran an errand for his father Okito from his Brooklyn home to 278. He took public transportation, and on arrival was greeted by a shirtless HH. It was summer, and hot in the brownstone. While HH went to another part of the house to get the item for Okito, David snooped around a bit, and saw packets of the needles in a desk drawer.
ReplyDelete