The above clip once again comes from the CBC 1972 program “Telescope.” I have great love for this documentary overall, and one of the standouts for me in this scene is seeing Doug’s then assistant/girlfriend Mars Barrick on film. Mars is generally seen in a lot of early publicity photos of Doug in this early…
Tag: Doug Henning Project
Wonder Whims TV Commercial
Hey everyone sorry for the long delay in posts. I’ll be easing back into things this week. So, I appreciate your patience, and let’s get back to things with a bang! A Wonder Whims bang if you will. I don’t think I need to go into the history of the Wonder Whims here. Only, this…
Happy Birthday David Copperfield!
Happy Birthday to the one and only David Copperfield! As one of the greatest magicians of all time, you don’t need me to tell you how important to magic history David Copperfield is. I wanted to choose a clip today from one of his specials that had an impact on me as a child. One…
Ricky Jay Collection: Sotheby’s October Auction
For all those collectors out there, Ricky Jay’s vast magic collection will be up for auction next month via Sotheby’s. It goes without saying that Jay had one of the most preeminent collections of all time, and this event will be one not to miss. Also, as Jay was good friends with Doug, it’s hard…
Potter and Potter: September 11th Magic Auction
For all those looking for Doug items in a future Potter & Potter auction then look no further than this coming September 11th. Both items are nothing new or groundbreaking in terms of Doug collecting. However, what they do represent are two of the most iconic and influential posters in Doug’s career. First up, seen…
Cort Theater Renovation and Expansion
Some good news out of New York City is that Broadway’s Cort Theater is scheduled for a full renovation and expansion. Known for being one of the theater district’s smaller venues, the theater already has the hearts and minds of magic fans as being the original home of “The Magic Show” from 1974-1978. To read…
Pantages Retrospective: Part 2
And we’re back… As promised, today’s Pantages post involves Doug’s fabled 1981 performance at the venue. Running from October 13-25th, the show featured highlights from Doug’s career up to that point. Friends of the website Mark Willoughby and John Cox attended one of the shows, and spoke to me a bit about their memories. While…
“World of Magic II”-Los Angeles Times 1976 Interview
Los Angeles Times: December 23, 1976
Cooper-Hewitt Archives: World of Magic Poster
While some of you may already be aware of this promotional poster, I’m featuring it because this version comes straight from the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Archives in New York City. It’s colors and quality are highly preserved, and this is definitely one of the most pristine versions I’ve ever seen. For me, this poster has always…
Magic Magazine “Magic Show” Anniversary Cover
The above 2014 cover was made in honor of the 40th anniversary of, you guessed it, “The Magic Show.” The cover itself serves as a nice variation on the classic poster fans are used to, while giving it a bit of a more modern and flashy spin. While the original production of “The Magic Show”…
“World of Magic III” Sword Levitation Newspaper Clipping
In preparation for “World of Magic III,” Doug and special TV guest Sandy Duncan whipped up a little Sword Levitation publicity for the press. This undated AP photo (taken in front of someone’s house apparently), made sure that readers, as well as the press, got the point…so to speak. Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
Doug Henning and David Copperfield Photo
The above photo is one that some of you may have seen before. But, believe it or not, I’ve never posted it on the site until now. To my knowledge, it’s the only circulated photo of Doug and David Copperfield together. Taken at the AMA awards (I believe), it really represents two icons of modern…
Los Angeles Times Interview-1988
The following interview appeared in the May 7th, 1988 edition of the Los Angeles Times. Magician Reappears TODD KARR Magic man Doug Henning disappeared a year ago. Not unusual, but the long-haired Henning, who turned 41 on Tuesday, pulled his vanishing act from a lucrative magical career and wound up in a full-time position in…
Potter & Potter Auction Items
Rebekah Kaufman of Potter & Potter Auctions alerted me to some great items in their upcoming February 23rd auction. Have you every wanted to buy Doug’s snake skin boots and wizard robe in one go? Well now’s your chance! Break out those Venmo accounts folks because now’s your chance! For more information please visit at: www.potterauctions.com
Illusion and Reality Tour: Newspaper Ad and Ticket
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy
The Chip Romero Collection: “Hendoo” Business Card
We all have to come from somewhere don’t we? Featured above, is an exceptional find in the history of Doug Henning. You see, way, way before Doug Henning was Doug Henning, he was “The Astounding Hendoo!” For more on this early phase in Doug’s career, here’s an except from John Harrison’s 2009 biography on Doug’s…
Merv Griffin Appearance
I apologize for the poor quality of this clip, but the close-up illusions are well worth the price of admission. So, please stick with it! Now, I know we’ve most likely seen these illusions before. However, I like seeing how Doug would adapt and present his illusions in different settings and contexts. Needless, to say…
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…
Crystal Gayle Christmas Special Poster
Christmas comes early to “The Doug Henning Project” with this advertisement for singer Crystal Gayle’s 1979 Christmas Special. While Doug doesn’t feature prominently on the poster, it goes without saying that he was very much in demand at this time in his career. Hey, he even gets a subtle reference with the line “Fall under…
Veda Land Files: Rides, Rides, Rides!
Well here are again. Sorry for the day’s delay in posts, but as you can see the wait was certainly worth it. If there was any doubt that the scope of Veda Land was expansive than look no further than below. Featured today are the ride schematics/concepts behind what would have entertained guests if the…
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…
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…
Original Merlin Playbill
Today’s entry comes courtesy of Nancy Henning, and is the original “Playbill” for “Merlin.” A few weeks back, I was fortunate enough to post the more elaborate commemorative program for the show, and it’s interesting to compare and contrast the two. However, in addition to being signed by Doug himself, this “Playbill” also is a…
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…
Henning in High School
You may have to squint your eyes a little, the above article comes from the Oakville Trafalgar High School’s 75th Anniversary commemorative newspaper. Doug, in preparations for “Merlin” at the time, speaks fondly of his formative years in high school and what they meant to him. While he wasn’t able to attend the reunion that…
NY Times 1983 “Merlin” Interview: Part 2
FOR HIM, MAGIC IS MORE THAN TRICKS By GLENN COLLINS Published: February 13, 1983 Some of the ”Merlin” magic, like the horse and rider that vanish in midair, or the monster robot that mysteriously comes to life on stage, is new. Other illusions are updated variants of necromantic classics, like the elegant disappearing-duck stunt, based…
From the Collection of Michael Grandinetti
Well, the last few weeks have certainly been fun haven’t they? It’s still amazing to me how much of Doug’s life is left to be explored, and on the rare occasions I’m not quite what to put up something magically (pardon the pun) finds its way to me email.No better example of this are these…
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!…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 