This undated newspaper clipping hails from a private appearance Doug did at a NARM Organization event. The giant record is unique in the sense that it never appeared in any of his specials before, and it is the first time I’m aware of it. Though I’m sure many of you out there have more visual…
Month: June 2019
World of Magic V- Coins and Cards Illusion
I’ve gone into it before in previous posts, but I really love Doug’s close-up magic. It’s nuanced, it’s intimate, and above all, funny. A good example of this is the Coins and Cards illusion from “World of Magic V.” Doug plays a lot with audience expectations and anticipation here, but it’s that last word play…
TV Guide Close Up- World of Magic VI
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
World of Magic V- Flexible Glass Illusion
For an illusion that seems so simple, its impact on the audience is not. Doug handles this close up illusion wisely by sitting with the audience and utilizing the intimacy of the television camera. How he did it isn’t as important as the effect it had on the viewers at home. Immediately afterwards, Doug performed…
Doug Does Some Magic for the “New York Sunday News”
I wasn’t really sure how to title this post other than to say what it is: Doug Henning shows you how to do some really cool close-up magic! Enough said really. However, what really appeals to me about this article is that it was done at the height of the “Magic Show’s” popularity in December,…
Doug Henning and Season 4 of “The Muppet Show”
Doug’s appearance on Jim Henson’s iconic program “The Muppet Show” is a bit of an enigma. Sure there are some great clips from it that exist on You Tube (which have been shown here), but it’s not widely available for viewing or for purchase. This is mainly due to the fact that Disney (who owns…
First Special “TV Listings” Cover and Interview
Today’s post comes from the collection of magician Greg Gleason, and features more fabulous TV listings and interviews that were commonplace over Doug’s long career. The interview and article itself is a general rundown of the making of the first special, and give a nice window into Doug’s pressure filled life at this time. Can…
“World of Magic 1981”-TV Guide Ad
It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means? It’s time for an awkwardly staged “TV Guide” advertisement with Doug, Marie Osmond, and Ricky Schroeder. Hey, but all things are forgiven when it comes to “TV Guide!” These kinds of ads really drive home how much of an event Doug’s specials were, and what they meant to…
1998 “Globe” Tabloid Interview
The above article is from “Globe Magazine” and, if you do the math within the interview, it hails from around 1998. In it, Doug discusses what he has been up to in the ten years since he retired from the public spotlight. If you can get past the tabloid and slightly patronizing feel of the…
“Right Before Your Very Eyes!” from “The Magic Show”
Let’s rub those Monday doldrums from your very eyes with this lively and well known number from “The Magic Show.” Aside from the original show’s cast album, this filmed for television version is really the only way this rollicking number can be experienced today. While it may not be a perfect representation of what audiences…
The Merlin Understudy that Never Was
The above picture is of Doug with actor Andrew Hill Newman. If history had operated accordingly, Andrew was to have been the first understudy to take over Doug’s role in “Merlin.” However, many of you don’t need this website to tell you that “Merlin” was a somewhat tumultuous production with many ups and downs. Many…
Magic Magazine “Magic Show” Anniversary Cover
The above 2014 cover was made in honor of the 40th anniversary of, you guessed it, “The Magic Show.” The cover itself serves as a nice variation on the classic poster fans are used to, while giving it a bit of a more modern and flashy spin. While the original production of “The Magic Show”…
“World of Magic III” Sword Levitation Newspaper Clipping
In preparation for “World of Magic III,” Doug and special TV guest Sandy Duncan whipped up a little Sword Levitation publicity for the press. This undated AP photo (taken in front of someone’s house apparently), made sure that readers, as well as the press, got the point…so to speak. Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
Potter & Potter Auction: Henning Water Levitation Suit and Khyber Cobra Basket
For those looking to expand their Doug Henning collection, look no further than Potter & Potter’s upcoming June 29th Rawlins Magic Collection II auction. Featured Doug items of the day include the “Water Levitation Jumpsuit and “Khyber Cobra Basket” from the early to late 1980s. While I must admit the jumpsuit is the more iconic…
Doug Henning and David Copperfield Photo
The above photo is one that some of you may have seen before. But, believe it or not, I’ve never posted it on the site until now. To my knowledge, it’s the only circulated photo of Doug and David Copperfield together. Taken at the AMA awards (I believe), it really represents two icons of modern…
Shimada “World of Magic” Bound Script for Sale
Rudy Sanchez brought to my attention a truly one of a kind item he is selling…Shimada’s bound script from 1974’s “World of Magic 1.” As you can see from the photos below, the item itself is the real deal and comes with a certificate of authenticity and letter proving its provenance. Aside from being a detailed…
Sundays with Doug, Debby, and a Puppet
To lighten up your Sunday afternoon, I thought I would post this true 1980s gem of a picture. Whether this is a Wonder Whim or a distant cousin, the memory of its penetrating stare will certainly stay with you for a lifetime. Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 