Clips from 1975’s “World of Magic 1” are a rarity on the internet. For some reason, every other one of Doug’s specials are available to find if you know where to look. But, “World of Magic 1” remains elusive at best…at least online (if you catch my meaning.) It’s a shame really because in my…
Month: January 2018
Looking for Brian Lumley
Hello All, As we approach our one year mark, I’ve been looking to expand our interviews for the website. At this point I am very interested in speaking with one of Doug’s long term collaborators and friend Brian Lumley. If anyone has any contact information for him I’d be greatly appreciative. Please privately contact me…
Morning Show Costume Needs Your Help!
This picture was recently sent to me by Doug collector John Anthony Sterlini. Eagle-Eyed readers may remember it as the one that Doug was wearing when he guest hosted the Detroit morning show “Kelly and Co.” with his wife Debby. If any readers have pictures or know of any other time Doug was seen wearing…
The Return of Fridays with Doug!
This vintage “World of Magic II” newspaper advertisement comes courtesy of John Cox’s collection. It’s a great piece and it really shows off the spectacle of the special and the era very well. My personal favorite element is that Doug appears ten times larger than the elephant itself and his right hand, well, graphic design…
“The Magic Show” and “Merlin” Songbooks
Out of the blue this week I received these wonderful pictures from Doug fan Frank Simpson. As you probably gathered, they are the songbooks for the original productions of “The Magic Show” and “Merlin.” While “The Magic Show” did have an official soundtrack, “Merlin” did not. So items like these are even more important as…
Ricky Jay on “World of Magic II”
Doug’s friendship with esteemed magician Ricky Jay came to the forefront when Jay appeared on “World of Magic II” in 1976. The segment highlights Jay’s great skill at close up-magic and, of course, card throwing. In the years since, Jay’s reputation has only grown and grown, especially with his play “Ricky Jay and his 52…
Toronto Star Article Sept. 1985
In the fine tradition of mid-1980s Doug interviews why don’t we do another one? This September 1985 piece hails from the Toronto Star and showcases some really nice action shots of Doug performing a handkerchief illusion. How about that 1980s skinny tie by the way?
Letterman’s Top Ten List
To my knowledge Doug never appeared as a guest on NBC’s famed “Late Night with David Letterman.” However, that didn’t stop Letterman from including Doug in his nightly “Top Ten” list. So, sit back, relax, and wait with bated breath for magic number 5! Special Thanks to Steven Max Droge
Doug Henning, Cat Stevens, and Michael Jackson!
Sprinkled among this Toronto Sun article from 1985, are some things you may have heard of or read before. However, if you look closely there are some really unheard of tidbits about Doug designing for rock concerts and his friendship with Michael Jackson. Doug also discusses the state of modern movie effects versus stage illusions. As…
Saturday Night Henning!
What better way to spend a Wednesday than with a vintage “Saturday Night Live” clip featuring Doug Henning? Well, maybe not the Doug we all know and love, but he’s called Doug Henning nonetheless. Over the course SNL, two people were notable for their Doug impressions in the 1980s: Martin Short and comedian Rich…
Al Hirschfeld Meet Doug Henning
This New York Times article was conducted for the opening of “Merlin.” It’s a great read as you would expect, however the highlight is surely the Al Hirschfeld drawing that opens it. Doug was no stranger to Hirschfeld’s famed pen and pencil after having been previously featured in Hirschfeld’s art for “The Magic Show.” In fact,…
Doug and Debby: Morning Show Hosts!
Who’s up for a Detroit morning show from the 80s with Doug and Debby as fill in hosts? I’m not sure exactly the history of Kelly and Co. or even how Doug and Debby wound up hosting it. But, every time I think I’ve seen everything there is to see about Doug on You Tube…
Performance Costumes for Sale!
Hey All! “Doug Henning Project” friend Paul Driscoll has asked me to post more items for sale from his great collection. Boy are they unique! As usual, I am only posting the item as a favor for Paul. Please contact him directly at the email provided to discuss details. Take it away Paul! I have…
Artifacts from the Dan Sclare Collection
In our continuing effort to bring the world as much Doug memorabilia as possible here are some nifty items from Doug fan Dan Sclare’s collection. Each one represents a different point in Doug’s career, and really shows how merchandise savvy he could be in terms of product placement for himself and other companies. If only…
Last Tour Program: Part One
This item recently came my way from a magical tool called “Ebay!” Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s the program from Doug’s last substantial tour, and it’s a really fascinating piece for many reasons. Not least of which are the pictures which are worth the price alone. It’s sort of a rundown of the Best…
Muppet Show Curtain Call!
As we close out the first week of 2018, what better way to do it with Doug’s 1980 curtain call on “The Muppet Show?” Over the last eight months, I’ve shown various clips of Doug’s guest appearance on Jim Henson’s iconic program. This curtain call really showcases how easily Doug criss crossed from his own…
1982 Oakville Beaver Interview
This article is unique in the sense that it comes from Doug’s very own hometown Oakville, Ontario. It’s 1982, and as you would guess, Doug’s life was in full swing with touring and preparations for “Merlin.” But, what I found interesting are Doug’s comments on the life of being a celebrity and some of the…
Original Merlin Playbill
Today’s entry comes courtesy of Nancy Henning, and is the original “Playbill” for “Merlin.” A few weeks back, I was fortunate enough to post the more elaborate commemorative program for the show, and it’s interesting to compare and contrast the two. However, in addition to being signed by Doug himself, this “Playbill” also is a…
Disc Sawing Illusion
Happy New Year everyone and welcome back. Where was I? When last we spoke I was sick and in the midst of the holiday season. Well, since both of those are things of the past let’s get back to business with this vintage clip from 1982’s “World of Magic VII.” This special is notable for…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 