So, after a brief detour last week into You Tube land, we’ve now safely arrived in 1977 (the year of my birth by the way)! This is World of Magic III!” It’s the special that has such eclectic items as a very excited Glenn Campbell, child versions of Doug and Sandy Duncan, balancing on blades,…
Category: World of Magic
Dave Collier Photos: “World of Magic 1” After Party
In today’s installment, it’s time to party like it’s 1975! With a viewing audience of fifty million people, Doug and friends celebrated the achievement with a well attended after party. A drink in hand, Doug rightly is the focus of everyone’s attention after having pulled off the seemingly impossible. Ahhh, to be a fly on that…
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos
I apologize for not posting in a bit, but what I’ve been given access to will certainly make up for it. Recently, photographer Dave Collier and Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin have graciously granted me access to a treasure trove of never before seen photos. As you will see, these represent Doug behind and in…
“World of Magic 1” 1975 Newspaper Ad
Well, here’s something you don’t see every day. This newspaper ad comes from the “Chicago Tribune,” and is dated December 26, 1975. As is evident, the anticipation for the special was obviously huge, and it’s interesting to see it reproduced here in black and white. One of my favorite parts of it is the reminder “This…
“World of Magic I” Press Releases
The following press releases are in anticipation of the first “World of Magic” special broadcast originally on December 26th, 1975. Each one is interesting in that while he had already appeared on Broadway, Doug was not yet the proven television commodity he would become. Oh, how one night would change all of that? Special…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay in posts. I’ve been up to my neck in our current Indiegogo campaign. Hey, so what better way to take a break with this vintage newspaper advertisement from “World of Magic VII?” The special, as you may remember, starred Doug and his guests Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, Billy Crystal,…
World of Magic IV Animal Illusion
What better way to liven up your Sunday afternoon than with this vintage clip where Doug conjures up some adorable baby animals and, well, enough said? Original Air Date: February 15, 1981 ————————————————————————————– While you’re here, be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World.” To view…
World of Magic VII TV Listing
While I’m promoting the Indiegogo campaign for my documentary, I still wanted to still posts on the regular blog. Unfortunately, my written descriptions may not be as long for now. But, enjoy this newspaper TV listing from 1980! Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy Be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length…
Rare “World of Magic II” Pop Art Ad
You can chuck this advertisement into the “rare and obscure bin.” This was obviously made for “World of Magic II,” and truly combines the best of what 1970s pop art had to offer at the time. It takes a lot to make Doug Henning look frightening and, well, this comes pretty darn close. Does anyone…
“Den of Tigers” Newspaper Ad
This creatively worded advertisement was for the final live “World of Magic” special. Originally broadcast on December 14, 1978, this special was plagued by numerous issues, not least of which was a tiger escaping through the halls of NBC . However, none of this chaos was visible to the holiday audiences at home, and from that…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Craig Schwarz was kind enough to send me some vintage Doug TV special newspaper pieces. This one is from the final “World of Magic” special in 1983, and as you can see is a, well, very unique design. While Doug did indeed conjure up the Rams Cheerleaders on this particular special, I’m not quite sure it…
1982 Cheerleader Cabinet Illusion
This illusion hails from the final “World of Magic” special, and features a variation on Guy Jarret’s original 21 person cabinet illusion. However, it wouldn’t be Doug Henning without some tweaks and flourishes courtesy of cheerleaders and a then Bruce Jenner. So, before the weekend starts, enjoy this very Doug Henning magical moment from 1982….
Indian Rope Trick Basket
Courtesy of Michael Whitecar’s vast collection comes another item sure to brighten up your Tuesday. It’s the basket from Doug’s Indian Rope Illusion as featured in “World of Magic VI!” Doug’s co-stars in this special were Marie Osmond, Shields and Yarnell, and (as featured above) a young Rick(y) Schroeder. Snakes not included…
Orson Welles and “World of Magic” 1982
The name Orson Welles can conjure up many things for many people: a brilliant and visionary director, stirring voice overs, Paul Masson wine pitchman, and…a lover of magic? Magic lover? Yes you heard me correctly! Other than filmmaking, Orson Welles held a passion for magic that he kept with him until the day he died….
The Sands of Egypt Footage
As we round out the week what better way to say goodbye than with the classic “Sands of Egypt” from “Word of Magic I?” The illusion is deceptive in its simpleness, and plays extremely well into the excitement of the evening. This excitement, in my opinion, is what makes this special so wonderful. The live…
First Special “Torn Newspaper” Routine
Yesterday’s clip was a lot of fun wasn’t it? Continuing on in that vein why don’t we take a look at Doug’s presentation of Gene Anderson’s famed “Torn Newspaper” illusion. Doug’s enthusiasm combined with his expert handling of this illusion make for one of the most simple looking, but most memorable parts of the first…
Houdini Torture Cell Escape in Full
Clips from 1975’s “World of Magic 1” are a rarity on the internet. For some reason, every other one of Doug’s specials are available to find if you know where to look. But, “World of Magic 1” remains elusive at best…at least online (if you catch my meaning.) It’s a shame really because in my…
Ricky Jay on “World of Magic II”
Doug’s friendship with esteemed magician Ricky Jay came to the forefront when Jay appeared on “World of Magic II” in 1976. The segment highlights Jay’s great skill at close up-magic and, of course, card throwing. In the years since, Jay’s reputation has only grown and grown, especially with his play “Ricky Jay and his 52…
Disc Sawing Illusion
Happy New Year everyone and welcome back. Where was I? When last we spoke I was sick and in the midst of the holiday season. Well, since both of those are things of the past let’s get back to business with this vintage clip from 1982’s “World of Magic VII.” This special is notable for…
“World of Magic 4” Props For Sale
Welcome back everyone! Are we all rested from the long holiday? I know I am. Now down to business. Collector Steve Sprague recently contacted me in hopes of selling a prop from the “World of Magic 4” special starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. So, rather than hearing from me about it, I’ll let…
Julie Newmar “World of Magic” Costume For Sale
Hello All and Happy Monday! I have a bit of a treat today as I’ve agreed to help magician Paul Driscoll sell the actual costume that Julie Newmar wore in Doug’s first “World of Magic” 1975 special. If you are interested in purchasing this one-of-a-kind item please contact Paul directly as he owns it. I’m…
Rare First NBC Special Publicity Photo!
Continuing from yesterday’s First Special publicity item, I thought this rarely seen picture of Doug and Julie Newmar might help to bring us all back to a strange and mystical place called the 1970s! Enjoy.
First Special Cover Story
To brighten up our Monday commute, let’s travel back to 1975 and take a look at a great cover story of Doug promoting the first NBC special! Special thanks to David Sigafus for sending me this. I had been trying to find a good image of the cover picture for a while.
The First NBC Special: Houdini’s Water Torture Cell Conclusion
As we reach the end of this legendary moment in magic history, the seconds are counting down and down. Doug, sealed in, begins the almost impossible job of escaping from a seemingly watery grave. Would he make it out alive? Or would 50 million people watch a man drown on live television? All your questions are…
The First NBC Special: Part Two
In watching the special with modern eyes, it’s interesting to note how fresh, energetic, and groundbreaking it all still feels. Rather than doing an opening monologue, Doug dives into one of the things he truly excelled at… close up magic. None of the following scene has any dialogue, and that uniqueness makes it one of my favorite parts of the…
The First NBC Special: Part One
The night was December 26, 1975. Fifty-Million plus people were tuning in live for an NBC worldwide satellite broadcast. The star was a twenty-eight year old magician from Canada that had been taking Broadway and fans by storm in “The Magic Show.” His name, of course, was Doug Henning! Offered a TV special of his own by…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 