The Daily Progress reported that both lectures were well attended. It said Houdini's "stereopticon pictures" (slide show) was "rather tiresome," but the remainder of the lecture was "very entertaining," with Houdini demonstrating how mediums produce paraffin hands and how spirits write messages on slates.
Houdini also escaped from his Milk Can and showed film of The Grim Game plane crash and his suspended straitjacket escape in St. Louis. This is the first account of Houdini showing films as part of his lecture that I've encountered. He may have been taking advantage of the fact that the Jefferson was also a fully equipped movie theater. In fact, both The Grim Game and Terror Island had played the Jefferson during their first runs.
Happily, the Jefferson Theater still stands in Charlottesville today. Restored in 2006, the theater is located at 110 East Main Street and is a popular live venue. The official website says the theater has hosted many famous performers, "ranging from Harry Houdini to The Three Stooges." I can't speak to the Stooges, but we know Houdini was here!
.jpg)
Want more? You can access a collection of newspaper clippings related to Houdini's Charlottesville lectures as a Scholar member of my Patreon below.
Very fitting - considering that there is an apparent "3 Stooges" and "Houdini" connection (via Moe's wife, I think) - as mentioned in Moe's book: "Moe Howard & The 3 Stooges"
ReplyDeleteAccording to Pat Culliton, Moe married Houdini's cousin.
DeleteIt's painful to know HH presented that Grim Game plane crash clip to the public and took credit for it. It's no longer a sly fib to reporters, but a full blown Paul Bunyan story.
ReplyDeleteYep, it's on a different level and a shame. But he certainly isn't the only actor to claim they do all their own stunts.
DeleteYep, it's on a different level and that's why it stings to see that.
Delete