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Harry Houdini: Life
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If there is a specific era that you are looking for in Harry Houdini's life, it is listed by subject. But the order listed is chronological. There will be numerous outside links made available for your research.
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The year 1899 was a watershed in Houdini's life. The great impresario Martin Beck advised the struggling performer to shed traditional magic and to concentrate upon escapes. Beck then booked Houdini on vaudeville's Orpheum Circuit. The dime museum days were over; the King of Handcuffs came to the fore. The Houdinis were on the brink of prosperity. In 1900, Houdini left for Europe, emerging as a star and carefully promoting his persona through letterhead, photographs, and early film.
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Houdini's final days proved a tragic ending to such a spectacular life. On October 22, 1926, Houdini was in Montreal giving a lecture on spiritualism. While sitting in his dressing room with several students from McGill University, Houdini was asked if he could actually withstand a blow to the stomach thrown by any man. Before Houdini could prepare himself by tightening his stomach muscles, one of the students hit him three times. Although, Houdini seemed to recover, even performing shortly after, he soon fell ill. He would not see a doctor for several days. By the time he was diagnosed, it was too late. Houdini died from peritonitis on October 31.
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HHC is a non-profit organization dedicated to gathering, interpreting and disseminating information and artifacts related to the life and career of Harry Houdini. It is open year-round and offers annual events including summer magic shows and Halloween with Houdini. HHC is located at 330 East College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911. For online information visit their website or reach them by phone at 920.733.8445.
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A mostly fictionalized version of Houdini's life was made in a film in 1953 starring Tony Curtis. Most of the misconceptions about Houdini's life are due in part to this film. For example, it portrayed him dying from the Chinese Water Torture Cell, instead of the less spectacular peritonitis.
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Houdini's fast and full career continued until the last week of his life. His energy and sheer professionalism led him to perform even in the face of severe illness when he appeared as billed despite fighting the pain of a ruptured appendix.
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