I just wanted to wish a quick Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May it be filled magic, wonder, friends, and family. In light of today’s celebratory mood, I thought it was more than appropriate to post this bit of art I found online. Somehow, seeing Doug as the Joker on a playing card seems more than…
Tag: Cards
Doug Henning Torture Cell Playing Cards
If you go on eBay and look around for Doug items, it’s generally a lot of the same stuff. Things like old programs, the usual publicity photos, and ticket stubs are plentiful. But, every now and then something elegant peeks through. These independently produced card decks are no exception, as they are an elegant reproduction…
Telescope 1972-Close-Up at the Magic Castle
The above clip comes from the 1972 documentary “Telescope.” The series, broadcast on the CBC, profiled Canadians and their lives and professions. The majority of the documentary is filmed at the world famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles, and the clip above is a perfect example of this It’s worth noting that Doug is only…
Famous Faced Cards by Paul Romhany (feat. Doug)
Sitting comfortably with Houdini, David Copperfield, and Cardini, Doug’s visage is one of the greats featured in this version of the “Famous Faced Cards” illusion. The illusion itself is reimagined by Paul Romhany, and based on a routine by Ken Brooke. The cards themselves are very striking, eye catching, and truly one of a kind!…
“Good Morning Captain” TV Cameo
File this Doug appearance under “blink and you’ll miss it!” While many of us have seen Doug’s extended 1975 appearance on “Captain Kangaroo.” (If you haven’t a link can be found HERE ) But, did you know that he appeared once again in 1976? This lengthy opening recently found its way on You Tube, and features Doug…
World of Magic V- Coins and Cards Illusion
I’ve gone into it before in previous posts, but I really love Doug’s close-up magic. It’s nuanced, it’s intimate, and above all, funny. A good example of this is the Coins and Cards illusion from “World of Magic V.” Doug plays a lot with audience expectations and anticipation here, but it’s that last word play…
A Moment for Harry Anderson
For the last few days the passing of Harry Anderson has been on my mind, as I’m sure it has with all of you. I had wanted to pay tribute in some way to Anderson’s tremendous influence on magic and comedy. But, I wasn’t sure if a Doug Henning website was the proper venue for that….
Close Encounters of the Doug Kind
One of the great parts of running this website are the stories I have been sent via e-mail or Facebook from people that knew Doug. These first hand accounts really open him up in a way that magazine articles, You Tube clips, or books can not. So, for part of the week I’d like 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,”…
Pick a Card, any Card!
To cap off the week I thought I’d share this very unique and rare find that a fan from Doug’s hometown of Oakville, Ontario recently sent me. It’s one of Doug’s original business cards from that era, and I feel what really makes it stand out (apart from its historical value) is that Doug refers…
John Cox: Part Four
What was your reaction at the time to his retirement from magic and his surprising death in 2000? I don’t remember it being an announced thing. It was just Doug Henning seemed to have drifted away, and David Copperfield had kind of replaced him as far as the annual television shows…But, at some point it…
John Cox: Part Two
How important do you feel “The Magic Show” was to the audience’s appreciation of magic? Doug Henning brought magic back to Broadway and back to legitimate theater…So, it really was “The Magic Show” that re-introduced the world to grand illusion…I wish I would have seen it…When you read about it, it was a good mix…
John Gaughan: Part 3
Is there an illusion that you designed for him that is a highlight? John Gaughan: Well, they were all kind of wonderful things to play with. The big Japanese warrior that came to life (in Merlin) was a lot of fun, and I remember bringing that thing in because that was one of the last…
Happy 70th Birthday Doug!
Believe it or not, today is May 3rd, Doug Henning’s 70th birthday. So, what better day than today to think about your favorite memory of Doug. Whether it was watching his television specials, seeing a live appearance, being amazed by him on the “Tonight Show,” or maybe even just thinking about some of his memorable 1970s…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 