New book coming out claims Houdini was a spy and was possibly even murdered. (This was announced on the news this morning on television).

Yes I've seen that. Apparently it's by William Kalush and another offer. It comes out today I believe. In essence, it says that Houdini was a spy for Scottland Yard and the U.S. secret service. He got a lot of his initial success from law enforcement set up escapes. The book suggests it was sort of a quid pro quo. Also, the two punches that may have led to his death, one in his dressing room and one in the lobby of a hotel, may have been arranged by angered spiritualists the book says. Should be an interesting read.

Cody

Interesting theory. Who would these agencies want him to spy on? If someone wanted him killed, why not a blow to the head or a stab in the back? I'm very skeptical about this but I'm sure it will be interesting reading.

Yes, Houdini was a spy. It is the reason he changed his name, in order to go undercover. But it didn't work out as planned. My grandfather was privy to this. Houdini was due to be murdered, as he had found out too much. However, that went wrong too, because someone gave him a fatal punch shortly before the assassination could be carried out. The book will reveal all, so I am told.

Kellar had him spy on Kalanag to learn his secrets?

Posted: Oct 31, 2006 2:56pm
Uh, why was this posted in CARD TRICK section? Oh, I forgot, Houdini did a poster "King of Cards."

Nice jokes, Pete, but show some respect. This is Houdini we're talking about.

So what?

According to Dai Vernon, the guy wasn't a very nice character and was pretty awful at most sleight of hand. There are some excellent examples of this in The Vernon Chronicles Vol. 4 - as well as incidents where Houdini couldn't escape and was far from amused.

No doubt the guy did some good work around hilighting fraudulent Mediums - pity someone doesn't do this to an awful seres of programmes we have in the UK at the moment called 'Most Haunted'.

However, I'm sure Pete didn't mean anything by it......but then again even if he did......so what? What did Houdini ever do for sleight of hand card magic?

The Erdnase Change for one.

Bye.

WOW. This thread so far seems to be an interesiting read. Does anyone know if the authors are magicians?

Here is what I found:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/na......i29.html

And for two?

Adios

Kalush is a killer sleight of hand magician.

Best,

Dorian Rhodell

Some of you might know him as Bill Kalush.


Later,

Eric

Kalush worked with blaine on Vertigo and one of the other specials. He probably has the best knowledge about Houdini.

Houdini was "the man who fooled Vernon".

Other way around.

LOL


Later,

Eric

From reading Vernon's memoires, Dai apparently fooled Houdini with a version of the ambitious card which he actually performed 8 times at Harry's request (he apparently stated he could always work out an effect after seeing it for a maximum 3 times). However, he would not admit he was beaten although Dai later received a letter from Houdini's Wife Bess saying he had stayed up all night thinking of a solution.

Well... that's hardly very impressive if (as you write above) Houdini was **ite at cards. I suggest Vernon needed a reality check!!!! Must have been all about ego, and "na, na, na-na-na, I'm better than you". I find the story boring and irrelevant.

I believe the trick was called. "The Trick That Fooled Houdini"

And from what I can remember it was a very simple effect. You just needed that little extra or you could make one on your own with your deck.

King of Kards!

Isn't it now believed that Houdini died of appendicitis, which may have been aggravated by the punches and his refusal to seek immediate medical care?

"Houdini was 'the man who fooled Vernon'." lol