TV Guide Barbara Walters Article Spread

The above article hails from the September 21, 1974 issue of “TV Guide.” Doug is in pure “Magic Show” form in this appearance sawing Barbara Walters in half. His appearance was on Walters’ then day time talk show “Not For Women Only, and the photos really showcase the spontaneity of the appearance well. My apologies if…

Fickle Nickel Friday: Original Jumbo Half Prop

Today’s item comes from Joe Long’s collection, and is the original jumbo half that Doug produced at the end of “World of Magic” 75’s “Fickle Nickel” illusion.  The opening of  Doug’s first special could have opened in any number of ways. But, rather than opting for a giant spectacle Doug chose the quiet subtlety of…

Tannen’s Magic Gives Thanks to Doug

The following recently appeared as a Facebook post from Tannen’s Magic. As today is Thanksgiving in the United States, I think it’s more than appropriate we send a little thanks Doug’s way courtesy of this appreciative piece. What do you think? Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! In our second Wizard Wednesday, our new series where we show…

Help Needed Locating Doug’s Original Costumes!

In a change of pace from the usual posts, I wanted to ask a favor from, you, the readers.  I’m currently involved in a search for the current whereabouts of three of Doug’s more iconic costumes. I’ve included the photos below of what they are, and where they were featured. If you or anyone you…

“Bill in Lemon” illusion from “World of Magic” ’79!

In this vintage moment from 1979’s “World of Magic” Doug gives new definition to the idea that money burns a hole in your pocket. Recorded at the Hilton Las Vegas, this deceptively simple illusion is having a bit of a revival this week courtesy of our friends at “Magic Week.”

Vintage Las Vegas Hilton Doug Marquee

What you see above is the fabulous Las Vegas Hilton, and if you look to the bottom left “The Magical World of Doug Henning” shines bright. Well, it shines bright below Liberace, Steve Lawrence, and Eydie Gorme! The Las Vegas Hilton, now the Westgate Las Vegas, is probably most well known for the multitude of …

Walter C. Miller Obituary

It slipped under my radar over this past weekend that Walter C. Miller, Doug’s long time TV director, passed away at the age of 94.  Miller’s important contribution to all of Doug’s specials can not be understated. He can also be credited with directing what was television’s first modern magic special with “World of Magic”…

“The Rock N’Fun Magic Show” Advertisement-1975

Get rid of those Monday blues with this vintage 1975 newspaper advertisement for the “Rock N’ Fun Magic Show” on NBC 4 in New York.  The show itself was hosted by actor Jeff Mylett,  featured sitting next to Doug, who at that time was the understudy for Doug in “The Magic Show.” The special was…

“Fountain Levitation Illusion” from Magic on Broadway

Hello All! Well, I thought I’d dip my foot back into the proverbial posting pool today courtesy of the “Fountain Levitation Illusion.” With Ann Reinking as his assistant, Doug is at his best with this legendary illusion that never seems to get old over time.  This vintage illusion fit well into the special’s “best of”…

VOTE!

I’m not one for bringing politics into my blog or social media interactions. But, I feel I’d be remiss if I didn’t encourage all of you out there to VOTE if you haven’t already. In the meantime, I will be taking  a week or so off from the blog to take care of some personal business,…

“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Conclusion

The Bed of Horrors: Part Four ©2020 Brian H. Lumley Another “Bed of Horrors” came from Owens for The Magic Show national tour. It had the same set of problems as the original unit. All the changes that were made for the Broadway illusion were incorporated into the design of this piece, but it still…

“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Part Three

The Bed of Horrors: Part Three©2020 Brian H. Lumley On Broadway they wanted the “Bed of Horrors” bigger with longer teeth. This meant extending the four posts 4’ at the top and replacing the spikes with new ones 12” long. Now the top had to drop further, slide over a new seam, land smoothly and…