The above postcard is rare in the sense that it is a direct remnant of Doug’s trip to Barbados as a teenager. After his first television appearance, Doug decided to take advantage of a free flight to Barbados due to his father being an airline pilot. Yes it’s good to have perks. While performing magic…
Month: July 2018
Rare “World of Magic II” Pop Art Ad
You can chuck this advertisement into the “rare and obscure bin.” This was obviously made for “World of Magic II,” and truly combines the best of what 1970s pop art had to offer at the time. It takes a lot to make Doug Henning look frightening and, well, this comes pretty darn close. Does anyone…
“Den of Tigers” Newspaper Ad
This creatively worded advertisement was for the final live “World of Magic” special. Originally broadcast on December 14, 1978, this special was plagued by numerous issues, not least of which was a tiger escaping through the halls of NBC . However, none of this chaos was visible to the holiday audiences at home, and from that…
Potter and Potter Upcoming Auction: Doug Memorabilia
For all those Doug collectors out there “Potter & Potter Auctions” was kind enough to share with me two Doug related items from their upcoming Summer auction. Get out those checkbooks! Here they are: For more information please visit: https://potterauctions.com/ Special Thanks to Rebekah Kaufman.
Candid Doug and Shark Photo
This past weekend at the Hollywood Bowl “Jaws” was screened with live orchestral accompaniment. While I wasn’t able to attend I have the next best thing right here in today’s post. This photo was taken during preparations for the 1979 Hilton Television Special. The illusion itself was only performed once due to its precarious nature….
Another Micky Hades Letter
Enjoy this rare letter from the collection of Michael Whitecar. You may remember last month I also posted another letter from Doug to author/historian/collector Micky Hades. In retrospect, it truly is a fascinating window into where Doug was in his career at that time. Hey and who can beat that letterhead?
The Floating Ball
What better way to end your week with this soothing and relaxing clip of Doug performing the famous “Floating Ball” illusion? Originally featured on “World of Magic II,” this deceptively simple illusion is elevated to another level (no pun intended) with Doug’s skill and precision. Last September you may remember I posted the version Doug…
Wonder Whim in Original Box
Now everyone in Doug Henning’s “World of Magic” knows what a Wonder Whim is. What you don’t? Well here’s one in its original box. While doing research for the site, I recently stumbled across this gem of 1980s nostalgia tucked safely behind a nearby desk. I’ve talked about Doug’s failed venture into the toy market…
Never Before Seen Backstage Production Photos
The pictures featured below are a hodgepodge of never before seen production photos from “World of Magic 6 and 7,” as well as the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” All of them really give a nice snapshot (no pun intended) into what went into making these legendary specials. Special Thanks to Steve Zigmont-Doug Henning…
TV Specials Footage Needed
Hello All, I need to ask a bit of a favor. I’m looking for good quality footage from the “World of Magic” NBC TV specials (preferably the earlier ones.) It’s for an upcoming authorized project that I can explain more to you if you email or private message me on Facebook. Thanks so much and…
Jim Steinmeyer Los Angeles Book Signing
Hello All! Where was I? Oh yes… Before I get to more traditional posts this week I wanted to let you know of a very special and rare book signing tomorrow in Los Angeles. Jim Steinmeyer, magic designer and author extraordinaire, will be speaking and signing copies of his new book “The Secret History of…
Photos from the Mark Willoughby Collection: Part Two
Enjoy this second and final part to these photos from the Mark Willoughby Collection, and if you’re in Los Angeles like me (try to stay cool).
Photos from the Mark Willoughby Collection: Part One
The Hennaisance continues…. Doug fan and all around nice guy Mark Willoughby was kind enough to share some photos from his collection with the website. Some you may have seen and some are alternative versions of classic shots, but without a doubt each one is 100% Henning!
Doug and Barbara De Angelis Wedding Invitation
The above picture is an extremely rare wedding invitation to Doug’s 1977 marriage to his first wife Barbara DeAngelis. The wedding itself took place in the Pacific Palisades section of of Los Angeles at the “LaVenta Inn,” and was attended by 150 guests. Ironically, the only magicians in attendance that day were Charles Reynolds, Bill…
July Fourth Fan Art!
What better way to celebrate our country’s independence than with this impressive colored pencil drawing from talented Doug fan, Dean Huck? As you all know, it’s a recreation of one of Doug’s most iconic pictures. In fact, it’s the one I use on the splash page of this very website! So, wherever you are on this…
“Illusion and Reality” Poster feat. Jay Marshall
The above poster or flyer comes from Doug’s popular lecture tour “Illusion and Reality,” and is markedly different than the one that most fans recognize below. The tour itself was a mixture of Doug’s more famous illusions with a lecture on psychology and the mind. It’s interesting to note that the first poster famous lists illusionist/ventriloquist…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 