Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdiniwas an American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. He first attracted notice in vaudeville in the US and then as "Harry Handcuff Houdini" on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, and having to escape from and hold his breath inside a sealed milk can...
NationalityHungarian
ProfessionMagician
Date of Birth24 March 1874
CityBudapest, Hungary
My business has given me an intimate knowledge of stage illusions, together with many years of experience among show people of all types.
My brain is the key that sets my mind free.
A common pickpocket trick is for the operator to carry a shawl or overcoat carelessly over the left arm, and to take a seat on the right side of the person they intend to rob in a streetcar or other vehicle.
What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes.
I am a great admirer of mystery and magic. Look at this life - all mystery and magic.
I'm tired of fighting.
It is still an open question, however, as to what extent exposure really injures a performer.
Look at this life - all mystery and magic.
Pickpockets either work alone or in pairs, or what is called a mob.
My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion...
The eating of burning brimstone is an entirely fake performance.
How the early priests came into possession of these secrets does not appear, and if there were ever any records of this kind the Church would hardly allow them to become public.
In all feats of fire-eating it should be noted that the head is thrown well back, so that the flame may pass out of the open mouth instead of up into the roof, as it would if the head were held naturally.
Disloyalty in trusted servants is one of the most disheartening things that can happen to a public performer.