The above picture is famous in Doug Henning lore for being one of his earliest publicity photos. It also is one that also features his sister and friend of the website, Nancy Henning. Now, while we’ve all probably seen this at one time or another, it is usually pretty grainy and not as clear as this…
Tag: canada
Very Early “Henning and Mars” Publicity Photo
In the year and a half that I have been running this site, I have published A LOT of pictures of Doug and his career. But, the one featured above is one I had never seen before. It features Doug and his assistant, then girlfriend Mars Barrick, in a publicity still from the early 70s. …
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?
Ivan Reitman Spellbound Variety Ad
The above photo comes courtesy of Brian Lumley, but was given to him by Montreal based magician Blair Marshall. A big thank you to both. Some of you may know the fabled story of how Doug and director Ivan Reitman developed what would become “Spellbound” over a long rehearsal and fundraising period. However, when the…
Mystery Item!
This last item of the week from Michael Whitecar’s collection is a bit of a conundrum. While Michael believes it may be an early item from Doug’s career that he may have built himself, there is no provenance to prove it. So, lets get on our detective hats on this one. Does anyone here have…
Doug as Chou Chou the Mime
This rare Canadian article from the early 1970s touches on a relatively unknown time in Doug’s career when he wasn’t known as Doug Henning at all. No, this was the time of Chou Chou, the shoe selling mime. As the article explains, Doug’s purpose in this 15 minute consumer presentation was to perform his various…
Doug Henning Canadian “Beginnings” Article
This article comes by way of reader Karen Kampen. It’s very unique in the sense that it’s more oral history than a straight article. In it, Doug reflects on his childhood growing up in Canada, his sisters, and his father. It’s a great read, and while it’s a mystery to myself and Karen which paper it…
Society of Canadian Magicians: 1974 “Magic Show” Article
In addition to writing a great article this week, Richard Sherry has shared this issue of the “Levitator” from May/June 1974. The issue focuses on Doug’s groundbreaking success with “The Magic Show,” and even features an interview with Doug culled from “The New York Times.” Early interviews with Doug are always great to read, and…
Richard Sherry Remembers: Part Two
Growing Up with a Legend: Part Two By Richard Sherry Doug Henning was friends with a young director named Ivan Reitman who would go on to produce such blockbusters such as “Animal House,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Kindergarten Cop.” It was said that Ivan fronted him the money to purchase the props to create his stage show…
Richard Sherry Remembers: Part One
In this two part article, magician Richard Sherry has graciously agreed to recount for “The Doug Henning Project” the times he spent with Doug as a teen growing up in Canada. It’s a fascinating window into the life of a young Doug Henning and the positive effect he had on the people around him… Growing…
Metamorphosis!
The above clip comes from the filmed and retooled version of “The Magic Show.” Shot in 1981, this version for television changed songs and even took some out. But, it is the only filmed version of the musical, and the only way to experience it today. The illusion in question needs no introduction! Doug’s version…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Four
Hasn’t this been great? Before we start the last part of our interview I just wanted to once again thank Nancy Henning for taking the time to talk to me. I think we can all agree that her insights and observations only serve to make us appreciate Doug’s artistry even more. How do you think…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Three
Can you talk a bit about the $5000 Doug was awarded by the Canadian Arts Council to study magic? Did he discuss that with you at the time? You know, I don’t really remember hearing anything about that until he got it. He was quite proud of it, because at the time, there had never…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Two
As we continue our talk with Nancy Henning she elaborates on her time as Doug’s original audience and his first jobs as a magician. Take it away Nancy! You sounded like a good audience. Oh, I was a good audience. And boyfriends, as I grew up, would always be asking me, “How does he do…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part One
Starting today and running over multiple parts will be my recent interview with Nancy Henning, Doug’s sister. To say that I am honored that she took the time to talk with me is an understatement. The following is a rare look into Doug’s life before and after he became famous. Thank you so much for talking…
Canadian Walk of Fame TV Event
The above segment was broadcast on Canadian television in 2010 in honor of Doug’s induction into the Canadian Walk of Fame. While the sync and picture quality are off, the segment itself is really well done and the narration by David Copperfield is truly rare indeed. Doug’s legacy is not something that is always recognized, and events…
Erix Logan, Doug Henning, and Mousetrap!
The following email was sent to me recently by renowned magician Erix Logan. It’s a fascinating read that gives us an insight into a famed Doug illusion that took on another life of its own, long after he retired. I have always been a huge fan of Doug and the way he thought about magic….
Even More Rare Photos from Ken McCreedy!
Ken McCreedy’s collection continues today with these great shots of Doug with his early assistants, his childhood home, and his high school (which unfortunately has seen better days). The one thing “The Doug Henning Project” loves to do is post rare pictures. Feel free to send them my way if you uncover some hidden gems!…
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.
Alternate “Magic Show” Poster
This phenomenal and eye catching poster for the “Magic Show” television adaptation is truly, pardon the pun, a “wonder.” Rarely seen, it shows a totally different concept than the traditional poster that was used for the Broadway and television versions. If anyone has more information on this, where it was used, and the artist please…
“Magic Show” Movie Props!
Today’s images again come from Steve Zigmont’s impressive collection. What you see below are the bottles that the evil magician Van Zyskin uses in his act for “The Magic Show” movie. Filmed for Canadian television, this version of “The Magic Show” differs from the famed Broadway production. However, it is the only version of the play…
Martin Short is Doug Henning!!!
Although a website is based on words, sometimes they’re just not necessary. Enjoy this hilarious clip of Martin Short as Doug from 1985’s appropriately named “Martin Short Comedy Special!” Special Thanks to Willy Cheyenne.
Doug and The Washington Post: Part Two
“The Spellbound World of Doug Henning” by Richard Harrington June 9, 1982 After graduation from college with a degree in physiological psychology, Henning traveled all over Canada and the United States searching out masters who could teach a young Doug old tricks; post-graduate work included opening for Canadian rock groups. He soon found backers for…
Doug and The Washington Post
I just came across this treat of a “Washington Post” interview I think everyone will enjoy. It was published on June 9, 1982 and takes place right before Doug was winding down touring to concentrate on the creation of “Merlin.” Compared to other interviews I’ve read it really delves deeply into Doug’s thoughts on the…
Spellbound Pamphlet!
Today is a first for “The Doug Henning Project” as I am featuring an item from my own collection. While I can no way lay claim to some of the amazing Doug-related items I’ve seen in private collections, this simple pamphlet is special in what it would eventually become. “Spellbound” was Doug’s vision for a…
Close Encounters of the Doug Kind: Part Two
Today’s story comes from Thom Tyre of Tsawwassen, B.C., It paints a rare picture of a young Doug in his high school years. “I went to high school with Doug (OTHS) and we were attending a teen house party with a number of friends. Doug offered to do a couple of illusions, and I volunteered to…
Vault Treasures: Part Four
Well, that about takes us to the end of another one! Special thanks to Steve Zigmont for his spectacular collection! For all your effects needs please visit him at: http://www.effectspecialist.com See you next time!
Vault Treasures: Part Two
Welcome back for a just as exciting Part 2 as we continue to look at Steve Zigmont’s collection featuring many items from Doug’s famed NBC specials. Enjoy!
Tell Your Stories!
Since starting this website I’ve had many people write me with their personal recollections of meeting Doug. I’ve even been sent many rare and unpublished photos. So, all this has made me think that “The Doug Henning Project” should devote a future week to people’s Doug stories. So, do you have a personal story to…
Doug and Dai
This particular clip, taken from the CBC Archives, seems to be one of the few filmed examples of Dai Vernon teaching Doug. The two had become close friends when Doug traveled from Canada to train with Vernon after being awarded his legendary $5000 performing arts government grant. Their lessons, which took place at “The Magic Castle,”…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 