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Harry Houdini Essay

Decent Essays

Harry Houdini was a great magician who amazed audience and influenced magic forever with his complicated illusions and daring stunts. He made many tricks of his own and surprised audiences with his escapes.

-EARLY LIFE
Harry Houdini was born under the name Erik Weisz on March 24, 1874 and he was born in Budapest, Hungary. His father was a Rabbi. At the age 12, Erik hopped on a train to Texas, hoping to send some money home. (Howland, The escape artist).
When Erik was 13, he and his father moved to New York City and got interested in trapeze arts while he was there with his family. Erik took on a job when he came to New York and he lived in a boarding house. (Biography.com Website, Harry Houdini Biography). Erik would also shine shoes and …show more content…

Houdini learned about ‘swallowing’ items and how to bring them back up from another magician. (Cox, Houdini: Master) The book “Houdini: Master of Illusion” explains that “In Plymouth, the crowd was so excited to see Houdini’s new tricks, they smashed 3 of the theater’s front doors.” (Cox, Houdini: …show more content…

He escaped faster after they check him and showed the reporters. (Cox, Houdini: Master).
Houdini was more popular in England compared to the U.S because of the flair in which he presented. London was amazed by Houdini’s stunts and his daring escapes. (Cox, Houdini: Master). Houdini did get injured but he refused to stop performing even when his kidney was annoying to him and even after he tore a ligament on the side of his body. (Cox, Houdini: Master).
-AFTER MAGIC
Houdini started his movie career and released some films that documented some of his escapes in the year of 1901. (Biography.com Website, Harry Houdini Biography). When Houdini was 44, he moved into film as a character called “Master Detective”. (Encyclopedia of World Biography, Harry Houdini).
Houdini also became interested in flying and aviation due to his wealth. (Biography.com Website, Harry Houdini Biography). According to “Houdini’s final act” by Ryan Winchell, it states that “Houdini was given one of the first stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.” (Winchell, Houdini’s final act).
Houdini was punched by a college student before he was ready and ruptured his

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