Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery – A documentary on the life and career of Harry Houdini, using the largest auction of Houdini’s personal effects ever as anchor point, talking about Houdini’s life and legacy with modern day marvels such as David Copperfield and Lance Burton, as well as interviews with surviving family and (incredibly) one of Houdini’s assistants.
Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery
History Channel’s documentary, Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery is a very enjoyable documentary on the great magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini. It focuses more on his life and art, not on on the “how” of his art as much as the “wow” that he created. It uses the occasion of the largest auction to date of Houdini’s props (such as his milk can used in his stage escapes, his hand cuffs, and the famous Water Torture Cell) as well as personal items. Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery contains a treasure trove of photographs and film clips of the great Houdini. It’s interspersed with interviews with later-day greats such as David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and Teller (of Penn & Teller). As well as interviews with Houdini’s surviving family and others.
Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery is a very good documentary, and well worth your time watching.
Editorial review of Houdini: Unlocking the Mysterycourtesy of Amazon.com
In one of magic history’s rarest events, a private collector auctioned off the largest collection of personally-owned Harry Houdini artifacts and memorabilia, providing an unprecedented peek behind the curtain at the world’s great showman and magician. In a feature-length special, hosted by renowned magician Lance Burton, we explore the life and magic of the great escape artist through his most prized possessions: the Chinese Water Torture Cell, the Milkcan, his straitjackets and handcuffs, and lockpicks that were “key” to his handcuff escapes, revealed to the public for the first time. We also unlock secrets of the man–brash showman, fierce competitor, loyal son and husband. With expert commentary, including a great-nephew and the last surviving member of his magic troop.