The above article comes from Craig Schwarz and is a bit of a mystery as I have no idea where it came from really. Was it a newspaper or magazine is anyone’s guess? Regardless, it’s a quick and interesting read from around the time of “World of Magic 2.” For that reason alone it’s worth…
Doug Henning Barbados Postcard
The above postcard is rare in the sense that it is a direct remnant of Doug’s trip to Barbados as a teenager. After his first television appearance, Doug decided to take advantage of a free flight to Barbados due to his father being an airline pilot. Yes it’s good to have perks. While performing magic…
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…
Potter and Potter Upcoming Auction: Doug Memorabilia
For all those Doug collectors out there “Potter & Potter Auctions” was kind enough to share with me two Doug related items from their upcoming Summer auction. Get out those checkbooks! Here they are: For more information please visit: https://potterauctions.com/ Special Thanks to Rebekah Kaufman.
Candid Doug and Shark Photo
This past weekend at the Hollywood Bowl “Jaws” was screened with live orchestral accompaniment. While I wasn’t able to attend I have the next best thing right here in today’s post. This photo was taken during preparations for the 1979 Hilton Television Special. The illusion itself was only performed once due to its precarious nature….
Another Micky Hades Letter
Enjoy this rare letter from the collection of Michael Whitecar. You may remember last month I also posted another letter from Doug to author/historian/collector Micky Hades. In retrospect, it truly is a fascinating window into where Doug was in his career at that time. Hey and who can beat that letterhead?
The Floating Ball
What better way to end your week with this soothing and relaxing clip of Doug performing the famous “Floating Ball” illusion? Originally featured on “World of Magic II,” this deceptively simple illusion is elevated to another level (no pun intended) with Doug’s skill and precision. Last September you may remember I posted the version Doug…
Wonder Whim in Original Box
Now everyone in Doug Henning’s “World of Magic” knows what a Wonder Whim is. What you don’t? Well here’s one in its original box. While doing research for the site, I recently stumbled across this gem of 1980s nostalgia tucked safely behind a nearby desk. I’ve talked about Doug’s failed venture into the toy market…
Never Before Seen Backstage Production Photos
The pictures featured below are a hodgepodge of never before seen production photos from “World of Magic 6 and 7,” as well as the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” All of them really give a nice snapshot (no pun intended) into what went into making these legendary specials. Special Thanks to Steve Zigmont-Doug Henning…
TV Specials Footage Needed
Hello All, I need to ask a bit of a favor. I’m looking for good quality footage from the “World of Magic” NBC TV specials (preferably the earlier ones.) It’s for an upcoming authorized project that I can explain more to you if you email or private message me on Facebook. Thanks so much and…
Jim Steinmeyer Los Angeles Book Signing
Hello All! Where was I? Oh yes… Before I get to more traditional posts this week I wanted to let you know of a very special and rare book signing tomorrow in Los Angeles. Jim Steinmeyer, magic designer and author extraordinaire, will be speaking and signing copies of his new book “The Secret History of…
Photos from the Mark Willoughby Collection: Part Two
Enjoy this second and final part to these photos from the Mark Willoughby Collection, and if you’re in Los Angeles like me (try to stay cool).
Photos from the Mark Willoughby Collection: Part One
The Hennaisance continues…. Doug fan and all around nice guy Mark Willoughby was kind enough to share some photos from his collection with the website. Some you may have seen and some are alternative versions of classic shots, but without a doubt each one is 100% Henning!
Doug and Barbara De Angelis Wedding Invitation
The above picture is an extremely rare wedding invitation to Doug’s 1977 marriage to his first wife Barbara DeAngelis. The wedding itself took place in the Pacific Palisades section of of Los Angeles at the “LaVenta Inn,” and was attended by 150 guests. Ironically, the only magicians in attendance that day were Charles Reynolds, Bill…
July Fourth Fan Art!
What better way to celebrate our country’s independence than with this impressive colored pencil drawing from talented Doug fan, Dean Huck? As you all know, it’s a recreation of one of Doug’s most iconic pictures. In fact, it’s the one I use on the splash page of this very website! So, wherever you are on this…
“Illusion and Reality” Poster feat. Jay Marshall
The above poster or flyer comes from Doug’s popular lecture tour “Illusion and Reality,” and is markedly different than the one that most fans recognize below. The tour itself was a mixture of Doug’s more famous illusions with a lecture on psychology and the mind. It’s interesting to note that the first poster famous lists illusionist/ventriloquist…
1978 Entertainer of the Year Award
The above newspaper clipping comes from Michael Whitecar, and shows Doug as he won the Entertainer of the Year Award for 1978. While the quality is a little fuzzy, it’s the picture itself that counts, and shows Doug at a time in his career when he was at the top of his game. I wonder where…
“Merlin” Golden Key Chain Ticket
As it’s been a while since we’ve talked about “Merlin” on the site, I figured what better time than with today’s post. This commemorative key chain ticket was part of a package deal that you could get along with an expanded program (for an extra charge of course.) That expanded program was featured on the…
Doug’s Santa Monica Workshop
The above photo is a screen grab from Doug’s segment on “Life Styles of the Rich and Famous” in 1986, and features his Santa Monica warehouse and workshop. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of this city, buildings over time get torn down and disappear altogether. Well, not this building. Michael Grandinetti was kind enough…
Brian Lumley Recollections: The Final Round
When he saw how embarrassed Doug was when his PR plan didn’t work, Ali agreed to a similar shot. We tried a couple of stationary positions on the cliff edge with the three of them. But for personal and professional reasons Ali did not like to get close to the cat. If he did get…
Brian Lumley Recollections: Cougar Chaos in the Ring
Once Rebel saw he was going into all the smells and noise he was into it. He dragged Doug through the door then followed him onto the ring and in front of the audience, which he loved. He knew what applause was. The next thing I remember was Muhammad standing on the other side…
Brian Lumley Recollections: Doug, Ali, and a Cougar
Ali’s main ring was inside a low building with folding chairs set up to watch. The champ went in and did a show of workout moves, skipping, punches, jabs, foot work, dodges, dancing around the ring…all fast and powerful…Unbeknownst to Doug; Ali, a truly seasoned and master showman, used these kinds of moments to seize…
Doug at Ali’s Training Camp by Brian Lumley: Part Two
On stage in front of the Broadway audience Ali invited Doug to come to Africa as part of his entourage. Doug did a massive sputter not knowing what to say; there was so much going on that others did not know about. Then Muhammad saved the day when he invited him up to his training…
Doug and Muhammad Ali by Brian Lumley: Part One
Today’s multi-part story comes to us from Doug collaborator and website friend Brian Lumley. Brian has been kind enough to share a first hand account of when Doug met another legend in his field, the great Muhammad Ali. As you would expect, it’s a riveting story, and I’m very excited Brian has decided to make…
Micky Hades “Spellbound” Letter
This letter comes from Michael Whitecar’s collection. It is remarkable in the sense that it features correspondence from Doug to (now magic publisher/book collector) Micky Hades conducting business. All this occurs just as “Spellbound” was due to head to Broadway that Spring. While the talk may sound mundane, the impact of what is being said…
Doug Henning CSPAN Talk on “The Natural Law Party”
I though I’d start this Monday on more of a tranquil note with Doug discussing the “Natural Law Party” and the benefits of Transcendental Meditation. This short video, as you can imagine, is old and rare. So, if you’ll pardon its technical glitches, you’ll get a glimpse of Doug Henning at the time of “Veda…
White House Easter Egg Roll Photos
These incredible photos show Doug performing for the “White House Easter Egg Roll” on March 30th, 1986. They give a great candid view of Doug and Debby behind the scenes before and during the performance. As pictures go, these are certainly a find and one that illustrate how much demand Doug was in well into…
“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…
Pictures, Pictures, I Need Pictures!
Hello All, “The Doug Henning Project” is on the hunt for new and possibly unseen pictures of Doug for the website. These don’t have to be totally rare, but it would be great to show people images other than the standard ones we always see online such as this one: Or this one: We all…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 