This clip comes once again from the “Sleight of Direction” You Tube Channel, and showcases a new venue for the famed “Celestial Elevator” Illusion…the 1982 Genii Awards! So, sit back, relax, and watch something astounding aside from Doug in a tux!
Month: February 2019
“Merlin” CBC Television Interview
It’s not often you get a television interview that begins with a napkin illusion and ends with a harrowing tale of a tiger’s teeth gripping your neck. However, that’s what you get with this lively CBC interview that Doug gave around the time of “Merlin.” If you can make your way through the haze of…
Dave Collier 1976 Photos: After Party, Barbara DeAngelis, and Doug’s Mom
As before, what better way to cap off another great special than with a wrap party? These final three photos from this series are great because not only do you get to see Doug cutting loose with a can of 7-Up, but you also get to see his first wife Barbara DeAngelis and mother Shirley. …
Dave Collier 1976 Photos: Fire Hoop, Water Levitation, and Ricky Jay
The 1976 special seemed to have everything in it. Even more lighter in tone than its predecessor, the special definitely had something for everyone to enjoy. These pictures are unique in the sense that some are culled from the dress rehearsal that would occur right before the live broadcast. The rehearsals would be a straight…
Dave Collier’s 1976 Photos: Doug, an Elephant, and Michael Landon
As we continue our journey through Dave Collier’s lens, we arrive in 1976 for Doug’s second “World of Magic” special. As ratings for the first special went through the roof, NBC clearly wanted more of Doug. So, just how would he top himself? A vanishing and re-appearing elephant of course! Oh, and how about Michael…
James Randi’s “World of Wizards”- Doug Appearance
Before we deep dive back into Dave Collier’s spectacular photos, I wanted to share with you this great special I found on You Tube’s “Sleight of Direction” Channel. Dating back to 1976, James (The Amazing) Randi’s hosts the TV special “World of Wizards,” and boy does it have some of the greats! But, most of…
Dave Collier Photos: “World of Magic 1” After Party
In today’s installment, it’s time to party like it’s 1975! With a viewing audience of fifty million people, Doug and friends celebrated the achievement with a well attended after party. A drink in hand, Doug rightly is the focus of everyone’s attention after having pulled off the seemingly impossible. Ahhh, to be a fly on that…
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos: Doug, Gene Kelly, and the Cast
Doug’s grand escape from Houdini’s “Water Torture Cell” still is ranked as one of the greatest television magic finales of all time. It even left Gene Kelly speechless enough to lose track of his cue cards. As you can see from these photos, the excitement of the evening even went right through to the curtain call…
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos: Julie Newmar and the Water Torture Cell
Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! As we continue our journey through “World of Magic 1,” it’s interesting to note how the electricity of the night seems to permeate through each of these pictures. Whether it was part of the special or quick candid moments, Dave’s lens really captured the joy of the evening! Just ask Julie…
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos
I apologize for not posting in a bit, but what I’ve been given access to will certainly make up for it. Recently, photographer Dave Collier and Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin have graciously granted me access to a treasure trove of never before seen photos. As you will see, these represent Doug behind and in…
Saturday at Sardis!
Today’s entry features photos from when (I’m guessing) Doug’s caricature was created for the esteemed New York City restaurant “Sardis.” For many, you really haven’t hit it big until you are hanging on the wall of this venerable institution. I’m also guessing this was probably from the time of “Merlin” as well. It’s interesting to…
The History of Martin Short’s Doug Henning
Who doesn’t love Martin Short’s impersonation of Doug? Aside from being dead on accurate, it’s still remembered to this day as one of the best he’s ever done. Maybe that’s because Short actually knew his subject all too well. You see, Martin Short attended college with Ivan Reitman and Doug at McMaster University up in Canada….
TV Directory Thursday!
What better way to spend your Thursday than with a solid wall of vintage TV Guides promoting Doug? You’re welcome! Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
“Magic Detective” Podcast: Doug Edition
I wanted to take a moment to point out that magician Dean Carnegie’s excellent podcast “The Magic Detective” just posted it’s newest episode. You guessed it, it’s about Doug. More specifically, Dean shares his memories of the “World of Magic” specials, and seeing Doug perform live. So, what are you waiting for? Download it right…
“World of Magic 1” 1975 Newspaper Ad
Well, here’s something you don’t see every day. This newspaper ad comes from the “Chicago Tribune,” and is dated December 26, 1975. As is evident, the anticipation for the special was obviously huge, and it’s interesting to see it reproduced here in black and white. One of my favorite parts of it is the reminder “This…
Walter C. Miller on directing “The TV Specials.”
For many Doug fans, Walter C. Miller is a familiar name. As the director of the “World of Magic” specials, he worked with Doug on crafting what would become real, live, television magic for audiences at home. Taken from the Archive of American Television, Miller speaks about the challenges of directing Doug and magic…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 