Category: World of Magic

“Battle of the Network Shows” Podcast

In my recent internet travels, I came across a recent podcast featuring Doug. The aptly named “Battle of the Network Show” focuses on TV of the 70s and 80s, and does a great job of breaking down the history of Doug and “World of Magic ’76.” You may know the majority of it, but if…

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World of Magic ’75-Houdini Segments

Happy Halloween, and World Magic Day everyone! As we observe the 97th anniversary of Houdini’s passing, what better to to pay our respects than with “World of Magic ’75.” Over the years, I’ve shown and talked about both clips. However, I’ve never paired them in one place, and today of all days seemed the most…

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Unseen “World of Magic ’78” Photo

The above unseen photo comes from Mark Willoughby, and gives us a different photographic perspective on “World of Magic ’78’s” burning paper illusion. Below you’ll see the illusion itself in full. I weighed whether to play this clip or not due to it being racially insensitive in terms of its writing and costuming. However, I…

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“Saturday Night Live” “World of Magic’ 78” Commercial

In what is arguably the most unique intro to a Doug Henning special ever, this commercial interlude from Saturday Night Live is sure bring a smirk to your face. If not, then hopefully a chuckle.  What can I say? It was the late 70s. Original Air Date: December 9, 1978  

Cherish Alexander Interview: Behind the Scenes Photos

In addition to the interview, Cherish also sent me a load of personal photos from her collection. Some I featured in the article, however there were too many to include overall. So, I’m presenting them in all their glory here. Thank you again to Cherish ALexander, and enjoy! For more information on Cherish, please visit…

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Cherish Alexander Interview: Part Three

What was it like working with the other celebrities in the special? I was so young at the time so I didn’t really know any of them professionally…yet as people they were all funny, kind and so sweet with me. Especially,  Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner, we laughed a lot together. All in all, they looked out…

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Cherish Alexander Interview: Part Two

Had you heard of Doug Henning before you got the special? Yes! I had watched his magic special before when he featured my childhood crush Ricky Schroder. Do you remember meeting him for the first time? Yes. He was very kind and friendly, yet mostly professional….one of the first things he had me do was…

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Cherish Alexander Interview: Part One

I’m delighted this week to be posting a recent interview I conducted with Cherish Alexander. As I’m sure many of you you know, Cherish was Doug’s co-host on “World of Magic ’82,” along with Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, and Billy Crystal. She was more than happy to remember her time on the special, and working…

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“World of Magic” MP4s Needed

Hey everyone! Just a quick post for tonight.  I am looking for any MP4 downloads that anybody may have for “World of Magic ’80” (Guest: Barbi Benton) and “World of Magic ’82” (Guests: Ann Jillian, Billy Crystal, Caitlan Jenner) If anyone has access to these, please let me know.  You can DM me via Facebook…

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“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part Two

Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. Today is the second and final part. I really enjoyed…

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“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part One

Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. I’ll be breaking it up into two parts, today…

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World of Magic ’81-Floating Candle with Marie Osmond

In this clip from “World of Magic ’81,” Doug and Marie Osmond present a variation on the “Floating Ball” illusion last seen in “World of Magic ’76.” Only this time, it’s with a candle.  Oh, and a rather, um, unique and trippy song courtesy of Ms. Osmond herself… Original Air Date: 2/15/1981

World of Magic ’81-Shields and Yarnell Levitation Appearance in Full

In continuing this week’s two-day festival of 1970s/80s  guest appearances, I give you “World of Magic ’81” with Shields and Yarnell.  It’s not often these days that mimes get featured on TV as much as this pair did. But, the 1970s and 80s were a unique time on television, and Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell…

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“World of Magic: 1975 and 1977” For Sale on DVD

For all those that may not have some of the “World of Magic” specials you’re in luck. Thomas Film Classics is offering the ’75 and ’77 specials to purchase on DVD. I can vouch for the fact that these dubs look pretty, pretty, good with all things considering. The 1975 special is the best looking…

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“World of Magic 77”- Sandy Duncan Circus Sequence in Full

Today’s extended clip comes from “World of Magic’ 77,” and is lengthy. In fact, I wrestled with whether to show the whole thing as one, or break it up into separate clips. However, in re-watching the intricate nature of the whole sequence, I decided it would be a real disservice to it to show it…

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Doug TV Rehearsal Space Photo-1976

Hey Everyone! My apologies for the unexpected two- week break. Life, a new baby, and work got the better of things…as they can do. But, I’m rested, relaxed, and ready to give you the best in all things Henning.  For starters, Brian Lumley recently provided me with this truly great candid photo. Taken during rehearsals…

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