This rarity comes from Vol. 58 #1483 of Abracadabra, and gives us a real insight into the buzz that was “The Magic Show” premiere at that time. If this article wasn’t enough to make you want to take a return trip to 1974, then photographer Irving Defor’s covertly taken dress rehearsal photo is worth the…
Tag: Doug Henning
Haversat and Ewing Auction: Doug and Mars Autographed Portrait
Here’s one more fascinating item up for auction in this weekend’s Haversat & Ewing. Personally, while I have seen images from this photo shoot before this particular image is new to me. Its surreal nature fits well within this earlier time in Doug’s career. The signature itself reads: Hank, Vera, Kim Buddy & David. Thanks…
Haversat & Ewing Galleries Auction: Doug Portrait
Over the next couple days, I’ll be showing you some very cool items featured in Haversat & Ewing’s February 12th-13th auction. First up is this impressive portrait done by Gary Darwin, and signed by Doug himself. Darwin, of course, was an immensely respected magician, collector, and founder of the Las Vegas Magic Club. Estimated to…
The Magic Magazine-January 1975
The above cover and article hail from “The Magic Magazine” which ran from 1974-1977. Published by Joseph Cardwell, the magazine itself went on to publish a total of 26 issues, and even had mentalist Joseph Dunninger as a contributing editor. This issue features a sort of meeting of the magic minds as Doug, Dunninger, and…
“Goodliffe’s Abracadabra” Cover-Aug. 1978
Today’s post comes from Andrew Van Buren, and is a August 1978 cover from the popular British magazine “Goodliffe’s Abracadabra.” Abra, as it was fondly referred as, was started in 1946 by magician and author Charles Goodliffe Neale. The magazine itself enjoyed a record sixty-three year run, and folded in 2009 after issue 3,296. Andrew…
“Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” Publicity Photo
The above 1986 publicity photo announced Doug and Debby’s November appearance on Robin Leach’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” The episode itself is a fun look into Doug’s life at the later part of his magic career. Shot at his Santa Monica headquarters and home, the segment itself once existed on You Tube, but…
The Doug Henning Magic Fan Club: Follow Up
When I put out a request for any items that people may have from Doug’s fan club I didn’t expect to get a response so soon. Jim Klodzen was kind enough to forward onto me his original membership kit, in perfect condition, and all the items that came along with it. The club itself looked…
Doug’s Canadian Walk of Fame Star
What you see above is Doug’s star on the Canadian Walk of Fame in Toronto, Canada. Think of it as the Canadian Version of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood… only with Canadians. Inducted in 2010, Doug’s inclusion in this esteemed national club was a high honor. He was even featured in their televised induction…
The Doug Henning Magic Fan Club
Once upon a time, there was a “Doug Henning Magic Fan Club.” Yes, you heard me. For the magical sum of $10 you would have paid your annual dues for the year, and received a full color poster, four issues of the club newsletter, a certificate autographed by the man himself, and a membership card. Of…
New York Daily News Interview-Dec. 1976
Today’s article comes from the promotional blitz that surrounded Doug’s second “World of Magic” special in 1976. In it, Doug talks about the special’s main illusions, “The Flaming Miracle” and the “Disappearing Elephant.” However, the juiciest part of the article comes when Doug contrasts and compares how Houdini originally performed the “Elephant in the Room”…
John Davidson/Doug Henning Show Ads
Special Thanks to Glenn Alai
Mark Wilson (1929-2021)
By now I’m sure you have heard that legendary magician Mark Wilson passed away this week. It goes without saying that Mark Wilson’s legacy runs deep in magic. Debuting in 1960, his TV program “The Magical World of Allakazaam,” brought legions of children magic right into their living rooms. Without him the art form itself…
“Sahara Tahoe” Show Ads
The advertisements below show how popular Doug was at that time within the casino/theater circuit. So much so, that they seemed to have an interchangeable drawing of his head to stick with any additional celebrity performing there that week. The Sahara Tahoe was a sister hotel to its more famous Vegas counterpart, and is now…
“The Muppet Show” and Doug on Disney Plus!
In an unexpected announcement, Disney confirmed this morning that all five seasons of Jim Henson’s legendary “Muppet Show” will be released on its streaming service Disney Plus. Premiering on February 19th, the release will see seasons 4 and 5 finally seeing the light of day. Both have never been released on DVD, and have been…
Henning Calls It Quits (Stan Allen’s Inside Magic-August, 1987)
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
Doug and Mars at the Magic Castle-Genii Magazine (Feb.1970)
Originally appearing in the February 1970 issue of Genii, this article was from the era when Doug would frequently travel between McMaster College in Toronto to perform at the Magic Castle. His girlfriend and assistant, Mars Barrick, is seen by his side decked out in timely hippie garb. Mars was an important part of Doug’s…
Siegfried Fischbacher (1939-2021)
I’d be very remiss in not mentioning the death yesterday of Siegfried Fischbacher at age 81. It goes without saying that Siegfried & Roy ushered in a new era of magic in Las Vegas and the world. The two played a definitive part in making Vegas the entertainment Mecca it has since become, and will…
Houdini’s Magic Magazine-Magical Menagerie Article (December, 1977)
Today’s article was loaned to me by Joe Fox who was kind enough to meet me in front of Canter’s on Fairfax…socially distanced and masked of course. While Doug isn’t featured in the article, it has some great and very rare photos of him with his co-stars Jadoo, the tiger, and Nikia, the owl. Both…
Tom Shales Interview-Dec, 1975 (Washington Post)
Special Thanks to Kevin Connolly for alerting me to this item on Ebay!
Original “Magic Show” Marquee Photo
Well, hello again everyone, and welcome to 2021! I apologize for the long delay in posts, but I had been recovering from a very painful pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm. However, I was able to recover 100% over the holidays, and am looking forward to more Henning magic and wonder over the coming…
Happy Holidays and “World of Magic ’77” Article!
I had intended to have more posts leading up into the holiday season, but a pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm put a damper on that plan. Regardless, I wanted to get one more 2020 post to the readers, and wish you all a very Happy Holiday season. It goes without saying 2020 wasn’t…
Tony Randall Segment-“Magic on Broadway”
Tony Randall was a familiar and beloved fixture on sitcoms and late night talk shows for years. From the “Odd Couple” to David Letterman, his smooth air of sophistication and sly bombasity always brought a smile to viewers’ faces. So, it goes without saying that he seamlessly blends in as Doug’s assistant. Appearing first in…
“Lincoln Nebraska Sunday Journal” Interview-August 11, 1974
Today’s post is a very early interview with Doug from when “The Magic Show” had just opened, and was taking Broadway by storm. While Doug recounts some of the background information you may already know, what I liked about it in particular is reading Doug’s secrecy agreement with his cast and staff. Also, the interviewer…
Doug/Houdini Original Art
The above piece of art was sent to me by magician Patrice Meunier, and was drawn by artist Daniel Marcil. It features highlights from Doug’s life circa 1975, and is quite eye catching. The Great Houdini himself even makes an appearance. I’ll let Patrice give some backstory to his appreciation to Doug, his work, and…
The Specials: TV Guide Half Page Ads
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
NBC Specials: More TV Guide Close-Ups
Remember what a “TV Guide” was? If not, then maybe I can refresh everyone’s Streaming and On-Demand based minds with these vintage “Close-Up” articles from that once popular publication. It’s all a myriad of eras for Doug, and runs right up to the final special “Magic on Broadway.” How about those caricatures as well? I…
Metamorphosis from “Magic on Broadway” Special!
Previously I posted Doug doing “Metamorphosis” in the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” However, something I like to do if possible is present Doug performing alternative versions of his illusions. With 1982’s “Magic on Broadway,” that is exactly what we get. A stand out for me is the historical background sprinkled in the introduction…
Fickle Nickel Juke Box Song Titles
The above pictures come from the collection of Joe Long. I’m sure it doesn’t take much guessing to see that these are “actual” song options used for the Fickle Nickel jukebox. Not featured in my clip from yesterday, the finale of the illusion involved Doug taking the jumbo half prop coin and inserting it into…
“World of Magic” Fickle Nickel in Full
In tandem with last week’s post, I have a few more Fickle Nickel posts for you this week. Not least of which is the full routine which I was eventually able to find. For being one of his most famous performances, it’s not readily available on this thing called the internet. Rather than describing it…
TV Guide Barbara Walters Article Spread
The above article hails from the September 21, 1974 issue of “TV Guide.” Doug is in pure “Magic Show” form in this appearance sawing Barbara Walters in half. His appearance was on Walters’ then day time talk show “Not For Women Only, and the photos really showcase the spontaneity of the appearance well. My apologies if…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 