Search found 969 matches

by JohnCox
May 18th, 2023, 1:56 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: ALL of Houdini's voice has been saved
Replies: 0
Views: 461

ALL of Houdini's voice has been saved

Mike Caveney and I recently had a pretty exciting adventure making fresh transfers the Houdini Wax Cylinders in the David Copperfield Collection, including a cylindar that has not been heard since 1970. Houdini speaking German? Jawohl! I shared the full story on my blog here: https://www.wildaboutho...
by JohnCox
April 29th, 2021, 1:36 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Weekly Houdini Newsletter
Replies: 0
Views: 5865

Weekly Houdini Newsletter

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that I've started a weekly email newsletter that collects all the previous week's posts from my "WILD ABOUT HARRY" Houdini blog. Not a bad way to keep up with the latest Houdini happenings without having to visit the site. 'll also send out the occa...
by JohnCox
October 19th, 2020, 3:35 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini's seance busting flashlight shines again!
Replies: 0
Views: 2358

Houdini's seance busting flashlight shines again!

Hey gang. I've just posted to my blog images of Houdini's original seance flashlight that he used to expose frauds. It been in the collection of our friend Diego Domingo for 50 years and rarely seen. But Diego had allowed me to share pics and tell the story of how he came to have this. Maybe an old ...
by JohnCox
April 5th, 2020, 10:59 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Own a brick from Houdini's 278
Replies: 2
Views: 949

Re: Own a brick from Houdini's 278

Thanks Joe.

New page with a buy option: https://house.278.nyc/2020/04/05/buy-a-brick.html
by JohnCox
April 5th, 2020, 2:59 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Own a brick from Houdini's 278
Replies: 2
Views: 949

Own a brick from Houdini's 278

Hey gang, The owners of Houdini's New York brownstone (278) have renovated the garden level to include a new door and deck into the backyard. To accomplish this, they had to remove a window and part of a brick wall. This wall is actually visible in several images of Houdini (see below). The result i...
by JohnCox
June 12th, 2019, 7:50 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Houdini's diaries?
Replies: 26
Views: 13004

Re: Houdini's diaries?

Thank you, Roger.
by JohnCox
June 7th, 2019, 1:32 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Houdini's diaries?
Replies: 26
Views: 13004

Re: Houdini's diaries?

So we now know Bill did indeed read them.

https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/0 ... intop.html
by JohnCox
February 10th, 2019, 1:42 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Genii Needs a New Writer for "The Eye"
Replies: 5
Views: 1826

Re: Genii Needs a New Writer for "The Eye"

I'll do it, but every item every month will be about Houdini. :P
by JohnCox
January 14th, 2019, 10:21 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Houdini's Last Secrets
Replies: 3
Views: 1384

Re: Houdini's Last Secrets

So I thought episode 2 -- about the Bullet Catch -- was actually pretty good.

Review: https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2019/0 ... -hits.html
by JohnCox
January 7th, 2019, 12:29 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Houdini's Last Secrets
Replies: 3
Views: 1384

Re: Houdini's Last Secrets

My reaction/review of episode one. The first episode of Houdini's Last Secrets aired tonight on the Science Channel. Based on what it offered, it looks like this 4-part series might be a mixed bag. While there are some good interviews and peeks inside some nice collections, there's also the typical ...
by JohnCox
December 16th, 2018, 12:05 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini doc series on Science channel
Replies: 1
Views: 2666

Re: Houdini doc series on Science channel

You can see the first promo for the series here: https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/12/first-promo-for-houdinis-last-secrets.html It implies they will reveal secrets. The producer, David Barsky, called to assure me they DO NOT reveal secrets in the series. The network is doing their own thing pro...
by JohnCox
September 24th, 2018, 7:06 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Re: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

Jonathan Townsend wrote:
JohnCox wrote:I thought I did. I identified the owners of the two prints, and the potential issue with combining 16mm and 35mm. All the players are known and the pieces are there for someone with ...
and the legal right to copy, alter or sell the work.

Would all need to be worked out.
by JohnCox
September 23rd, 2018, 11:14 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Re: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

I thought I did. I identified the owners of the two prints, and the potential issue with combining 16mm and 35mm. All the players are known and the pieces are there for someone with the money, the will, and the expertise to pursue just such a restoration. Let's hope someone will!
by JohnCox
September 23rd, 2018, 1:27 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Re: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

Thank you, Chris.
by JohnCox
September 23rd, 2018, 11:49 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Re: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

Okay, with the help of John Cannon and Joe Fox, I got to bottom of where this print came from and who actually owns it. 

A Master Mystery UCLA print update.
https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/0 ... pdate.html
by JohnCox
September 3rd, 2018, 10:43 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Re: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

So I'm now hearing that I might not have my facts right in regards to why copies can't be made and there's more to the story of the UCLA Master Mystery print. I don't much more that, but I'm hoping to get to the bottom of it. Developing. If someone has info they want to share, please email me at: jo...
by JohnCox
September 2nd, 2018, 7:27 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Re: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

Oh really? Now that is interesting. Thank you, Richard.
by JohnCox
September 2nd, 2018, 3:19 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA
Replies: 11
Views: 3822

Houdini's The Master Mystery at UCLA

A few weeks back I was able to watch an (almost) complete print of Houdini's The Master Mystery at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. It was a revelation. There is A LOT more movie here than what had been released on VHS/DVD. However, it appears UCLA is not able to license or copy this importan...
by JohnCox
June 25th, 2018, 7:08 pm
Forum: General
Topic: When Groucho Met Houdini
Replies: 7
Views: 3620

Re: When Groucho Met Houdini

He says "Pyorrhea." It's a type of gum disease.

Who knows if it's true.
by JohnCox
June 23rd, 2018, 1:03 pm
Forum: General
Topic: When Groucho Met Houdini
Replies: 7
Views: 3620

Re: When Groucho Met Houdini

I'd say it's well known among Houdini nuts. It's a great story.
by JohnCox
June 22nd, 2018, 1:39 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini family postcards turn up in Texas
Replies: 1
Views: 3405

Re: Houdini family postcards turn up in Texas

All cards now posted: From Bess Houdini (3) https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/06/to-gladys-from-bess-houdini.html From Franz Kukol (1) https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/06/to-gladys-from-franz-kukol.html From Hardeen (2) https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/06/to-gladys-from-brother-theo-ha...
by JohnCox
June 19th, 2018, 12:31 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini family postcards turn up in Texas
Replies: 1
Views: 3405

Houdini family postcards turn up in Texas

Recently Bill Bremer, a postcard collector in Texas, contacted me with a remarkable story. Years ago he unearthed a collection of 36 postcards sent to Houdini's sister, Carrie Gladys Weiss, from various members of the Houdini family and troupe (but none from Harry himself). He sent me a dozen images...
by JohnCox
March 24th, 2018, 2:46 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)
Replies: 4
Views: 7166

Re: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)

What better than today, Houdini's Birthday, to announce the completion of my New Houdini Chronology.

http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/03 ... plete.html
by JohnCox
February 26th, 2018, 12:53 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Into The Copperfield Zone
Replies: 9
Views: 5445

Re: Into The Copperfield Zone

Thanks, Chris. When I was leaving, I asked David what was on or off the record, what I could share or what he would prefer to keep private. Maybe he wouldn't want me to talk about what was inside his private vault. That's not part of the normal tour! He just waved his hand and said I could say and s...
by JohnCox
February 26th, 2018, 12:04 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Into The Copperfield Zone
Replies: 9
Views: 5445

Re: Into The Copperfield Zone

Thanks Joe. Glad you enjoyed.
by JohnCox
February 25th, 2018, 12:47 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Into The Copperfield Zone
Replies: 9
Views: 5445

Re: Into The Copperfield Zone

Thank you, erdnasephile!
by JohnCox
February 25th, 2018, 10:29 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Into The Copperfield Zone
Replies: 9
Views: 5445

Re: Into The Copperfield Zone

Thank you, Doug. Appreciate the kind words. :)
by JohnCox
February 24th, 2018, 4:01 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Into The Copperfield Zone
Replies: 9
Views: 5445

Into The Copperfield Zone

Recently I had the extreme pleasure of seeing David Copperfield's amazing collection in Las Vegas. I've shared the full experience in a two-part post on my blog: "Into The Copperfield Zone". PART I http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/02/into-copperfield-zone-part-i.html PART II http://www...
by JohnCox
January 27th, 2018, 9:15 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)
Replies: 4
Views: 7166

Re: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)

Latest Additions: 1895, 1906, 1907, A.D.
by JohnCox
January 26th, 2018, 5:56 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini's New York house is for sale
Replies: 3
Views: 6178

Re: Houdini's New York house is for sale

This won't be news to some, but the bookcase and bathtub from Houdini's house are now in the collection of Mr. Copperfield. He has some cool plans for these, including reuniting Houdini's books with the bookcase. I got the lowdown from DC himself, which was a thrill! I've never spoken to him before....
by JohnCox
January 20th, 2018, 12:17 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)
Replies: 4
Views: 7166

Re: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)

I'll do my best! With more and more old papers coming online it's really not that difficult to follow him from city to city. It's the times he's not touring that offers the challenge.
by JohnCox
January 20th, 2018, 11:28 am
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)
Replies: 4
Views: 7166

The New Houdini Chronology (Wild About Harry)

Today I'm excited to launch a MAJOR new feature on my Houdini blog that I think will be a valuable tool for researchers. Most of us are familiar with the superb work of the late Frank Koval. In 1993-94, Frank self-published six volumes called The Illustrated Houdini Research Diary in which he tried ...
by JohnCox
January 18th, 2018, 9:10 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Set Your DVR ...
Replies: 1
Views: 1251

Re: Set Your DVR ...

Thanks for the shoutout Dustin. :)
by JohnCox
November 2nd, 2017, 3:34 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini's secret straitjacket escape
Replies: 2
Views: 4350

Re: Houdini's secret straitjacket escape

Thank you, chetday. Glad you enjoyed. :)
by JohnCox
October 31st, 2017, 2:32 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini's secret straitjacket escape
Replies: 2
Views: 4350

Houdini's secret straitjacket escape

Today marks the 91st anniversary of Houdini's death on Halloween 1926. But instead of my usual post about his death, this year I thought I'd offer up a remarkable new story from his LIFE. Enjoy: The untold story of Houdini's secret straitjacket escape http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2017/10/the-unto...
by JohnCox
August 14th, 2017, 2:45 pm
Forum: Reference Room
Topic: question about Uncle Sam & Houdini
Replies: 7
Views: 11622

Re: question about Uncle Sam & Houdini

I believe the Houdini pic is 1918/19.
by JohnCox
July 30th, 2017, 6:51 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: When Houdini escaped Britain.
Replies: 16
Views: 3735

Re: When Houdini escaped Britain.

Haven't we seen all those photos a million times already? There's actually one in there I've never seen (HH looking down at his legions), and the shot of Houdini ship side with members of the AWS (Associated Wizards of the South) is a brand new one. Sold on eBay a while back. I guess it was Derek w...
by JohnCox
June 25th, 2017, 3:21 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini's New York house is for sale
Replies: 3
Views: 6178

Re: Houdini's New York house is for sale

Okay, here's my full report on the 3 incredible hours I spent "Inside 278."

http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2017/06 ... s-278.html
by JohnCox
June 19th, 2017, 1:23 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Houdini's New York house is for sale
Replies: 3
Views: 6178

Houdini's New York house is for sale

I couldn't find a thread on this, so for those who might not know, Houdini's famous New York brownstone is for sale. http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2017/06/278-is-for-sale.html I spent 3 hours inside the house yesterday and it was an incredible experience. Think I've puzzled out where everything wa...
by JohnCox
February 4th, 2017, 4:50 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Houdini poster sets record price at auction
Replies: 5
Views: 2471

Houdini poster sets record price at auction

An original 1912 poster for Houdini's Water Torture Cell sold for a whopping $114,000 (including 20% buyers premium) at Potter & Potter's The Golden Age of Magic Posters, Part II auction today. According to those in the know, this is first time any magic poster has broken six figures at auction....

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