|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 | ||||||||||
Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
I'd be surprised if she still did. California is a beautiful state but the cost of living is sky high. Hopefully, Doug was able to salt away some of the millions for his and her post showbiz years.
|
|||||||||
Chezaday Inner circle Naperville, IL 1673 Posts |
Debby is back with her family .. far away from LA. She still is very private with her life .. thus making it difficult for any future projects concerning Doug.
Doug was my inspiration when I was young .. I wish we had more time. Steve |
|||||||||
silverking Inner circle 4574 Posts |
(Long post warning, from a way too obvious Doug Henning fan)
There were a lot of folks close to Doug who went through a great deal of personal change during his time away from, and slow return to, magic. It would be a stretch to presume that all these folks feel exactly the same way about Doug and about Doug's legacy as many of US do. Although we take great joy in the fact that Doug had, after many years away from magic, decided to bring it back into his life.....there's just no knowing if everybody close to him felt the same way about it, or the place magic takes in their view of Dougs life. Doug's experiences with TM were NOT a small portion of his life. Looking at what he left behind, one could postulate that TM was a far larger element of Doug's life than magic ever was.....but only those close to Doug could set that part of the record straight. For magicians though, Doug's legacy is set. He is comfortably at the top of list when history examines how and why magic made its comeback in the 70's and 80's. To know the details of how Doug's life progressed from magic, to TM, and back to magic would be a great read....and a book to wish for! To be able to sit down today with folks like John Gaughan, Jim Steinmeyer, Charlie Reynolds, Ivan Reitman, Glen Priest and Debby to talk about Doug is certainly somthing to wish for.....but to hope that somebody like Jim Steinmeyer of David Ben does it for us, and then writes the Doug bio to end all Doug bio's might be something that's actually worth dreaming about! I share an anecdote about my time spent with one of Doug's former employees to offer (somewhat slanted) perspective on what I've said above: When I first met Glen Priest, we went on a double-date to see David Copperfield's show with a couple of girls we worked with. .....if I had only known at the time what the ramifications of that evening really were!....but that particular evening it was just a bunch of folks from work out on the town, I knew nothing about Glens personal history. Glen and I had just started working together on a huge project that employed hundreds of folks in the entertainment department alone, and thousands of folks overall. At the time I had no idea who Glen was in terms of his history with Doug. (In fact, this was his first BIG gig since leaving Doug) I only knew that he was a great guy to work with and knew a heck of a lot about a whole lot of things, was quiet, and was a great guy to go have a beer and burger with. His gig with me was to present a huge half-hour fireworks show to 10,000 people every single night for six months. About 3/4 of the way through our 10 month gig together, I found out what Glen's history of employment was. As a long time fan of Doug's I was blown away by the fact that I was working with Doug Hennings personal technical director and right hand during 'The Magic Show' and many others. For those who knew Glen, he was confident, but shy, so I couldn't really make a big deal about how impressed I was about his working with Doug without making him uncomfortable. As I look back at what I saw for many years as an opportunity lost to me, I realize that at the time Glen had NO desire to speak about Doug, or about his history of working with him. It was a traumatic for Glen to have reached the top of his industry with the most famous magician in the world and then have it all evaporate as Doug shifted his interests away from magic. I realized years ago that Glen probably wasn't alone amongst those who worked with Doug in how he felt about how everything went down at the end. I got the distinct impression from his limited stories about Doug that he himself couldn't even explain his feelings relating to how Doug had left magic. He was obviously extremely fond of Doug, but couldn't say much more about him that offered any context. In the end, many of Doug's fellow workers may feel the same, even to this day. For me though, Doug Henning is the Greatest Magician Of All Time. A complex man who lived a complex life.........it would be a book I couldn't put down! |
|||||||||
Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
Great share, silverking!
I agree with you completely in your observation about how those personally close to Doug felt about him, his commitment to TM, and his life in magic. To make it relevant to a younger reader, it would be like Criss Angel walking away from his successful career and announcing that he was a born again Christian, and that he was leaving magic to fulfill his real commitment to the ministry. Those who would count Angel as a major influence would be stunned and confused. Doug always had a passion for TM (Transcendental Meditation). He was a huge follower/practioner, and arguably their biggest celebrity. I, like you, was extremely influenced by Doug Henning. I remember the awe he inspired the day I accidentally was channel flipping and caught his very 1st TV special. It was incredible - I was transfixed. Here was the rock star looking guy doing magic tricks - no tux, long hair - looked like he was a singer in a band. Anyway, as much as I admired Doug, I knew from my reading and talking to others who knew him better, than he was heavily into the practice of TM. In fact, his 1st tour after the tv special and a break from the Magic Show, he presented to colleges and smaller theaters, and I'm told that at the end of each one he would offer a talk about the benefits of TM for those that wanted to stay after. Kind of reminded me of Andre Kole in a way. At any rate, even though it is so long ago(?!), Doug made quite an impact on the magic community when he decided to "sell the farm" and leave the business behind. Most never understood how he could just walk away, but it was certainly great for David Copperfield. It is curious to me that Jim Steinmeyer has not already done a biography on Doug, but I believe that it is probably in large part based on silverking's observations. And I, like silverking, would love to read the entire story of Doug's life, both in and out of magic. Chris |
|||||||||
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Jim Steinmeyer told me that he simply had too many projects in the works to undertake such a huge project at the time. That's been a year or more ago, so maybe things have changed.
He said that he had heard that someone was working on a book about Henning, however.
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
|
|||||||||
Chase New user Arkansas 98 Posts |
I would try contacting Kirby Van Burch in Branson, MO. He has several connections to Doug and the Henning family, as well as a storage facility that houses several of Doug's Illusions. I know he still performs Doug's Mystery of the Pharoh, Egyptian Sand, and Water Levitation. We've had a few in depth discussions about Doug's influence on him, and I believe he may have been in contact with Debbie over the past few years.
|
|||||||||
Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-26 13:04, silverking wrote: Thanks also for the post silverking! I can see a parallel between Doug and Dante. Even to this day, only few really knew the men. And even a partial view can one really write a book. Quote:
On 2007-06-26 13:29, Christopher Starr wrote: I've thought of that too. Its been often said in music history that, What if Mozart lived an older age beyond 35, would Beethoven been as successful in his career? As a musician, I spent countless times pondering that questions. Since I have a greater love of Mozart's genius over Beethoven's deaf madness. In an ideal world, probably not. And it would take 50 years before anyone would re-discover and resurrect the music of Beethoven, in such a away as Mendelssohn did for Bach. Or the movie Amadeus did for Salieri. In retrospect, what would have happened to David. Personally, Doug "retiring" benefit David greatly. In 1972 when a man produced "The Last Magic Show" in Chicago at the First Chicago Auditorium. It consisted of 5 top magicians, including my p's. The show failed despite great reviews. Then two weeks later, David came in with his own show called "The Magician." A someone similar take to Doug's "Spellbound" & "The Magic Show." Probably taking cues from Doug's early success in Toronto. I don't know how long the show lasted, but only a handful remember. So for David to really push through to get sponsor and CBS to take a risk on him, when Doug & Harry were already have magic special must've been difficult. Doug did David a favor. And if Doug didn't retire, it would have been interesting to see how history would have unfolded.
you will remember my name
World's Youngest Illusionista 7th greatest pianist in the world Go Red For Women and Stroke Ambassador www.mai-ling.net |
|||||||||
Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
I was under the impression that Owen Magic Supreme built most of the Magic Show illusions. I was thinking that Doug wasn't utilizing John Gaughan until the 1st or second TV special. I am certain that a phone call to either would clear the mystery up for you!
Chris |
|||||||||
Blair Marshall Inner circle Montreal, Canada 3660 Posts |
Hey Chris,
I do not believe all road tours of "The Magic Show" had their illusions built by Owens. I believe at one time Doug had his own shop, not sure if this was only for upkeep, but for new props also. Would love to hear more about this. Also, from photos from some of the road show companies, I did not think the illusions looked like they were from Owens. Blair Marshall "ShaZzam!"
Visit My Facebook Fan Page At
www.Facebook.com/BlairMarshallMontrealMagician www.BlairMarshall.ca www.ShaZzamShow.com www.MontrealMagicien.com |
|||||||||
magicmanfrank Inner circle 1127 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-27 11:05, Marshall Thornside wrote: Actually, David's Chicago Show was called, "The Magic Man", not "The Magician". =Frank=
The Early Bird may get the Worm, but it's the SECOND Mouse that gets the CHEESE!!!
Frank Thurston www.FrankThurstonMagic.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-of-Frank-Thurston/116625117910?ref=nf |
|||||||||
Craig Dickens Veteran user 376 Posts |
The Magic Man was produced and written by Anthony and Barbra D'Amato. Chicago attorneys who secured backers to produce the show. They then went about casting the show and saw Copperfields ad in Variety and auditioned him as the lead. I ended up with most of the props for a short time. David was hired talent and didn't own any of it.
e-mail at:magicaldickens@aol.com
website: www.dickensmagic.com |
|||||||||
Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-28 00:31, magicmanfrank wrote: Eh, close enough. You know what I meant.
you will remember my name
World's Youngest Illusionista 7th greatest pianist in the world Go Red For Women and Stroke Ambassador www.mai-ling.net |
|||||||||
Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
Quote:
I have to respectfully disagree with that analogy. Part of my full-time ministry is my magic. I probably have performed more than most working 30 to 40 weeks a year, 5 days a week and currently I am seen on television doing magic by over 5,000,000 or more people each week. I just didn't want some folks to have the impression that just because someone becomes a born again Christian he would quit magic, we just turn it into a medium that we can minister in also. Those who follow Christ and are performers are able to pursue both...just a thought from a Bishop. |
|||||||||
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Contact Willie Kennedy - He'd probably know as he'd worked with doug before WK became WK.
|
|||||||||
Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
Does anyone know if Glen Priest lives in Toronto or New York?
Anyone have a contact for him or know anyone who would. I thought maybe Charlie would, but I'd have to call him. Posted: Jul 4, 2007 9:35am ------------------------------------ Good news! I found someone who has a cover image of the LBC from a Spellbound program. (No Doug, just his assistant). Although there with no Doug, having the image with the letter will work. However, I will still keep on looking! And the same person has a copy of the Orson Welles performing that illusion. This is a great day!!! I found a photo of Orson Welles performing the illusion!!!! OMG, so !@#@!!@%!@%^& awesome. Just to update y'all who was soo helpful on this thread... 1. I've been in touch Abb who will get me in touch with a couple of peeps. 2. I don't need to get in touch with any of Doug's assistants or technical help because I found a letter that Doug wrote, that raves about the illusions. 3. I still need a photo of Doug performing the illusion...besides the spellbound program, an actual photo of Doug performing would be nice. 4. I am going to try to find out about the revamping process from "Spellbound" to "The Magic Show." That's all...
you will remember my name
World's Youngest Illusionista 7th greatest pianist in the world Go Red For Women and Stroke Ambassador www.mai-ling.net |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » Doug Henning's Illusions that weren't auctioned off (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.06 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |