Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
Category: World of Magic
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…
Doug Henning’s World of Instagram: Julie Newmar Rehearsal Photo (Alternative Angle)
In a post from a couple years ago, I featured publicity images from Doug’s “World of Magic I” rehearsals with Julie Newmar. While at the time I thought I had printed all that was out there, this little gem came up today on Instagram. The picture doesn’t seem as staged as the previous ones, and…
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Final Part
They say all good things must come to an end, and today’s post is no exception. Yes, dear readers, we’ve come to the end (for now) of Dave Collier’s impressive collection of never before seen photos from the first four “World of Magic” specials. It’s been a real honor and treat for me to be able…
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Part Two
Special thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Part One
Special thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“Toronto Sun” 1973- Doug and Maya Zig-Zag Photo Spread
The above newspaper article comes from December of 1973. For anyone else that date may not mean much, but for all the Doug fans out there this is the month and year that “Spellbound” premiered. Doug, assisted by Maya, displays the well known “Zig-Zag” to bemused reporter George Anthony. Now I’ve gone into “Spellbound” in greater…
“World of Magic III” Unseen Photos: Part Four
1977 was a good year for wasn’t it? Besides being the year of my birth, it featured Doug’s walking through a wall illusion. Done in a blink and you’ll miss it fashion, this illusion still has the ability to grab us 42 years later. How did he do it? Well, that my friends is magic. …
“World of Magic III” Unseen Photos: Part Three
Special Thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“World of Magic III” Unseen Photos: Part Two
Special thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“World of Magic III” Unseen Pictures: Part One
For all of our U.S. readers Happy Labor Day! For everyone not in the U.S., let’s ease into this Monday with more never before seen photos from 1977’s “World of Magic III.”Hosted by Glenn Campbell, the special would feature Doug’s variation on walking though a brick wall, spectacular close-up magic, Sandy Duncan, and very. very…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 