Similar to the Sands of Egypt themselves, I will be drifting away to Northern California over the coming week. I won’t be able to get back to posts until next Tuesday. But, I wanted to leave you with this classic clip from “World of Magic ’75” to pass the time until then. Enjoy! Original Air…
Category: World of Magic
World of Magic 1976: Rings Illusion in Full
Original Airdate: December 23rd, 1976
World of Magic 75: Shimada Appearance in Full
I thought I’d mix things up a bit today, and have a Doug related clip that doesn’t exactly feature Doug. You see, Doug would sometimes have other performers on his specials to balance things off. In his first special, he featured the eminent Shimada in a unique five minute segment all unto his own. Hailing…
World of Magic 1978: Camel Appearance in Full
The above appearance was from Doug’s fourth “World of Magic” special in 1978. The special itself features co-hosts Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley accompanying Doug on a whirlwind journey through time, space, and various international countries. While some moments in the special may not hold up well viewed through a 21st-century eye, it definitely features…
“World of Magic 1976” Opening Illusions in Full
What more can I really say to add onto this clip? The number of illusions crammed into this, along with the sheer 1970s variety show feel of it all speak for itself. Also, how many times in your life have you wanted to conjure up a slightly bewildered Michael Landon? Next time you see modern…
“World of Magic 1977” Card Illusion in Full
This week I thought I would let Doug do what he did best…pure magic. I don’t always play videos all week, but I thought as we go into the holiday weekend what better time is there for it? It goes without saying this close-up section from “World of Magic 77” seemed effortless for Doug. I…
World of Magic 1976: Water Levitation/Fire Hoop in Full
I had been going through my archives not quite sure what to put up today. However, it dawned on me why not put up one of the most tranquil six minutes in magic you can find? Doug performed the Water Levitation and Fire Hoop many times over his career. However, in “World of Magic 1976”…
Tom Shales Interview-Dec, 1975 (Washington Post)
Special Thanks to Kevin Connolly for alerting me to this item on Ebay!
Happy Holidays and “World of Magic ’77” Article!
I had intended to have more posts leading up into the holiday season, but a pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm put a damper on that plan. Regardless, I wanted to get one more 2020 post to the readers, and wish you all a very Happy Holiday season. It goes without saying 2020 wasn’t…
The Specials: TV Guide Half Page Ads
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
Metamorphosis from “Magic on Broadway” Special!
Previously I posted Doug doing “Metamorphosis” in the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” However, something I like to do if possible is present Doug performing alternative versions of his illusions. With 1982’s “Magic on Broadway,” that is exactly what we get. A stand out for me is the historical background sprinkled in the introduction…
Fickle Nickel Juke Box Song Titles
The above pictures come from the collection of Joe Long. I’m sure it doesn’t take much guessing to see that these are “actual” song options used for the Fickle Nickel jukebox. Not featured in my clip from yesterday, the finale of the illusion involved Doug taking the jumbo half prop coin and inserting it into…
“World of Magic” Fickle Nickel in Full
In tandem with last week’s post, I have a few more Fickle Nickel posts for you this week. Not least of which is the full routine which I was eventually able to find. For being one of his most famous performances, it’s not readily available on this thing called the internet. Rather than describing it…
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…
“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.”
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”…
“Alla-Kazam”Fanzine- World of Magic ’78 Article
The following article comes from the second issue of the magic fanzine “Alla-Kazam.” The magazine itself was bi-monthly, and a product of MacDonald Magic located out of Spencerville, Ohio. By all accounts, it folded in 1981. But, let’s begin with that cover illustration shall we? By that I mean it’s certainly one of the more…
Torn and Restored Newspaper in Full
I can’t believe I’ve never posted this before. There’s a lot I can say about this legendary illusion (created by Gene Anderson), and its place in Doug’s history. But, rather than writing about it, why don’t you let Doug do the talking…or rather tearing.
Chip Romero Collection: Gazebo Bandleader Costume
And I’m back. Sorry for the bit of delay, but, as I mentioned I’ve been dealing with a pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm. All that combined with some minor physical therapy, required me to step away from the website briefly. However, enough about me. All this week we will be featuring items from…
Magic Week Video Archive-World of Magic II
For all those looking for some relief in the lockdown, look no further than this current edition of the Magic Week Archive featuring “World of Magic II.”Culled from Duncan Trillo video collection, this UK broadcast of the special is a truly crisp and immaculate version. Even if you’ve seen the special before (which I’m sure…
Haversat & Ewing Auction-Doug Egyptian Collar
For all those Doug collectors out there, another piece of magic history is going up for auction this weekend at Haversat & Ewing Galleries. Straight from the 1978’s “World of Magic,” is Doug’s Egyptian collar as featured in the special’s time travel theme. This online auction runs from May 15th-16th, and the item itself is…
Glenn Campbell Handkerchief Illusion
The above clip comes from “World of Magic II,” and features a somewhat awkward lesson in handkerchief magic from Doug to singer Glenn Campbell. Nobody would ever accuse the “World of Magic” specials to have the best dialogue. But, as we all know it was the magic that really counted…not the cue cards.
Potter & Potter Auction: Glass Wall Hanging
And I’m back… I sincerely apologize for the long delay in between posts. Due to a freelance design job, my spare time became few and far between resulting in an unplanned break from the site. Well folks, it’s a new day, and let’s get back to it shall we? The above item is a current…
Potter & Potter Auction-Flaming Miracle Poster
Welcome to 2020 everyone! Let’s begin our third year on a high note with this auction from “Potter & Potter” out of Chicago! This current online auction will win you one of the most distinctive and flashy posters that was ever created for “World of Magic II.” In it, artist Seymour Chwast crafted Doug as…
Kiel Opera House Advertisement
The above advertisement was printed on June 1, 1980 in the “St. Louis Post-Dispatch.” The Kiel Opera House, now known as the Stifel Theatre, was opened in 1934 and enjoyed a healthy and long life until it was closed under financial disagreements in 1991. Reopening in 2011, the theater seems to be back to its…
Statue of the Pharaohs Today
If you ever wondered where a lot of Doug’s illusions have ended up over the years. Well, the short answer is that they’re mainly still around, just not always in one place as they used to be. In the case of Doug’s “Statue of the Pharaohs,” let’s get a bit of a refresher before we…
World of Magic III-Newspaper Article
In honor of this being our 500th post, here’s Doug levitating a motorcycle!
Cooper-Hewitt Archives: World of Magic Poster
While some of you may already be aware of this promotional poster, I’m featuring it because this version comes straight from the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Archives in New York City. It’s colors and quality are highly preserved, and this is definitely one of the most pristine versions I’ve ever seen. For me, this poster has always…
World of Magic V: Compressed Illusion
The above clip originally aired on February 14th, 1982 and is the final “World of Magic” special. As it goes with any magician, looks can be deceiving, and Doug had one more special up his sleeve called “Doug Henning: Magic on Broadway.” But, that’s another story. Now back to this one. While no one could…
NY Times: World of Magic Broadway Review
Doug Henning only seems to dema terialize – and re-materialize – and levitation is a mechanical rather than a natural wonder. But it is beyond the ken of nonmagicians to understand how he performs his illusionary feats. As we know from his first two Broadway shows and his frequent television appearances, he is a genial…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 