The following advertisement appeared in “Genii” in March of 1989. In a lot of ways, this letter and item breakdown signaled what was the true end to Doug Henning as a magician and performer. As is widely known, Doug’s devotion to Transcendental Meditation had overtaken his interest in magic as a whole. In keeping with…
Month: November 2018
Peter DePaula Playbills and Magazines!
Today’s post is dedicated an unsung hero in the history of “The Magic Show.” When the time came for the production to tour, it was obvious to everyone that Doug wasn’t going to be the one to do it. Enter touring understudy extraordinaire, Peter DePaula. While a tour of Australia never panned out, DePaula (handpicked…
The Chip Romero Collection: Fan Mail Postcard Response
In our continuing exploration of Chip Romero’s vast Henning collection, Chip talks about a common way Doug would answer his fan mail. However, what comes across as a simple postcard becomes much more on closer inspection. “I’ve never seen any of these before I bought this collection, and I haven’t seen one since. I’ve got…
Various TV Guide Listings and Art
Hey, remember when “TV Guide” was a thing? I know, I know, it pains me to say it, but younger generations will never know the thrill of getting that week’s newest issue, and circling a week’s worth of network delights. So, what better way to celebrate that bygone era than highlighting some of the more…
Ricky Jay Tribute
I’m sure the majority of you heard the sad news of Ricky Jay’s passing over the weekend. Jay’s contribution to the art of close up magic is immeasurable, and his loss to the art form will be felt for some time. While Doug and Ricky weren’t alike on the surface, both shared an innate appreciation…
Happy Thanksgiving from “The Doug Henning Project!”
Just a quick note to let you know that I will be traveling in Ireland over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and will be taking a break from the site until Monday, November 26th. Until then, Happy Holidays and try not to eat too much turkey! With Magic and Wonder, Neil McNally
Doug Live in Omaha (1981) Footage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POuAHoWcA5k&t=4s For all those who weren’t around to see Doug perform live (like yours truly,) this footage is a nice, nearly fourteen minute slice of Doug in his 1981 prime in Omaha. As always, sorry about the picture and sound quality. But hey, it’s Doug, and his stage presence and energy brilliantly shine through thirty-eight…
The Chip Romero Collection: “Hendoo” Business Card
We all have to come from somewhere don’t we? Featured above, is an exceptional find in the history of Doug Henning. You see, way, way before Doug Henning was Doug Henning, he was “The Astounding Hendoo!” For more on this early phase in Doug’s career, here’s an except from John Harrison’s 2009 biography on Doug’s…
Natural Law Party Campaign Article
Today’s article comes from the collection of Joe Fox, and highlights a unique time in Doug’s life: his attempted political career. Not many magicians to my mind have successfully run for political office and won and, unfortunately, Doug was no exception. Under the TM based “Natural Law Party,” Doug attempted to bring peace to Canada…
Doug on “The Tonight Show”…Again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXs2f_S9pdU&t=9s The reaction to last week’s Tonight Show clip was so positive that, well, let’s do it again shall we? In this clip, Doug again shows off a myriad of illusions all before the coveted interview with Johnny. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice Steve Martin on the couch as well. The world of 1970s talk shows truly…
Merv Griffin Appearance
I apologize for the poor quality of this clip, but the close-up illusions are well worth the price of admission. So, please stick with it! Now, I know we’ve most likely seen these illusions before. However, I like seeing how Doug would adapt and present his illusions in different settings and contexts. Needless, to say…
The Chip Romero Collection: Henning Handwritten Notes
In another extremely rare find from Chip Romero’s collection, we have hand written notes from the pen of, drum roll please, Doug Henning! These three simple pages really show you the genius of Doug’s mind in meticulously plotting out every element of the second “World of Magic” special. As usual, let’s got to Chip himself…
Doug Award Show Appearance and Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFM4gbhFLCs&t=147s This clip is really fun to watch because it really serves as a half performance/half award acceptance speech for Doug. First up, is the classic “Sands of Egypt” illusion with actress Lee Meriwether (Time Tunnel, Batman) serving as Doug’s assistant. This classic illusion is a firm fan favorite, and Doug’s natural onstage delivery with…
Doug on the Tonight Show (1984)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agVa3mybdYE What better way to ease into the work week than with this 1984 appearance of Doug on Johnny Carson’s legendary Tonight Show? As Johnny explains, Doug was in LA for two weeks of shows at the Ahmanson Theater in preparation for a later run on Broadway. As having never seen this clip before, I…
Doug and Dinah Shore Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rj3hir1oDc&t=364s While this clip includes yesterday’s performance at the start, it’s the sit down interview that begins at 5:53 that’s worth your price of admission for today. What I find fascinating about this chat is that it deviates from the usual talk show banter, and allows Doug to be, well, Doug. His views on science…
Doug on the “Dinah Shore Show:” Part One
This fantastic performance clip comes from when Doug was a guest on Dinah Shore’s appropriately named talk show “Dinah.” It’s a great sampling of some of Doug’s greatest hits, and well worth the four minutes and fifty seconds of your time. I’ll feature the interview segment itself tomorrow. Enjoy!
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 