“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.   

“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…

“World of Magic II” Unseen Photos: Part Three

As I wrap up the photos from 1976’s “World of Magic,” it’s interesting to note that it has been brought to my attention that some of these may be from the on-air and live versions. While I wasn’t sure at the time, the first two from the metal ring illusion below seem to prove it. The…

“World of Magic II” Unseen Photos: Part Two

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 II” Unseen Photos

Courtesy of Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin are some more amazing and never before seen photos from  1976’s “World of Magic II.” I feel each one is unique all unto itself, and very much gives us a taste of the electricity that is live programming.  For all of you interested in reading my interview with…

Dave Collier Photos: World of After Parties!

As what happens with all great television productions there is that fabled and wondrous event called: The After Party! From the looks of it, “World of Magic’s” was no exception, and even had balloons! Enjoy these candid photos as we wrap up 1975, and head on over to 1978 next week! Special Thanks to Dave…

Unpublished “Fickle Nickel” and Audience Photos from “World of Magic 1”

Through the kindness of Bill Goodwin, head librarian at “The Magic Castle,” I will be showcasing over the next few weeks more never before seen photos from Doug’s first four specials (1975-1978.)  Taken by Dave Collier, these photographs showcase different angles and perspectives that the viewers at home never saw that night.  Now for the serious…

Dave Collier Interview Part Three: Final Thoughts

WHICH OF THESE SPECIALS IS MY FAVORITE? THIS LAS VEGAS SHOW WAS MY FAVORITE!  NOT ONLY DID IT GIVE ME A CHANCE TO TRAVEL, BUT… BEING BACKSTAGE GAVE ME A CHANCE TO SEE HOW SOME OF THE ILLUSIONS WERE PERFORMED… IF YOU ONLY KNEW SOME OF THESE SECRETS! WHAT DID DOUG HIMSELF THINK OF THE…

Dave Collier Interview Part Two: Meeting Doug and a Hungry Tiger

HAD YOU HEARD OF DOUG HENNING BEFORE THIS ASSIGNMENT? I HAD NOT HEARD OF DOUG HENNING BEFORE HIS SPECIALS.  I DID PROVIDE PICTURES I TOOK AT HIS SPECIALS TO HIM… AND ACTUALLY VISITED HIM AND HIS WIFE AT HIS HOUSE.  HE WAS QUITE BUSY MOST OF THE TIME, SO I DIDN’T GET TO SPEND MUCH…

Dave Collier Interview Part One: Rose Parades and Magic Castles

I think we can all agree that Dave Collier’s photos over the last four weeks have been truly memorable. So, if they say a picture speaks a thousand words, why don’t we go to the man who was responsible for them all in this multi-part interview? Take it away Dave Collier! HOW DID YOU GET…

Dave Collier 1978 Photos: After Party with Dai Vernon

Well, all good things must come to an end folks. As much as I’d love to keep posting these fantastic and memorable photos, I’ve run out of my supply. Not to worry though because next week I’ll be posting an exclusive interview with photographer Dave Collier to give you more backstory on his life and…

Dave Collier 1978 Photos: Medieval and Ancient Egypt Illusions

In this special, Doug, Brooke Shields, and Tom Bosley seem to literally time travel to different points in history to perform illusions. Why? Well, these are the kinds of things that happen in 1970s prime time variety specials.  Anyway, the concept leant itself to some really beautiful set pieces and costumes that are still memorable…

Dave Collier 1978 Photos: “World of Magic IV”

For this final round of photos from the expert lens of Dave Collier comes “World of Magic IV.” This special is notable for many reasons, not least of which is the eclectic team up of Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley as Doug’s co-hosts.  This was the last special that Doug did live. So, in many…

Dave Collier Photos: World of Magic 1977

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,…

Dave Collier 1976 Photos: Fire Hoop, Water Levitation, and Ricky Jay

The 1976 special seemed to have everything in it. Even more lighter in tone than its predecessor, the special definitely had something for everyone to enjoy.  These pictures are unique in the sense that some are culled from the dress rehearsal that would occur right before the live broadcast. The rehearsals would be a straight…

Dave Collier’s 1976 Photos: Doug, an Elephant, and Michael Landon

As we continue our journey through Dave Collier’s lens, we arrive in 1976 for Doug’s second “World of Magic” special. As ratings for the first special went through the roof, NBC clearly wanted more of Doug. So, just how would he top himself? A vanishing and re-appearing elephant of course! Oh, and how about Michael…

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: Doug, Gene Kelly, and the Cast

Doug’s grand escape from Houdini’s “Water Torture Cell” still is ranked as one of the greatest television magic finales of all time.  It even left Gene Kelly speechless enough to lose track of his cue cards. As you can see from these photos, the excitement of the evening even went right through to the curtain call…

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…